Border States

1861. The Civil War breaks out across America. Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis vie for control of the nation's destiny, both understanding that the struggle is as much about politics as it is about weapons. Victory in the battle would provide the most persuasive political argument when it came to the five slave states bordering on those already in contention - Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri and West Virginia.

These are the states that the Confederacy and the Union must conquer. In each case, it remains to be seen which way the scales will tip: in favor of abolition or those who endorse the doctrine of human "property." Battle and politics will tip the scales, and the outcome will help tell the story of this bloody war.

In Border States your goal is to achieve the kind of decisive victories that will sway the border states and rally them to your cause. An effective bluff, and at the same time the ability to discern your enemy's intentions, will be your best assets. The game lasts about 45 minutes.

There are two ways to win the game: control enough state tokens to win by sudden death, or be the player with the most victory points at the end of the 5 rounds.