Bull Run

Published 1983

Bull Run is a tactical combat game of the first battle of Bull Run. The game is played on a map of the area over which the battle was fought overlaid with a hexagonal grid. Units are infantry, cavalry, and artillery, with brigade, division, and army leaders. Each turn is 30 minutes, and each hex represents 1000 ft. Units are basically regiments and batteries. Some infantry regiments with their brigade leader are capable of forming brigades, increasing offensive power at the expense of movement. Batteries can be limbered for increased movement at the expense of firepower, or unlimbered with full firepower and limited movement. Combat is a modified version of the classic system adopted by the earlier Avalon Hill games. However, rules for leader command activation, infantry screening of artillery, and infantry forming brigades to prevent soak-off attacks, ranged artillery, rally of losses are give the game a unique flavour. The major terrain obstacle is Bull Run which provides the Confederate with defensive advantages and hinders Union movement. The game begins with the Union troops approaching partially hidden, unsuspecting Confederate forces. As the Union attack develops, additional Confederate leaders and combat units are activated and are rushed to stem the Union advance. The Union player wins if he is able to capture any of three objective hexes by the end of the game or takes Manassas at any time. The Confederate player wins if he takes Centreville at any time or prevents the Union player from holding any of objective hexes at the game end. The game consists of a 32" by 22" mapboard, 260 counters, various charts, a 12 page rulebook and 1 die. Magazine References: The GENERAL Index Article List: The GENERAL Vol.20,No.5 Series Replay - Bull Run, Rex A. Martin, Paul O'Neil, Richard Hamblen Bull Run – “West Point's Finest, The Commanders at Bull Run” (Historical) A. Blumberg & Richard Hamblen Bull Run – “Rebel Yell, Opening placement for Confederate Players” (Strategy) Rex A. Martin Bull Run – “First Blood, The Battle of First Bull Run” (Historical) Michael Craighead The Question Box - Bull Run Contest #117 - Bull Run The GENERAL Vol.20,No.6 Series Replay - Bull Run, Rex A. Martin, Paul O'Neil, Richard Hamblen The GENERAL Vol.25,No.5 Bull Run – “Risky Business -A designer's look at Bull Run” (Designer notes) Richard Hamblen

Publishers

Bull Run

Game Info

Players
2 Players
Time
4 hours
Weight
Medium — 2.84/5
Year
1983
BGG Rating
6.39
BGG Rank
#11340
Min Age
12+

Frequently Asked Questions

Bull Run is designed for exactly 2 players.
A typical game of Bull Run takes about 240 minutes.
Bull Run has a complexity rating of 2.84/5.00 on BoardGameGeek, placing it in the 'Medium' category. It offers a good balance of depth and accessibility.
The recommended minimum age for Bull Run is 12+.
Bull Run has a rating of 6.39/10 on BoardGameGeek, based on 240 ratings. It is ranked #11340 overall.
Bull Run was designed by Richard Hamblen. It was published in 1983.