GMT Games Liberty or Death: American Insurrection

Awesome game! Very complicated, but very sophisticated. There are no tactical decisions since everything is abstracted, but there are strategic decisions galore! I prefer that the tactical parts of military warfare be abstracted. I do not find those aspects fun. But I'm very intrigued by the big picture strategy involved in fighting against insurgency. And the fact that you can play as four separate factions with differing winning conditions is super appealing. And the card driven mechanic adds context and theme to the game, not to mention more strategy. But even the abstraction is done in such a way that renders realistic, historic results.Since I have purchased Liberty or Death, my first COIN game, I've purchased A Distant Plain and Fire in the Lake as well.

Beautiful components, player aids, etc.

Steep learning curve but a fun trip in doing so.Keep at it, watch video and its not as perplexing a system as you think at first.

This is not a game for beginners. I haven't been able to play a full game as of yet as many of my friends are intimidated by game of this kind. The materials of the game are top notch. The artwork on the board is magnificent. I am just going to have to tackle this game solo due to lack of interest by my group. This does not take away from the enjoyment that I have had with it so far just reading through the rules as I learn the strategies on my own. The designer of the game is also a big help as he will and has answered questions about the game for me. I appreciate his efforts into making this game!

First, this is a brutal game. Second, I happen to love brutal games.Your first playthrough is going to take awhile because there are lots of rules. There's a rulebook, player sheets, and non-player sheets. The rulebook is a bit overwhelming if this is your first GMT game (side note, highly recommend Conquests of Paradise for a first GMT game or Twilight Struggle/Cuban Libre for an introduction to COIN). The rulebook is thorough and not exactly visually appealing. The player and non-player sheets are easier to understand at a glance, but they do lack little rules (e.g. only 2 villages/forts in a space). The actual gameplay is very practical. The victory conditions are well balanced. This game can be just as exciting for the French and Indian factions as it is for the British and Patriots. You're able to play 0-4 players. The game has non-player AI sheets for the Patriots, British, French, and Indians. The AI has a nice flowchart, which helps if you're not sure what you should do. You can actually play a decent game with just the AI playing. Every faction has a different goal, strategy, and perspective. Typically, the best move you can make is the one that limits the next player. That said, when it gets to your turn, you might be left wondering what the hell you're going to do. This is what makes this game so interesting. There are many options and many limitations for each turn. Event cards can completely unravel your plans or present an entirely satisfactory opportunity. A previous player's turn may have left you temporarily unable to execute your plans. An unnoticed move can suddenly overtake the game.This game is heaven for those of us that thrive on strategy, military tactics, loose co-op, historical interest, and micromanaging. I strongly recommend this game, but it's not for the faint of heart or mind.

All games in this COIN system are a Waste of money, dust collectors at best.Unless you like extreme hard, nonsensical rules, a game system that doesn't even resemble any war, then stay away from this.I've tried three of these, bought two and Cuba Librewas a total waste of my time to try and learn, didn't come close to anything I have read.

A very good COIN game, but not the best of them. The theme will be the deciding vote of whether you like it or just ok. The problem is the casualty victory point mechanic which is extremely hard for Britain to gain the advantage as there are too few pieces on the Patriot-French side which cause casualties, but many easy British casualty pieces. This causes the Patriots to throw their pieces at the British so the French don't win. Odd.

Outstanding quality, not a light game. Get your reading glasses out because the rule book is quite thick.