For the People
- Players
- 2
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 2 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 360 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.7 / 5
- Year
- 1998
About the game
For the People is a strategic card-driven wargame covering the entire American Civil War, from Fort Sumter to Appomattox. As President Lincoln or Davis, you command armies, promote generals, conduct amphibious assaults, and navigate political intrigue within your own cabinet. A deck of strategy cards drives campaigns and historical events, while each side manages unique resources like ironclads, blockades, and the Emancipation Proclamation. It's the fourth entry in designer Mark Herman's influential We the People card-driven wargame system.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's wargaming editors regard this as a landmark design: the traditional combat results table paired with card-driven events strikes a rare balance of historical depth and playability. A serious hobby wargame that rewards dedicated players.
What we like
- Pioneering card-driven wargame design from a highly influential system.
- Rich historical detail spanning the whole Civil War.
- Deep strategic decisions including political and cabinet management.
- High replayability from varied event card combinations.
Keep in mind
- Six-hour playtime demands a serious time commitment.
- Steep rules learning curve for newcomers to card-driven wargames.
- Strictly two-player format limits group flexibility.
Who it's for
Dedicated wargamers and Civil War history enthusiasts; strictly two players, ages 14+.
