Maria

Maria

BluffingNegotiationPoliticalWargame
Players
2-3
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
3 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
210 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
14+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
3.6 / 5
Year
2009

About the game

Maria recreates the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), casting up to three players as Austria, a combined France and Bavaria, and Prussia paired with the Pragmatic Army. The map splits into the Flanders and Bohemia theaters, letting one player fight two fronts simultaneously. Players maneuver armies, manage tactical cards, and engage in political maneuvering including Saxony's betrayal and Prussia's Silesian ambitions. Both a shorter introductory game and a longer, richer advanced game are offered.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's wargame enthusiasts appreciate Maria as a refined, historically grounded evolution of the acclaimed Friedrich system, praised for the way its diplomacy and card-based tactics reward cunning over pure firepower. As a specialist historical wargame, it's a deeper cut aimed at genre fans rather than casual tables.

What we like

  • Deep historical simulation of an underrepresented conflict.
  • Two difficulty levels for newcomers and veterans.
  • Political negotiation adds a unique layer beyond combat.
  • Asymmetric factions create varied strategic challenges.

Keep in mind

  • High complexity and long 3.5-hour playtime.
  • Narrow player count of exactly three for the full experience.
  • Steep learning curve for wargame newcomers.

Who it's for

Best for 2-3 dedicated wargamers aged 14+ who enjoy historical simulation, negotiation, and card-driven tactical combat.

Mechanics

Auction / BiddingHand ManagementNegotiationMovementSecret Unit DeploymentSimulationTug of WarVariable Set-upZone of Control

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