Maria

October 1740. The 23-year-old Maria Theresa ascends the Austrian throne. Frederick of Prussia invades Silesia, and weeks later Bavaria, France, and Saxony also attack, igniting the War of Austrian Succession. But the attackers underestimate Maria Theresa's strength of character and fierce determination.

MARIA is primarily a game for 3 players. One plays Austria, one plays France plus Bavaria, and the third plays both Prussia (Austria's enemy) and the Pragmatic Army (Austria's ally). This is facilitated by the map being divided into two parts, the Flanders map and the Bohemia map.

MARIA is based on the award-winning game FRIEDRICH but has its unique features, including politics, hussars, forced marches, and imperial elections. Subtle maneuvers, fortress conquests, cautious retreats, and Machiavellian political intrigues are keys to victory. But players must be careful: those who use their Tactical Cards unwisely in battle may find themselves on the road to ruin instead of glory.

MARIA transports you to the ruthless power struggles of the 18th century. The game can be played in two variants: the shorter, simplified introductory game or the longer, more in-depth advanced game with simultaneous campaigns in Bohemia and Flanders.

Game components:

1 game board (22 x 33")
20 wooden generals
10 wooden supply trains
2 wooden hussars
22 stickers for generals and hussars
152 tactical cards
25 political cards
2x6 national cards (English and German)
3 player aids
1 political display
1 compendium for the political cards
5 army sheets
1 set of rules