Black & Tan War is an historical simulation of the Irish War of Independence, 1919-1921. Each player has a unique deck of cards that drives nearly all game procedures. One player controls the forces of the British Crown – regular battalions of the Royal Army, the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), its elite Auxiliary Division, and the English Black & Tans who filled the RIC s vacant ranks as native Irish policemen resigned from the force. MAP: Map depicts all of Ireland divided into 16 different regions (plus Dublin) SCALE: Operational. Turns are bi-monthly. Irish units represent 12-100 men. British units are army battalions, auxiliary police companies, and local constabulary. COMPONENTS: Two decks of 55 cards each, 22 x 34 map, 280 ½ counters, 77 5/8 counters, 24 page rulebook, and 3 player aid cards. COMPLEXITY: Medium. Somewhere between We the People and Wilderness War. Each card in the Crown Player s deck may be played for 5 different purposes: 1) To conduct Operations with a number of units determined by the card s value. These can be Patrols that aim to show the flag and catch the foe unawares; small-scale Raids to capture known or suspected Republican activists; and large-scale military Roundups intended to encircle and trap guerrilla units. 2) To cause an Event, of which there are many different types, including: Army Reinforcements, Blockade, Spies, Black & Tans, Motorization, Armored Cars, Mass Arrests, the RAF, and various new laws – just to name a few. 3) To recruit an Informer in one of the three regions listed on the card. These greatly boost the effectiveness of local Crown operations – and impede the activities of Republican guerrillas. Crown forces other than the Irish-born RIC may take revenge for guerrilla attacks and the generally hostile attitude of the natives by destroying civilian property. Such reprisals can play a significant role in eroding both the British and Irish peoples will to continue the struggle.

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