Black and Tan War: The Irish War of Independence 1920-1921

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.