Europe, 1805. Emperor Napoleon prepares his La Grande Armée for a perilous invasion of the United Kingdom. Only the might of the Royal Navy stands between him and the British Isles – that and Napoleon’s own meddling in international politics. Austria and Russia, thrust into the welcoming embrace of Britain, mobilize their forces... Will the British forge a Grand Coalition and annihilate Napoleon’s armies in one decisive battle? Or will the Emperor force his enemies to submit after a series of dazzling campaigns? Pursuit of Victory is a 2-player game of military conquest and diplomatic realignment, of bold action and meticulous planning, playable in a couple of hours. Napoleon will have to face an ever-shifting combination of European powers, consider the fate of Spanish and Polish people, and keep an eye on small, but mobile British forces. Britain will have to contain Napoleon’s ambitions, stoke the fire of Spanish insurrection, subsidize their allies and wait for an opportunity to strike a crucial blow against the French. In Pursuit of Victory players simultaneously play two cards. One for its initiative value and up to two actions, and the other one for its various military and diplomatic effects. Each player has a hand of 10 cards and playing any given card makes it unavailable for next 2-3 turns. And there are always the two national questions looming ahead. The French can recreate Poland and take over Spain, but will the gains outweigh the costs? —description from the designer