I got a chance to play Freidreich (second time, I think) which is a 
game of the Seven Years War in Europe.  Prussia starts out strong and 
is the monster to beat in this game.

I have mixed emotions about this game, though.

The combat is based on Army Strength PLUS cards played from each 
player's hand.  The trick is that the cards are one of four suits 
(clubs, spades, diamonds, hearts) and the player uses cards based on 
the area his army is attacking/defending.  

Because Prussia draws seven cards at the beginning of the game, in a 
few turns that player has a whole deck of cards and obviously will 
have more cards of a particular suit than any other player.

After the fifth (or is it sixth turn) events occur at the end of 
every turn.  These events are drawn randomly from an event deck.  
Some events mean NOTHING, but provide historical flavor, while other 
events mean EVERYTHING and can vastly change.  For example, one card 
causes Russia to leave the fray. If this happens too early it totally 
skews the game in favor of Prussia (it happened in this latest game)  
Two events can occur which cause France to leave the game--- If this 
happens too soon it can further skew the game in Prussia's favor.. 
(it happened in our game as well).. Which meant that Prussia could 
not be stopped.. Oh, there are some cards that reduce the number of 
cards Prussia draws each turn, etc.   but a particular bad procession 
of events can really make this game no fun at all.

As I said, mixed emotions, because I've played it before and enjoyed 
it immensely.. but the events can be killer.

I don't mind the combat too much, as it simulates having the proper 
lines of communication, or ammunition, or whatever to successfully 
prosecute a battle.. 

It isn't a game I'll buy, and it will never be one of my favorites, 
but it is interesting and provides quite a change of pace from the 
usual wargame.

David "the preacher" Wilson