This is the second major expansion to be translated into English (from 2004) for Bohnanza. As the name suggests, this expansion has more of a military feel and it does not play with other expansions, but of course it needs the beans from the original. In this expansion the coffee, wax and cocoa beans are not used. This expansion is perhaps the most radical in terms of changes from the original. The winner is not determined by the amount of thaler (gold) collected. Instead it is the most victory points (gained through controlling territories) at game end (4 plays through the deck) that determines the winner. Another major shift is that a board (of sorts) is provided and it is created by placing a set number of cards according to a map in the rulebook. The map will vary slightly based on the number of players and this helps to maintain the gaming balance. Each of these cards is illustrated to show a different terrain type and each of the players start on their own coloured encampment, which is placed, on the edge of the map (land) created by the cards. So how does it play? Well quite well actually. Players must still follow the basic phases of the game and trading is still crucial. However when gold is earned by harvesting fields, it can be used to hire a soldier and pay for an expedition into an adjacent (to those you already control) territory. Any number of expeditions can be carried out during a player's turn, as long as they have the gold to fund it. This expansion takes place after all trades have been finalised and combat is conducted as follows. The attacker can choose to play a bean from their hand or from the top of the draw deck. The number of the bean (eg. a green bean would be 14) is the attack value. The defender can then do the same, use a card from their hand or use the top of the draw deck. The higher value will win the battle and a tie goes in the favour of the defender. This may seem rather simple at first but with a play or two it becomes apparent that this adds quite some depth to the strategy of the game. Firstly players will have to think carefully about trading higher valued beans as these now have an alternate use. Secondly, combat also allows the players to offload unwanted beans that may have forced a premature harvest. This point is even more crucial as Bohnaparte does not allow players to buy a 3rd bean field. So managing your 2 fields well, to maximise their thaler output is crucial.

Terrains in the game provide the players with additional benefits and game changing effects. Given limited space I will allow you to discover these for yourself. The terrain effects keep the game interesting and offer many sneaky ways to gain an advantage and surprise the enemy. I would recommend this expansion to anybody that enjoyed the original and does not mind a little low-key argy-bargy. It also has a Cavalry expansion that is well worth the time to play as it mixes up the combat mechanics somewhat. All in all this is a worthy expansion to the Bohnanza line and is worthy of your investment.