It is very important for the British to start with an overall strategy. Though it may need to be adjusted if the Americans get a jump start with some good hands. The Americans can simply respond to the British plays while making life miserable and win the game.

One British strategy is to lay off fighting in the early stages (2-3 turns) and wait for the British troops to build up while playing for position. While waiting for the troops, go for control of the major port cities in the middle Atlantic and southern states. And go for quick control of Maryland and Georgia. If you get Georgia, then work on S. Carolina and try to create a strong southern block. If you lose Georgia then isolate it by taking S. Carolina as quickly as possible. This approach plays to a longer game but if you get good position in the middle Atlantic and the south, the Americans simply cannot ignore it so they'll have to loosen their hold on New England by using some troops and a General or two to get back some of those key areas.

Another strategy is to attempt a quick isolation of New England. Go for Maryland and New York all the while laying plans to trap Mr. Washington by getting your strong Generals in place with 5 army maxs. When the time comes (hopefully a minor or major campaign card in hand) to go for Mr. Washington, you need to have his escape routes cut off and nail the Continental Congress at the start of that turn. He'll try to run but if you've built control up to his backdoor, it may be to late for him.

The combat system is unique and sometimes frustrating. I find that it definately rewards position over combat attrition. If you try to go for combat attrition, you open yourself up to losing control of the battle. Usually, unless I have a uniquely strong hand, I simply go for a positional victory and end the battle as fast as possible even if it means lowering the opponent's casualities. Of course, if I'm going after Mr. Washington, I may even try a frontal assault in hopes of getting some of his troops.

I love this game. There are so many strategies that COULD work given the right hand of cards that it's endlessly fascinating and immensely replayable.

Views from the Internet

Enemy at the Gates
Barbarian, Kingdom, & Empire; The Game
Avalon Hill "De-emphasizing" Boardgames
Figures Needed?
Comparing Water and Titanium in Outpost
We The People I
We The People II