Whilst Union forces slumber in their tents, the Confederates move in for a surprise anack. This is simulated by Union forces having no chits to draw in early turns. The Confederate has time to manoeuvre his forces into a favourable position before launching his assault. Once the assault goes in, the effects of surprise wear off and the Union receives reinforcememts, including two gunboats. By the second day, the Union will have the advantage, assuming he survived day one.
Victory is based on geographical locations and possibly losses.
Any series of US Civil War games features an obligatory Gettysburg game and Across Five Aprils is no exception. A full three days of battle is simulated making this the largest game in the set. Victory can be awarded to either player at the end of any of the three days. Like Stalingrad and the Bulge, Gettysburg has been simulated many times before. This does not, however, detract from the fact that the designer has produced an interesting and exciting game.