GAME OBJECTIVE
Battles of the Mexican American War is a two-player tactical wargame that simulates the historical battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista. The objective varies depending on the scenario: the U.S. Army generally seeks to capture key positions or defeat enemy forces, while the Mexican Army must defend its territory and inflict unsustainable losses on the invader.

SETUP AND PREPARATION
Choose one of the two scenarios (Monterrey or Buena Vista) and place the hardboard in the center of the table. Each player takes blocks/markers of their color (Blue for USA, Green/Red for Mexico) and arranges them on the map following the historical order of battle indicated in the rulebook. Prepare the deck of cards or activation markers depending on the scenario chosen.

SHIFT FLOW
The game takes place in a series of rounds, each divided into distinct phases:

1. **Activation Phase:** Players activate formations or groups of units. This can be done by drawing cards or command points, simulating the era's command friction.

2. **Movement Phase** Activated units can move around the map. Terrain (mountains, rivers, cities) affects the cost of movement. Cavalry is fast but vulnerable in closed terrain, while infantry is the backbone of the advance.

3. **Combat Phase:** When adjacent units engage the enemy, combat is resolved. Dice are rolled based on the unit's strength and any modifiers (terrain, artillery support).

COMBAT AND MORALE
The results of the dice determine losses or retreats.

**Reaching Fire:** Artillery can strike from afar, weakening defenses before the assault.
**Assault:** Infantry charges enemy positions. Failure can result in a disorderly rout.
**Morale:** Units that suffer too many losses lose combat effectiveness and may be removed from the game.

END OF THE GAME
The game ends when the maximum number of turns is reached or if one of the two armies achieves the instant victory conditions (e.g., capturing the enemy's Headquarters or exceeding the enemy's loss threshold). The player with the higher tactical score is declared the winner.