“There was no kingdom left to me that was not claimed by some aggressor; and one year later I did not even know where I could give birth to my child, since staying in Vienna was impossible.”

– Maria Theresa, remembering the year 1740

October, 1740. The 23 year-old Maria Theresa ascends to the Austrian throne. Thinking of her as easy prey, Frederick of Prussia invades Silesia and quickly conquers the Austrian province. Only weeks later, Bavaria, France and Saxony attack as well, and so theWar of the Austrian Succession becomes general. But there is one thing the attackers have underestimated: The strength of character and fierce tenacity of the young Maria Theresa.

In partnership with its publisher, Histogame, Simmons Games is delighted to be able to present Histogame’s Maria, a new game whose design is derived from Histogame’s classic Friedrich. Maria is a game for 3 players (with a 2-player option). It uses elements from card and board games and is a delightful combination of ease of learning, subtle strategy, and Machiavellian politics.

Maria is now available for pre-order and is scheduled to ship on 27 November, 2009.