For those of you who are unfamiliar with EMPIRES IN ARMS (ElA), this corp-level simulation of Napoleonic warfare covers the campaigns from 1805 through 1815, and is played on a large map of Europe spanning from North Africa to Scandinavia and Lisbon to Armenia. Seven major countries and forty minor ones are represented in the game. Several small scenarios and larger campaigns are provided. The campaign games can be played by two to seven players.

The game is fought on several levels: land, naval, economic and diplomatic. A player with the proper mixture of military and diplomatic acumen can steer one of the five weaker major powers up to the Dominant Country status enjoyed at the start of the game by England and France. This article allows players to raise Sweden to a viable, playable position roughly equal to the five weaker powers.

Sweden was a second-level power in Europe at the beginning of the Nineteenth century. It was eagerly sought as an ally by all the great powers. Sweden could field a strong, well- trained army of over 22,000 soldiers in 1805, and over 30,000 trained soldiers by 1812. With levies of militia. Sweden's men under arms exceeded 60,000 troops.

Sweden is an excellent country for a beginner player to play in a multi-player game of ElA. It has a small, fairly strong army and a decent fleet. It will be difficult to "win" with Sweden, but you provide valuable assets to allies and you can manoeuvre to be on the winning side, while having a lot of enjoyment learning the nuances of the game.

Diplomacy will be the secret to the country's success. Sweden will need English money and/or French blessings and troops to have a chance at creating Greater Scandinavia. Prussia and Russia will be looking for opportunities to expand at Sweden's expense. Each is stronger than an unallied Sweden. Sweden must take care not to waste its limited economic and military resources. Commit your army only when the odds favour you or when the risk outweighs the possible loss. Your army is most effective as a threat. If you lose the bulk of your army, you are defenceless. If you are unfortunate enough to be in such a position, you will soon find out how few friends you really have.

Sweden's early nineteenth century leader- ship under King Gustavus IV was very weak. Gustavus was the last of the Vasa Dynasty, which had produced such superior military leaders as Charles XII and Gustavus II Adolphus. The person who plays Sweden is unlikely to make the same blunders that were made historically.