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Of course, as usual, the British was the first to be in Afghanistan. Ever since their arrival in Kabul, in 1838, the British had been making themselves thoroughly at home there. However, In August 1841, news coming from the tribes reported that they were preparing a general uprising Against the ruler and the British. Soon the First Anglo-Afghan War started.

The Disaster - - Eventually, in January 1842 ,the British decided to retreat from Kabul to Jalalabad at the state border. The retreat became the most devastating disaster to ever befall a British army. No sooner had the British troops and twelve thousand camp followers, including women and children left Kabul, than the Afghans opened fire on the British. From that moment on, the slaughter never ceased.

The Terrible end - - -One survivor, Dr. Brydon, was the only one of the 16,000 souls who had left Kabul to complete the terrible course and reach Jalalabad in safety.

A few chapters in "The Great Game" demonstrates how Afghanistan was a difficult episode for the British Empire before it was the same for the Soviet union and the United States.