Tobruk

Tobrukis a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1975 that simulates tank combat in North Africa during World War II. The game was designed by freelance game designer Harold Hock and developed by Avalon Hill staffer Randall Reed, who also provided the artwork. Tobruk is a two-player game in which one player controls German and Italian forces and the other player controls British and Allied forces. Although tank combat is paramount, infantry, artillery, and air superiority aspects of combat are present, albeit in secondary, reduced, or abstract form.

Why is Tobruk Popular?

Tobruk is significant because it was one of the earliest board wargames to simulate tank combat in North Africa during World War II. The game was well-received by critics and players alike, with some calling it the best of the new Tobruk games. Tobruk was also included in a 1976 poll conducted by Simulations Publications Inc. to determine the most popular board wargames in North America, where it placed 80th out of 202 games.

Game Components of Tobruk

3 hex grid maps, scaled at 63 m (69 yd) per hex

36-page Rulebook

504 die-cut counters

Various charts and player aids

Pad of Infantry and Crew Roster sheets

Two six-sided dice

How To Setup Tobruk

Setting up *Tobruk* involves arranging the hex grid maps according to the chosen scenario, placing the appropriate counters on the board, and preparing the necessary charts and player aids. The game includes nine scenarios, each with specific setup instructions to gradually introduce players to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Board wargame

Gameplay System: SPI’s Simultaneous-Sequential-Play-System (SSPS)

Turn Duration: Each turn represents 30 seconds of real time

Unit Representation: Each counter represents a single vehicle or a platoon of soldiers

Objective: Players aim to defeat the opposing forces through tank combat, supported by infantry, artillery, and air superiority

Combat Resolution: Dice rolls determine successful hits, hit locations, and damage caused

Terrain: Featureless desert terrain with man-made defenses like slit trenches, bunkers, and wire entanglements

Player Experience

*Tobruk* is known for its detailed and realistic gameplay, which can be both a strength and a weakness. The game introduces rules gradually through nine scenarios, making it a learning experience for new players. However, the extensive use of dice rolls and complex ballistics tables can make the game tedious and less exciting for some players.

Pros

Realistic Gameplay: Uses SSPS for a more realistic combat simulation

Graduated Learning: Scenarios introduce rules progressively to help new players learn

Detailed Mechanics: Includes intricate details such as artillery penetration tables

Historical Accuracy: Simulates tank battles in North Africa during WWII

Cons

High Complexity: Requires numerous dice rolls and detailed table lookups

Tedious Gameplay: Can be slow and less exciting due to the extensive use of dice rolls and tables

Limited Excitement: Early scenarios are not very engaging as they serve mainly as learning tools

Personal Thoughts on Tobruk

*Tobruk* is best suited for experienced wargamers who value historical accuracy and detailed gameplay mechanics. It may not appeal to newcomers or players seeking fast-paced action, as it requires patience and a willingness to navigate complex rules and tables. Despite its innovative approach and strong flavor of realism, the game’s tedium can be a significant drawback for many players.

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