Tank Battle (1975) – Board Game Guys

Tank Battle is a Milton Bradley board game of strategy where players attempt to out-guess and out-maneuver their opponent in a contest of armored warfare. The game is popular and significant due to its historical themes and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Tank Battle

12 tanks (6 green and 6 brown)

12 flags (6 green and 6 brown)

10 anti-tank guns (5 green and 5 brown)

2 ammo dumps (1 green and 1 brown)

2 fuel dumps (1 green and 1 brown)

2 headquarters (1 green and 1 brown)

1 set of rules

1 game board

42 pegs (21 white and 21 red)

12 cardboard numbers (1 through 6 in green and brown)

2 cardboard plotting grids

2 cardboard tanks for the playing grid supports

1 spinner

Landmines (secret, no game pieces)

How To Setup Tank Battle

To set up the game, place the game board between the players so that the number of spaces can be read. The river, marked by a red line, divides the board into two sides of 50 squares each. Players choose their color and take all the pieces of that color. Each player places their headquarters, ammo dump, and fuel dump on their side of the board, one to a square on three different horizontal rows, but none on the back row. Each must also be placed on a different vertical column and cannot be moved during the game. Players place their six tanks on the back row, and their five anti-tank guns on any square on their side, excluding spaces occupied by installations or other tanks. Each player writes the locations of their two landmines on a piece of paper, keeping it secret inside their headquarters tent.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Players take turns moving their tanks, with each tank able to move forward or sideways but not diagonally or backwards.

Tank Movement: A tank can move up to three squares per turn, with at least one tank moving at least one square forward.

Anti-Tank Guns: These are static and used for defense.

Landmines: Secretly placed and destroy enemy tanks that end their move on the mine square.

Command Tanks: Tanks reaching the last row of the opponent’s side gain the ability to move forwards or backwards.

Shots and Battles: Players plot shots using red pegs on their grid, aiming to hit opponent tanks. Special shots from anti-tank guns can also be used.

Tank vs. Tank/Installation/Gun Battles: Tanks engage in battles based on rank numbers, with higher numbers winning. Battles with installations result in the destruction of the installation and potential penalties for the losing player.

Objective: The first player to destroy all six of their opponent’s tanks wins.

Player Experience

Tank Battle offers a blend of strategy and luck, making it engaging for players who enjoy military-themed games. The game requires strategic placement of tanks, anti-tank guns, and landmines, as well as predictive plotting of shots. The detail on the game pieces, especially the tanks, and the map grid on the board add to the overall experience.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful placement and movement of pieces.

Detailed Components: Tanks and board have a high level of detail.

Simple yet Engaging Rules: Easy to learn but with enough complexity for strategic play.

Secret Elements: Landmines and shot plotting add an element of surprise.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players.

Game Length Variability: Can range from 15 to 50 minutes, which may not appeal to all players.

Luck Factor: Shot plotting and landmine placement involve a degree of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Tank Battle

Tank Battle is an excellent introductory to mid-level strategy game, ideal for those interested in military strategy and tactical gameplay. It is particularly suited for younger players due to its simplicity and educational value in terms of strategic thinking. However, its appeal may be limited for those seeking more complex or multi-player experiences. Overall, it remains a well-built and engaging game from Milton Bradley’s archives.

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