Sinai: The Arab-Israeli Wars

Sinai: The Arab-Israeli Wars
– ’56, ’67 and ’73

Sinai: The Arab-Israeli Wars
– ’56, ’67 and ’73” is a board wargame published by Simulations Publications Inc. (SPI) in 1973, designed to simulate three conflicts in the Middle East: The 1956 Suez Crisis, the 1967 Six-Day War, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War.The game is popular and significant because it provides a historical simulation of real-world events and offers insight into the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflicts.

Game Components of Sinai: The Arab-Israeli Wars

Maps: Covers an area from the Suez Canal to just east of Amman, Jordan.

Units: Ground units range from battalion size to brigades, rated for combat strength and movement points.

Air Power: Included only on the Israeli side.

Rules: Cover supply, overrun, Jordanian participation, Arab command control, trucks, airstrikes, fortified settlements, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), the Bar Lev line, Israeli garrisons, and Egyptian reserves.

Scenarios: Three historical scenarios (1956, 1967, 1973) and a hypothetical mid-1970s conflict, along with several “what if?” scenarios.

How To Setup Sinai: The Arab-Israeli Wars

Setting up the game involves placing units according to their historical starting locations. The 1967 scenario, for example, requires the Israeli army to start from their designated positions, while Arab forces are placed according to their historical dispositions. The game includes specific rules for each scenario, such as the Arab Command Control rule, which can affect unit availability and strategy. The setup process can take around four hours for the 1967 scenario, including arranging the map, placing units, and preparing the necessary rules and player aids.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Operational-level treatment with units at brigade level.
– Supply and overrun rules.
– Arab command control and Jordanian participation mechanics.
– Air and ground combat.
– Surface-to-air missile (SAM) defenses.

Game Objective:
– In the 1956 and 1967 scenarios, the Israelis must achieve specific victory conditions to win.
– In the 1973 and hypothetical mid-1970s scenarios, victory is based on geographical gains made by both sides, making the game more balanced.

Player Experience

The game offers a varied experience depending on the scenario. The 1956 and 1967 scenarios are generally considered unbalanced, with the Israelis having a significant advantage. However, the 1973 scenario is more balanced, making it a challenging and engaging experience for both players. For solitaire players, the game can feel more like a puzzle, especially in the 1967 scenario, where the Arab player’s options are limited, adding a layer of unpredictability.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Developed using real-time news and TV reports during the 1973 war, adding to its historical authenticity.

Variety of Scenarios: Includes multiple historical and hypothetical scenarios, offering different gameplay experiences.

Balanced 1973 Scenario: Provides a more even and engaging game compared to the earlier scenarios.

Solitaire Suitability: The 1967 scenario works well for solo play due to the restrictive Arab player options.

Cons

Unbalanced Earlier Scenarios: The 1956 and 1967 scenarios are heavily skewed in favor of the Israelis, which can make the game less enjoyable for the Arab player.

Limited Arab Unit Detail: Order of battle research is thin on the Arab side, with fewer specific unit designations compared to Israeli units.

Simplifications: The game oversimplifies certain aspects, such as air/SAM combat, and lacks some historical nuances.

Personal Thoughts on Sinai: The Arab-Israeli Wars

This game is ideal for those interested in historical wargaming and the conflicts of the Middle East. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate operational-level simulations and are looking for a game that can be played both with multiple players and in solo mode. While it may have some limitations, such as unbalanced scenarios and simplifications, it remains a classic and engaging wargame that offers a unique perspective on these significant historical events.

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