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Red Star/White Eagle: The Russo-Polish War, 1920 (1979) Board Game

ByMichail

Red Star/White Eagle: The Russo-Polish War, 1920 is a historical board game that simulates the intense conflict between Soviet Russia and Poland during the early 1920s. This war was a significant event in European history, as it shaped the borders and political landscape of Eastern Europe for years to come. The game captures the strategic complexities and challenges faced by both sides during this brutal conflict.

Game Components of Red Star/White Eagle: The Russo-Polish War, 1920

  • Maps:** Two large maps (34″ x 42″) representing the border areas of Eastern Europe.
  • Counters:** Two countersheets of 5/8” unit-counters, depicting regiment to division level units.
  • Player Aid Cards:** Three 8.5″ x 11″ player aid cards.
  • Order of Battle Appearance Cards:** Four 8.5″ x 11″ cards detailing unit specifics.
  • Deployment Map:** One 8.5″ x 17″ deployment map.
  • Rulebook:** A comprehensive rulebook outlining game mechanics and setup.
  • Dice:** A six-sided die for resolving combat and other game-related tasks.
  • Box and Lid:** The game comes packaged in a durable box with a lid.

    How To Setup Red Star/White Eagle: The Russo-Polish War, 1920

    Setting up the game involves placing the large maps, deploying units according to the initial set-up and reinforcement entry codes, and organizing the various player aid and order of battle cards. The rulebook provides detailed instructions to ensure that players can quickly and accurately set up the game. This edition has been enhanced with codes to ease the setup process, making it more streamlined compared to the original version.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid.
  • Objective:** The game simulates the 1920 conflict between Polish and Bolshevik forces, with the objective of controlling key territories and outmaneuvering the opponent. Players must manage supply, cavalry charges, armored trains, and other specialized units to gain strategic advantages.
  • Time Scale:** Weekly turns.
  • Map Scale:** 14 miles (23 kilometers) per hex.
  • Unit Scale:** Regiment to division level.
  • Players:** Designed for one to three players, with the campaign game allowing up to three players (two playing the Russian side).

    Player Experience

    **Red Star/White Eagle** offers a dynamic and challenging experience, particularly for fans of operational-level wargames. The game is known for its fast and fluid gameplay, with open maneuvering allowing players to probe for vulnerabilities and seize the initiative. The extensive order of battle and detailed rules capture the historical facets of the campaign, making it a rich and immersive experience. The game is suitable for solitaire play but is best enjoyed with two players.

    Pros

  • Historical Depth:** The game provides an exhaustive treatment of the Russo-Polish War, making it a great choice for history enthusiasts.
  • Enhanced Components:** The Designer Signature Edition features larger maps and counters, enhancing the play experience.
  • Replay Value:** Multiple scenarios and a comprehensive campaign game offer high replay value.
  • Solitaire Suitability:** Highly suitable for solitaire play, with a solitaire suitability rating of 8 out of 10.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game has a complexity rating of 6 out of 10, which may be daunting for new wargamers.
  • Setup Time:** While the setup has been streamlined, it can still be time-consuming due to the detailed initial deployment.

    Personal Thoughts on Red Star/White Eagle: The Russo-Polish War, 1920

    This game is ideal for seasoned wargamers and those with a keen interest in the historical conflicts of Eastern Europe during the early 20th century. It offers a unique blend of strategic depth and historical accuracy, making it a classic in the wargaming community. If you’re looking for a challenging and engaging game that simulates the intricacies of military operations during this period, **Red Star/White Eagle** is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the time required to set up and play the game.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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