Raid on Iran (1980) Board Game

Raid on Iran is a board game that was released in 1980 during a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. The game simulates a hypothetical military operation where players take on the role of American forces attempting to rescue hostages held in Iran. Designed by David R. Deitrick and Denis Loubet, Raid on Iran captures the intensity and complexity of modern warfare in a tabletop format.

Game Components of Raid on Iran

Map: Based on actual maps and aerial photographs of the embassy area.

Counters: 119 counters representing U.S. and Iranian units, including hostages, militants, and sentries.

Rules Sheet: Detailed rules and instructions for gameplay.

Charts and Tables: Additional sheets for tracking game mechanics and outcomes.

Dice: At least two dice are required for resolving various game actions.

Pencil and Paper: For note-taking and tracking game state.

How To Setup Raid on Iran

To set up the game, the Iranian player places 10 militants at the **Road 12/Main Gate** and 5 militants at the **Road 1/Rear Gate**. Additionally, they place up to 5 militants with each of the four hostage counters. The setup requires 15 hostages in the Ambassador’s Residence basement and 20 hostages in the Chancellery basement. The remaining hostages are distributed across other areas. The Iranian player also places sentries throughout the road network to alert other militants upon detection of the U.S. commandos.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Phasing: The game is played in turns, with an American turn followed by an Iranian turn. The Iranian player may miss initial turns if the U.S. player avoids alerting the sentries.

Execution Mechanics: The Iranian player can attempt to execute hostages, which is resolved by rolling a die. The outcomes range from no execution to the execution of all hostages in an area.

Combat and Negotiation: Players engage in combat and negotiation using dice rolls, with various modifiers based on the situation (e.g., presence of a Farsi speaker, extreme fanaticism).

Objective: The U.S. player aims to rescue as many hostages as possible, while the Iranian player aims to prevent this and potentially execute the hostages.

Player Experience

Playing **Raid on Iran** involves strategic planning and tactical execution. The U.S. player must navigate the embassy grounds undetected to reach the hostages, while the Iranian player must wake up militants, set up defenses, and potentially execute hostages to deter the rescue. The game is intense and can be emotionally charged, especially when hostages are executed, which can significantly impact the U.S. player’s morale and gameplay.

Pros

Historical Relevance: The game is based on a significant historical event, making it interesting for those who appreciate historical simulations.

Strategic Depth: The game involves complex strategies and tactical decisions, keeping players engaged.

Tense Atmosphere: The mechanics of hostage execution and the race against time create a tense and immersive atmosphere.

Cons

Outdated Mechanics: Some players might find the dice-rolling mechanics and paper-based tracking outdated compared to modern board games.

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be complex and time-consuming, especially for new players.

Emotional Impact: The execution of hostages can be emotionally taxing and may not be suitable for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Raid on Iran

**Raid on Iran** is for players who enjoy historical wargames and are interested in the strategic and tactical aspects of a hostage rescue mission. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the complexity and tension that comes with simulating real-world crises. However, due to its mature themes and potential emotional impact, it may not be suitable for all audiences, especially younger players or those sensitive to violent or stressful game content.

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