Pavlov’s House (2018) Board Game

Pavlov’s House is a board game based on the real-life Battle of Stalingrad during World War II. The game is named after a fortified apartment building in Stalingrad that played a crucial role in the defense of the city. Players take on the role of Soviet defenders, facing off against the German army in a desperate struggle for survival.

Game Components of Pavlov’s House

Game board divided into three sections: the Volga River area, 9 January Square, and the interior of Pavlov’s House

Soviet cards with two actions each

Wehrmacht cards for German military interference

Troop and supply tokens

Artillery and anti-aircraft tokens

Dice for combat resolution

Command Post and other strategic assets tokens

How To Setup Pavlov’s House

To set up the game, you need to prepare the three sections of the board. Start by placing the board in the middle, ensuring each section is clearly defined. In the Volga River area, set up your communications networks, ready anti-aircraft and artillery, and manage troops and supplies. Place the Wehrmacht deck and tokens in the 9 January Square section, where German units will advance. Finally, set up the interior of Pavlov’s House with your initial troop deployment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Last until the defenders of Pavlov’s House are tasked with storming a key German strongpoint or survive until the Wehrmacht deck runs out without losing.

Card System: Draw four Soviet cards, each with two actions, and choose three to perform.

Phases:

Soviet Card Phase: Perform actions outside the house, managing artillery, anti-air assets, and supplies.

Wehrmacht Phase: Draw and resolve Wehrmacht cards, which can include artillery fire, air attacks, and infantry advances.

House Phase: Move troops, suppress or attack German units, and manage soldier exhaustion.

Combat Resolution: Use dice rolls to determine the success of attacks against German units.

Victory Conditions: Win by surviving until the end of the Wehrmacht deck without losing the house, running out of troops, or having the Command Post bombed twice.

Player Experience

**Pavlov’s House** is known for its punishing difficulty and tense gameplay. Players are constantly faced with tough decisions, balancing immediate needs against long-term strategies. The game’s card system and phase structure create a sense of urgency and immersion, making each round a heart-pounding experience. The simplicity of the Wehrmacht opponent mechanics allows the focus to remain on the player’s strategic choices.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple pathways and random card draws ensure each game is unique.

Immersive Mechanics: The game effectively simulates the desperate defense of Pavlov’s House.

Clear Decision Spaces: Players have a good sense of the odds and consequences of their actions.

Narrative Gift: David Thompson’s design excels in creating a narrative experience.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: The game can be overwhelming for new players.

High Difficulty: Losing is common, especially in the early games.

Dice Combat: Not everyone enjoys dice-based combat mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Pavlov’s House

**Pavlov’s House** is ideal for experienced solo players who enjoy challenging, strategic games with a strong historical context. It is particularly suited for those interested in World War II history and the Battle of Stalingrad. The game’s mechanics and difficulty level make it less accessible to casual players, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a deeply rewarding and immersive experience. If you’re a fan of solo wargames and are looking for a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, **Pavlov’s House** is a must-have in your collection.

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