Hue (1973) – Board Game Guys

Battle for Hue

Battle for Hue is a board wargame that simulates the battle for the city of Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War. It was designed by John Hill and published by Simulations Design Corporation (SDC) in 1973 as a pull-out game in Conflict #6. Two years later, SDC re-issued it as a “pouch game” (packaged in a ziplock bag). With the demise of SDC, Mayfair Games acquired the rights to the game and reissued it in 1982 as a boxed set with a new map, slightly revised rules, and retitled as simply Hue.

Why is Battle for Hue Popular?

Battle for Hue is significant because it is a wargame that simulates a historical battle, allowing players to experience the challenges and decisions faced by military commanders during the Vietnam War. It is also popular among wargamers due to its historical accuracy and challenging gameplay.

Game Components of Hue

17″ x 22″ paper hex grid map of Huế

156 die-cut counters

6-page rulebook

Turn Record/Reinforcement Chart

How To Setup Hue

To set up Hue, players first arrange the hex grid map of Huế. Each player receives their respective counters: one player controls the North Vietnamese People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN/VC), and the other controls the South Vietnamese Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and elements of the United States. The game includes a Turn Record/Reinforcement Chart, which is used to track turns and reinforcements. The rulebook provides detailed instructions on the initial placement of units and the starting conditions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: The game uses a system of five phases per turn, blending both players’ moves.
– PAVN/VC movement: All units can move 6 hexes regardless of terrain.
– First Fire Phase: All remaining units on both sides can fire at enemy units within sight and range.

Victory Conditions: Both players earn victory points for destroying enemy units. The PAVN/VC gain 1 point for each turn when at least one of their units occupies the Inner City, while the USMC/ARVN receive 20 points for clearing the Inner City of enemy units.

Game Length: The game does not have a turn limit; it lasts as long as both sides have units on the board, with the last reinforcements entering the game on Turn 12.

Player Experience

Hue offers a deeply tactical and strategic experience, particularly appealing to wargame enthusiasts. Players must carefully manage unit movements and firepower to achieve their objectives. The game requires skill and strategic thinking, especially in the defense and offense of key city areas.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: It accurately simulates the fierce and tactical battles during the Tet Offensive.

Balanced Simulation: The game is finely balanced, requiring careful planning and execution from both sides.

Engaging Gameplay: It provides several hours of engaging and challenging gameplay for those interested in military tactics.

Cons

Simplifications: Some reviewers noted that the game simplifies certain aspects of the real battle, such as the North Vietnamese generals’ orders to envelop the entire city.

Limited Historical Scope: If players are looking for a detailed simulation of the entire Tet Offensive, Hue might not fully satisfy this expectation.

Personal Thoughts on Hue

Hue is ideal for those who enjoy tactical wargames and are interested in historical military conflicts. It offers a challenging and engaging experience, particularly for two players who can appreciate the strategic depth and historical context. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more comprehensive historical simulation or those new to wargames due to its complexity and specific focus.

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