Battle of the Bulge

Battle of the Bulge is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1965 that simulates the World War II battle of the same name. The game was developed with the technical aid of General Anthony C. McAuliffe, who had been commanding officer at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The game proved popular and sold more than 120,000 copies, but was dogged by criticisms of historical inaccuracies, and was finally replaced by a completely new edition in 1981. A third edition in 1991 was released as part of the Smithsonian American History Series.

Why is Battle of the Bulge Popular?

Battle of the Bulge is significant because it is one of the earliest and most popular wargames ever published. It was one of the first games to use hexagonal grids to represent terrain, and it was also one of the first games to use counters to represent military units. The game is also significant because it was developed with the technical aid of General Anthony C. McAuliffe, who had been commanding officer at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.

Game Components of Battle of the Bulge

Worthington Publishing Version

Large 22″ x 34″ hard-mounted game board

2 sheets of large 7/8″ game counters and 5/8″ markers

Rules booklet

Allied and German Order of Appearance Cards

Custom combat dice

Objective Cards

Game Record (Victory archive).

Compass Games Version

Mounted 25 x 22 inch map

140 over-sized 3/4″ counters

Rules booklet

German Order of Battle Appearance Display

Allied Order of Battle Appearance Display

Two player Aid cards

50 Activation cubes

40 wooden German control discs

Seven 10-sided dice.

How To Setup Battle of the Bulge

Setup for both versions is relatively quick. For the Worthington Publishing version, players start by placing the initial German and Allied units on the board, with the Germans having 18 counters and 4 off-board assets, and the Allies starting with 12 units. The German player secretly selects one of the variable Objective Cards, adding an element of surprise.

For the Compass Games version, players set up the units according to the initial deployment rules, with the Germans aiming to quickly establish a strong offensive presence and the Allies setting up defensive positions to withstand the initial German onslaught.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worthington Publishing Version

Resource Points: Players use resource points to move and engage in combat, with flexible sequencing of actions.

Variable Objectives: German player has secret objective cards that influence the victory conditions.

Combat Mechanics: Simple dice rolling with NATO symbols for Infantry and Armor, and blank sides for no effect.

Objective: Germans aim to break through Allied lines to reach the Meuse River, while Allies must defend and counterattack.

Compass Games Version

Unit Activation: Players activate units using cubes and control discs to decide which units to move or attack.

Area-Based Movement: Abstract areas representing about 15 miles across.

Division-Scale Units: Units represent divisions.

Objective: Germans must make aggressive gains without over-extending, while Allies must coordinate defenses and counterattacks.

Player Experience

The games offer a fast-paced and engaging experience, with gameplay that can be completed in under 2 hours. The simplicity of the rules belies a deep strategic layer, requiring players to make tactical decisions about resource allocation and unit deployment. The variable objectives add a layer of uncertainty, making each game unique and highly replayable.

Pros

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games can be set up in 15 minutes and completed in under 2 hours.

High Replayability: Variable objectives and simple yet strategic gameplay ensure different outcomes each time.

Streamlined Rules: Easy to learn rules with extensive examples and variants.

Premium Components: High-quality components, including mounted boards and large counters.

Cons

Simplicity: Some players might find the rules too simple compared to more complex wargames.

Limited Complexity: The games do not delve into intricate supply rules or detailed combat simulations.

Dice Rolling: The reliance on simple dice rolling can lead to randomness affecting outcomes significantly.

Personal Thoughts on Battle of the Bulge

These games are ideal for those who want a fast and engaging wargaming experience without the complexity of more detailed simulations. They are perfect for new wargamers looking to introduce themselves to the genre and for seasoned players seeking a quick, strategic challenge. The variable objectives and simple mechanics make them highly replayable, ensuring that each game offers a unique and enjoyable experience.

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