Beda Fomm (1979) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Beda Fomm is a board game released in 1979, designed by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games) and Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd. The game is set in World War II, specifically focusing on the North African Campaign. Players take on the roles of the British and Italian forces, as they battle for control over strategic points in the desert.

Game Components of Beda Fomm

Map: A 17″ x 22″ paper hex grid map (original version), or a 22 x 34 inch full-color map (2010 revised edition).

Counters: 120 counters in the original version, or 216 counters in the revised edition.

Rulebook: A 4-page rulebook in the original, or a 12-page rulebook in the revised edition.

Dice: Two 6-sided dice.

Additional Components: The 2010 edition includes additional game markers and a GMT counter tray.

How To Setup Beda Fomm

To set up the game, players place the map on the playing surface. The Italian player enters the map on the north edge with their units, while the British player sets up their units to create an ambush. The specific unit placements are determined by the game’s setup rules, ensuring the historical scenario is accurately represented. The counters are placed according to the initial deployment instructions, and the dice are ready for use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Sequence: Alternating turns between Italian and British players, each turn consisting of Movement, Barrage, Anti-Tank, and Combat phases.

Time Scale: One daylight hour per turn, with two overnight moves each night.

Map Scale: 1 mile per hex.

Unit Scale: Battalions, companies, platoons, and tank groups (6-8 vehicles).

Game Objective:
– Italian player wins by exiting 3 to 6 units off the south side of the map.
– British player wins by preventing this.

Player Experience

**Beda Fomm** offers a tense and exciting gameplay experience, particularly noted for its combined arms approach. Players must manage movement, artillery barrages, anti-tank fire, and direct combat, each phase highlighting different strengths and weaknesses of the units. The game is designed for both solitaire and competitive play, making it versatile for different types of players.

Pros

Tense Gameplay: The alternating turn sequence and phase structure create a thrilling experience.

Combined Arms: The game effectively integrates various types of combat, making it a true combined arms game.

Historical Accuracy: It accurately simulates the Battle of Beda Fomm, providing a historical context to the gameplay.

Simple yet Deep Mechanics: Despite simple rules, the game offers complex strategic decisions.

Cons

Limited Counter Numbers: The original version has only 120 counters, which might limit unit detail and complexity.

Short Playtime: While the game can be played in under three hours, some players might find it too short.

Requires Attention to Detail: Players must read the rules carefully to avoid missing important details.

Personal Thoughts on Beda Fomm

**Beda Fomm** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and history buffs, especially those interested in World War II and the North African campaign. It offers a quick and engaging way to experience a pivotal battle, making it a great introduction to wargaming for new players. The game’s balance of simplicity and strategic depth ensures it remains challenging and fun for experienced gamers as well. If you enjoy games that combine historical accuracy with tense gameplay, **Beda Fomm** is certainly worth considering.

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