Bismarck (1962) – Board Game Guys

Bismarck

Bismarck is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1962 (and revised in 1978) that simulates the hunt for the Bismarck, a German battleship, by the British forces during World War II. The game was designed by Thomas Shaw, Charles S. Roberts, Mick Uhl, and Jack Greene.

Why is Bismarck Popular?

Bismarck is a significant game because it is one of the earliest board wargames and is considered a classic in the genre. It is also notable for its use of a double-blind system, where the British search areas and zones of the map for the Bismarck, and the German player tries to evade detection.

Game Components of Bismarck

Search Board and Battle Board: Utilizing a square grid system.

Zone Cards: For managing search areas and zones.

Die-Cut Counters: Representing British units and the single German counter for the Bismarck.

Miniatures Rules: Included in the advanced game for combat.

How To Setup Bismarck

To set up the game, the British player prepares the search board by placing their units and search aircraft, while the German player secretly positions the Bismarck on the map. The game uses a double-blind system where the British player searches for the Bismarck without knowing its exact location until it is discovered.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Double-Blind System: British player searches for the Bismarck without knowing its location.

Search and Combat Phases: Search areas are identified, and combat occurs on the battle board if the Bismarck is found.

Evasion Mechanics: The Bismarck can evade combat and restart the search process.

Point System: Points are awarded for destroying ships and for the German player docking in friendly ports.

Movement and Combat: Players move units, search for enemy ships, and engage in combat by calling out grid coordinates.

Player Experience

**Bismarck** offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making it engaging for both novice and experienced gamers. The game’s simplicity in the 1962 edition, with its short playtime of about an hour or two, made it an excellent introductory wargame. However, some critics noted that it lacked depth in simulating naval action and was somewhat approximate in its simulation.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules made it accessible to new players.

Short Playtime: Games typically last only an hour or two.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, it offers strategic challenges, especially in evasion and combat.

Cons

Limited Simulation: Criticized for not fully simulating naval action.

Lack of Complexity: The 1962 edition was seen as too simple by some wargaming enthusiasts.

Personal Thoughts on Bismarck

**Bismarck** is ideal for those looking for an introductory wargame that combines historical context with straightforward gameplay. While it may not satisfy veteran gamers seeking complex naval simulations, it remains a quality reference in naval simulation games and is a great starting point for newcomers to the genre. With its nostalgic value and historical significance, **Bismarck** continues to be a fascinating game for anyone interested in World War II naval history.

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