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Black Gold (Texas Tea) (1990) Board Game

ByMichail

Black Gold (Texas Tea) is a board game released in 1990, designed by Kokusai-Tsushin Co., Ltd. and XTR Corp. It falls under the category of a wargame set during World War II, focusing on the strategic aspects of the conflict. The game revolves around controlling oil fields, simulating the importance of oil in warfare during the time period.

Game Components of Black Gold

  • Rule Book:** 20 pages
  • Counters:** 300, representing divisions, regiments, and air attack wings
  • Game Mechanics:** Hex-and-Counter
  • Category:** Wargame, World War II
  • Ages:** 12 and up
  • Players:** 2
  • Playtime:** 180 minutes
  • Additional Components:** Beginner and Advanced rules, alternative history context

    How To Setup Black Gold

    To set up the game, players must first understand the alternative history scenario where the Axis powers have won World War II. The Japanese launch a 110-division offensive into the German Middle East, aiming to capture Iraqi and Kuwaiti oil fields. Players need to arrange the counters representing various military units, including German missiles, Japanese Commandos, and other historical and hypothetical units. The setup involves placing these units on a hexagonal grid map, ensuring each side’s forces are positioned according to the initial battle scenario.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The Japanese aim to break through German defenses in Persia and seize the vital oil fields, while the Germans must defend and counterattack.
  • Game Mechanics:**
  • Hex-and-Counter System:** Units move and engage in combat on a hexagonal grid.
  • Counter Management:** Players manage 300 counters representing different military units.
  • Historical and Hypothetical Units:** Includes German P-1101 jets, Maus heavy tanks, and Japanese Commandos.
  • Multiple Rule Sets:** Beginner and Advanced rules are provided.

    Player Experience

    **Black Gold (Texas Tea)** offers a complex and immersive wargaming experience, especially appealing to fans of alternate history and strategic combat. The game’s depth, with its detailed rules and numerous counters, requires players to plan carefully and execute strategies thoughtfully. The alternate history setting adds a unique twist, allowing players to explore a fictional post-WWII world where the Axis powers reign.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Engaging and complex gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.
  • Unique Setting:** An intriguing alternate history scenario that diverges from real-world events.
  • Historical Depth:** Incorporates both historical and hypothetical military units.
  • Detailed Rules:** Provides both Beginner and Advanced rules to cater to different player levels.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve:** The game’s complexity can be daunting for new players.
  • Long Playtime:** Games can last up to 180 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.
  • Limited Player Count:** Designed for two players only.

    Personal Thoughts on Black Gold

    **Black Gold (Texas Tea)** is ideal for experienced wargamers and those fascinated by alternate history scenarios. It requires a significant investment of time and effort to learn and play, making it more suited to dedicated gamers. The game’s unique setting and detailed mechanics make it a standout in the wargaming genre, but it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargaming.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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