Escape from Colditz (1973) Board Game

Escape from Colditz is a board game that was first released in in 1973. It is based on the real-life events of World War II, specifically focusing on Allied prisoners of war attempting to escape from Colditz Castle, a notorious German POW camp in Saxony, Germany. The game was designed by Bob Brechin, Brian Degas, Major P.R. Reid M.B.E., M.C., and has since become a classic in the adventure game genre.

Game Components of Escape from Colditz

Game Board: A pictorial plan of Colditz Castle showing inner and outer courtyards, rooms, safe areas, cells, and barracks.

Player Tokens: Five sets of eight tokens representing POWs of different nationalities (American, British, Dutch, French, Polish) and one set of sixteen black tokens representing German guards.

Cards: Personal Escape Kit cards, Escape Equipment cards, Escaper’s Opportunity cards, German Security cards, and Do or Die cards.

Dice: Two six-sided dice.

Rules Sheet: Includes historical account of the castle’s role as a POW camp during World War II[5!.

How To Setup Escape from Colditz

Setup involves one player agreeing to be the German Security Officer, placing some black tokens on designated spots on the board and the rest in the barracks. The other players choose their nationalities and place their tokens on indicated spots on the Parade Ground in the inner courtyard. The number of guards and POWs varies based on the number of players. Each Escape Officer is dealt a “Do or Die” card, which remains face down until played. Players agree on a time limit and the number of successful escapes required for victory.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Roles: One player is the German Security Officer, while the others are Escape Officers representing different nationalities.

Movement: Players roll two dice to move their POWs, with the option to roll again if doubles are rolled.

Equipment Collection: POWs must collect an escape kit (compass, disguise, food, forged papers) and additional escape equipment (rope, wire cutters, keys, forged passes) by moving to specific rooms.

Escape Attempts: POWs can attempt to escape using collected equipment or a “Do or Die” card, which allows a limited number of dice rolls to reach a target area.

Game Objective: The Allied players aim to get as many POWs out of Colditz as possible within the agreed time limit, while the German player must prevent these escapes.

Player Experience

Playing **Escape from Colditz** is a highly immersive and strategic experience. The game starts slowly as players collect equipment and the German player secures the perimeter. As escapes become imminent, the tension rises dramatically. Players must use Opportunity cards to outwit the Security Officer, who can employ Security cards to thwart escape plans. The game is full of climactic moments, such as prisoners scaling walls, cutting through fences, or using disguises to evade guards. The dynamic gameplay and historical context make it an engaging and cinematic experience.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is based on real escape plans from Colditz Castle, adding a layer of authenticity.

Strategic Depth: Players must plan carefully, using a mix of luck and strategy to succeed.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Various escape routes and equipment options keep the game fresh and challenging.

Interactive Gameplay: The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the Security Officer and Escape Officers is highly engaging.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has many rules and components, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last from 90 minutes to three hours, which may deter some players.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls and card draws introduce an element of luck that can affect game outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Escape from Colditz

**Escape from Colditz** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a strong historical context. It is perfect for players who appreciate the challenge of planning and executing complex escape strategies. While it may be too complex for casual gamers, it is a must-play for fans of historical and strategic board games. The game’s ability to recreate the tense and creative atmosphere of real-life escape attempts from Colditz Castle makes it a unique and rewarding experience.

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