Hearts and Minds: Vietnam 1965-1975 (2010) Board Game

Hearts and Minds: Vietnam 1965-1975 is a board game that focuses on the Vietnam War, a conflict that lasted from 1965 to

This period was marked by intense fighting between North Vietnam, supported by communist allies, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist forces. The game aims to simulate the strategic and political decisions made during this tumultuous time in history.

Game Components of Hearts and Minds: Vietnam 1965-1975

Rule/Scenario Book: 24 pages.

Solitaire Player Aid: Includes a separate aide for solitaire play.

Counters: Three counter sheets with 3/4” counters.

Map: 22” x 33” mounted map divided into provincial areas.

Cards: 80 standard playing cards (27 red, 27 blue, 28 black).

Dice: Two 6-sided dice (one red, one blue).

Box and Lid Set: For storage.

How To Setup Hearts and Minds: Vietnam 1965-1975

Setup involves shuffling half of the black deck into each of the red and blue decks to ensure a different game each time. Players choose their side (Allies or Communist) and set up units according to the scenario. Each scenario represents a year, and players can start in any year of the war and end in any later year.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Driven Mechanics: Cards indicate Resource Points (RPs), historic situations, and game effects.

Guerrilla Warfare: VC units remain hidden until engaged.

Political Ramifications: Card events include mass protests in the U.S. and instability of the South Vietnamese government.

Hearts and Minds: Players jockey for control in each province to influence VC operations.

Combat System: Simplified combat mechanics.

Victory Conditions: Manage casualties, maintain political stability, and control provinces.

Player Experience

Players experience a complex conflict through simple, intuitive mechanics. The game balances military firepower with political sensitivity, making it crucial to manage U.S. and ARVN casualties to avoid a rise in Communist morale or a coup in South Vietnam. Solitaire play is highly supported with tested rules and a player aide.

Pros

Historical Approach: Comprehensive historical context including guerrilla warfare and political turmoil.

Flexibility: Players can start in any year and end in any later year of the war.

Solitaire Capability: High suitability for solo players.

Simplified Mechanics: Low to medium complexity.

Replayability: Different game each time due to card shuffling.

Cons

Casualty Management: Can feel gamey if players avoid casualties unrealistically.

Abstract Units: Units are abstract and may lack detailed realism.

Personal Thoughts on Hearts and Minds: Vietnam 1965-1975

This game is ideal for those interested in historical conflicts, particularly the Vietnam War, and who appreciate strategic gameplay with a strong historical context. It is suitable for both experienced gamers and those new to wargames due to its simplified mechanics and high solitaire suitability. However, players seeking highly detailed unit realism may find the abstract nature of the units somewhat limiting.

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