Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden (2017) Board Game

Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden is a board game that simulates the famous World War II operation in September

Operation Market-Garden was an Allied military operation that aimed to secure a series of bridges in the Netherlands and pave the way for a swift advance into Germany.

Game Components of Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden

Map: Scale of 2 kilometers per hex, covering the battlefield from the Belgium border to Arnhem.

Units: Mostly battalions, with some company-size units included.

Counters: Representing various units, supply sources, and other game elements.

Rules: 18 numbered rules on approximately 22 double-column pages.

Airlanding Table: Used for determining the outcomes of airborne landings.

ZOC Bonds and Traffic Markers: Special rules for Zone of Control Bonds and traffic congestion.

How To Setup Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden

Setup involves placing the map, which includes the battlefield from the Belgium border to Arnhem, and setting up the initial units according to the scenario. The game starts with the airborne landings on September 17th, and each player must position their units accordingly. The Allied player sets up the airborne divisions in their designated drop zones, while the German player sets up their defensive units. The game also requires setting up supply sources and other markers as indicated in the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Scale: Each turn represents 6 hours for daylight turns and 12 hours for night turns, with a total of 20 turns.

Objective: The Allied player must rush ground forces to relieve the airborne divisions and capture a bridge across the Rhine, while the German player aims to hold off the Allies and destroy the bridges.

Airborne Operations: Involves paradrop landings, supply sources, and maintaining control of landing zones.

Supply Management: Units must stay within supply range, with penalties for being out of supply.

Bridge Capture and Destruction: Key bridges must be captured by the Allies and defended against German destruction.

Traffic Congestion: Management of units on Hell’s Highway to avoid congestion.

ZOC Bonds: Units form bonds to control territory and limit enemy movement.

Player Experience

**Holland ’44** offers a tense and interactive experience, particularly due to the challenging airborne operations and the need for meticulous supply management. The game’s mechanics, such as ZOC Bonds and traffic congestion, add realism and depth to the gameplay. Players must strategize carefully to manage their units effectively, especially in the difficult Polder terrain and around key bridges. The game is praised for its historical accuracy and the immersive experience it provides.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately models the historical Operation Market-Garden, including airborne operations and supply logistics.

Realistic Mechanics: Rules such as ZOC Bonds, supply management, and traffic congestion add to the game’s realism and challenge.

Immersive Experience: The game board and components transport players to the battlefield, creating a unique vantage point on the historical event.

Cons

Complexity: While the core rules are simple, managing supply, ZOC Bonds, and other mechanics can be complex and require careful planning.

Time Commitment: The game requires a significant time commitment, with 20 turns and detailed setup and gameplay mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden

**Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden** is ideal for wargame enthusiasts and those interested in WWII history. It offers a deeply strategic and historically rich experience, making it a great choice for players who enjoy complex, realistic wargames. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and time requirements. For those willing to dive into the details, it provides a highly engaging and educational experience that captures the essence of one of WWII’s most significant operations.

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