Kriegspiel (1970) Board Game

Kriegspiel is a two-player board game that simulates modern warfare. It was released in 1970 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. The game is designed for players aged 12 and up and typically takes around 60-120 minutes to play. Kriegspiel is categorized as a wargame and involves dice rolling, grid movement, a hexagon grid, modular board, and movement points.

Game Components of Kriegspiel

Map: A two-piece 16″ x 16″ mounted hex grid map.

Counters: 45 die-cut counters.

Rulebook: A 16-page rulebook.

Charts and Aids: Various charts and player aids.

How To Setup Kriegspiel

To set up the game, players need to place the hex grid map on a flat surface and distribute the counters according to the initial setup rules outlined in the rulebook. The game includes a simple and straightforward setup process to get new players started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay System: Uses an alternating “I Go, You Go” system of movement and combat.

Combat Resolution: Instead of dice, combat results are determined by cross-referencing the attacker/defender ratio against defensive and offensive strategies.

Additional Rules: Covers invasions, weather, prisoners, supply, and diplomacy.

Objective: The objective is to conquer the opponent’s territory.

Player Experience

**Kriegspiel** received a mixed response from players. While it sold well to new players, with 86,000 units sold over ten years, it was heavily criticized by experienced wargamers. The game’s simplicity and small scale made it less appealing to veteran gamers, who found it too basic and lacking in depth.

Pros

Introductory Value: Designed to teach the basics of wargaming to new players.

Simple Setup: Easy to set up and start playing.

Accessible: Intended to be more accessible to casual gamers.

Cons

Too Simple: Criticized for being far too simple for experienced wargamers.

Limited Gameplay: Small size and limited number of counters restrict gameplay value.

Diceless Combat: The combat result mechanism was seen as unexciting and too simplistic.

Personal Thoughts on Kriegspiel

**Kriegspiel** is best suited for new players looking to dip their toes into the world of wargaming. While it may not offer the complexity and depth that veteran gamers crave, it serves as a good introductory tool. However, its simplicity and limited gameplay make it less appealing for those already familiar with more complex wargames. Despite its criticisms, it remains a piece of gaming history and a notable effort by Avalon Hill to reach a broader audience.

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