Alt text: Cover art for a board game named MBT, depicting tanks in a combat situation with rural housing in the background, the game is subtitled "The Game of Modern Tactical Ground Combat in Germany" and is by The Avalon Hill Game Company.
| | | | | | |

MBT (1989)

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information of MBT

MBT is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1989 that simulates hypothetical World War Three tank combat between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in 1987, during the final days of the Cold War. The game was designed by James M. Day and was published as a boxed set with artwork by Rich Hasenauer and Charles Kibler. In 2016, GMT Games published a second edition with revised rules.

Why is MBT Popular?

MBT is a moderately complex game that has gained popularity among those interested in modern tactical games and miniature players. The game is significant because it simulates hypothetical tank combat between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces during the final days of the Cold War, providing players with a unique and immersive experience.

Game Components of MBT

Two rulebooksLarge hex grid mapOver 400 counters representing individual tanks, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and squads of infantry.

Game Setup of MBT

Players take on the roles of either NATO mechanized forces defending West Germany or the invading Warsaw Pact forces. The game has two rulebooks, and the advanced version of the game increases the complexity by allowing for various types of ammunition, minefields, aircraft, helicopters, engineer units, and more.

Gameplay Mechanics of MBT

MBT is a two-player wargame of conventional ground-oriented combat. The game simulates hypothetical World War Three tank combat between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in 1987. The game is moderately complex, and the advanced version of the game increases the complexity by allowing for various types of ammunition, minefields, aircraft, helicopters, engineer units, and more.

Game Objective of MBT

The objective of the game is to defeat the opposing player’s forces by destroying their tanks, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and squads of infantry.

Player Experience

MBT provides players with a unique and immersive experience of hypothetical tank combat between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces during the final days of the Cold War. The game is moderately complex, and the advanced version of the game increases the complexity by allowing for various types of ammunition, minefields, aircraft, helicopters, engineer units, and more.

Buy Online

MBT is available for purchase on Amazon and the GMT Games website.

Conclusion

MBT is a board wargame that simulates hypothetical World War Three tank combat between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in 1987. The game is moderately complex, and the advanced version of the game increases the complexity by allowing for various types of ammunition, minefields, aircraft, helicopters, engineer units, and more. The game is significant because it provides players with a unique and immersive experience of hypothetical tank combat between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces during the final days of the Cold War.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

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