Midway (1964) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Midway is a board game that was released in 1964 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It is a nautical wargame set during World War II, specifically focusing on the Battle of Midway. The game was designed by Larry Pinsky and Lindsley Schutz, and it has remained a classic in the wargaming community for decades.

Game Components of Midway

Battle Map: 22″ x 34″ mounted battle map.

Search Map and Divider Screen: 22″ x 34″ mounted search map and divider screen to keep players’ movements hidden.

Counters: 120 counters representing individual ships and squadrons of planes, including dive bombers, torpedo bombers, and fighters.

Rulebook: 24-page rulebook.

Hit Record Sheets: Pad of hit record sheets.

How To Setup Midway

To set up **Midway**, players start by arranging their respective fleets on the search board, which is divided into large square areas with smaller square zones. Each player has a hidden view of their opponent’s movements thanks to the divider screen. The game begins at 0500 on June 4, 1942, and ends at 1700 on June 6, 1942, spanning 34 turns, each representing 2 hours of game time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Segments: The game is divided into Search and Battle segments.

Initiative: The Japanese player initiates the game, aiming to invade Midway Island with the heavy cruiser *Atago*.

American Objective: The American player aims to prevent the Japanese invasion and sink Japanese ships.

Victory Points: Players earn points for sinking enemy ships and, for the Japanese, occupying Midway Island.

Hidden Movement: The game features a double-blind hidden movement and search system.

Resolution: Battles are resolved on the battle board using counter comparisons and dice rolls.

Player Experience

Playing **Midway** involves a mix of strategic planning, intuition, and surprise. The double-blind system adds a layer of realism and tension, as players must manage their fleets and air squadrons without full knowledge of their opponent’s positions. The game is generally praised for its simplicity and realism, making it an excellent introduction to wargaming for new players.

Pros

Simple yet Realistic: Ideal for introducing new players to wargaming.

Historical Accuracy: Consulted by a veteran of the Battle of Midway for accuracy.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines search and battle phases effectively.

Educational Value: Useful in classroom settings to teach historical events and strategic thinking.

Cons

Complex Search Board Rules: Can be awkward, especially for new players.

High Casualties for Attacking Aircraft: Some critics find the casualty rates for aircraft excessively high.

Personal Thoughts on Midway

**Midway** is a classic board game that is perfect for those interested in historical wargaming and strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for new players due to its simplicity and educational value. However, it may not appeal to those looking for highly complex or modern game mechanics. For history buffs and fans of strategic games, **Midway** remains a timeless and engaging experience.

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