Some Poles Apart: The Battle of the Westerplatte (2007) Board Game

Some Poles Apart: The Battle of the Westerplatte board game is based on the historical Battle of Westerplatte, which took place at the start of World War II. The Battle of Westerplatte was fought between Polish and German forces in September 1939, with the Polish defenders holding out against overwhelming odds for seven days. This game allows players to recreate this pivotal moment in history and experience the challenges faced by both sides during the battle.

Game Components of Some Poles Apart: The Battle of Westerplatte

Map: A detailed scan of the Westerplatte terrain, divided into areas.

Units: Polish units include three infantry platoons, an 81mm mortar battery, a 50mm AT battery, and a 75mm Field gun battery. German units comprise six infantry companies, an engineer platoon, offboard artillery, air support, and the battleship Schleswig Holstein.

Activation System: Uses a normal deck of cards where black cards are German and red cards are Polish. The number of activations is driven by the pip score of the cards.

Picture Cards: Allow units to rally hits or activate entire areas.

Defensive Bonuses: +1/+2 defensive bonuses applied to Polish units.

How To Setup Some Poles Apart: The Battle of Westerplatte

To set up the game, players need to deploy units according to the historical scenario. The Polish units are typically set up in a defense-in-depth formation, with infantry platoons in key defensive positions, and artillery units like the 75mm Field gun battery positioned to engage the Schleswig Holstein. The Germans deploy their forces with six infantry companies, an engineer platoon, and support from offboard artillery and air support. The battleship Schleswig Holstein is placed in the channel area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation Driven: Each activation allows one unit to move or fire.

Card-Based System: Activations and combat are resolved using a deck of cards.

Defensive and Offensive Actions: Polish units can fire at two zones with range penalties, while German units have higher combat strength but no defensive terrain benefits.

Victory Conditions: Germans win if all Polish units are eliminated and they have at least 1 Victory Point (VP). Germans lose 1 VP per turn and 1 VP per unit destroyed.

Game Objective: Germans must capture the Westerplatte while minimizing losses, and the Poles must defend until the Germans are defeated or time runs out.

Player Experience

Playing **Some Poles Apart: The Battle of Westerplatte** involves a strategic and tactical depth that simulates the intense and asymmetric battle between the Polish defenders and the German attackers. The activation system and card mechanics introduce a level of unpredictability, requiring players to manage resources carefully and make strategic decisions quickly. The game highlights the heroic defense of the Polish troops against overwhelming odds, making it a compelling and historically rich experience.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game closely follows the historical events of the Battle of Westerplatte.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Unpredictability: The card-based system adds a layer of unpredictability to each turn.

Educational Value: Provides insight into one of the opening battles of World War II.

Cons

Complex Setup: The game requires careful setup and understanding of the rules.

Limited Player Count: Designed primarily for two players.

Randomness: The card system can lead to significant variability in gameplay outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Some Poles Apart: The Battle of Westerplatte

**Some Poles Apart: The Battle of Westerplatte** is ideal for history buffs and wargame enthusiasts who appreciate the detailed simulation of historical battles. The game’s focus on strategic planning, resource management, and the integration of historical events makes it a compelling choice for those interested in World War II history. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the need for a thorough understanding of the rules.

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