Alt text: An image of a vintage board game cover titled "Tac Air – The Game of Modern Air-Land Battles in Germany", published by The Avalon Hill Game Company. The artwork depicts a military jet in the foreground with tanks on the ground below engaging in combat.
| | | | | | | |

Tac Air (1987)

Tac Air

Tac Air is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1987, originally based on a wargame developed for the US Navy during the Cold War. The game was created to simulate air-land battles in Germany in the 1980s. The development of Tac Air began with a wargame called FEBA (Forward Edge of Battle Area), which was developed by Major Mark Thibodeau, Captain Matt Cathay, and Captain Wayne Close, and later sold to Avalon Hill. The game was retitled Tac Air, revised, and adapted for commercial release by former USAF pilot Gary C. “Mo” Morgan, with rules development by S. Craig Taylor, cartography and graphics by Charles Kibler, and box art by George Parrish.

Why is Tac Air Popular?

Tac Air is a popular and significant board game because it simulates air-land battles in a historically plausible setting, providing players with an immersive and realistic experience. The game has received positive reviews and awards, such as the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Post–World War Two or Modern Game of 1988”. Additionally, the game has a strong historical background, with a 16-page historical background written by expert military game designers and defense analysts.

Game Components of Tac Air

Tac Air comes with a series of maps that fit together to form a 23-inch by 115-inch game board, 1,600 counters, a 16-page historical background, rules and charts for reference, logistic sheets, and one six-sided die.

Game Setup of Tac Air

To set up the game, players need to assemble the game board, place the counters on the map, and determine the starting positions of the forces involved in the scenario.

Gameplay Mechanics of Tac Air

Tac Air is a two-player wargame that involves air-land battles in Germany in the 1980s. Players control their forces through a series of turns, with each turn representing a specific phase of the battle, such as the movement and combat phases. The game includes rules for entering and exiting the mapboard, as well as rules for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.

Game Objective of Tac Air

The objective of Tac Air is to achieve victory by controlling the enemy’s forces or achieving specific mission objectives. The game is won when one player achieves their objectives or eliminates the enemy’s forces from the game board.

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