Team Yankee (2015) Board Game

Team Yankee is a miniatures wargame that is set in a fictional World War III scenario based on the novel of the same name by Harold Coyle. The game was first released in 2015 and has gained popularity among wargaming enthusiasts for its modern warfare theme and realistic simulation mechanics.

Game Components of Team Yankee

Two double-sided paper hex grid maps scaled at 200 m (220 yd) per hex

240 die-cut counters

Rule book

Storage tray

Six-sided die

Background booklet

How To Setup Team Yankee

To set up the game, players start by selecting one of the eight scenarios provided, each based on actions from Harold Coyle’s book. Each scenario introduces progressive rules, allowing players to learn the game mechanics step-by-step. The game components, including the hex grid maps, counters, and rule book, are organized according to the scenario instructions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases:
– List artillery targets and roll a die to see if air units are available
– Attack with some or all units
– Movement (with opportunity for reactive fire from the opponent)
– Attack (any unit that did not fire in the previous phase)
– Fire artillery

Objective: The objective is to complete scenario-specific goals, often involving the capture of territory or the destruction of enemy units.

Player Experience

The game is designed to be accessible to new players, marked with a “First Battle” label on the box. Reviewers found the rules easy to understand and the components to be of high quality. However, the scenarios were criticized for being seriously unbalanced, leading to one-sided battles.

Pros

Easy to learn for new players

Simple and well-illustrated rules

Good quality components

Cons

Scenarios are highly unbalanced, leading to one-sided battles

Tactical level gameplay does not hold up due to the combined chance to hit and damage capability in one number

Personal Thoughts on Team Yankee

**Who is it for?**
Team Yankee is ideal for beginners interested in wargames, particularly those fascinated by a hypothetical World War III scenario. Despite its simplicity, the game introduces core wargaming mechanics that can serve as a stepping stone to more complex games. However, experienced players may find the scenarios too simplistic and unbalanced, reducing the game’s replay value.

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