Team Yankee (1987) Board Game

Team Yankee is a board game based on the novel of the same name written by Harold Coyle. It was first released in 1987 by Game Designers’ Workshop (GDW Games). The game is set in a fictional World War III scenario where NATO forces are pitted against the Warsaw Pact in a modern warfare setting.

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

Eight scenarios, each based on action from the novel

How To Setup Team Yankee

To set up the game, players first choose a scenario, each of which introduces progressive rules. The hex grid maps are laid out according to the scenario instructions. Players then place their units on the map using the die-cut counters. The background booklet and rule book provide detailed instructions on how to design scenarios and manage the game components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each turn consists of several phases for each player, including listing artillery targets, rolling for air unit availability, attacking with units, moving units (with the opponent having the opportunity for reactive fire), and firing artillery.

Movement and Combat: Simplified “I go, You go” system with basic rules suitable for new gamers.

Objective: The primary objective is to successfully engage and defeat the opponent’s units in a tank combat setting.

Player Experience

**Team Yankee** is marketed towards new gamers, with a “First Battle” label indicating its accessibility. The game’s rules are easy to understand and well-illustrated, making it much easier to learn compared to most wargames. However, reviewers have noted that the scenarios are often unbalanced, leading to one-sided battles.

Pros

Simple and easy-to-understand rules

Well-illustrated components

Suitable for beginners

Progressive introduction of rules through scenarios

Cons

Scenarios are seriously unbalanced, leading to one-sided battles

Combines chance to hit and damage capability into one number, which lacks tactical realism

Personal Thoughts on Team Yankee

**Team Yankee** is ideal for those new to wargaming, offering a straightforward and easy-to-learn system. Despite its simplicity, the game’s unbalanced scenarios can be frustrating for experienced players. It is a good introduction to the genre but may not satisfy those seeking more complex and balanced gameplay. The game won the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Boardgame of 1987 Covering the Period 1947-Modern Day,” reflecting its appeal to new players and its educational value in wargaming basics.

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