To the Green Fields Beyond: The Battle of Cambrai, 1917 (1978)

To the Green Fields Beyond

To the Green Fields Beyond is a board wargame that simulates the Battle of Cambrai, 1917, the first great tank battle in history. It was published by Simulations Publications, Inc. in 1978 and designed by David Isby, with art and cartography by Redmond Simonsen. The game comes with a rulebook, 400 die-cut counters, a 34″ x 22″ hex grid map scaled at 1250 meters per hex, and a six-sided die.

Why is To the Green Fields Beyond Popular?

Although wargames based on World War I had not been popular to this point in time, To the Green Fields Beyond proved to be a surprise hit, with pre-orders alone pushing it to #7 on the SPI Top 10 Bestseller list six months before it was released. The game is significant because it was one of the first wargames to simulate the appearance of tanks in warfare.

Game Components of To the Green Fields Beyond: The Battle of Cambrai, 1917

Rulebook: Detailed rules for gameplay.

400 Die-Cut Counters: Representing various military units and assets.

34″ x 22″ Hex Grid Map: Scaled at 1250 meters per hex.

Six-Sided Die: For resolving combat and other game mechanics.

How To Setup To the Green Fields Beyond: The Battle of Cambrai, 1917

Setup involves placing the hex grid map, distributing the die-cut counters according to the scenario or campaign game being played, and ensuring each player has the necessary rules and materials. Players should start with a scenario, such as the British Breakthrough, before attempting the full campaign game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Operational Level Simulation: Focuses on the strategic and tactical movements of large units.

Alternating Turns: Each turn represents 24 hours, with phases including Administration and Reinforcement, Barrage, Combat, and Movement.

Unique Turn Structure: Combat phases precede movement phases, allowing for strategic unit positioning.

Game Objective: The British aim to break through the German Hindenburg Line, while the Germans seek to defend and counterattack.

Player Experience

To the Green Fields Beyond offers a complex yet engaging experience, particularly suited for fans of historical wargames. The game is praised for its unique rules system, which accurately simulates the trench warfare and tank battles of World War I. However, it requires significant time and effort, with each turn potentially taking between 30 minutes to several hours.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Detailed simulation of the Battle of Cambrai.

Complex Strategies: Encourages deep planning and execution.

Awards and Recognition: Won the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Twentieth Century Game of 1978.”

Unique Mechanics: Reversal of traditional movement and combat phases adds a new layer of strategy.

Cons

Time-Consuming: Each turn can be lengthy, making the game a significant time commitment.

Complexity: The rules and gameplay mechanics can be confusing for new players.

Lengthy Setup: Preparing the game can take considerable time due to the number of counters and scenarios.

Personal Thoughts on To the Green Fields Beyond: The Battle of Cambrai, 1917

This game is ideal for serious wargame enthusiasts and history buffs who appreciate the intricacies of World War I battles. It is not for casual players due to its complexity and the significant time required to play. The game’s unique mechanics and historical accuracy make it a masterpiece for those willing to invest the time and effort to master it.

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