Westminster: The Election Game (1983)

Brief History and Background Information of Westminster: The Election Game

West of Alamein is a board wargame published by Avalon Hill in 1988 that simulates combat in North Africa during World War II. The game is an expansion for Avalon Hill’s Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) system, which is a tactical-level board wargame that simulates infantry combat in World War II. The game focuses on battles between the British 8th Army and Deutsches Afrika Korps in the North African desert in 1941-43.

Why is Westminster: The Election Game Popular?

West of Alamein is significant because it introduced ASL players to the British/Commonwealth armies and to the deserts of North Africa. The game was well-received by reviewers, with Games International highlighting West of Alamein as its “Wargame of the Month” in Issue 3. Reviewer Ellis Simpson was impressed by the components, calling the desert maps “beautiful” and noting the accuracy of the printing on the die-cut counters. West of Alamein was also a finalist for the Charles S. Roberts Award in the category “Best World War II Game of 1988”.

Game Components of Westminster: The Election Game

MapboardsOverlaysChartsChapter FDie-cut counters

Game Setup of Westminster: The Election Game

Players must first set up the mapboards and overlays, and then place the counters on the mapboards according to the scenario being played.

Gameplay Mechanics of Westminster: The Election Game

West of Alamein uses the ASL system, which is a tactical-level board wargame that simulates infantry combat in World War II. Players take turns moving their units and attacking enemy units using a variety of weapons and tactics. The game includes rules for terrain, line of sight, morale, and other factors that affect combat.

Game Objective of Westminster: The Election Game

The objective of West of Alamein is to achieve the scenario-specific victory conditions, which may include capturing or defending certain objectives, inflicting a certain number of casualties on the enemy, or controlling a certain area of the map.

Player Experience

West of Alamein provides players with a detailed simulation of infantry combat in North Africa during World War II. The game’s components and rules are designed to provide a high level of historical accuracy, while still being playable and enjoyable for gamers.

Buy Online

West of Alamein can be purchased online from various retailers, including Desperation Morale.

Conclusion

West of Alamein is a significant board wargame that introduced ASL players to the British/Commonwealth armies and to the deserts of North Africa. The game is well-regarded by reviewers and provides players with a detailed simulation of infantry combat in World War II. The game’s components and rules are designed to provide a high level of historical accuracy, while still being playable and enjoyable for gamers.

Game Components of Westminster: The Election Game

Game Board: 4-piece board

Bill of Parliament Cards: 6 cards

Prime Minister Tokens: 6 tokens

Cabinet Minister Tokens: 12 tokens

Member of Parliament Tokens: 32 tokens

Constituency Cards: 32 cards

Dispatch Box Cards: 40 cards

Vote Cards: 96 cards

Party Pegs: 120 pegs (20 each in 6 colors)

State of the Parties Record Sheets: Pad of sheets

Rules: Included in the game box

How To Setup Westminster: The Election Game

Each player selects a color and one player is chosen to be the Speaker of the House, responsible for managing all elections. Each player starts with 50,000 votes to spend on elections. The game begins with a general election in 16 constituencies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

General Election: Players spend votes in constituencies, with the highest vote-spender winning each constituency.

By-Elections: 16 by-elections are held during the game, which can change the government.

Government Formation: The player with the most constituencies becomes the Prime Minister and forms the government.

Passing Bills: The objective is to pass a bill through three readings to make it into law.

Game Objective: The player who succeeds in passing a bill wins the game.

Player Experience

Players engage in strategic voting and constituency management, aiming to secure enough votes to form and maintain a government. The game requires a balance between short-term electoral gains and long-term legislative success.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game is described as very easy to play.

Strategic Depth: It requires intelligent play, favoring good players over less skilled ones.

Realistic Simulation: The game mimics the processes of the House of Commons, offering a unique political simulation experience.

Cons

Ambiguous Rules: Some rules, particularly at the end of the game, are considered sloppy and ambiguous.

Lengthy Gameplay: The game can drag on, especially when waiting for enough by-elections to secure a majority.

Limited Alliances: Rules against voting alliances during the third reading of a bill can make winning the game challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Westminster: The Election Game

This game is ideal for those interested in politics and strategic gameplay. It offers a unique blend of electoral strategy and legislative maneuvering, making it appealing to fans of political simulations. However, the game’s length and some of its rule ambiguities might deter players looking for a quicker or more streamlined experience.

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