• Low On-Map Counter Density: The number of counters on the map is incredibly low.
• Simple Stacking: No more than one of the same type of unit per hex.
• No Factors on Counters: No combat or movement factors on counters.
• Single Combat System: One combat resolution sequence and Combat Results Table covers all types of combat, yet the results differ for air or ground combat.
• Integrated Movement & Combat System: Units move and fight in a combined activation.
• Ergonomically Friendly: Easily fits in extremely limited gaming space.
• "Use it or lose it." Economic System: Simple math with minimal record keeping.
• Solitaire Friendly: Though not designed with solitaire rules, it is easy for one player to play both sides.
• PBEM Capable: The game can be played using PBEM software, but its mechanics may require frequent exchanges.
• Easy to Modify: The relatively simple mechanics make it easy to modify the game.
• Unconditional Surrender! World War 2 in Europe Compatibility: The ground and air units, event markers, and combat system are the same in both games. The scenarios are similar except for the elements that were abstracted. If you later decide to play USE, you will have additional rules to learn but little to unlearn.

Map: The map covers the European continent and portions of Africa.

Markers: Special WW2 events and chrome (such as airdrops, jets, partisans, or ULTRA) are represented using Event markers. These markers are a combat die roll modifier or have a short rule that can be looked up when played.

Units: There are two kinds of units: Air and Ground. A ground unit is represented at the army level but may consist of forces ranging from a brigade to a full army. An air unit is represented as a group, fleet, or other designation.

Most ground units have a full-strength side and a reduced strength side. When a full-strength unit suffers a loss, it is reduced. If a reduced strength unit suffers a loss, it is eliminated. Ground units are broken down into two groups: Leg and Mobile. Leg units are infantry, paratroop, and garrison forces. Mobile units are motorized and tank forces.

There are two types of air units: Fighter and Bomber. A fighter or bomber can attack an air unit or provide air support to a ground combat.

Stacking: A hex can have no more than one bomber, fighter, and ground unit. Stacking limits are always in effect, with few exceptions. Therefore, friendly armies could get in each other’s way.

Movement: There are two kinds of movement: Strategic and Operational. Strategic allows a unit to move any distance along a contiguous rail or road line. Operational allows a unit to move up to its movement allowance.

There are no movement allowance numbers on the counters. There are only two values to remember, eight and ten. Leg ground units have an allowance of eight, and every other kind of unit (including air) has an allowance of ten.

Combat Resolution: The game uses a die result comparison system with no combat factors on the counters. Advantages due to troop quality, equipment, tactical doctrine, etc. are handled through combat die roll modifiers (DRM).

All types of combat follow the same resolution sequence and utilize the same Combat Results Table (CRT). The attacker and defender each roll a six-sided die, and each adds its own specific DRM based on the units involved and the type of combat fought. Each side’s modified die roll result is then cross-referenced on the CRT. The found CRT result is then applied based on the type of combat fought.

Unit Activation: The game does not use a “Move everyone; fight everyone” system. Instead, a faction activates one unit to perform an “Action” which allows it to move and/or fight. Once it completes that unit’s activation, the faction activates another unit. Units can be activated in any order. For example, the Axis faction activates an air unit to attack an enemy air unit. It then activates a ground unit to move and fight. This is followed by an airdrop and then with an air unit attacking another enemy air unit.

Given a unit must activate and complete its action before another unit activates, players operate under some fog of war. They will not know if supporting armies will hold their ground or advance far enough on the attack.

Sorties: The effectiveness of an air unit is tracked using Sorties markers, valued at 1 through 6. A unit with no Sorties is fully effective. A unit marked with 6 Sorties cannot be activated to perform any action. As an air unit conducts actions or is involved in combat, it will add Sorties to its total. Having Sorties reduces the number of future actions a unit can perform and decreases its combat performance. A unit can only remove a few Sorties from its total each turn, so a heavily used or engaged unit takes time to recoup to full effectiveness.

TIME: Monthly Turns

MAP: 30 to 40 miles per hex

UNIT: Army, Fleet, or Wing

• 6 8.5"x11" maps
• 1 Countersheet
• 1 Rules Booklet
• 1 Play Book
• 2 11"x17" Player Aid cards
• 1 Faction Card
• 2 6-sided dice