Defiance on Hill 30

It's always a good sign when they come back for more!  This week we continue Nils education by fire with the newly reissued Yanks 2nd edition version of Defiance on Hill 30. Nils will take the attacking Germans this time to gain some maneuver experience. Nine turns to wander over hills and fields, remember when they gave you so much time to close with the enemy?

US Paratroopers in Normandy June 8, 1944

Guadalcanal - Smithsonian Edition

This week's Wednesday night session with Dan K. found us in the South Pacific, 1942 with Avalon Hill's Guadalcanal - Smithsonian Edition.  The "Battleship" inspired double-blind system remains a functional and fun simulation of aircraft carrier operations.  The Smithsonian edition rules, apparently designed to introduce new players quickly to the game, are annoyingly arranged on a over-sized single sheet. Scenario information, additional rules and historical tidbits are haphazardly complied into a separate booklet. What should be a fairly simple game is somewhat burdened by this layout. We played out the Santa Cruz introductory scenario and traded a few flattops for a draw.

The Guards Counterattack

Today we celebrated a rite of passage by playing "The Guards Counterattack" with ASL newcomer Nils S.  It is always fun to introduce new players to the game. Welcome to the fold, Nils!

Star Wars: Rebellion

The First Annual "CasinoCon" was held on Super Bowl Saturday 2017.  There was only one event and two attendees.  While the ladies played the slots, Brian R. and I were lucky enough to find an empty conference room and set up a first try at Star Wars Rebellion.  It does a pretty good job of simulating the asymmetrical conflict situation of Rebels vs. Empire while retaining all the thematic elements one would expect from a Star Wars game.  We were a little pressed for time so I'm sure some mistakes were made.  I would like to try this one again soon.