Poland, 1939 (wargame)
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 Cover of Panzerfaust #49 | |
| Designers | Ted Buynisky |
|---|---|
| Publishers | Panzerfaust Publications |
| Publication | 1971 |
| Genres | WWII |
Poland, 1939 is a board wargame published by Panzerfaust Publications in 1971 that simulates the German invasion of Poland in 1939.
On 24 August 1939, Germany and the U.S.S.R. signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty. One week later, German forces invaded Poland, triggering the start of World War II. Two weeks later, Soviet forces invaded Poland from the east.
Description
Poland, 1939 is a 2-player board wargame in which one player controls Polish defenders, while the other player controls the German invaders. The game map depicts western Poland, East Prussia and the borderlands of Germany.[1] In the original Panzerfaust edition, the map was eight letter-sized sheets of paper that had to be joined. The later JagdPanther edition had two 20" x 26" maps.
Gameplay
The game uses an alternating "I Go, You Go" system where the German player moves and fires, followed by the Polish player. The only exception to this is that some German armored units can move, fire and then move again to exploit resultant holes in the Polish lines.[1] To be considered supplied, units must be able to trace an unhindered line back to a friendly city, or be located within a friendly city.[1] Polish units stacked in Warsaw have double the defensive factors.[1]
The historical scenario lasts 12 turns, although an option exists to extend the game to 18 turns and have a third player control the Soviet invasion.
Critic Andrzej Cierpicki noted that Poland stands no chance in the historical scenario, and that thirteen non-historical scenarios are also included with the game to allow the Polish player some chance of success. These include French and British forces landing in the Free City of Danzig, increased use of tanks and anti-tank regiments by Poland, and free set up by the Polish player.[1]
Optional rules allow for rail movement, air attacks and cavalry screens.[1]