Dien Bien Phu: The Final Gamble

I've been wanting to play a game about Dien Bien Phu for a while now, and "Dien Bien Phu - The Final Gamble" finally scratched that itch. This two-player wargame captures the tension and brutality of the historical battle, leaving no room for victory points or marginal victories. It's a true cage fight, and the only way to win is to force your opponent to surrender.

The game's map and scale are impressive. It covers the former village of Dien Bien Phu and surrounding areas, with a submap of the French strongpoint "Isabelle" further south. Each hex represents 150 meters, and the game's three-day turns make for a tense, strategic experience. The scale allows for stacking of French units, but there are no stacking limits for Viet Minh battalions, creating a unique chess-like feel.

I particularly appreciate the game's focus on supply and morale. The French struggle to maintain a steady flow of supplies, while the Viet Minh's morale is constantly tested by losses and the influx of inexperienced recruits. It's a constant balancing act that adds a layer of depth and realism to the game.

The combat system, while not overly complex, is satisfyingly tense. Each player conducts two die-rolls during an assault, with the defender attempting to inflict losses and the attacker trying to achieve a successful assault. The addition of terrain, trenches, and support units adds a layer of strategic nuance to the combat.

I highly recommend this game to anyone interested in wargaming or the history of the French Indochina War. It's a well-designed and captivating game that accurately captures the spirit of the historical battle.