Blocks in the East

About this board game

Blocks in the East is a strategic-level World War II simulation for 1–4 players, with a listed play time of 120 minutes. Players command either the Soviet Red Army or Germany and the other Axis powers across the Eastern Front, from the invasion of the Soviet Union in summer 1941 to the fall of Berlin in spring 1945.

Built around a system of wooden blocks and cubes, the game unfolds on a full laminated multicolor map measuring 125 × 87 cm. The map is divided into hexagons representing approximately 70 km, while each turn represents one month. Depending on unit type, equipment, and nationality, a full-strength counter represents a major formation or substantial quantities of planes, tanks, or troops.

Players may use Fog of War, concealing the faces of wooden blocks from their opponent, or play with all units visible. The rules are introduced in stages, beginning with a Basic Game before adding Advanced systems such as Fuel and the Advanced Production System. Optional rules add further depth through Technology Research, strategic bombing, U-boat campaigns, amphibious landings, and airborne assaults.

• Play the full 1941 Codeword Dortmund Campaign.
• Choose six-turn scenarios including Operation Barbarossa, Case Blue, Operation Citadel, and the Bagration Offensive.
• Try shorter scenarios such as Road to Rostov, Road to Leningrad, Road to Moscow, and Short Barbarossa.

Victory conditions and scenario lengths vary, with games ranging from 1 to 49 turns. Blocks in the East supports two- or four-player competition, adaptable three-player arrangements, and solitary play, with Fog of War suggested for solo games. It can also be combined with Blocks in the West and Blocks in Afrika.