October War: Doctrine and Tactics in the Yom Kippur Conflict, 1973

About this board game

October War: Doctrine and Tactics in the Yom Kippur Conflict, 1973 is a two-player tactical simulation of combat in the Middle East during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, with an advertised play time of 600 minutes.

Originally released in 1977 as Strategy & Tactics magazine #61, the game focuses on engagements involving Israeli and Arab forces. Its scenarios offer distinct situations and victory objectives, giving each conflict its own measure of success.

The game includes a map, 200 counters representing the opposing forces, and a 12-page rulebook. The rulebook also contains extensive designer’s notes and combat examples, providing additional context and illustration for the simulation.

• Eight scenarios for individual engagements
• Two campaign games that link multiple scenarios
• A map and 200 counters representing Israeli and Arab forces
• Victory conditions that vary by scenario

Victory may be determined by victory points in one scenario, while another can require the capture of a specific location. For example, victory in “The Battle of Gamala” is based on victory points, whereas “Peled’s Counterattack” is decided by capturing Hill 6 on the map.

With its combination of individual scenarios and linked campaigns, October War presents the 1973 conflict through a structured tactical game format. The included notes and combat examples further support the game’s detailed presentation of its subject.