A Winter War

About this board game

A Winter War is a detailed two-player, 360-minute simulation of the Soviet invasion of Finland during the winter of 1939–40. Released in 1992, it presents the conflict through a substantial collection of maps, counters, charts, tables, and reference material.

The game includes the Europa Map 35, measuring 34 by 22 inches, providing the central map for the simulation. Two counter sheets, an accessory counter sheet, and a total of 656 counters form the game’s extensive counter set.

Its printed materials are designed to support play and historical organization. The package contains a 28-page rules booklet and a 16-page orders of battle booklet, along with separate charts for Finnish and Soviet game information.

• 34-by-22-inch Europa map
• 656 counters across two counter sheets and one accessory sheet
• 28-page rules booklet and 16-page orders of battle booklet
• Combat results, terrain effects, unit identification, and game play charts
• Victory chart, coast defence chart, and Europa master terrain key
• Two dice

Reference tools include two combat results and terrain effects charts, two unit identification charts, two game play charts, and a master sequence of play. The set also provides Finnish and Soviet game charts, a victory chart, a coast defence chart, and a Europa master terrain key.

With its two-player format and listed play time of six hours, A Winter War is built around a detailed presentation of this winter campaign. Its combination of dedicated orders of battle, extensive counters, and numerous play aids makes the physical game set a substantial simulation package.