Freezing Death: Finnish Winter War

About this board game

Freezing Death: Finnish Winter War is a two-player wargame of the 1939–1940 Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, designed for a 90-minute game. Released in 2019, it also covers the preparations that led to the conflict.

The map presents three fronts where the main battles took place. The Soviet player seeks to advance troops toward these objectives, while Finnish units—underequipped but more accustomed to freezing conditions—desperately attempt to halt the attacks. As the fighting intensifies, both sides face the pressure of time.

More than 50 action cards form the heart of the game, with every card featuring a unique picture from the era. Each card can be played either for action points or as an event, creating difficult choices throughout the struggle.

• Russian troops encouraged by vodka rations
• Diplomatic efforts led by Madame Kollontai
• Sympathy Finland built in the United States during the prewar years
• Western Powers deliberating possible intervention

Historical events reflect the political as well as military stakes. Finland’s international sympathy included its status as the only nation not to default on its debts to the United States, while Madame Kollontai worked diplomatically as the conflict unfolded.

Can the Finnish defenses endure increasingly fierce attacks? Is Stalin prepared to pay the political price of a war that was not becoming the planned parade to Helsinki? Freezing Death: Finnish Winter War is fully bilingual in English and Finnish, including two action-card decks, making it an opportunity to experience a focused historical wargame while becoming familiar with Finnish wargaming terminology.