Lightning: D-Day

About this board game

Lightning: D-Day is a two-player card game playable in about 30 minutes, recreating the drama of the Allied landings in occupied France on 6 June 1944.

One player commands the Allied invasion, while the other represents the German defense. The Allied objective is demanding: marshal available resources to gain and secure control of every beach by the end of a single run-through of the 110-card deck.

Each of the five historic landing beaches has its own card, alongside cards representing the defending German divisions and attacking Allied units. The beaches at the heart of the game are:

• Gold
• Juno
• Sword
• Omaha
• Utah

At first, the Allies may appear to have enough resources to respond to every crisis across the beachheads. As cards are played, however, the situation can change suddenly. A key airborne division might become scattered across the countryside, creating an opening for a counterattacking panzer division to slip through the perimeter.

Every commitment carries a cost. An Allied unit sent to one beach cannot be called back in time to reinforce another danger zone, especially when the defense proves weaker or stronger than expected. Both players must think several throws ahead, seeking the best way to use their cards as the action develops.

With tension building card by card like a close baseball game, Lightning: D-Day delivers a focused historical contest shaped by timing, shifting threats, and difficult decisions. It is part of the Lightning Game Series and was released in 2004.