Hastings, 1066

About this board game

Hastings, 1066 is a two-player tactical simulation of the confrontation between William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy, and King Harold Godwineson of Wessex. First published in Strategy & Tactics magazine #110, the game recreates the battle that forever changed the face of the world, as its victor became King.

One player commands the Normans, while the other leads the Saxons. The Norman objective is to reach and take London, but Harold’s army blocks the only road. The struggle centers on the road hexes crossing Senlac Hill, with victory depending on whether the Norman assault can break through.

• Players: 2
• Playing time: approximately 300 minutes
• Release year: 1987
• Components: a 12-page rulebook, 200 counters, and a 22-by-34-inch mapsheet with player displays, charts, and tables

The Normans achieve a Strategic victory if they control all of the road hexes on Senlac Hill. They also win by eliminating every Saxon housecarle unit, making the survival of these forces a central part of the Saxon position.

If neither Norman victory condition occurs by the end of the second assault phase, the Saxon player wins. With its substantial playing time, dedicated map, counters, and focused historical scenario, Hastings, 1066 presents a concentrated contest over a pivotal medieval confrontation.