Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden

About this board game

Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden is a two-player World War II wargame lasting approximately 4–15 hours. It depicts the Allied combined ground and airborne attack in the Netherlands from September 17 through September 23, 1944.

The Allied player must advance ground forces rapidly to relieve beleaguered airborne divisions and capture a bridge across the Rhine. The map covers the battlefield from the Belgian border to Arnhem, including the area where the British 8th Corps fought on the right flank of 30th Corps.

Played at a scale of 2 kilometers per hex, Holland ’44 uses battalions for most units, with formations ranging from companies to brigades. Each day is divided into three game turns—AM, PM, and Night—creating a detailed six-day operational contest.

• Simple move-fight structure with alternating player turns
• ZOC Bonds, Determined Defense, Extended Movement, and Traffic Markers
• Special rules for river crossings, bridge building, and flat polder terrain
• High solitaire playability and medium-high complexity

The system is very similar to Ardennes ’44: The Battle of the Bulge and Normandy ’44, making it familiar to players of those games. The second edition includes counter changes that improve the order of battle, along with rule changes that bring the game more closely in line with other 19xx titles.

The game includes two full-color map sections, 468 counters, a 40-page rulebook, player aid cards, a setup card, and two six-sided dice. Released in 2017, Holland ’44 offers a focused operational treatment of Operation Market-Garden for players seeking a substantial historical game of movement, combat, and difficult river-crossing decisions.