Rock of the Marne

About this board game

Rock of the Marne is a World War I wargame for 1–2 players, with an estimated playing time of 180 minutes, covering the Second Battle of the Marne from 15 to 25 July 1918.

The game recreates the German army’s final offensive and the Allied counteroffensive that followed. Germany attempts to attack on both sides of Reims, pinch out an Allied salient, draw in reserves, and potentially break out across the Marne toward Paris. Fierce Allied resistance, including the American 3rd Infantry Division, helps define the struggle.

Three days later, the Allies launch a powerful attack from an unexpected direction. The Germans initially try to retain the initiative, while their formidable defensive capabilities inflict heavy casualties on attacking formations, including the American 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions.

German striking power comes from battle-depleted but dangerous stosstruppen, trained for infiltration tactics and capable of dismantling tough Allied defensive positions. Mobile machine-gun units add another threat to careless Allied attacks, while the Allies bring tanks in record numbers and field six major American divisions, including the 1st, 3rd, and 42nd.

The expanded air game lets both sides use aircraft to bomb bridges and strafe infantry. Players must also contend with the opportunities and limitations of World War I command and control: planned attacks cannot always be carried out with every intended unit.

• One 22×34-inch map
• 280 counters on one countersheet
• Series rules and Rock of the Marne specific rules
• Two dice

Sharing design features with Operation Michael, Rock of the Marne is part of the Standard Combat Series.