Storm Over Madrid 1936: “Miracle of November”

About this board game

Storm Over Madrid 1936: “Miracle of November” is a two-player historical wargame about the attempt to capture Madrid during the Spanish Civil War, played over approximately 240 minutes.

The game covers the long and bloody siege from 9 October 1936 to 21 January 1937. Each of its 15 turns represents one week, allowing players to experience the changing pressures of the battle through a modified area-impulse system.

Storm Over Madrid 1936 builds on a well-known wargame system while introducing carefully considered changes for this conflict. A new morale points system highlights the intrinsic fragility of the Republican side, while support points force players to plan ahead. Event chits add further uncertainty and tactical possibilities.

• Defensive fire and counter-attacks make engagements more dangerous.
• Automatic losses can occur depending on the intensity of a battle.
• Attacks are never free, so every offensive decision demands careful thought.
• Units are mostly represented at battalion strength.

The Nationalist forces include the Spanish Legion and Moroccan troops. Opposing them are Republican anarchists, communists, and the International Brigades, creating an asymmetric contest in which each side approaches the siege differently.

Two short scenarios and a full campaign let players explore the battle from different perspectives, with each scenario requiring its own style of play. Released in 2020, Storm Over Madrid 1936 offers an engaging way to understand the ins and outs of the Madrid siege through a historically grounded two-player design.