The Bulge

About this board game

The Bulge is a two-player redesign of a game about the First Infantry Division at the Battle of the Bulge, with an approximately 240-minute play time.

It reworks the 1979 SPI title The Big Red One: The Game of the First Infantry Division at the Battle of the Bulge, which was re-released as The Big Red One by SPI in 1980. This version updates the original rules while preserving its focus on the Battle of the Bulge.

The redesign introduces new victory conditions and a shorter play time. Together with the revised rules, these changes offer a refreshed take on the original design for two players looking to revisit the subject in a more streamlined form.

• A 34" x 22" game map with updated artwork
• 176 5/8" counters
• An expanded original counter set
• A choice between classic NATO symbology and a more modern iconic style

The expanded counter set gives players a visual choice during setup, letting them use traditional NATO-style symbols or the updated iconic presentation. The map and counters also receive refreshed artwork as part of the redevelopment.

Originally published in World at War magazine, issue #3 (November–December 2009), The Bulge was released in 2008. It serves as both an update to a classic SPI design and a distinct presentation of the game’s Battle of the Bulge subject, combining revised rules, new victory conditions, and updated components in one two-player experience.