The Drive on Metz (Second Edition)

About this board game

The Drive on Metz (Second Edition) is a historical game for 1–2 players that recreates General Patton’s attempt to seize Metz and cross the Moselle River before retreating German forces could organize an effective defense. A game takes about 50 minutes.

The action begins on 7 September 1944, after three divisions of the U.S. 20th Corps have completed an epic pursuit across France following the Allied breakout from Normandy. Exhausted and at the end of their supply line, the Allied forces have barely enough resources for one last push. Success at the Moselle could compromise the German Westwall defenses and open the possibility of a drive toward the Rhine before the end of 1944.

Opposing them are four divisions of the 82nd Corps of the German 1st Army. These defenders combine hastily organized units, fresh formations from the German interior, and remnants of forces Patton had pursued across France. Historically, the Germans won the week-long battle—but only just—making this a pivotal opportunity that could have gone either way.

The game uses a focused operational scale: each unit represents a regiment or brigade, each hex covers 4 kilometers, and each turn represents one day. The Second Edition adds new pieces and scenarios, expanding the ways to explore this critical campaign.

• 40 color, die-cut 5/8-inch mounted game pieces
• An 11 × 17-inch color map with tables
• A four-page color rules booklet
• A four-page color BATTLESSON booklet
• Setup illustration, optional rules, and player’s notes

With its compact format and sharply defined historical situation, The Drive on Metz presents a tense contest between Allied momentum and German defensive preparation.