The Sands of War

About this board game

The Sands of War is a two-player tactical combat game for battles in the Middle East from 1941 to 1991, with an approximate playing time of 120 minutes.

Part of the First Battle series, it explores the changing nature of weapons systems, tactics, and combat across decades of conventional warfare. The game uses 250-meter hexes, 15-minute turns, and platoon-sized units to present a detailed view of desert warfare.

Its scenarios cover a broad range of historical conflicts, from World War II in North Africa and the Israeli War of Independence to the Sinai War, the Six-Day War, and the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Later engagements include Lebanon, the Iran-Iraq War, and the 1991 Gulf War.

• 31 scenarios included in the game manual
• 16 five-color 11×17-inch geomorphic maps
• 800 die-cut counters and markers
• Complete game charts and an 80-page manual
• Basic and advanced rules, historical notes, and design-your-own scenario rules

The Jump-Start rules folder introduces the fundamentals and includes two introductory scenarios designed to be playable within a half hour of opening the box. This provides a quick entry into a system described as both meticulously researched and highly accessible.

For players who want to go beyond the historical scenarios, the design-your-own rules offer room to explore additional possibilities. The Sands of War was released in 1991 and is expanded by The Sands of War: Expansion Kit.