The Siege of Orgun: Afghanistan, 1983

About this board game

The Siege of Orgun: Afghanistan, 1983 is a two-player strategic game with an approximately 120-minute playing time, portraying a battle in Afghanistan’s Paktika Province near the Pakistan border.

An 800-strong Mujahideen force assaults fortified positions, including an airfield and a 19th-century fortress. These positions are protected by a regiment of the Afghan Army, reinforced by Soviet forces, creating an asymmetrical confrontation between rebel attacks and conventional military operations.

The game uses an Area-Impulse system with a twist. Its combat subroutines represent the contrasting methods used during the siege: Mujahideen forces rely on ambush and harassment attacks, while the DRA (Afghan Army) and Soviets conduct more conventional assaults, supported by helicopters.

• Area-Impulse gameplay with additional combat subroutines for asymmetrical warfare
• Card-assisted surprises that help represent historical events
• Events including Soviet advisors and radio jamming
• Low counter density and minimal use of markers

The card system adds uncertainty and helps bring key historical developments into the game without overwhelming the battlefield with components. The low counter density and limited marker use keep the presentation focused on the major forces, positions, and actions.

Designed by Patrick Ruestchmann and developed by Roger Miller, The Siege of Orgun: Afghanistan, 1983 was released in 2015 and later reprinted in Command Magazine Japan issue 139 in February 2018.