WWII Commander: Volume One – Battle of the Bulge

About this board game

WWII Commander, Volume One: Battle of the Bulge is a two-player area-based wargame about the German offensive against the Western Allies in December 1944, with a campaign playing time of approximately 300 minutes.

Designed by John H. Butterfield, the game presents a fast-playing system with simple rules and demanding strategic decisions. Players take alternating turns deciding which units to activate for attack or defense, creating constant interaction and a tense contest over key geographic objectives.

The German player must exploit an early numerical advantage by making substantial gains while avoiding over-commitment, extended supply lines, and fuel shortages. The Allied player must withstand the initial surprise attack, organize effective holding actions, defend important objectives, and build toward counterattacks as additional forces arrive.

• Scale: Divisions operating across abstract areas approximately 15 miles across
• Time scale: One day, represented by multiple alternating player turns
• Scenarios: A 45-minute introductory scenario and a three-hour campaign
• Suitability: Designed for one to two players, with no hidden units and a solitaire suitability rating of 7 out of 10

Victory can be achieved by either side at different stages of the game, rewarding timely decisions and careful management of momentum. The accessible rules make it a strong introduction to wargaming, while mastering its tactical and strategic choices remains a serious challenge.

WWII Commander: Volume One – Battle of the Bulge includes premium components such as a mounted 25 x 22-inch map, oversized counters, activation cubes, wooden German control discs, seven 10-sided dice, player aid cards, and separate German and Allied order-of-battle appearance displays.