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 Avalon
Hill made three attempts at the "Battle Of the Bulge" from WW2 in the Ardennes,
with each one quite different from the others. The earliest treatment included
Basic and Tournament games with optional rules and was published in 1965.
The design research was authenticated by General McAuliffe (the General
at Bastogne who replied "nuts"). Using Regimental and Brigade-level units,
the game begins on December 16, 1944. Each game-turn is 12 hours.
The
second "Bulge" game, published in 1981, used Regimental-level units, tactical
air strikes, strategic bombing effects, German airborne drop, bridge demolition,
artillery bombardment and more, with several scenarios and Campaign game.
A much expanded version.
 The
third attempt, published in 1991, revamped the game to an entry-level war
game for wargamers, using chess like strategy to change the course of battle.
This was the first in the "Smithsonian Institution American History Series"
(the others are: "Gettysburg", "D-Day",
Guadalcanal",
"Mustangs"
and "Midway").
There
was also a PBM (Play-By-Mail) Kit available for the original "Battle Of
The Bulge".
 Game
components include (1965) : Mapboard, 195 Counters, 2 cardboard Counter
Trays, 2 Order of Appearance cards (German & US), Battle Results card,
Time Record sheet, Die, 16-page Battle Manual & 4-page Basic Instructions
folder.
Game
components include (1981) : Mapboard, 367 Counters, Allied Order Of Appearance
card, German Order Of Appearance card, Player Aid card, Die & 24-page
Rules booklet.
Game
components include (1991) : Gameboard, 194 Counters, 2 Dice, 2 Order Of
Appearance cards, Battle Manual & Rules sheet.
 Two
players. Ages 12 & up. Avalon Hill.
Additional
info: There were articles on this game in "The General" magazine:
Vol.
1 # 6
Vol.
2 # 3, # 4 and # 6
Vol.
3 # 4
Vol.
4 # 4
Vol.
5 # 3, # 4, # 5 and # 6
Vol.
7 # 1, # 4 and # 6
Vol.
11 # 2 Variant with counters
 Vol.
12 # 2 Variant with counters for use in conjunction with "France,
1940" game
Vol.
19 # 2 Two Scenarios ("Plan Martin" and "Operation Herbstnebel")
Vol.
21 # 3 (1981 version)
Vol.
27 # 5 (1991 version)
Vol.
29 # 5 (1991 version).
An
important note regarding Avalon Hill games
- It was not unusual for Avalon Hill to re-publish most of their games
with 2nd, 3rd or more Editions. Sometimes the game components changed,
sometimes they didn't. If your game components do not correspond exactly
with what is listed, do not despair. You may just have to do a little more
checking to insure its completeness.
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