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 "D-Day"
authentically reproduces that unforgettable day in history on a Divisional-level
scale, although it actually goes far beyond the initial landings at Normandy.
All the significant major fighting units are here, ready to battle for
the same beaches, strongholds, cities and towns. You, as Allied Commander,
can elect to land at Normandy ... or any of the other six sites ... but
you can only land those units which were actually available to you. The
Allied player must get at least 10 Divisions across France into Germany
by the 50th week to win. The greater challenge is for the German player,
who, if they guess wrong for the landing site, will have to test their
defensive withdrawal strategy. Game-turn are one week and hexes are 17
miles.
The
original 1961 version was significant in many respects: It was the first
World War 2 game, the first invasion game and the first commercial game
to use hexes (borrowed from the Rand Corporation). It was revised several
times (mostly in the rules), most notably in 1965 and 1977, with the 1977
revision adding "strategic" movement for units (mostly Allied units). Those
looking for, generally, the best revision, including rule clarifications
and smoother gameplay, should probably consider the 1977 version. Typical
playing time from three hours and up.
In
the 1990s, the game was revamped to an entry level war game for beginners
using chess like strategy to change the course of battle. This was part
of the "Smithsonian Institution American History Series" (the others are:
"Gettysburg", "Battle
Of The Bulge", "Guadalcanal",
"Mustangs"
and "Midway").
 There
was also a PBM (Play-By-Mail) Kit available for the original "D-Day".
Game
components include (original) : Mapboard, 195 Counters, 2-piece (Rule A
& D) sliding odds Factor card, Unit Symbols / OOB sheet, Combat Factors
sheet, Time Record card, 2 cardboard counter trays, 8-page Reference Folder
& 4-page Instruction Booklet.
Two
players (team play possible with subordinates). Ages 12 & up. Avalon
Hill from 1961 and re-published several times with some changes.
Additional
info: There were articles on this game in "The General" magazine:
 Vol.
1 # 1
Vol.
2 # 2
Vol.
6 # 5 and # 6
Vol.
7 # 1, # 4, # 5 and # 6
Vol.
10 # 1
Vol.
11 # 1 Variant
Vol.
14 # 6
Vol.
15 # 5
 Vol.
27 # 5 (1990s version)
Vol.
28 # 4 (1990s version)
Vol.
31 # 4 Variant
There
was also a computer game ("D-Day
America Invades") published by Avalon Hill but it was not directly
linked to this game.
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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