D-Day Omaha Beach: Beach to Bocage
D-Day Omaha Beach: Beach to Bocage Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1.0 Introduction
- 2.0 Game Equipment
- 3.0 Setting Up the Game
- 4.0 Sequence of Play
- 5.0 Movement
- 6.0 Zones of Control
- 7.0 Support Fire Markers
- 8.0 Bombardment & Ground Combat
- 9.0 Supply
- Combat Results Table
- Exclusive Scenario Rules
- 11.0 Scenario Set Up
- 12.0 Supply
- 13.0 Victory Conditions
- 14.0 Campaign Game
- 15.0 Optional German AA/Flak
1.0 Introduction
Each game represents an actual or hypothetical battle, as included in the Exclusive Rules. The map included with the game represents each different battle's terrain. The pieces represent the actual (or hypothetical) units that participated or might have participated in the battle. The System Rules are rules that fit all games using the F&M system, and the exclusive rules are specific to each represented battle.
Note: These rules use the following color system: red for critical points such as errata and exceptions, blue for examples of play. In this transcription, critical points are marked Important: or Exception: and examples are marked "Example:".
2.0 Game Equipment
See exclusive (scenario) rules.
2.1 The Game Map
The map sheet portrays the battle area. Printed over the terrain features is a hexagonal grid to regulate the movement and positioning of the game pieces throughout the game.
2.2 Charts & Tables
Various visual aids provide the players to collate, simplify and illustrate certain game functions. They are the Combat Results Table (CRT), the Terrain Key, and the Game Turn Record Track (GTRT). Exclusive rules may contain additional charts.
2.3 The Playing Pieces
The cardboard playing pieces (counters) represent the actual military units that took part in the battle. The different colored units (combat units) represent forces of opposing sides. The numbers and symbols on the counters represent the attack and defense strength, movement capability, and type of unit represented by each counter.
Important: In the system rule diagrams and examples, the exact units may not appear in the current game; however, all designations and terms used are consistent with the units in the current game unless the exclusive rules dictate otherwise. See exclusive rules for unit type symbols.
Leg combat unit (front) counter diagram labels: Unit Type Symbol; Unit Size Symbol; Unit ID; Parent Formation; Attack Strength; Defense Strength; Movement Allowance.
Leg combat unit (back): black box = Leg Unit. Mobile combat unit (front): red box = Mobile Unit, with a Mobile Unit Designator.
Support fire marker (front/back) diagram labels: Type Symbol; Support Strength.
Important: The exclusive rules will list the specific types of units available in each game.
2.3.1 How to Read Units
Most units contain identifiers (or names) and sizes. The identifier or name of a unit has no bearing on play, except as part of set-up and reinforcement rules. An identifier that lists two numbers separated by a slash represents the battalion number and then the regiment number from which that battalion derives (though that parent regiment may or may not be in the game).
Example: A unit printed with 4/47 is referring to the 4th Battalion of the 47th Regiment. A single number identifier typically refers to a single formation of its type (9 could refer to the 9th Division).
Unit Sizes
- •••: Platoon
- I: Company
- II: Battalion
- III: Regiment
- X: Brigade
- XX: Division
- XXX: Corps
Note: Games may include additional unit sizes. See exclusive rules.
2.3.2 Definition of Terms
Attack Strength: The relative strength of a unit when attacking other units, expressed in terms of attack strength points.
Bombardment Attack: An attack conducted by the active player using support fire markers only. Bombardment attacks take place during each player's Bombardment Phase (8.1).
Defense Strength: The relative strength of a unit when defending against the attacks of enemy units, expressed in terms of defense strength points. See attack strength.
Combat Modifier (Support Strength): The strength of support fire markers. They represent everything from corps artillery, naval support, aerial bombardment and organic mortars used to attack enemy units. The combat modifier (expressed in terms of a "+") value that players may add to the strength of a friendly unit during combat or as an attack strength when conducting bombardment.
Movement Allowance (MA): The number of movement points (MP) a unit may expend in a single Movement Phase. Each hex a unit moves into and/or each hexside crossed forces the unit to expend a given number of MP.
Leg Unit: A unit that is not a mobile unit. It represents any type of unit that lacks inherent conveyance or transport.
Mobile Unit: A unit that is not a leg unit. It represents any type of unit that moves by a means other than by foot. A mobile unit can be anything from tanks to wagons. Only mobile units may move during the Mobile Movement Phase and/or conduct attacks during the Mobile Combat Phase (4.1).
Support Fire Markers: Represent naval gunfire from ships offshore, bombers/fighters providing ground support or interdiction support, or artillery units of all types and sizes not represented as units in the game.
2.4 Game Scale
The exclusive rules will indicate the scale of the map and the time that each game turn (GT) represents.
3.0 Setting Up the Game
Players should determine the side each will play. Players then consult their respective setup instructions in the exclusive rules. The instructions will list the strength and position of each unit in play on the map during the first GT. The exclusive rules:
a) Will indicate the player who is the first (starting) player and the player who will set up first.
b) May assign units specific set-up hexes, general areas near a specific location/hex number, or instruct the players to choose the set-up hexes for their units.
c) Will specify the number and GT of arrival for any reinforcements scheduled for that battle. Players should place reinforcements to the side of the map or place them on the GT RT in the GT box for the GT they will arrive.
- Consult the exclusive rules to determine the placement of support fire markers. The support fire number may be on the GTRT. The number signifies the number of support fire markers (not points) available each GT.
- The GTRT may contain other information pertinent to game play. See the exclusive rules for details.
Important: There has been a major update to the bombardment rules. Players may use these bombardment rules in previous games in the series, however, they have not been subject to play test with all games.
4.0 Sequence of Play
Players conduct each game in successive GTs, each turn is composed of alternate player turns. During the GT players maneuver their units and resolve combat according to the sequence outline and within the limitations provided by the rules.
4.1 Sequence Outline
Each GT consists of a First Player Turn followed by a Second Player Turn. One player takes the First Player Turn while the other player plays the Second Player Turn. The GTRT on the map and/or exclusive rules will indicate which player is the first player. Complete each player turn in the order given below. Complete each phase before beginning the following phase.
Support Fire Marker Phase: Both players organize their support fire markers as outlined in 7.0 or as dictated by the exclusive rules.
First Player Turn
Movement Phase: The current (active) player may move any number of his eligible units, as he desires within the limits and restrictions of the rules of movement (5.0), zones of control (ZOC) (6.0) and the exclusive rules. The active player may bring reinforcements onto the map as allowed by his reinforcement schedule and the reinforcement rules.
Important: Mobile units that move during this phase cannot move during the upcoming Mobile Movement Phase.
Bombardment Phase: The active player may conduct bombardment attacks against enemy units (8.1).
Combat Phase: The active player may use his units to attack enemy units (8.2).
Important: Mobile units that participate in combat during this phase cannot conduct combat during the Mobile Combat Phase.
Mobile Movement Phase: Only mobile units can move during this phase. Mobile units that moved during the preceding Movement Phase cannot move this phase. Movement in this phase is otherwise identical to the Movement Phase.
Mobile Combat Phase: Only mobile units can attack this phase. Mobile units that participated in an attack during the preceding Combat Phase cannot conduct attacks this phase. Combat in this phase is otherwise identical to the Combat Phase.
Second Player Turn
After the first player has completed his turn, the second player then conducts his turn using the same procedures and order given for the first player.
Game Turn End Phase
After the second player completes his player turn, the GT ends. If it is the last turn of the game, players determine victory. If there are turns remaining, advance the turn marker one space along the GTRT and conduct that turn using the above procedures.
5.0 Movement
5.1 Procedure
During the Movement Phase, the active player may move any number of his eligible units as he desires.
- Units may move in any direction or combination of directions, up to the limits of each unit's printed MA.
- Always move units one at a time, tracing a path of contiguous hexes through the hex grid.
- As each unit enters a hex, it pays one or more MP from its movement allowance.
5.2 Movement Restrictions
Movement cannot take place out of sequence. Neither player can conduct movement during the opposing player's Movement or Mobile Movement Phase. A player can only move units during his own Movement or Mobile Movement Phase.
- A unit:
- a) Cannot expend more MPs than its total printed MA during any one turn.
- b) Cannot accumulate unused MPs from phase to phase or from turn to turn, nor can players transfer MP from one unit to another unit.
- c) Cannot enter a hex if the unit does not possess enough remaining MPs to pay for the cost to enter, as well as the cost of any hexside terrain the unit crossed.
- d) Cannot enter a hex containing an enemy unit.
- e) Cannot enter a prohibited terrain hex or cross a prohibited hexside.
- f) Cannot exit the map unless specifically allowed by the exclusive rules.
- Units may have their movement affected by enemy zones of control (EZOC) (6.0).
- Players may not move a unit that has completed its movement during that same turn except as a retreat or an advance after combat.
Important: There is no minimum number of hexes a unit may move; a unit may not have enough MA to move to any adjacent hex, in which case it may not move at all.
Important: Advance and retreat may take place during a Bombardment Phase, Combat Phase or Mobile Combat Phase. Advance after combat and retreat after combat are not movement and do not require the expenditure of MP.
5.3 Stacking Restrictions
Units cannot stack.
- Only one unit can occupy a hex at the end of any phase.
- A unit may move through hexes occupied by other friendly units at no extra MP cost.
- A unit cannot end its movement stacked with any other unit.
5.4 Effects of Terrain
A unit must expend one MP to enter a clear terrain hex.
Important: Hexes may depict more than one type of terrain. In this case, use the MP expenditure of the terrain with the highest cost in MP.
- To enter other types of hexes, a unit must expend more than one MP.
- The Terrain Key or TEC (normally printed on the map) list each type of hex and hexside terrain with the corresponding MP cost for each type of terrain.
Important: The following examples may not reflect the actual terrain types or movement costs for a particular game. Consult each game's terrain effects for specific MP costs.
Example: A jungle terrain hex costs 3 MPs to enter.
- Hexsides may display other types of hexside terrain features (such as a river) that require additional movement points to cross. This cost is in addition to the cost of the terrain in the hex.
Example: A unit crosses a river (+1 MP) and enters a clear terrain hex (1 MP). The cost to enter that hex would be 2 MP.
- In hex terrain may have a "+" and a number. If that is the case, add that number to the cost of other terrain in the hex.
Example: A unit enters a clear hex (1 MP) that contains a village (+1 MP) and that unit crossed a river hexside (+1 MP). The cost to enter the hex is 3 MP.
5.4.1 Road Movement
A unit that moves from one road hex directly into an adjacent road hex through a road hexside normally expends one-half (½) of a MP, regardless of other terrain in the hex or hexside terrain. See exclusive rules for exceptions.
5.4.2 Trail Movement
A unit that moves from one trail hex directly into an adjacent trail hex through a trail hexside expends only one MP, regardless of other terrain in the hex or hexside terrain.
5.5 Mobile Movement Phase
During the Mobile Movement Phase, the active player may move any number of his eligible units as he desires, subject to the following restrictions:
- Mobile units that moved in the Movement Phase of a player turn cannot move during the Mobile Movement Phase of the same player turn.
- Leg units cannot move during the Mobile Movement Phase.
- Units moving during the Mobile Movement Phase follow the same procedures as used during the Movement Phase (5.1 through 5.4).
6.0 Zones of Control
The six hexagons surrounding each hex constitute the zone of control (ZOC) of any unit in that hex.
Example: The previous diagram shows the hexes (shaded) that are in the zone of control of the unit depicted.
- All units not marked with a black hexagon in either the upper right or the left side of the counter exert a zone of control. ZOC are always in effect, regardless of the phase or the player turn.
(Diagram: a counter marked with a black hexagon is labelled "Unit does not exert a ZOC".)
- Zones of control extend into all types of terrain and across all types of terrain hexsides.
Exception: Games may have fortifications or other restrictions that will negate the projection of ZOC into specific hexes.
- Enemy and/or friendly units never affect the presence of ZOC.
- If an enemy and friendly ZOC extend into a hex, they have no effect upon each other, i.e., both co-exist. The ZOCs mutually affect the hex.
- If a unit is in an enemy zone of control (EZOC), the enemy unit is also in that unit's ZOC.
6.1 Effects on Movement
ZOCs inhibit the movement of enemy units.
- A leg unit that begins its movement in a hex not in an EZOC that then enters a hex in an EZOC must immediately stop its movement, regardless of the number of MP it has remaining.
- A leg unit that begins its movement in an EZOC can move directly into another hex in an EZOC by expending all its printed MA as long as the terrain is not prohibited and the unit has sufficient MA to expend for the hexside/in-hex terrain.
- Any unit that begins its movement in an EZOC can move into a hex not in an EZOC. The unit would expend the normal MP costs for that hex. It may continue movement normally.
- A leg unit must halt its movement if it later enters another EZOC.
Example 1 (see diagram): The 51st Infantry Regiment can move into the hexes connected by black arrows. It can move from its starting hex directly into hex 2311 or 2413.
- A mobile unit must expend half (round down) of its printed MA (plus the normal cost of terrain) when it moves into an EZOC (i.e., a unit with MA of "7" would expend three movement points to enter an EZOC).
Exception: A unit may not move from EZOC to EZOC across a minefield hexside or to enter a fortification hex; however, this restriction does not apply to commandos. Commandos never pay additional movement costs to enter or exit an EZOC.
Example 2 (see diagram): The 1st Cav can move into the hexes connected by black arrows.
6.2 Effects on Retreat & Advance After Combat
Units retreating after combat cannot retreat into hexes in an EZOC (8.3). Units advancing after combat ignore EZOCs (8.5).
7.0 Support Fire Markers
Support fire markers represent indirect fire assets not represented in the game by actual counters. Support fire markers do not exist on the map as units; they represent the incoming fire from supporting assets.
7.1 Allocation of Support Fire Markers
Important: The exclusive rules may modify the availability and allocation of support fire markers. Players should check the exclusive rules before proceeding further.
Each side has its own pool of support fire markers, allotted by the support fire allotment number printed on each turn box of the GTRT.
- The support fire number equals the total number of support fire markers the players will receive at the beginning of that GT.
- If the allotment of support fire markers indicated on the GTRT is less than the total quantity of markers in the pool for that player's side, that player must select from the lowest-valued markers before selecting higher-valued markers. Players must select support fire markers in order from lowest to highest.
- If a box has two numbers, the first number is the support fire marker allotment for the first player, the second number is the support fire marker allotment for the second player.
Example: "8/9" printed in the first GT box indicates the first player has 8 support fire markers, and the second player 9 support fire markers.
7.2 Support Fire Application
All support fire markers function the same, though markers may have different printed "+" values (the combat modifier) and different icons.
Exception: Bombardment range (8.1.1).
- See the scenario instructions for allocation of support fire markers.
- Support fire markers used during the Bombardment Phase or any Combat Phase are not available again during the same GT.
- Once used, return support fire markers to the player's pool. They are not available for the remainder of the current GT but may be available in subsequent GTs.
- Players may not accumulate support fire markers from GT to GT. If not used during the GT allotted, players must return them to their respective pools.
- Players randomly pick support fire markers from the pool (unless scenario rules instruct otherwise) when allocated to bombardment and/or combat. Players must place them face down, meaning the "+" value is not showing.
- Players can only use a support fire marker once during each GT.
- The value represents the combat strength that players may apply to bombardments or combats that occur during the turn. Whether as the attacker or the defender, the applying player places his support fire marker(s) and then adds the support fire markers "+" number to his total attack or defense value.
- A player may not divide or split the "+" value of a support fire marker among different targets. A player may only apply each support fire marker to one target hex only.
- Combat results (bombardment and ground combat) have no effect on the allotment of support fire markers during the current or any future GT, except when stipulated differently by the exclusive rules.
Example: If two 4-4-10 units are attacking a 2-3-8 unit; the total attack value is "8". If the attacking player has added two "+2" support fire markers, the final attack value becomes "12". If the defending player has added one "+6" support fire marker to that same combat, the final defensive value would then become "9".
8.0 Bombardment & Ground Combat
There are two types of combat: bombardment which takes place during the Bombardment Phase, and ground combat which takes place in the Combat or Mobile Combat Phases. The rules below apply to both bombardment and ground combat.
- The active player is the attacker and the inactive player is the defender, regardless of the strategic or tactical situation.
- Combat is not mandatory. There is no requirement for unit to attack, although a defending unit cannot avoid combat.
- A single defending unit can be the subject of an attack in each of the Bombardment, Combat and the Mobile Combat Phases; however, it can only suffer one attack in each of the above phases.
- A single attack may only attack one defending hex (i.e., attackers may not attack more than one hex during a single attack).
- There is no requirement for an attacker to declare all his intended attacks at the outset of the Bombardment or Combat Phase. He can declare each eligible attack as he reviews the map and conducts each individual attack.
- Players must resolve each attack prior to conducting any other attacks.
- The attacker can resolve attacks in any order the attacker wishes, provided he resolves each combat before declaring the next combat.
8.1 Bombardment
During the Bombardment Phase, the active player may conduct attacks using support fire markers only.
- Bombardment attacks do not require a friendly unit to be adjacent to the enemy units attacked.
- Friendly ground units do not participate in a bombardment in any way, including advance after combat. Bombardment does not affect friendly units except as outlined in 8.1.3.
- Each support fire marker may only target one enemy occupied hex.
- A maximum of two markers may bombard the same hex during the same player turn.
- Markers may be of any value from among the markers drawn from the player's pool.
- Once a player uses a marker, follow the procedures outlined in the exclusive rules to determine the marker's eligibility for reuse in a later game turn.
8.1.1 Range
A player may use support fire markers to bombard targets anywhere on the map. The exclusive rules may assign specific ranges for certain types of support fire markers.
8.1.2 Procedure
To conduct a bombardment, the active player may select any enemy unit that is in range of the support fire markers used (8.1.1). Follow the procedures below, in the given order, for each bombardment.
-
The attacker identifies the enemy unit he will bombard.
-
He may select a maximum of two support fire markers, stating the number he has selected and their total strength.
-
Calculate the combat differential by totaling the support strength value minus the total defending unit's strength value. Locate the line on the CRT that matches the terrain in the defender's hex (8.2.2).
Exception: Do not apply hexside terrain (8.2.2).
- Next, on that line locate the column on the CRT that corresponds to the final combat differential. Roll one six-sided die and cross-reference the result within the combat differential column on the CRT. Apply the results immediately.
8.1.3 Results
Apply the results the same as ground combat with the following exceptions:
- Ae, A1, A2, A3 & Ex: Treat as no result.
- (A): Apply this result only if there is at least one unit friendly to the bombarding player adjacent to the hex bombarded (friendly fire).
Note on the printed CRT: the CRT footnote says results shown in bold are "No Effect" for bombardment. In the printed table, A1, A2, A3 and Ex are bold; Ae is printed in red, not bold. Section 8.1.3 lists Ae with the no-result entries, so Ae is read as no result for bombardment here. This is a disclosed reading of the printed table, not a change to it.
8.1.4 Terrain Effects
Players may use bombardment regardless of intervening terrain or units (enemy or friendly). It is not subject to line of sight restrictions, except when stipulated differently by the exclusive rules. In all cases, the defending units benefit fully from the terrain in the hex they occupy (not hexside terrain) per the CRT.
8.1.5 Bombardment Retreat
Conduct retreat after bombardment using the procedures outlined in 8.3.
- The retreating unit must, if possible, retreat farther away from the closest enemy unit.
- If there are no enemy units on the map, the unit must retreat towards the closest friendly unit.
8.2 Ground Combat
Ground combat can only take place when friendly units are adjacent to enemy units.
- The active player may declare any number of attacks by eligible units as he wishes.
- The attacking player may decide which of his units will be participating in an attack against which defending units.
- A mobile unit cannot attack in both the Combat Phase and again in the Mobile Combat Phase of the same player turn.
- There is no requirement for all adjacent units to attack.
- Units that do not participate in one attack may participate in a later attack against another hex if the unit meets all other requirements.
- A player may attack a unit from all adjacent friendly occupied hexes.
- A unit cannot attack across a prohibited/restricted hexside or into a hex prohibited to the attacking unit.
- The type of terrain the attacking unit(s) occupy has no effect on their eligibility to attack.
- All attack and defense strengths are unitary. A player cannot divide a unit's strength among different combats, whether as the attacker or the defender. A unit may not combine its attack and defense strengths for any reason.
8.2.1 Combat Procedure
Follow the procedures below, in the given order, for each attack.
a) The attacker states the quantity and the strength of his attacking units, and the enemy unit that is the subject of the attack. Once declared, the attacking player cannot call off an attack.
b) Both players may select available support fire markers in support of the current combat. This is a five-step process:
-
The attacking player may select one support fire marker placing it value-side down near the battling units to indicate it will support that combat.
-
The defending player may then select one support fire marker placing it value-side down near the battling units to indicate it will support that combat. The defender may do this whether the attacker did or did not place a support fire marker.
-
The attacker may then select a second (one additional) support fire marker. He may do this whether either player did or did not already apply a support fire marker.
-
Finally, the defender may select a second (one additional) support fire marker. He may do this whether either player did or did not already apply any support fire markers.
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Both players reveal their support fire marker values (flip the markers over).
Important: After each step, neither player can change his mind about having placed, or not placed, a support fire marker in a previous step.
c) Each player adds the combat strengths of his ground units and support fire markers into one total.
d) Calculate the combat differential by subtracting the defender's total from the attacker's total. Locate the line on the CRT that matches the terrain in the defender's hex, including hexside terrain. Then on that line locate the column on the CRT that corresponds to the final combat differential. Roll one six-sided die and cross-reference the result within the combat differential column on the CRT. Apply the results immediately.
8.2.2 Effects of Terrain
Only defending units benefit from the terrain in the hex they occupy and/or that hex's hexside terrain feature. The terrain within the hexes occupied by attacking units has no effect upon combat.
- Defending units do not benefit from river or ditch hexsides unless all the attacking units are attacking that defending unit across a non-bridged river or ditch hexside into that hex. If all units are attacking across a river and at least one of the units is attacking across a bridged hexside, use the bridged line on the CRT.
- The effect of terrain on combat is an integral part of the CRT. Refer to the terrain in the defending unit's hex and/or hexside and cross-reference that terrain type with the combat differential (8.2.1).
Important: Hexes may depict more than one type of terrain and may have hexsides that impact combat. In this case, use the terrain most beneficial to the defender.
Important: River hexsides contain a bridge wherever a road crosses a river. If at least one attacking unit is attacking across a bridged river hexside, that attack is an attack across a bridge (not across a river) when resolving an attack on the Combat Results Table (CRT).
8.2.3 Fortifications
If a game includes fortifications (whether printed, or as counters), the following applies to any unit occupying a hex containing a fortification:
- Double the printed defense strength of a unit.
- Halve (round down) the combat modifier (the "+" value) of an attacker's support fire marker when applied to a fortification hex.
- This rule does not apply to support fire markers applied by the defending player.
8.2.4 Combat Resolution
The combat results listed on the CRT are as follows:
- De: **Eliminate the defending unit(s).
- D3: *The defending unit(s) must retreat three hexes.
- D2: *The defending unit(s) must retreat two hexes.
- Ex: Flip one attacking unit and the defending unit to their depleted side (or eliminate if already depleted or a one-step unit). Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to deplete.
- A1: *The attacking unit(s) must retreat one hex.
- A2: *The attacking unit(s) must retreat two hexes.
- A3: *The attacking unit(s) must retreat three hexes.
- (A): Deplete one adjacent unit (or eliminate it if already depleted or a one-step unit). If conducting bombardment, this result applies if friendly unit is adjacent to enemy unit being bombarded.
- Ae: **Eliminate all attacking units.
- •: No Effect.
* Note: The retreating player may choose to ignore his retreat requirement by declaring stiff resistance and depleting his unit instead (8.4).
** Note: On a De, or Ae result, eliminate all units. Do not deplete two-step units, eliminate them.
Important: If the combat result is a retreat, the retreating player retreats his own units in accordance with the retreat rules (8.3).
8.3 Retreat
When a combat result requires a unit to retreat, the owning player must immediately attempt to move that unit the indicated number of hexes away from its current hex. A retreat is not movement and does not require the expenditure of movement points.
Important: If a rule states that a unit is to deplete, eliminate the unit will if already depleted or is a one-step unit.
- If a unit cannot retreat at least one hex (for any reason), eliminate the retreating unit (this does not nullify the retreat).
- A unit should (if possible) end its retreat closer (in hexes) to a friendly map edge (or a friendly source of supply).
- If possible, a retreating unit must retreat along a path of vacant hexes (not occupied by other friendly units). A unit may retreat through friendly occupied hexes if no other retreat route of vacant hexes is possible. See 8.3.1 for effects.
- Under no circumstances may a unit retreat into or through a hex occupied by an enemy unit or a hex in an EZOC.
Important: Friendly units and friendly units with a ZOC into a hex do not negate any EZOC into that same hex for the purposes of retreat.
- A unit may not retreat into or through prohibited terrain (an all-sea hex).
- Seaborne units required to retreat to a sea hex must deplete (scenario rules will identify units that may be seaborne and may supersede this rule).
- A unit that must retreat must stop its retreat the number of hexes away required by the combat result retreat number (from its original combat hex). If the unit can retreat at least one hex but cannot retreat the required number of hexes for any reason, deplete the unit in the last hex to which it can legally retreat. If depleted, then eliminate the unit.
- Unless specifically stated in exclusive scenario rules, units may not retreat off the map.
8.3.1 Displacement
If a retreating unit's only available final hex in a retreat path is occupied by another friendly unit, the retreating player may choose to displace (move) that other friendly unit from its hex to one adjacent hex as if that other friendly unit was also retreating because of combat.
- Displacement is voluntary; a retreating unit unable to retreat because of the presence of other friendly units may deplete instead of displacing a friendly unit.
- A retreating unit may not displace a friendly unit if any eligible vacant hex is available.
- Displacements cannot be into a prohibited hex, into an EZOC, or into a hex in which the displaced unit would stack with another unit.
- After the displaced unit has moved, the retreating unit may retreat into the displaced unit's formerly occupied hex.
- A displaced unit can displace another friendly unit using the same procedure.
- The displacement of units may continue until all units are in a hex that does not contain a friendly unit.
- A given unit may displace more than once in a phase.
- An attacker's displaced unit is ineligible to conduct an attack during the remainder of the attacker's turn.
- A retreating unit does not displace a friendly unit when moving through that other unit's hex during a retreat, but only if ending a retreat in the other unit's hex.
8.4 Stiff Resistance
Instead of obeying a retreat combat result, a player may declare stiff resistance. The player makes this decision after the combat die roll. A player may use stiff resistance when defending against bombardment and ground combat.
- When declaring stiff resistance, there is no requirement to retreat.
- The unit conducting stiff resistance is immediately depleted. If the attacker declares stiff resistance, any unit that does not retreat must suffer depletion.
- A player may opt to declare a depleted or one-step unit to offer stiff resistance to avoid the retreat combat result. The player must eliminate the depleted or one-step unit and still fulfill the requirements of the stiff resistance. This prevents any advance after combat into that combat hex (8.5).
8.5 Advance After Combat
A player can only advance after combat following a retreat combat result on an attacked (defending) enemy unit (i.e., D2 or D3). Advance after combat does not take place after an Ex or De result.
- A defending unit may never advance after combat.
- There is no advance after combat when conducting a bombardment.
- When an enemy unit retreats due to combat, it will leave a path of vacant hexes behind it, called the path of retreat. If a unit was unable to retreat the required number of hexes, the retreat path is the last hex into which the retreating unit could legally retreat. This includes units when unable to complete the entire retreat (8.3).
- Any or all units that participated in the combat that caused the retreat are then eligible to advance along the path of retreat.
- The decision to advance after combat must come immediately after the retreat is complete.
- Advance after combat is voluntary and the owning player always determines which units and how far they advance.
- Advancing units ignore all EZOC along the entire path of retreat.
- Unit(s) advancing after combat may end their movement in any of the hex(s) along the path of retreat, but they may not stray from the path of retreat while moving.
- If multiple units advance after combat, no more than one unit may end its movement in any one hex of the path of retreat.
- After an advance after combat, an advancing unit is not eligible to attack or perform any other activity during that player turn (unless specified otherwise by an exclusive rule).
- An advanced unit is subject to attack by any eligible enemy units in the immediately following enemy Combat Phase, just like any other unit.
9.0 Supply
There are no supply rules (unless otherwise noted in a specific game's exclusive rules). All units are always in supply. Isolated or surrounded units suffer no penalties.
Combat Results Table
The table below is transcribed from the printed CRT. The printed table is staggered: each terrain row's differentials sit in the columns shown, and each die-roll row gives the result for each of the twelve columns. Column numbers 1 to 12 are added here only to show alignment.
Combat Differential (Attack strength minus Defense strength)
| Defender terrain | Col 1 | Col 2 | Col 3 | Col 4 | Col 5 | Col 6 | Col 7 | Col 8 | Col 9 | Col 10 | Col 11 | Col 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain | 0 | +1 | +2,+3 | +4,5 | +6,7 | +8,9 | +10 | |||||
| City, Rough, River | −2 | −1 | 0 | +1 |
Results (Die Roll)
| Die roll | Col 1 | Col 2 | Col 3 | Col 4 | Col 5 | Col 6 | Col 7 | Col 8 | Col 9 | Col 10 | Col 11 | Col 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (A) | A3 | A2 | • | Ex | Ex | D2 | D2 | D2 | D3 | De | De |
| 2 |
- Attacks at less than the lowest differential are resolved at the lowest differential.
- Attacks at greater than +10 are resolved as +10 attacks.
- When conducting bombardment treat the results in bold as No Effect.
- Results printed in red on the CRT (De and Ae entries) are shown here as plain text.
Result key (as printed):
- De**: The defending unit is eliminated.
- D3*: The defending unit must retreat three hexes.
- D2*: The defending unit must retreat two hexes.
- Ex: One attacking unit and one defending unit must be flipped to their reduced side. If already reduced or is a one-step unit the unit is eliminated. Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to deplete/eliminate.
- A1*: All attacking units must retreat one hex.
- A2*: All attacking units must retreat two hexes.
- A3*: All attacking units must retreat three hexes.
- (A): One attacking unit must be reduced. If unit is already reduced or a one-step unit it is eliminated. Among multiple attacking units, the attacker chooses the unit to reduce/eliminate. If conducting bombardment, this result only applies if a friendly unit is adjacent to the enemy unit being bombarded.
- Ae**: All attacking units eliminated.
- •: No Effect.
- * Stiff Resistance: The affected player may choose to ignore his retreat requirement by choosing to reduce one unit instead.
- ** Note: On a De or Ae result, all units are eliminated. Two step units are not reduced, they are eliminated.
Exclusive Scenario Rules
10.0 Introduction
The D-Day folio series consists of four separate folio games, each covering a portion of the Normandy campaign, from the initial landings to the breakout. Each game turn (GT) represents approximately two days and each hex measures 2.5 miles across. All games use the Fire & Movement System Rules and provide exclusive rules for each scenario. The four games can be combined into one game that covers the entire Normandy campaign.
10.1 Scenario Boundary
Use the D-Day: Beach to Bocage/Landing and Linkup map only. No unit of either side may be set up or move west of the Douve River/Taute River (the river coursing from hex 2108 to 0805) or west of the line of hexes; 0705, 0604, 0504, 0404, 0304, 0204, 0104..
Important: Even though, not shown on the map, bridges are assumed to exist across rivers when two city hexes are separated by a river hexside.
Map Errata: Terrain Key, last sentence; rail should read trail.
10.2 Scenario Length & First Player
The scenario begins on GT 1 and ends on GT 17. The Allied player is first player in all scenarios.
10.3 Unit Types
Many of the mobile units represented in the game are composite units representing a combination of tank/panzer, mechanized or motorized infantry and various other supporting arms.
The unit-type symbols are:
- Parachute Infantry
- Glider Infantry
- Ranger/Commando
- Mechanized (these units represent a composite unit containing tanks/panzer, mechanized/motorized infantry and various supporting arms)
- Self-propelled anti-tank/assault gun (AT)
- Motorized Anti-Aircraft (AA/Flak)
- Tank/panzer
10.4 Counter Abbreviations
Not all of the below abbreviations appear in each D-Day folio game:
- Cdo: Commando
- Deut: Deutschland Regiment
- GA: Guards Armored
- Sch: Schutze
- R: Reserve
- CC: Combat Command
- Fuh: Der Fuhrer Regiment
- Rgr: Ranger
- SS: Schutzstaffel
11.0 Scenario Set Up
The German player conducts his set up first. The German player secretly records the position of the 5 at-start units (11.1.1). At least two of the units must be set up adjacent to (but not in) an Omaha beach hex. (hex 2318, 2319, 2219, 2120, 2121, and 2122). All other German at-start units may be set up in any non-beach hex in the playable area.
Exception: German units cannot be placed in hex 2417 (Pointe Du Hoc).
After the Allied player has placed his assault units on his beach landing hexes (11.2.1), the German player reveals his set up hexes and places the designated units onto the map.
11.1 German Details
11.1.1 German At Start Units
- 352/352 Self-Propelled AT Battalion.
- 914/352, 915/352 and 916/352 Infantry Regiments.
- 1 Motorized AA Regiment.
Important: The German player should consider the set-up of his unit(s) and how their ZOC can affect the U.S. beach landing that will occur at the beginning of the first game turn. See the Combat Results Table (CRT).
11.1.2 German Reinforcements
Most German units must arrive via the south edge of the map via any hexes not occupied by an enemy unit, not within EZOC, and not west of Marigny. If possible, they must arrive during the turn indicated. If a unit is unable to arrive due to the presence of enemy units or EZOC its arrival is delayed until it can legally arrive. Units may move up to their full MA on the turn of arrival unless playing the campaign game and 14.1 applies. Units entering the map must (if applicable) pay the cost of any hexside terrain as they enter their first hex.
- GT 1: Sch/30 Infantry Regiment (arrives on hex 1005).
- GT 3: 3/3 Self-Propelled AT Battalion, 9/3, 5/3, 8/3, 894/265, 895/265 and 896/265 Infantry Regiments.
- GT 4: 983/275, 984/275 and 985/275 Infantry Regiments, 709/275 Self-Propelled AT Battalion.
- GT 7: 353/353 Self-Propelled AT Battalion, 941/353, 942/353 and 943/353 Infantry Regiments.
11.1.3 German Replacements
The German side does not receive replacements.
11.1.4 German Support Fire Markers
The German player is allotted the following 15 support fire markers each GT. One or two markers are drawn randomly for each bombardment or combat (8.1 & 8.2.1).
- Markers: +1 × 1; +2 × 2; +3 × 2; +4 × 2; +5 × 2; +6 × 3; +8 × 2; +9 × 1.
- Place them in one draw cup. One or two markers are drawn randomly for each bombardment or combat (8.1 & 8.2.1).
Important: There are two support fire markers titled Achtung! Minen (Mines). If the German player randomly draws those markers, they may be used for that combat (but not during bombardment) or be put aside (the German player may randomly draw another marker). The German player may, in addition to the normal allotment, play the mines markers in support of any ground attack or defense during any Combat Phase that GT. The markers are returned to the draw cup at the end of the GT if not used.
- All German support fire markers have a bombardment range of two (counted from a friendly occupied hex).
- The German player must randomly eliminate one German support fire marker from his allotment the game turn following the Allied capture of each of the three following locations:
- Treviers (1718)
- Isigny (the Allies must capture both hexes 1811/1911)
- Caumont (0421)
- If any such city hex is subsequently recaptured by the Germans, the German player does not receive his eliminated support fire marker again.
Note: The German player may be required to eliminate one support fire marker due to the outcome of the Pointe Du Hoc ranger attack (11.2.3).
11.2 Allied Details
There is a special amphibious landing sequence. Prior to starting GT 1, the Allied player conducts 11.2.1, 11.2.2 and 11.2.3 in the order given.
11.2.1 Amphibious Landings
- The Allied player must place the Omaha Beachhead markers in any of the Omaha Beach hexes (hex 2318, 2319, 2219, 2120, 2121, and 2122).
- He is not required to place all markers and only one marker may be placed in any one hex. Markers that are not placed during setup cannot be placed at a later time.
- These markers designate the beach landing hexes and will serve as supply sources and reinforcement hexes during the game.
Important: Additional beachhead markers cannot be placed after this step.
- Beachhead markers are removed from the map if, at any time, a German unit occupies the hex.
- The Allied player places all units of the U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions (total of six units) in any of the designated beach landing hexes. Any units unable to be placed due to stacking limits will enter as reinforcements on GT 2.
- The Allied player may stack up to three units in any beach landing hex.
- Units may only remain stacked together so long as they occupy that same beach landing hex; once a unit exits that beach landing hex, it may not be stacked with any unit again for the duration of the scenario.
- When a unit is placed in a beach landing hex, its movement is ended it may not move during GT 1. The only action allowed after landing is the ranger assault and beach assault combat (11.2.3). Mobile units are not eligible to move or conduct combat in the ensuing Mobile Movement and Mobile Combat Phases (this is an exception to 11.2.4).
-
After placement of all amphibious landing units, remove all beachhead markers that do not have Allied units stacked with them.
-
The German player now places his at-start units on the map in the locations he recorded per 11.1.1.
11.2.2 Airborne Landings
This section is only used in the Utah and Sword folio games, or in campaign games using those folios. In the latter case, use the rule 11.2.2 included with those games.
11.2.3 Beach Assaults
- Place the 2 Ranger Battalion in hex 2417 and resolve the Pointe Du Hoc assault. Roll 1d6 and immediately implement the below results.
- 1: Ranger unit is eliminated.
- 2: Ranger unit is reduced. It cannot move this game turn.
- 3: Ranger unit is reduced. It may move one hex.
- 4: Ranger unit is reduced. It may move one hex. Eliminate one German +6 support fire marker.
- 5–6: Ranger unit may move one hex. Permanently eliminate one German +6 support fire marker.
Important: Ranger units ignore EZOC (6.0) for all purposes throughout the game.
- The Allied player must resolve beach assault combat in each beach landing hex. In this case all units stacked in a beach landing hex must participate in that beach assault combat.
- Beach assaults occur within beach hexes occupied by Allied units. By game design, no beach hexes are occupied by German units at setup.
- Both sides apply support fire markers normally. In addition, the Allied player may apply naval gunfire support (11.2.7).
- If the beach landing hex is in the ZOC of at least one German unit, the combat is conducted using the "Beach Assault within EZOC" line on the CRT.
- If the beach landing hex is not in the ZOC of a German unit, use the "Beach Assault not in EZOC" line on the CRT.
- In both of the above cases, the combat differential is determined using a defense strength of zero.
- The Allied player must automatically reduce all assaulting units if the combat result requires a retreat (D2 or D3).
- If all Allied units are eliminated, the beachhead marker is permanently removed from play and that hex cannot be used to land reinforcements or provide supply.
Important: If the German player conducts a bombardment against a beach landing hex and there is more than one Allied unit in the hex, the German player selects one unit as the target of the bombardment. Other units in the hex are ignored and are not affected by the bombardment result.
11.2.4 Allied Reinforcements
After GT 1, Allied reinforcements are placed on available beach landing hexes containing a beachhead marker at the end of the Allied Movement Phase. They cannot move any further that movement phase. However, they are eligible to attack in the ensuing Combat Phase.
Exception: Mobile units (see below).
-
GT 2: 9/2, 23/2, and 38/2 Infantry Regiments. CCA/2, CCB/2, and CCR/2 Mechanized Regiments.
-
GT 3: 117/30, 119/30, and 120/30 Infantry Regiments.
-
GT 7: 331/83, 330/83, and 329/83 Infantry Regiments.
-
GT 10: CCA/3, CCB/3, and CCR/3 Mechanized Regiments.
-
GT 16: 134/35, 137/35 and 320/35 Infantry Regiments.
-
Beach landing hexes have a stacking limit of three units.
Important: Except when conducting beach assault combat, no more than one unit in the stack can attack an enemy occupied hex; however, each unit could attack different adjacent enemy occupied hexes. If attacked while stacked, the Allied player must select one unit to defend the hex. All other units are ignored and are not subject to any combat results.
- Allied units cannot be placed in beach landing hexes in an EZOC and not currently occupied by an Allied unit (this does not apply on GT 1).
- Mobile units that land during the current Movement Phase may move normally during the Mobile Movement Phase (after GT 1) and if they did not conduct combat during the Combat Phase may attack during the Mobile Combat Phase.
11.2.5 Allied Replacements
The Allied side receives replacement points. Each replacement point allows the Allied player to rebuild one reduced unit of the type given.
- Beginning on GT 2, (during the Support Fire Marker Phase) the Allied side receives one leg unit replacement point each GT. The replacement point may be used to rebuild one reduced leg unit on the map. The leg unit must be in supply and it may be in an EZOC.
- Beginning on GT 3, the Allies receive one mobile unit replacement point each odd numbered GT (GT 3, 5, 7 etc.). The replacement point may be used to rebuild one reduced mobile unit on the map. The unit must be in supply and it may be in an EZOC.
- Replacement points are distributed during the Support Fire Marker Phase and must be used the GT they are received; if not used they are lost. They cannot be carried over to the next GT.
11.2.6 Allied Support Fire Markers
The Allied player is allotted the following 25 support fire markers each GT. System rules 7.0 and 8.0 apply with the following exceptions.
- Markers: +2 × 3; +3 × 3; +4 × 2; +5 × 1; +6 × 6; +7 × 3; +8 × 4; +9 × 2; +10 × 1.
- Place all markers not marked with an aircraft icon in one draw cup and all markers with an aircraft in a second draw cup.
- The Allied player is free to randomly draw from either cup when supporting ground combat or bombardment.
- Allied support fire markers not marked with an aircraft icon have a bombardment range of two (counted from a friendly occupied hex). Allied support fire markers showing an aircraft icon have unlimited range (they may conduct a bombardment attack against any enemy occupied hex).
Note: If playing a campaign game, U.S. support fire markers may not be used to support combat involving Commonwealth units, or vice versa.
11.2.7 Allied Naval Gunfire Support
In addition to the support fire markers listed above, the Allied player receives four +7 naval gunfire support markers (turret icon).
- Naval gunfire support markers are not placed in the draw cup.
- During the first GT only, the Allied player can apply naval gunfire support markers to any beach assault combat. They count against the two-marker maximum.
- Whether used or not, naval gunfire support markers are removed from the game at the end of GT 1.
12.0 Supply
All Allied units must be in supply to avoid becoming reduced.
- Supply status is determined at the end of the Allied player turn.
- An Allied unit is in supply if it can trace an uninterrupted path of hexes from itself to any beach landing hex that contains a beachhead marker. This path of hexes can be of any length.
- The path cannot enter an enemy occupied hex.
- The path can enter or exit a hex in an EZOC, but cannot do both (i.e., move through a hex in an EZOC). This is true even if the hex in an EZOC is occupied by a friendly unit.
- If an Allied unit cannot trace the above line of supply, it is immediately reduced, or eliminated if already reduced.
Exception: An Allied unit occupying a beach landing hex is automatically in supply.
Exception: Ranger units are not required to trace supply and are not affected by the above supply rules.
13.0 Victory Conditions
German Sudden Death Victory: If there are no beach landing hexes available to the Allied player at the end of any GT, the game immediately ends, and the German player automatically achieves a strategic victory.
End Game German Victory: If, at the end of the game the Allied player has not met his victory conditions, the German player has won an operational victory.
Allied Victory: The Allied player must capture the following locations by the end of GT 17.
- Treviers (hex 1718)
- Isigny (hexes 1811 and 1911)
- Caumont (hex 0421)
The Allied player must also have a minimum of two units adjacent to any of the St Lo city hexes (0608, 0609 and 0709).
Important: To capture one of the above locations, the Allied player must occupy or have been the last side to occupy the location. The location must be able to trace a line of supply in accordance with 12.0.
14.0 Campaign Game
The campaign game can be played using both US or both Commonwealth scenarios only, on a single map; or a combination of all four D-Day folio games (Landing and Linkup, Beach to Bocage, Across the Orne, and On to Caen) together as a single, larger, simultaneous game.
- If playing all 4 games together, the two folio game maps (western and eastern map) must be mated up side by side so that both can be played together.
- If playing a map campaign game the Allies receive the following replacements:
US:
- Beginning GT 2: 2 leg unit replacements each GT.
- GT 3: 1 mobile unit replacement.
- Beginning GT 5: 2 mobile unit replacements every odd numbered GT.
CW:
-
Beginning GT 2: 2 leg unit replacement each even numbered GT.
-
Beginning GT 3: 2 mobile unit replacements each odd numbered GT.
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The set up and game rules remain unchanged for each of the individual scenarios except for the following:
- a) Scenario boundaries are not in effect; however, the US and Commonwealth forces are limited to operating on a single map (US forces on the west map, Commonwealth forces on the east map). German forces may operate freely on either map.
- b) Allied units arriving on GT 1 (assault units) must arrive at their designated beach areas on a beach hex containing a beachhead marker. Allied reinforcements arriving on GT 2 and after may arrive at any beach area within their assigned map (west map for US and east map for CW) as long as the hex contains a beachhead marker.
- c) Scenario victory conditions are not used.
- d) The campaign game may be extended beyond the GT limits for the scenario.
- e) The German player maintains one draw cup containing all German support fire markers.
- f) The Allied side must maintain two sets of draw cups, one for US forces and one for Commonwealth forces. Each nationality combines all its support fire markers into two draw cups (one for those with aircraft icons and one for all others). See 11.2.6. Support fire markers including naval gun and aircraft markers of one nationality cannot be used to support units of the other.
- g) The Allied player receives all replacements noted for each scenario.
14.1 Weather
Beginning on GT 2, the German player must roll 1d6 to determine current weather at the beginning of each GT. If the result of the die roll is six, inclement weather is in effect for the current GT. Inclement weather has the following effects:
- The MA of all units of both sides is halved (round up). This does not affect advance or retreat after combat.
- The Allied side cannot use aircraft (with aircraft icons) during the current GT. Place these markers aside for this GT.
- Prior to placing the remaining support fire markers in their respective draw cups, both sides roll 1d6. The result is the total number of support fire markers that randomly picked and then are not available during the current GT.
Optional: Players can decide to use the weather rules when playing an individual scenario.
14.2 Length of Campaign Game
The campaign game is played for the duration of 17 GTs. At the end of GT 17, if the Allied player has not met his victory conditions (14.3), the Allied player counts the number of cities (not city hexes) captured. Each named city (no matter how many hexes) counts as one city. The Allied player then subtracts the number of captured cities from the number of cities on the portion of the map being used:
- US campaign: 7
- UK campaign: 10
- Combined campaign: 17
The result, is the number of GTs that the game is extended. No matter the result the game never extends beyond GT 25.
Important: To capture one of the above locations, the Allied player must occupy or have been the last side to occupy the location. The location must be able to trace a line of supply in accordance with 12.0.
- The below additional Allied reinforcements appear if the game extends to that game turn.
- Turn 24: 112/28, 110/28, and 109/28 Infantry Regiments.
14.3 Victory Conditions
German Sudden Death Victory: If there are no beach landing hexes available to the Allied player at the end of any GT, the game immediately ends and the German player automatically achieves a strategic victory.
End Game German Victory: If at the end of the game the Allied player has not met his victory conditions, the German player has won an operational victory.
Allied Victory: Victory for either the one-map or two-map campaign games is contingent on the capture of city (not town) hexes that are printed on the map(s) in use.
Important: Count each individual hex containing a city symbol.
- a) To win a one map campaign game, the Allied player must capture any 7 city hexes on the map.
- b) To win the combined two map campaign game, the Allied player must capture any 21 city hexes across the combined maps.
Important: To capture one of the above locations, the Allied player must occupy or have been the last side to occupy the location. The location must be able to trace a line of supply in accordance with 12.0.
15.0 Optional German AA/Flak
This rule can be used in any scenario or campaign game.
If an Allied support fire marker with an aircraft icon is used to support a ground combat, or conduct bombardment, in or adjacent to a hex that contains a German AA/Flak unit, the support strength of the aircraft support fire marker is halved (round up).