The Battle of the Alma (1978)

About this game

Following the French and British landings in the Crimean peninsula, the allied march South to seize the Russian naval base at Sebastopol. General Mentschikov's Russian army met them on the banks of the Alma River for the first major battle of the Crimean War - September 20, 1854. "The Battle of the Alma" covers the first major battle of the Crimean War. It is part of GDW's Series 120 games, a line of introductory wargames spanning various historical eras. The games in the series had 120 counters and were supposed to be playable in 120 minutes or less, hence the name. Republished in Command Magazine Japan #38, along with 1940.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.3/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.