Blood on the Snow: The Battle of Suomussalmi (1995)

About this game

From Avalanche Press Ltd website: "The battle of Suomussalmi in the winter of 1939 - 1940, pitted a single, hastily raised & poorly equipped Finnish division against two full strength Soviet Divisions, armed with more than 90 tanks. The Soviets were not equipped however, for a war in sub-zero temperatures against an enemy capable of living off the land & moving swiftly over the snow. Now you can re-fight one of World War II's most dramatic engagements in Blood On The Snow." From the game box: "At the beginning of each day, players determine the weather, select a number of operation chits, and place them in a common cup. The first chit is randomly drawn and the owning player conducts the operation specified. Subsequent chits are drawn and operations conducted until the number of impulses equals the weather result. Players know what each turn may bring. Five scenarios are provided."

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.7/5 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.