# Baptism By Fire: The Battle of Kasserine

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 8.0
- **BGG Rank**: #6338
- **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 240-720 min
- **Weight**: 4.10 / 5
- **Designers**: Dean Essig
- **Artists**: Dean Essig, Nicolás Eskubi
- **Publishers**: Multi-Man Publishing, Rawstone
- **Categories**: Wargame, World War II
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid, Simulation

## Verdict
If you're a fan of tactical wargames and want a deep historical immersion into World War II, Baptism By Fire is an excellent choice! It serves as a superb entry point to the acclaimed BCS series, offering a more streamlined experience without sacrificing depth. Get ready to relive a crucial battle, with plenty of strategy and decisions that can change the course of history.Deep historical immersionBCS entry pointVaried, short scenariosHigh replayabilityImpeccable historical researchExtensive play timeInitial learning curveFocus on 1-2 playersHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Ready to dive into the heat of World War II? Baptism By Fire: The Battle of Kasserine, February 1943, throws you right into the first significant ground operations of the US Army in the ETO. But hey, don't expect a walk in the park: this battle was a major Allied setback, you know? The game not only recreates this crucial moment but also demystifies some common ideas, showing that, despite confused leadership, Allied troops held their own against the remnants of Rommel's legendary Afrika Korps.

This is the second title in MMP's acclaimed Battalion Combat Series (BCS), which has already captivated players with Last Blitzkrieg. The cool thing here is that Baptism By Fire serves as a more accessible entry point to the system. With an open desert setting, a more limited number of formations, and shorter scenarios, it's perfect for those who want a quick and fun introduction to the series, without the complexity of 'monster games.' It's your chance to hone your BCS skills and better understand this often misunderstood battle. Carl Fung's meticulous research shines, revealing details of the forces involved and dispelling myths about 'hapless' GIs and Afrika Korps supermen.

To simulate the battle's dynamics, the Germans start strong but then must pause while their commanders decide on the ultimate objective. The player randomly chooses this objective mid-game, which defines the victory conditions and prevents the Axis from wasting their combat power. This also keeps the Allies off balance, as they must prepare for two possibilities. With a main campaign of only 10 turns and several smaller scenarios (3 to 5 turns), the game offers high replayability and allows players to explore various strategies for both sides. Components include a full-color BCS rulebook, charts and tables, a BCS Crib Notes Booklet, a game-specific rulebook, two 22”x34” full-color game maps, 560 counters, 6 scenarios (3 one-map, 3 two-map), box, and dice. Each turn represents one day, each hex one mile, and units are battalions (with a few companies).

## FAQ
### What is the complexity of Baptism By Fire?
It's considered a medium-heavy wargame (4.1/5 on BGG). While it's a more accessible entry point to the BCS series, it's still a game with many rules and details, ideal for experienced players or those willing to invest time in learning.

### How many players can play and what is the average game time?
The game is designed for 1 to 2 players. Playtime varies greatly: a short scenario can take 4 hours, while the full campaign can last from 12 to 24 hours, depending on player experience.

### Do I need to know the BCS series to play Baptism By Fire?
It's not strictly necessary, but it helps. It was designed to be a more friendly introduction to the system. The main BCS rulebook is included, so you'll have everything you need to learn from scratch.

### Is the game historically accurate?
Yes, Carl Fung's historical research is one of the game's strengths. It aims to demystify events and present the forces involved with precise details, offering a faithful simulation of the Battle of Kasserine.

### What are the main components of the game?
You'll find two full-color maps, over 500 counters, a complete BCS rulebook, a game-specific rulebook, reference charts, a crib notes booklet, dice, and the box. All high-quality for total immersion.

### Are there shorter scenarios for those with less time?
Absolutely! In addition to the 10-turn main campaign, there are 5 smaller scenarios ranging from 3 to 5 turns, perfect for quicker play sessions and exploring different aspects of the battle.

## Price Comparison
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