Chain of Command

Too Fat Lardies · Board game · 2013

— Ludopedia 8.2 BGG 2–4 · best 2 120 min Weight 3.3/5

Buy

— rating Ludopedia

8.2 rating BGG

Buy

Our Verdict

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Chain of Command is a treat for anyone seeking a tactically deep, yet not sluggish, World War II miniature wargame. If you like the idea of commanding a platoon, making crucial decisions, and seeing the action unfold dynamically, this is your game. The experience is immersive, and the feeling of being on the battlefield is palpable, especially for those who already have a fondness for historical scenarios and miniatures.

Highlights

Innovative command system
Fast-paced gameplay
Remarkable tactical depth
High replayability
Varied army lists

Keep in mind

Requires separate miniatures
Initial learning curve
WWII focus

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into one of the most acclaimed World War II miniature wargames! Chain of Command offers a tactical combat experience at the platoon level, with an extra touch of support to make your battles even more dynamic. Forget sluggish rules; here, the pace is fast, exciting, and, above all, fun. The big trump card is the super innovative command and control system, which puts you in the shoes of a real commander, forcing strategic decisions that echo historical choices. It's no wonder Neil Shuck of Miniature Wargames described these rules as 'probably the best set of Skirmish rules I've ever played.'

This robust 104-page book is your complete manual for war, including not only the detailed rules but also a clever scenario generation system. Want more? It comes with army lists for the major powers of the era: Great Britain, Germany, the United States, and the Soviet Union. And the coolest part is that you can customize the support for your forces depending on the scenario, ensuring that each confrontation is balanced and challenging. It's the perfect opportunity to pit two well-matched forces against each other for a fun and adrenaline-filled gaming experience. If you enjoy miniature wargames with tactical depth and an addictive pace, Chain of Command is a feast!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

11 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players

2 BEST

3 BEST

4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

Loading playlist...

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Too Fat Lardies

Designer Richard Clarke (III)

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

488owners

89wishlist

7want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

Is Chain of Command a complete game, or do I need anything else to play?

It's a complete rulebook, but you will need miniatures (not included) and terrain to set up your battle scenarios. It gives you all the tools to play, but the physical components are up to you!

How many players can participate in a game?

Chain of Command is primarily designed for 2 players, simulating a clash between two platoons. However, with creativity, it can be adapted for 3 or 4 players by dividing command of larger forces.

What is the average game duration?

A typical game lasts between 120 and 120 minutes, which is about 2 hours. This can vary depending on the scenario's complexity and the players' experience.

Is it a very complex game for wargame beginners?

It has considerable tactical depth (BGG weight of 3.2857/5), which means there's a learning curve. But the rules are well-structured and the command system is intuitive, so with a bit of dedication, beginners can have a lot of fun.

Which armies are included in the rules?

The book comes with detailed army lists for Great Britain, Germany, the United States, and the Soviet Union, allowing you to recreate iconic World War II battles with the main powers involved.

What makes the command and control system so special?

It simulates the uncertainties and chain of command of real life. Instead of simply activating units, you need to manage your command points to issue orders, which adds a deep strategic layer and meaningful decisions each turn.