# Decision at Elst: An Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit Historical Module

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2014
- **BGG Rating**: 8.5
- **BGG Rank**: #6325
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 360-720 min
- **Weight**: 3.84 / 5
- **Designers**: Ken Dunn
- **Artists**: Nicolás Eskubi
- **Publishers**: Multi-Man Publishing
- **Categories**: Wargame, World War II
- **Mechanics**: Hexagon Grid, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game

## Verdict
If you're a fan of historical wargames and have always wanted to delve into the Advanced Squad Leader universe but felt intimidated by its complexity, *Decision at Elst* is your perfect gateway. It offers a deep and immersive tactical experience, faithfully recreating a crucial moment of World War II. The gameplay is challenging, rewarding, and provides an authentic sense of military command, ideal for those seeking a dense and historically grounded strategic confrontation.Detailed historical simulationComplete, self-contained contentDeep, rewarding tacticsAccessible ASL introductionReplayability with scenariosLong play timeInitial learning curveTwo-player onlyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready to dive deep into history with *Decision at Elst*, the first historical module in the renowned Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit series! This game transports you directly to September 1944, into the heart of Operation MARKET-GARDEN in the Netherlands. Here, you'll relive the intense clashes between British and German forces in the town of Elst, a crucial point for the advance of the British 214th Brigade towards Arnhem. The town was defended by the German Kampfgruppe Knaust, and this area, known as Betuwe or 'The Island,' marked the furthest point the XXX Corps could reach before the official end of the offensive on September 25, 1944. It's a detailed and immersive recreation of a decisive moment in World War II. The game is a complete package and requires nothing else to play. It comes packed with components for you to set up your battlefield and command your troops: a 22" x 34" historically accurate map that faithfully recreates the terrain, three countersheets with British and German infantry, tanks, and artillery units, plus game markers. To aid you in your tactical journey, you'll find two player aid cards. The icing on the cake is the four historical scenarios and a complete Campaign Game, promising hours of strategy and tough decisions. Additionally, the kit includes a 28-page ASL Starter Kit basic rules booklet, with all the latest fine-tuning, and a 20-page rules booklet specific to the *Decision at Elst* Campaign, covering everything you need to know, including rules for elements like the steeple, offboard artillery, polder terrain, and German SS units. It's your chance to rewrite history or relive the glory!

## FAQ
### How many players is Decision at Elst for?
This is a two-player exclusive game, perfect for direct, strategic confrontations.

### What is the average play time?
Games can be quite long, ranging from 6 to 12 hours, depending on the scenario or if you're playing the full campaign. Be prepared for an entire afternoon or evening of strategy!

### Do I need other Advanced Squad Leader games to play this?
No! Decision at Elst is a completely self-contained product. It comes with everything you need to play, including the basic ASL Starter Kit rules and specific campaign rules.

### What is the complexity level of the game?
It's considered a highly complex game (BGG weight of 3.84/5). While it's a 'Starter Kit,' it's still a robust wargame with many rules and details, ideal for those seeking a tactical challenge.

### What are the main components included?
You'll find a detailed historical map, three countersheets (with units and game markers), two player aid cards, four historical scenarios, one campaign game, and two comprehensive rulebooks.

### Who is this game for?
It's ideal for fans of historical wargames, especially those interested in World War II and Operation MARKET-GARDEN. It's also an excellent entry point for anyone wanting to experience the Advanced Squad Leader series without the full complexity of the main modules.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
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