# Flat Top

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1977
- **BGG Rating**: 7.4
- **BGG Rank**: #3286
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2+)
- **Duration**: 360 min
- **Weight**: 4.23 / 5
- **Designers**: S. Craig Taylor
- **Artists**: Rodger B. MacGowan
- **Publishers**: The Avalon Hill Game Co, Battleline
- **Categories**: Aviation / Flight, Nautical, Wargame, World War II
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Events, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Hidden Movement, Line of Sight, Movement Points, Paper-and-Pencil, Scenario / Mission / Campaign Game, Secret Unit Deployment, Simulation, Variable Set-up

## Verdict
For tabletop generals who crave ultra-detailed historical simulation. Flat Top is a beast of complexity and authenticity.Meticulous naval/air simulationStrategic tension with hidden movementDeep historical immersionReplayability with variable scenarios6h+ playtime demands patienceComplexity intimidates newcomersRequires homemade translationFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Flat Top is an epic wargame plunging into Pacific naval/air battles of WWII. You command the 1942 US or Japanese fleet, managing carriers to submarines, with each hex covering 20 nautical miles and each turn representing one hour of combat. Brace for depth: beyond fights, you’ll handle weather, supplies, air searches, and even aircraft fatigue. Hidden movement means paper logs are crucial to track forces—and guess enemy positions. With 1,300 counters and a massive map (44” x 28” assembled!), Flat Top is a meticulous historical simulation. Perfect for complex planning fans unafraid of 6+ hour matches. Pro tip: clear your table—and schedule.

## FAQ
### How long does a game take?
Brace for marathons: each scenario takes 6h+, and campaigns can span days.

### Is it beginner-friendly?
Not at all. The 4.2/5 BGG weight warns: it’s complex even for veterans.

### How many maps are included?
4 maps combining into a massive 44” x 28” South Pacific theater.

### Can I play solo?
Strictly 2-player, though fans have crafted solo variants.

### Are there expansions?
None official, but the community designs alternate scenarios.

### What’s the learning curve like?
Steep as a cliff. Expect to study the rulebook like a military manual.