# Infidel: The Supremacy of Cavalry in the Crusader Era – 11th-12th Century ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2011 - **BGG Rating**: 7.4 - **BGG Rank**: #5976 - **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 60-120 min - **Weight**: 2.91 / 5 - **Designers**: Richard H. Berg - **Artists**: J. J. Dassy, Mark Simonitch, Mike Lemick, Rodger B. MacGowan - **Publishers**: GMT Games - **Categories**: Medieval, Wargame - **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hexagon Grid ## Verdict Infidel is that wargame that hooks you with its history and keeps you engaged with its fluid gameplay. Perfect for those who enjoy recreating medieval battles without drowning in complex rules, it's a paper time machine that puts you in command of crucial moments from the Crusades. If you're looking for a tactical challenge with historical flavor, whether solo or against a friend, this one is a sure bet.Historical Crusades battlesSimple, accessible rulesContinuous, dynamic gameplayGreat solo play optionFocus on medieval cavalryNiche theme (wargame)Reliance on dice rollingOnly for 1 or 2 playersRECOMMENDED ## Description Hey there, wargame enthusiasts! If you're into a solid dose of history and military strategy, Infidel: The Supremacy of Cavalry in the Crusader Era – 11th-12th Century is right up your alley. This GMT wargame throws you straight into the Crusades, specifically the major battles between Christians and Muslims in the 11th and 12th centuries, a period where cavalry reigned supreme on the battlefield. Get ready to witness the clash between European heavy knights and the agile tactics of Turkish light cavalry. The cool thing about Infidel is that it's designed to be easy to learn and quick to play. The rules are concise, and the game flows continuously, without fixed 'turns,' meaning you'll have plenty of opportunities to steal the initiative from your opponent. Combat is resolved with a single die roll, which speeds up the game significantly. Each battle lasts between one and two hours, perfect for those who want a complete experience without spending all day at the table. And if you're someone who enjoys a good solo challenge, Infidel has got you covered! The system works great for both individual and face-to-face play, without losing any depth or fun. It's like a paper time machine, allowing you to dive into iconic battles such as Dorylaeum, Antioch, Ascalon, Harran, Montgisard, and Arsuf. You'll get to understand what happened in each of them and, who knows, maybe even change the course of history. Can you replicate Baldwin IV's stunning victory at Montgisard or Richard the Lionheart's tactical movements at Arsuf? The box comes packed with two 22x32 inch game-maps, two counter sheets, a rules booklet, a battle book, charts and play aids, and two ten-sided dice. It's everything you need to recreate these epic moments! ## FAQ ### How many players can play Infidel? Infidel is designed for 1 to 2 players, making it an excellent choice for both solo challenges and strategic duels. ### What is the average playtime for Infidel? Each battle in Infidel takes approximately 60 to 120 minutes, allowing for a complete experience without being overly long. ### Is it a complex game for wargame beginners? No! Infidel is known for its short rules and easy-to-learn gameplay, making it quite accessible for newcomers to wargames, yet without sacrificing tactical depth. ### What are the main game mechanics? The core mechanics involve dice rolling for combat resolution and the use of a hexagon grid board, which offers tactical flexibility and terrain simulation. ### Does the game come with many components? Yes, the box is quite comprehensive! It includes two large maps, two counter sheets, a rules booklet, a battle book, charts and play aids, and two ten-sided dice. ### Can I play Infidel solo? Absolutely! The system is designed to work perfectly in solo mode, offering the same depth and fun as in the two-player game. ### Which historical battles are simulated in the game? The game simulates six major Crusades battles: Dorylaeum (1097), Antioch (1098), Ascalon (1099), Harran (1104), Montgisard (1177), and Arsuf (1191).