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Silver Bayonet: The First Team in Vietnam, 1965 (25th Anniversary Edition)

GMT Games · Board game · 2016
100.0 Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 1–2 · best 2 Solo 30–960 min Weight 3.9/5
Buy · from US$ 42.28
100.0 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 42.28
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

For historical wargamers who love military drama. The operational system is a tactical sandbox where helicopters and ambushes become pieces in the same bloody chess match.

Highlights
  • Gritty conflict atmosphere
  • Dynamic combat system
  • Well-researched historical depth
  • Scalable complexity
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Long playtime requires commitment
  • Language dependent for non-English speakers
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

Silver Bayonet throws you into the Ia Drang Valley in 1965, where the US 1st Air Cavalry Division clashed with a full North Vietnamese Army division. This game recreates the iconic battle with an operational system blending large-scale strategy and tactical decisions. You'll command troops on a hex grid, using dice to resolve everything from subtle ambushes to massive artillery strikes. The 25th Anniversary Edition keeps the classic original system but adds refinements based on newer historical research - like dynamic patrols and refined unit coordination rules. While it's still a proper wargame, the design has been polished to be more approachable without losing depth. Get ready to feel the tension of battlefield command where every decision could turn the tide.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

8 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 OK
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Dice Rolling Hexagon Grid

Categories

Vietnam War Wargame

Families

Country: Vietnam Decades: The 1960's History: Vietnam War Series: Operational System (GMT)
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Gene Billingsley, Mitchell Land
Artist Charles Kibler, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,485owners
221wishlist
41want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
Is it playable solo?
Absolutely! It includes a structured solo mode where you command US forces against automated NVA rules.
How long does it take to play?
It varies - short scenarios take 30-60 minutes, but full campaigns can run 10+ hours (the kind you leave set up for days).
Does it need a big table?
The main map is sizable (22x16 inches), plus you'll need extra space for unit counters and reference tables.
Good for wargame beginners?
There's a learning curve, but it's one of the more accessible titles in the Operational System series. Start with basic scenarios.
Does it include miniatures?
No - uses traditional cardboard counters, which helps keep focus on strategy over aesthetics.

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