Some Poles Apart: The Battle of the Westerplatte

Against the Odds, LPS, Inc. · Board game · 2007

— Ludopedia 5.7 BGG 2 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.6/5

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— rating Ludopedia

5.7 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

RECOMMENDED

Some Poles Apart is a pocket-sized wargame that shines through its simplicity and intense historical theme. It offers a fast and tense tactical duel, perfect for those who want to simulate a real conflict without needing a massive table. The experience is focused on the challenge of resistance, delivering a solid and strategic game in just half an hour.

Highlights

Incredible portability for a wargame
Rarely explored historical theme
Fast and intense matches
Easy to learn and teach

Keep in mind

Minimalist postcard-style components
Low complexity for wargame veterans
Requires an interested opponent

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About the game

What you do in a play session

If you enjoy military history and want a game that fits in your pocket, 'Some Poles Apart: The Battle of the Westerplatte' is a hidden gem that deserves your attention. Part of the LPS Pocket Battle Games series, this title transports us to one of the most intense and overlooked moments of the early days of WWII: the heroic defense of a Polish military storehouse on the Westerplatte peninsula in Gdańsk.

What makes this game fascinating is how it captures a real event where a small Polish contingent stood their ground so bravely against Nazi forces that they earned full 'Honors of War' from their enemies. Despite being an extremely compact 'postcard game', it doesn't skimp on strategy. The system uses area movement to simulate the siege and the tension of the battle, requiring you to make quick and precise decisions within a 30-minute playtime.

It is the perfect game for when you and a friend want a dose of historical wargaming, but don't have hours to spare setting up a massive map or studying 50-page rulebooks. The simplicity of the rules, with a weight of 1.6, makes the experience very accessible, focusing on the tension of direct head-to-head competition. It is a history lesson in pocket format, excellent for those who appreciate military simulations that get straight to the point.

Since the focus is on historical realism and tactical combat, you will feel the pressure of managing your limited units while trying to hold the line. Don't expect complex miniatures or luxurious boards; here, the fun lies in the lean mechanics and the challenge of overcoming the odds in a scenario of desperate resistance. If you are a fan of 'Against The Odds' magazine games or simply love a good tactical duel focused on WWII, this little standout is a must-have addition to your collection of quick-play games.