1944: Battle of the Bulge – 2023 Updated Edition

1944: Battle of the Bulge – 2023 Updated Edition is a fast-playing Worthington Publishing wargame on the German Ardennes offensive of December 1944. Designed by Dan Fournie and using concepts from Worthington’s Holdfast system, it aims to give players the feel of a Battle of the Bulge campaign game without a long rules burden or high counter density.

Each side receives a limited number of resource points used to move and attack, but actions can be taken in the order the player chooses. That creates the central tension of the game: attack to open a gap, move to exploit it, commit reserves at the right time, and decide whether to spend precious resources now or hold them for a later opportunity. The Germans begin with more resource points and lose momentum as the game progresses, while the Allies begin under pressure and grow stronger over time.

Optional German Objective Cards add uncertainty, with the German player secretly choosing an objective before play. Air power, leaders, variable weather, and optional fog-of-war strength counters give the game added replay value while keeping the rules short and approachable.

Publisher: Worthington Publishing
Designer: Dan Fournie
Players: 2
Playing time: 60–120 minutes
Complexity: Low to medium
Format: Standalone WWII campaign wargame
Setting: Battle of the Bulge / Ardennes offensive, 1944
Edition: 2023 updated edition / reprint
System note: Uses concepts from Worthington’s Holdfast series.

Contents include: a large 22" x 34" hard-mounted game board, two sheets of large 7/8" counters plus 5/8" markers, two sets of rules, Allied and German order of appearance cards, custom combat dice, objective cards, game record sheets, and a custom counter tray.