Holdfast: North Africa 1941–42

Holdfast: North Africa 1941–42 is a Worthington Publishing block wargame covering the desert campaign from March 1941 through December 1942. Britain begins under pressure in Egypt, Rommel arrives with the Afrika Korps, and both sides must use armour, infantry, supply, and maneuver to control the desert war.

Part of the Holdfast series, the game uses wooden blocks with labels to create fog of war while keeping unit density low and play time manageable. The system is designed for short rules, interactive turns, and strategic depth without becoming a heavy desert-war simulation.

Supply is central to the campaign. Fast tank movement and wide desert maneuver can create dramatic opportunities, but neither side can push forever without logistical support. Malta is especially important for the Axis player, as it can reduce Axis supplies and force difficult choices between supporting desert operations or using air power to neutralize Malta.

Publisher: Worthington Publishing
Series: Holdfast
Designers: Grant Wylie and Mike Wylie
Players: 1–2
Playing time: Around 2 hours or less
Format: Standalone WWII block wargame
Setting: North Africa, March 1941–December 1942
Mechanisms: Block wargame, fog of war, supply, desert maneuver, interactive turn sequence

Contents include: a sturdy 34" x 11" game map, wooden blocks, labels, dice, and rules.