Quick answer
Against the Odds Battle for the Golan Heights is a compact, tense hex-and-counter wargame that recreates the first 48 hours of the 1973 Yom Kippur War on the Golan front. It's a strong choice if you want a fast-playing, solitaire-friendly title with historical depth and a low price point.
What makes this game stand out
Against the Odds Battle for the Golan Heights focuses on a single, critical battle: the Syrian assault on Israeli positions in the Golan Heights on October 6–7, 1973. The game uses a platoon-level scale where each counter represents a platoon of tanks, infantry, or anti-tank teams, plus helicopters and supporting arms. The map covers the ground between Tel Hermonit and Booster, giving you a tight, claustrophobic battlefield where every ridge and road matters.
The solitaire-friendly design means you can play either side against a simple system, making it a good option for solo wargamers who want historical accuracy without a complex rulebook. The game also includes a two-player variant if you want to introduce a friend to the period.
Trade-offs to consider
Because the game focuses on only the first two days of the battle, the scenario is short—usually 6–10 turns. That's great for a quick evening game, but if you prefer multi-session campaigns or grand strategic scope, this title may feel too narrow. The rules are lean, which helps new players but may leave grognards wanting more chrome or optional rules.
The game does not include a full campaign or alternate scenarios, so replayability comes from switching sides and trying different strategies within the same historical setup. If you already own several hex-and-counter games covering the Yom Kippur War, this one covers a specific slice rather than the entire theater.
Decision rules
- Buy if you want a quick, tense solitaire experience: The game plays in under two hours and includes a simple solo system for either side. If you have limited table time but still want a meaningful historical wargame, this fits.
- Buy if you're new to hex-and-counter wargames: The rules are streamlined and the counter density is low. You'll learn the basics of platoon-level combat without being overwhelmed by a 40-page rulebook. The low price also makes it a low-risk entry point.
- Skip if you want a grand campaign or multiple scenarios: This is a single-scenario game covering only the first 48 hours. If you prefer a full campaign covering the entire Golan front or the whole Yom Kippur War, look for a larger system. For a broader scope, consider a title like Nations At War or World At War 85.
- Skip if you need high counter density or deep chrome: With platoon-level counters and a small map, the game is deliberately lean. Experienced players who enjoy detailed terrain effects, step reduction, or extensive optional rules may find it too simple.
Product facts
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Against the Odds - Battle for the Golan Heights: October 1973, and the Line Is Too Thin. The Golan is high ground with a road behind it. Lose the high ground on the first day and there is very little between the Syrians and everything else. This captures the core tension: the Israeli player must hold a thin line against overwhelming odds, while the Syrian player must break through before reinforcements arrive. It's a race against time, not just a slugfest.
Against the Odds - Battle for the Golan Heights
Who this game fits
Best for
- Solo wargamers looking for a quick, historically accurate battle
- Newcomers to hex-and-counter games who want a low-cost, low-complexity entry point
- Players interested in the Yom Kippur War's Golan front specifically
Not for
- Players who want a multi-scenario campaign or grand strategic coverage of the Yom Kippur War
- Grognards seeking high counter density, deep chrome, or extensive optional rules
