Chinese Farm (board game)

Cover of Chinese Farm wargame

Chinese Farm is a board game that simulates the Battle of the Chinese Farm, a significant engagement during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The game is designed to provide players with a strategic and tactical understanding of the battle, focusing on the challenges faced by both the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Egyptian Army.

Gameplay

The game is typically played by two players, each taking on the role of either the IDF or the Egyptian Army. The objective is to control key positions on the battlefield, which are represented on a hexagonal grid map. Players use a combination of infantry, armor, and artillery units, each with specific movement and combat capabilities.

Setup

At the beginning of the game, players set up their units according to historical deployment. The map includes various terrain features such as sand dunes, irrigation ditches, and the titular "Chinese Farm," which was actually an agricultural research station misidentified by the Israelis due to the Chinese characters on the equipment.

Turn Structure

The game is played in turns, with each turn representing a specific time period during the battle. Each turn consists of several phases:

• **Movement Phase**: Players move their units across the map, taking into account terrain and enemy positions.
• **Combat Phase**: Engaged units resolve combat using dice rolls and combat tables.
• **Supply Phase**: Players check the supply status of their units, which can affect their combat effectiveness.

Historical Context

The Battle of the Chinese Farm was a pivotal moment in the Yom Kippur War, occurring between October 15 and October 17, 1973. The battle was part of the larger Operation Abiray-Lev, an Israeli counteroffensive aimed at crossing the Suez Canal and encircling the Egyptian Third Army. The engagement was marked by intense fighting and significant casualties on both sides.

Strategy

Players must balance offensive and defensive strategies, manage their resources effectively, and anticipate their opponent's moves. The game emphasizes the importance of terrain and supply lines, reflecting the real-world challenges faced by the commanders during the battle.

Reception

Chinese Farm has been praised for its historical accuracy and depth of strategy. It is considered a valuable educational tool for those interested in military history and the Yom Kippur War.

See Also

• Yom Kippur War
• Battle of the Chinese Farm
• Israeli Defense Forces
• Egyptian Army
• Operation Abiray-Lev
• Suez Canal