Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
Duel is a divisional/regimental game of the 3rd and 4th battles of Kharkov, including Soviet operations “Star” and “Leap” and von Manstein’s “Backhand Blow.” Originally published in 1985 by People’s Wargames, this edition has been thoroughly revised — with new counter art, streamlined rules, and an updated Soviet order of battle based upon the newly opened Russian archives. Game components include 2 full-size maps, 700 die-cut counters, rules, six scenarios, and charts and tables.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Read the full game description
Duel is a divisional/regimental game of the 3rd and 4th battles of Kharkov, including Soviet operations “Star” and “Leap” and von Manstein’s “Backhand Blow.” Originally published in 1985 by People’s Wargames, this edition has been thoroughly revised — with new counter art, streamlined rules, and an updated Soviet order of battle based upon the newly opened Russian archives. Game components include 2 full-size maps, 700 die-cut counters, rules, six scenarios, and charts and tables. Map scale is 3 miles to the hex, and each turn represents 2 days of real time. The situation simulated is a dramatic one. Stalingrad has been freed and 5 Axis Armies have been swept from away. Before the tired Red Army looms a hole in the German lines as big as the entire Western Front in 1918. Beyond lie the industrial Donets Basin and the farmlands of the Ukraine, and to the south the possibility of trapping 2 more German Armies against the Sea of Azov. The opportunities beckon! But on the flanks loom 10 German panzer and motorized divisions that are not in retreat, but rather are maneuvering to Duel for Kharkov! With sweeping movement, low-counter density, and dynamic action, Duel for Kharkov is your chance to command in the mightiest tank battle the world had ever seen. GAME COMPONENTS: Two 34" x 22" maps and 800 die-cut counters. Designed for 2-5 players, Duel can also be played solo. PLAYING TIME: 4-30 hours, depending upon scenario chosen. Complexity: High Solitaire Suitability: High (from the back of the box)