Overview

Angola is a multi-player wargame simulating the Angolan Civil War of 1975-1976. Players control various Soviet- and US-backed factions (MPLA, FNLA, UNITA, and potentially Cuba/South Africa) vying for control of Angola. The game features area control, logistics, and political maneuvering as factions attempt to dominate the country and its capital, Luanda.

Components

• 1 Map of Angola (divided into regions)
• Unit counters for each faction (infantry, armor, artillery, etc.)
• Political markers
• Supply and logistics markers
• Turn track
• Combat resolution tables
• Cards (event/action)
• Dice

Setup

1. Place the map centrally.
2. Set up unit counters in starting positions per the scenario.
3. Set initial political influence markers.
4. Prepare event/action decks.
5. Place turn marker on the start.

Turn Structure

Each turn represents a period of the civil war and consists of:

1. Political Phase: Resolve political events and foreign intervention.
2. Command Phase: Activate units using command points.
3. Movement Phase: Move activated units.
4. Combat Phase: Resolve battles in contested regions.
5. Supply Phase: Check supply lines and attrition.
6. End Phase: Advance turn marker, check victory conditions.

Actions

Movement

Units move between connected regions. Movement rates depend on unit type and terrain. Supply lines must be maintained from home bases or ports.

Combat

When opposing units occupy the same region, combat occurs. Combat resolution uses dice modified by:

• Unit strength
• Terrain effects
• Artillery support
• Air power (if available)

Political Actions

Players can use political influence to gain foreign support, recruit new units, and shift allegiances. Events may bring Cuban or South African intervention.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The game typically ends after a set number of turns or when specific victory conditions are met. Victory is determined by control of key regions, especially Luanda (the capital), and total territorial control. The faction controlling the most strategic regions wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Foreign intervention (Cuba, South Africa) is triggered by game events and can dramatically shift the balance.
• Supply lines are critical – unsupplied units suffer attrition.
• Some regions have strategic value for political reasons.
• Diplomatic events can change alliances and force negotiations.
• The game includes asymmetric faction abilities reflecting historical capabilities.

Player Reference

Turn Flow: Political → Command → Movement → Combat → Supply → End

Key Factions: MPLA (Soviet-backed), FNLA (Zaire-backed), UNITA (US-backed)

Victory: Control Luanda and the most strategic regions.