Overview

Battles for the Ardennes is a quadrigame simulating four battles from the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944-January 1945): St. Vith, Clervaux, Celles, and Sedan. Published by SPI in 1978 and later revised by Decision Games in 1994, the game uses a common set of standard rules with exclusive rules for each battle. Two players (German and Allied) fight over the critical crossroads and towns of the Ardennes. The game features March Mode movement, artillery, airpower, supply, bridge building and demolition, and detailed combat resolution.

Components

• 4 hexagonal game maps (one per battle)
• Die-cut counter sheets with combat units and markers
• Standard Rules booklet covering all four games
• Exclusive Rules for each scenario
• Combat Results Table
• Terrain Effects Chart
• Supply Effects Chart
• Turn Record Track
• Two dice

Setup

Players consult the Initial Deployment charts for the chosen scenario. German and Allied units are placed in their starting hexes. The Game-Turn marker is set. Weather and air power conditions are determined for the first turn per the scenario’s specifications.

Turn Structure

Each Game-Turn follows this sequence:

1. Game-Turn Interphase: Determine weather, check supply, adjust markers.
2. First Player-Turn
   • A. Movement Phase: Move units; enter reinforcements. Artillery may reposition.
   • B. Combat Phase: Resolve attacks including combined arms.
3. Second Player-Turn: Same Movement and Combat Phases.
4. End of Game-Turn: Advance the turn marker.

Actions

• Movement: Units have Movement Allowances. Terrain costs are specified on the Terrain Effects Chart. March Mode allows faster movement along roads but makes units more vulnerable to attack. Units entering March Mode gain bonus movement but cannot attack and have reduced defense.
• March Mode: Units may change to March Mode during movement for increased speed along roads. Units in March Mode cannot enter enemy Zones of Control and defend at reduced strength. March Mode units must revert to normal mode before attacking.
• Zones of Control: Hexes adjacent to a unit are in its Zone of Control. ZOCs affect movement (stopping units entering them) and retreat options. Artillery units have reduced or no ZOC.
• Combat: Odds-based CRT resolution. Results include Attacker/Defender Eliminated, Retreats, and Exchanges. Terrain modifiers apply. Multiple units can attack together. Divisional Integrity Combat Bonuses reward keeping units of the same division together.
• Artillery: Can conduct Barrage Attacks at range, Combined Attacks with adjacent units, and Final Protective Fire (FPF). Artillery has specific range and Line of Sight requirements.
• Air Power: Determined by weather. Air Interdiction hampers enemy movement; Air Ground Support modifies combat. Air power availability varies by turn and scenario.
• Supply: Units must trace supply lines to supply sources. Out-of-supply units suffer movement and combat penalties. German Supply Shortage Tables may apply.
• Bridge Building/Demolition: Engineers can build bridges over rivers. Existing bridges can be demolished. Improved positions can be built in certain terrain.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Each scenario has unique victory conditions based on the historical objectives of the specific battle. Generally, the German player aims to capture key towns and road junctions, while the Allied player defends them. Victory points are awarded for territorial control and enemy losses. Specific conditions vary significantly between the four battles.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Stacking Limits: Typically limited to a set number of units per hex, checked at end of movement. Stacking limits may vary between scenarios.
• Divisional Integrity Bonus: Units of the same division attacking together receive a combat bonus, reflecting coordinated operations.
• Forced March: Units may attempt forced march for extra movement but risk becoming disorganized.
• German Supply Shortages: The German player faces supply shortages reflecting the historical logistics problems that plagued the Ardennes offensive.
• Weather Effects: Weather affects air availability, movement costs, and combat modifiers. Overcast/snow conditions limit Allied air power.
• Bridge Demolition: Allied player may attempt to demolish bridges before German forces arrive. Success is not guaranteed.
• Four Scenarios: St. Vith (defense of the road junction), Clervaux (German breakthrough), Celles (deepest German penetration), and Sedan (breakthrough at the Meuse River).
• Improved Positions: Units that remain stationary may build improved positions providing defensive bonuses.

Player Reference

Scenario	Battle	Focus
St. Vith	Dec 16-23	Defense of crossroads
Clervaux	Dec 16-18	German breakthrough
Celles	Dec 23-26	Deepest penetration
Sedan	May 1940	Meuse River crossing

Movement Mode	Speed	Combat Restriction
Normal	Standard MA	Full combat
March Mode	Enhanced	Cannot attack, reduced defense