Overview

Granada: The Fall of Moslem Spain is a two-player wargame published by Avalanche Press simulating the 1481-1492 campaign between Ferdinand and Isabella of Aragon and Castile against the Moorish rulers of Granada, the last Muslim state in Spain. The game uses point-to-point movement on a map of the Iberian Peninsula, with 120 colorful counters representing the military forces of both sides. The 8-page rulebook keeps the game relatively accessible for a historical wargame.

Components

• 1 mounted map (point-to-point movement network)
• 120 cardboard counters
• 8-page rules booklet
• Dice
• Player aid cards

Setup

1. Place the mounted map between both players.
2. One player takes the Spanish (Castile-Aragon) forces, the other takes the Moorish (Granada) forces.
3. Place unit counters at their starting locations according to the scenario setup.
4. Set aside reinforcement counters for later entry.
5. Determine the first player.

Turn Structure

Each turn represents a period of the Reconquista campaign:

1. Reinforcement Phase

Receive and place any reinforcements due this turn.

2. Movement Phase

Move units along the point-to-point network on the map. Units move from city to city or strongpoint to strongpoint along connecting routes.

3. Combat Phase

Resolve battles at locations where opposing forces meet.

4. Administration Phase

Handle supply, sieges, and political events.

Actions

Movement

• Units move along the point-to-point network connecting cities and strongpoints.
• No hexes – movement follows the connected paths on the map.
• Terrain and route type may affect movement speed.
• Forces can be combined or split at various locations.

Combat

• Battles are resolved when opposing forces occupy the same location.
• Combat uses dice and a results system based on relative force strength.
• Fortified positions provide defensive bonuses.

Sieges

• Strongpoints and cities may need to be besieged rather than taken by assault.
• Sieges take multiple turns and require dedicated forces.
• The fall of key cities is central to the campaign narrative.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Victory conditions reflect the historical campaign:

• Spanish player: Capture the city of Granada and the key Moorish strongpoints. Complete the Reconquista.
• Moorish player: Hold Granada and enough territory to prevent the Spanish from completing the conquest within the game’s timeframe.
• Specific victory points may be awarded for controlling key locations.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Point-to-point movement: The map uses a network of connected locations rather than hexes, which is characteristic of Avalanche Press designs and simulates the strategic importance of roads and routes in medieval warfare.
• Historical campaign: The game covers the final chapter of the Reconquista, the centuries-long Christian campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.
• Political events: The game may include events reflecting the internal politics of both sides, including the rivalry between Moorish factions.
• Short rules: At only 8 pages, the rules are concise for a wargame, making it accessible to players not experienced with complex wargames.
• Siege warfare: The campaign historically featured numerous sieges, and the game models this with specific siege mechanics.
• Compass Games version: A later version titled “Granada: Last Stand of the Moors” was published by Compass Games in 2021 with updated rules and components.

Player Reference

Map: Point-to-point movement network

Sides: Spanish (Castile-Aragon) vs. Moorish (Granada)

Period: 1481-1492 (end of the Reconquista)

Key objective: Control of the city of Granada

Counters: 120 units

Rules length: 8 pages