Overview

Gulf Strike is a two-player operational-level wargame published by Victory Games in 1983 (with a third edition in 1990). It simulates modern combat in the Persian Gulf region using 1980s-era tactics and equipment. The game covers land, air, and sea combat, featuring a complex rules system that models the interaction of different military branches. Multiple scenarios allow players to explore various Cold War-era conflict situations in the Gulf region.

Components

• Hex map of the Persian Gulf region
• Cardboard unit counters
• Combat results tables
• Scenario booklet
• Rules booklet
• Dice
• Player aid cards

Setup

1. Select a scenario from the scenario booklet. The training scenario is strongly recommended for new players.
2. Set up the map and place units according to the scenario’s order of battle.
3. Each player receives their nation’s military units (land, air, and naval).
4. Place markers for supply, detection, and other status tracking.
5. Review the scenario-specific victory conditions.

Turn Structure

Each turn consists of three action stages:

1. Initiative Determination

• Both players roll dice to determine initiative.
• The initiative winner acts first in each action stage.

2. Action Stages (3 per turn)

Each action stage follows this sequence:

• Initiative player movement: Move units; may trigger opponent interceptions.
• Non-initiative player reaction: Respond to movements with interceptions or defensive measures.
• Combat resolution: Resolve any engagements between opposing forces.
• Players alternate initiative advantages through the three stages.

3. End of Turn

• Check supply status.
• Resolve administrative tasks.
• Check victory conditions.

Actions

Unit Modes

Each unit type has two operational modes:

• Land units: Front-line or Reserve
• Naval units: Underway or In Port
• Air units: Intercept or Offensive

Land Combat

• Calculate attack and defense ratios between opposing land forces.
• Roll die and consult the combat results table.
• Results include retreats, step losses, and exchanges.

Air Combat

• Air units use a simple die roll to determine hits.
• Air missions include ground attack, interception, patrol, and reconnaissance.
• Air defense systems can engage attacking aircraft.

Naval Combat

• Naval units use die rolls to determine hits.
• Naval engagements include surface actions, submarine attacks, and anti-ship missile strikes.

Supply

• Units must trace supply lines to maintain combat effectiveness.
• Unsupplied units suffer penalties to combat and movement.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Victory conditions vary by scenario:

• Control of key strategic locations and cities.
• Destruction of enemy forces beyond specified thresholds.
• Maintaining supply lines and territorial integrity.
• Each scenario specifies its own unique victory conditions.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Training scenario essential: The rules are complex, and playing the training scenario multiple times before attempting full scenarios is strongly recommended.
• Three editions: The third edition (1990) was updated to include Operation Desert Shield scenarios reflecting the Gulf War.
• Multi-domain warfare: The game integrates land, air, and sea combat into a single system, requiring players to coordinate all three branches.
• Detection: Units may need to be detected before they can be engaged, adding a fog-of-war element.
• Interception: Enemy movement can trigger interception by air and naval forces on alert status.
• Supply rules: Complex supply rules model the logistical challenges of modern warfare in the Gulf region.
• Scenario variety: Multiple scenarios cover different hypothetical and historical conflicts from the 1980s-era Persian Gulf.

Player Reference

Turn structure: Initiative roll > 3 action stages > End of turn

Unit modes:

• Land: Front-line / Reserve
• Naval: Underway / In Port
• Air: Intercept / Offensive

Combat resolution:

• Land: Attack/defense ratio + die roll + CRT
• Air/Naval: Simple die roll for hits

Key concepts: Supply lines, detection, interception, multi-domain coordination

Editions: 1st (1983), 2nd, 3rd (1990 with Desert Shield)