Overview

Rommel’s Panzers is a microgame published by Metagaming Concepts in 1980, designed by Roger Damon. It simulates tank warfare in North Africa in 1941-42, pitting the German Afrika Korps under Erwin Rommel against British forces. This was the first historical game by Metagaming (previously known for fantasy and sci-fi titles) and the first in the MicroHistory series of microgames. The game focuses purely on armored combat with no infantry and no terrain, making for quick, accessible play with progressively complex scenarios.

Components

• Small hex map (depicting the North African desert)
• Unit counters (German panzers and British tanks/vehicles)
• 10 scenario cards
• Combat results table (CRT)
• Dice
• Rules sheet (microgame format, fits in a small ziplock bag)

Setup

1. Select one of the 10 scenarios.
2. Place the hex map on the table.
3. Set up unit counters on their designated hexes according to the scenario’s setup instructions.
4. Determine which side moves first (per scenario).

Turn Structure

Each game turn consists of:

1. First Player Movement Phase: Move units up to their movement allowance.
2. First Player Combat Phase: Attack adjacent enemy units. Resolve using the CRT.
3. Second Player Movement Phase: Same as above.
4. Second Player Combat Phase: Same as above.
5. Turn End: Check scenario victory conditions.

Actions

Movement: Each unit has a movement allowance in hexes per turn. Since there is no terrain on the desert map, movement is straightforward. Units cannot stack (or have limited stacking, depending on scenario).

Combat: When adjacent to enemy units, a player may attack. Total the attacking units’ combat strength against the defender’s combat strength. Calculate the odds ratio, roll the dice, and consult the CRT for the result (retreat, disruption, or elimination).

Progressive Rules: The scenarios are designed to be played in order. Each subsequent scenario introduces new rules:

• Basic movement and combat (scenarios 1-2)
• Overrun attacks (scenario 3)
• Supply and fuel rules (scenario 4-5)
• Specialized unit types (later scenarios)
• Combined arms effects (final scenarios)

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Victory conditions vary by scenario. Common objectives include:

• Destroying a specified number of enemy units within a time limit.
• Controlling key map positions (supply hexes, objectives).
• Surviving for a set number of turns while inflicting casualties.

The scenario card specifies exact victory conditions for each game.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• No infantry and no terrain features: this is a pure tank-vs-tank game on open desert.
• Playing scenarios in order teaches the rules progressively, with new mechanics added each game.
• Supply rules in later scenarios mean units can run out of fuel and become immobile.
• Overrun attacks allow moving units to attack without stopping, representing fast armored thrusts.
• The microgame format means setup is quick and games are short (30-60 minutes even for complex scenarios).

Player Reference

Turn: Player 1 Move > Player 1 Combat > Player 2 Move > Player 2 Combat.

Combat: Calculate odds ratio (attacker strength / defender strength) > Roll dice > Consult CRT.

Scenarios: 10 progressive scenarios introducing new rules each time.

No terrain: Open desert battlefield. Pure armored combat.