Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible" (non computer) war game?

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Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible"... - 4/23/2020 6:11:12 PM

Hellen_slith

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Hello, I have been thinking about buying a "solitaire" style non-computer type war game soon, and thought I would ask for your suggestions / recommendations? I am looking at spending around 75$ to 100$ price range, and have my eye on this game "fields of Fire"

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22877/fields-fire

I think I would prefer a "ground based" tactical type game, but I am open to suggestions like some of the air type games. Prefer WWII era.

Any suggestions about what you like, and what might most appeal to me? I play mostly TOAWIV at the moment. Am retired and have lots of time to put into such a game, thought I would ask here before plopping down for that Fields of Fire. I would prefer an "expandable" type game, Fields of Fire seems to meet that with various scenes. Any suggestions about what you like?

Thank you for your inputs!

Post #: 1

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/23/2020 9:42:06 PM

Zovs

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For me it�s Solitaire Advanced Squad Leader or SASL.

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Post #: 2

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/23/2020 10:44:42 PM

wodin

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Combat! Compass Games. It's expensive but worth every penny. For solo tactical full of immersion and narrative this is the best out there.

Fields of Fire Vol1 and Vol2 are superb aswell.

D Day series by Decision Games also.

Tank Duel by GMT Games.

< Message edited by wodin -- 4/23/2020 10:47:35 PM >

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/23/2020 11:33:16 PM

MrsWargamer

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I have Patton's Best. Not new, but what is eh.

You essentially command a Sherman. Excellent quality components.

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Exlains why I buy em more than I play em.

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Post #: 4

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/24/2020 11:08:38 AM

demyansk

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https://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/35598/item/764236#item764236

I looked on Board game geek - BGG. They have a few posts listing solitaire games and I have a few of them. Fire in the Lake is a coin game, which I have but not played. Look at the games on Bgg and you can find a bunch of them. Also check out The Players Aid, best videos on all games plus they have a bunch of videos on top Solitaire war games.
https://theplayersaid.com

I also like their emails with videos.

I hope this helps. If you like uboats, the hunters
GMT games is a great site as well.
https://www.gmtgames.com

(in reply to MrsWargamer)

Post #: 5

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/24/2020 6:33:09 PM

Hellen_slith

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Joined: 10/10/2005
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Thank you all for the kind suggestions and helpful links.

I'm leaning toward something from either GMT or Compass games ... I am definitely wanting the "Fields of Fire" ...

I definitely want one from either GMT or one from Compass (hell, why not one from both!? Already jacking up what I might want to spend ... so many choices, so little time!)

I have only started scratching the surface of what I might want to purchase / play, but I am very intrigued by the Field of Fire game play and how that plays out.

Will seek out some game play videos from all these choices, try to see which most appeals. I feel like a kid in a candy shop!

Thanks again for the helps!

(in reply to demyansk)

Post #: 6

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/25/2020 9:35:00 AM

demyansk

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Hi
From what I have read and I also have the game, Fields of Fire is a very difficult game to play for a new player in the system. Try one of the COIN games from GMT. Good luck in your choice and if you're motivated it will work.

(in reply to Hellen_slith)

Post #: 7

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/25/2020 3:42:32 PM

rommel222

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Greetings Hellen_slith,
An older Avalon Hill title, Firepower(cold war/modern era)for squad level (man to man combat) at 5 yards per hex/30 second turns, has good solitaire capability.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3692/firepower

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/843542/critical-look-old-friend
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/894216/still-fun-showing-its-age

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69XjElD0o6M

ebay copies: ($10-$40)
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=avalon%20hill%20fire%20power&ssPageName=GSTL

(in reply to demyansk)

Post #: 8

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/25/2020 10:46:09 PM

RFalvo69

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They are not "ground based", but The Hunters (U-Boat warfare 1939-43), the Hunted (1943-45) and Silent Victory (American submarine warfare in the Pacific, 1941-45), all by GMT, are excellent solitaire games. You are the commander of a submarine (there are tons of classes and subclasses) assigned to a "patrol", and the game evolves according to your decisions and the vagaries of fate. More patrols constitute a "campaign", with crew promotions, reassignments etc.

All three are nail-biting, but be warned that The Hunted is (as the title suggests) stacked against you. It recreates the twilight of the U-Boats, chased by new and much more sophisticated ASW tactics, with little more than your experiences and (hopefully) luck on your part. You can join The Hunters and The Hunted for a complete 1939-45 campaign, if you wish.

https://www.gmtgames.com/p-556-the-hunters-3rd-printing.aspx
https://www.gmtgames.com/p-590-the-hunted-twilight-of-the-u-boats-1943-45.aspx
https://www.gmtgames.com/p-650-silent-victory-2nd-printing.aspx

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/25/2020 11:50:18 PM

MrsWargamer

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quote:

ORIGINAL: rommel222

Greetings Hellen_slith,
An older Avalon Hill title, Firepower(cold war/modern era)for squad level (man to man combat) at 5 yards per hex/30 second turns, has good solitaire capability.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3692/firepower

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/843542/critical-look-old-friend
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/894216/still-fun-showing-its-age

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69XjElD0o6M

ebay copies: ($10-$40)
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=avalon%20hill%20fire%20power&ssPageName=GSTL

I'll second Firepower. Not sure why I got rid of my copy. I wasn't too bright in the 80s :)

_____________________________

Wargame, 05% of the time.
Play with Barbies 05% of the time.
Play with Legos 10% of the time.
Build models 20% of the time
Shopping 60% of the time.
Exlains why I buy em more than I play em.

(in reply to rommel222)

Post #: 10

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/26/2020 5:45:07 PM

ataquerojo

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Its not tactical, it�s "Grand tactical", but with no doubt the boardgame series " D-Day"from Decision Games (D-Day at Omaha, D-Day at Peleliu and D-Day at Tarawa) are the most intense, dynamic and clever solitaire system right now, John Butterfield (Game designer) is a genius.

Pd. Of same designer you have "Enemy action Ardennes" or "RAF" .

(in reply to MrsWargamer)

Post #: 11

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/27/2020 5:58:15 AM

Jim D Burns

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These old Victory Games titles were specifically designed for solitaire play. I owned Ambush! and Battle Hymn back in the day and they were a lot of fun.

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamefamily/2636/ambush-solitaire-wargame-system

Jim

(in reply to Hellen_slith)

Post #: 12

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/28/2020 5:33:45 PM

Hellen_slith

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Thanks again for all of your kind helps and suggestions! After many hours of "shopping" and watching the youtube videos about all the choices, I have come to conclusion that what I would really like to get is the GMT "unconditional surrender" strategic WWII set, but it looks out of print, so maybe "Gathering Storm" in meantime? In my teenage years, I had the grand tacticals Wacht am Rhein, North Africa, and The Next War, so I am not too worried about the scale or complexity, but do want something that will keep me very busy in twilight years :) so, I think "fields of fire" is off the table for now after reading up about it, and the "unconditional surrender" game looks very very interesting. So, any other suggestions along grand strategic level? Just trying to weigh all options. Thanks again for all of your kind helps and suggestions!

(in reply to Jim D Burns)

Post #: 13

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/28/2020 6:11:42 PM

MrsWargamer

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Going on the basis that any game that CAN be played solo, even if it wasn't meant as a solo design.....

Advanced Third Reich is one of my all-time favs for trying to outperform my best ideas each turn playing both sides.

The game's beauty isn't it's complex design, but in its complex thinking.

_____________________________

Wargame, 05% of the time.
Play with Barbies 05% of the time.
Play with Legos 10% of the time.
Build models 20% of the time
Shopping 60% of the time.
Exlains why I buy em more than I play em.

(in reply to Hellen_slith)

Post #: 14

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/28/2020 6:40:44 PM

Ostwindflak

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Sal Vasta's "Unconditional Surrender! WWII in Europe" is great game for someone starting and or getting back into grand strategy war games. I own the first edition, got it when the game first came out and have played through it several times. It works solo as I have played with an opponent and alone. A quick search shows not many copies avaiable for out right sale, but here is one on the geekmarket over at boardgamegeek.com for $110, second edition which was released in 2017.

Other ones to look at are a few games in the "Standard Combat Series" or SCS such as "The Mighty Endeavor" by Multi-Man Publishing:

https://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14080/mighty-endeavor

They are fairly light weight and can be easily played solo.

(in reply to MrsWargamer)

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/28/2020 7:29:15 PM

Hellen_slith

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Thank you all! I really really want the Unconditional Surrender, I am also looking at "Advanced Third Reich" (thanks Mrs. Wargamer! Checking that out too) but I am still several weeks away from "pulling the trigger" so to speak. Thanks again for the recommendations, still shopping and still weeks away from decision ... in the meantime, I am cleaning out my Dad's [RIP K5QWW] old "Radio Shack" (he was a long time HAM operator) which is now my "Smoke Shack" and I am clearing / finding lots of table space to be able to set up and keep a frosty game going for the long haul. Thanks again for all of the suggestions! Will advise when choice arrives and will do an AAR too! Y'all are great!!

< Message edited by Hellen_slith -- 4/28/2020 7:30:01 PM >

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/28/2020 7:32:02 PM

ncc1701e

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Second printing of "Unconditional Surrender! WWII in Europe" for me plus I have bought the mounted maps. I never had time to play it...

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 2:45:04 PM

RFalvo69

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Let's not forget "World in Flames", then. The "Classic" version, without the 671,902 expansions (Ships in Flames, Planes in Flames, Flames in Flames... 🔥 ) is still a perfectly fine and manageable game.

A certain Steven Dolges is playing the "Europe Only" scenario with no expansions and no optional rules - as vanilla as it gets! You can find his Youtube "play by play" list starting here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjqMKWyaCc&list=PLUZg2U5KVNxrCu2wrDrrGgjKLwIwAsiMP&index=10

_____________________________

"Yes darling, I served in the Navy for eight years. I was a cook..."
"Oh dad... so you were a God-damned cook?"

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 2:50:26 PM

MrsWargamer

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quote:

ORIGINAL: RFalvo69

Let's not forget "World in Flames", then. The "Classic" version, without the 671,902 expansions (Ships in Flames, Planes in Flames, Flames in Flames... 🔥 ) is still a perfectly fine and manageable game.

A certain Steven Dolges is playing the "Europe Only" scenario with no expansions and no optional rules - as vanilla as it gets! You can find his Youtube "play by play" list starting here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vjqMKWyaCc&list=PLUZg2U5KVNxrCu2wrDrrGgjKLwIwAsiMP&index=10

Yeah, I've been thinking of it as well. I've also been thinking of examining my set and wondering, "do I really want all these addons?" I've also refused to add on Rising Sun or go to the Global variant with A3R. In som ways, there has to be a limit to how crazy we take our games some times.

_____________________________

Wargame, 05% of the time.
Play with Barbies 05% of the time.
Play with Legos 10% of the time.
Build models 20% of the time
Shopping 60% of the time.
Exlains why I buy em more than I play em.

(in reply to RFalvo69)

Post #: 19

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 3:53:22 PM

RFalvo69

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From: Lamezia Terme (Italy)
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BTW, this Coronavirus crisis could be a good moment for playing "Campaign for North Africa" up to completion. Even solo, maybe.

_____________________________

"Yes darling, I served in the Navy for eight years. I was a cook..."
"Oh dad... so you were a God-damned cook?"

(My 10 years old daughter after watching "The Hunt for Red October")

(in reply to MrsWargamer)

Post #: 20

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 5:19:30 PM

Hellen_slith

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Thanks for the added links! Yes, I have WiF computer version but it is just too complicated for me...I never could understand the convoys and moving production points. Maybe the board version would suit me better, but that one is a bit too much for me. Am actually playing Bob Cross's Campaign North Africa (based on the old SPI monster) via TOAWIV, we're on move 150 I think, pretty fun. But seeking out a tangible. Ok well thanks again!~

(in reply to RFalvo69)

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RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 5:26:38 PM

ncc1701e

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quote:

ORIGINAL: demyansk
Try one of the COIN games from GMT.

Good point here:
https://www.gmtgames.com/c-48-solitaire-games.aspx

Look at:
- A Distant Plain,
- Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62
- Labyrinth

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to demyansk)

Post #: 22

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 5:58:21 PM

Hellen_slith

Posts: 1990
Joined: 10/10/2005
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

Second printing of "Unconditional Surrender! WWII in Europe" for me plus I have bought the mounted maps. I never had time to play it...

If you ever think of parting w/ that, I would be very interested at a reasonable price.

It will find a good home! :)

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 23

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 4/29/2020 6:53:13 PM

ncc1701e

Posts: 7380
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From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Hellen_slith

quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

Second printing of "Unconditional Surrender! WWII in Europe" for me plus I have bought the mounted maps. I never had time to play it...

If you ever think of parting w/ that, I would be very interested at a reasonable price.

It will find a good home! :)

Thanks for the proposal but i keep it for now.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to Hellen_slith)

Post #: 24

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 5/13/2020 4:36:06 PM

Hellen_slith

Posts: 1990
Joined: 10/10/2005
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Thanks again for all the suggestions! The decision is in:

Unconditional Surrender it is.

I spent the past few days looking at it in detail, and finally wound up installing Vassal, managed to get the Unconditional Surrender module working in that, got through the training scenario #1 (Poland) using that, and have to say this is exactly the type of game I was looking for.

Now, if I can only find a good "hard copy" of the game ... the Vassal module was very helpful to me in seeing how the game plays, seems easy to learn with endless replay value. What really sealed the deal was the videos by Counter Attack on the look tube thing,

His playthroughs are very well presented, I am now looking at his Scandinavia tutorial for the game, and I try to follow along using Vassal for now. Well, thanks again! Have a great gaming day!

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 25

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 5/13/2020 5:00:29 PM

jmlima

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

quote:

ORIGINAL: demyansk
Try one of the COIN games from GMT.

Good point here:
https://www.gmtgames.com/c-48-solitaire-games.aspx

Look at:
- A Distant Plain,
- Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62
- Labyrinth

I've played something like 100 games to completion in the COIN series (mostly Fire in the Lake), they are amazing for solo play and also multi-player or even against just one opponent. By far, the best I can recommend. I would go for Fire in the Lake, Cuba Libre or a Distant Plain. Would avoid Colonial Twilight and Falling Sky.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 26

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 5/13/2020 7:08:51 PM

ncc1701e

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From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jmlima

I've played something like 100 games to completion in the COIN series (mostly Fire in the Lake), they are amazing for solo play and also multi-player or even against just one opponent. By far, the best I can recommend. I would go for Fire in the Lake, Cuba Libre or a Distant Plain. Would avoid Colonial Twilight and Falling Sky.

Why not Colonial Twilight? The solo reviews of it are quite good.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to jmlima)

Post #: 27

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 5/13/2020 8:16:40 PM

jmlima

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmlima

I've played something like 100 games to completion in the COIN series (mostly Fire in the Lake), they are amazing for solo play and also multi-player or even against just one opponent. By far, the best I can recommend. I would go for Fire in the Lake, Cuba Libre or a Distant Plain. Would avoid Colonial Twilight and Falling Sky.

Why not Colonial Twilight? The solo reviews of it are quite good.

It's more of a personal preference. Solo is ok, but it's a game that, IMO, can get quite repetitive, since both factions are continuously trying the same approaches, in a war that follows the same repeating patterns. Again, IMO, much more bang for your buck (and time) in any of the others.

(in reply to ncc1701e)

Post #: 28

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 5/13/2020 9:47:59 PM

ncc1701e

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From: Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jmlima

It's more of a personal preference. Solo is ok, but it's a game that, IMO, can get quite repetitive, since both factions are continuously trying the same approaches, in a war that follows the same repeating patterns. Again, IMO, much more bang for your buck (and time) in any of the others.

Thanks for your feedback.

_____________________________

Chancellor Gorkon to Captain James T. Kirk:
You don't trust me, do you? I don't blame you. If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.

(in reply to jmlima)

Post #: 29

RE: Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible&q... - 5/13/2020 9:59:31 PM

demyansk

Posts: 2840
Joined: 2/20/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: jmlima

quote:

ORIGINAL: ncc1701e

quote:

ORIGINAL: demyansk
Try one of the COIN games from GMT.

Good point here:
https://www.gmtgames.com/c-48-solitaire-games.aspx

Look at:
- A Distant Plain,
- Colonial Twilight: The French-Algerian War, 1954-62
- Labyrinth

I've played something like 100 games to completion in the COIN series (mostly Fire in the Lake), they are amazing for solo play and also multi-player or even against just one opponent. By far, the best I can recommend. I would go for Fire in the Lake, Cuba Libre or a Distant Plain. Would avoid Colonial Twilight and Falling Sky.

I'm

Want to teach me the Cuba Libre game? I have it but never played. I am stuck on The Hunters.

Demy

(in reply to jmlima)

Post #: 30

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Suggestions for a solo / solitaire "tangible" (non computer) war game?