Lanzerath Ridge is a solitaire wargame that takes places on the first day of the Battle of the Bulge, during the Second World War.  In the game, you take control of a small group of American soldiers. Under your command, the Americans must fend off the relentless attacks from German paratroopers and fusiliers. Your goal is to recreate the incredible historic accomplishment of the American soldiers by defending the town of Lanzerath, Belgium and delaying the advance of an entire SS Panzer Division. 

Background

The American force that defended Lanzerath consisted of 18 men from an intelligence and reconnaissance platoon as well as 4 forward artillery observers. During a day-long confrontation, the Americans defended Lanzerath from about 500 German paratroopers and fusiliers. The Americans inflicted dozens of casualties and delayed the advance of Kampfgruppe Peiper, the spearhead of the German 1st SS Panzer Division. Every member of the defense was recognized for their valor, and the intelligence and reconnaissance platoon became the most decorated American unit of its size during World War II.

Valiant Defense

Lanzerath Ridge is the next design in the Valiant Defense series, following the critically acclaimed Pavlov's House, Castle Itter, and Soldiers in Postmen's Uniforms. The Valiant Defense series allows you to play amazing stories of courage, with small forces holding the line against unimaginable odds. Games in the series focus on the individual defenders and are deeply rooted in history, while providing a quick play experience with a light complexity ruleset.