U-Boat Captain: 1939-1942, 2nd ed.: Minden Games Solitaire WW2 Wargame, Vol. 1 of the U-Boat Captain Series Paperback – December 11, 2025

U-Boat Captain: 1939-1942, 2nd ed. is a solitaire wargame depicting U-Boat patrols in the early years of World War II. You will take control of a single U-Boat and conduct patrols to a variety of historical locations. The object of the game is to sink as much allied shipping as possible, while avoiding being sunk yourself. Once you sail to your area of operation, you will conduct daily searches... if an encounter occurs, you must decide when/if/how to attack (watch out for escorts). When fuel beings to run low, or your boat has suffered too much damage, you can make your way back to port for refit and rest, before embarking on your next patrol. Sink at least 100,000 tons of allied shipping in your career and earn for yourself the coveted Knight's Cross.U-Boat Captain: 1939-1942 emphasizes high playability combined with high historicity for a game that plays quickly but retains a strong historical and tactical feel, while producing authentic narratives. Several different U-Boat types are included (Types VIIA, VIIB, VIIC, IXA, IXB, IXC, IIB, IID, and IA), each rated for fuel capacity, torpedoes carried, deck gun characteristics, and durability/survival. The game system reflects the "risk versus reward" nature of the theater, as it places you in the role of a U-Boat commander during the Battle of the Atlantic. In addition to standard and advanced rules, several historical scenarios are included, plus campaign games, along with historical U-Boat "aces", and detailed Designer's Notes.This second edition has the same game system as before, but contains additional optional rules, eight Historical Commander cards, more components, special optional rules overing 1942 and the changing nature of the campaign, a new submarine type (Type IA), and a 7" x 10" format with more pages than before. The game mates up well with Vol. 2 of the series, U-Boat Captain: Twilight, that takes the game from 1943 to 1945. If you already own a copy of the first edition of U-Boat Captain, while there is no necessity to upgrade to the new edition, the new edition contains enough fresh content and additions to make it a worthy addition to the series. The game book has been expanded to 52 pages in full-color, with eight historical scenarios and many more possibilities for design-your-own ones. Everything is contained in the pages of the book, so scan the components and print and you'll be ready to go. All you need to supply is a standard deck of playing cards, and two six-sided dice.In the game, you must handle your boat wisely, and react well to changing circumstances and opportunities. Just supply a standard deck of cards and two dice, and you'll be ready to play. See for youself if you could have been a successful U-Boat Captain.U-Boat Captain, 2nd ed. Designer: Gary Graber. Historical Background Commentary: Bob Flood. Read more