Guerre Éclair is a fast-paced, card-driven wargame for two players that recreates the dramatic Fall of France in May 1940. As German forces launch their invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France following the Manstein Plan, the fate of Western Europe hangs in the balance. Designed by Yasushi Nakaguro, Guerre Éclair delivers an accessible yet deeply strategic experience, ideal for both seasoned wargamers and newcomers. With a playing time of around 45 minutes, it offers a compact but intense simulation of one of the most decisive campaigns of World War II. One player commands the German armies, relying on deception, hidden objectives, and the concentrated power of Panzer divisions to break through enemy lines and advance toward Paris or the English Channel. The opposing player controls French and British forces, tasked with organizing a fragile defense, anticipating enemy intentions, and launching decisive counterattacks at the right moment. Gameplay begins with secret operational plans, forcing both players into a tense battle of bluff and strategic foresight. The German player must keep their true objectives concealed, while the Allied player must decide whether to spread forces to cover every possible threat or risk everything on a well-timed concentration of strength. Momentum, card selection, and precise positioning are key to victory.
