The Threshold of Nuclear War
Game Design: Kerry Anderson
OCTOBER 22, 1962
"Good evening, my fellow citizens. This Government, as promised, has maintained the closest surveillance of the Soviet military buildup on the island of Cuba. Within the past week unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere." John F. Kennedy, 1962
During thirteen days of October, 1962, the World came the closest it ever has to nuclear war. Cuban Missile Crisis is a simulation of that crisis, where players, acting as Kennedy or Khrushchev (along with their staff), must confront the issues and either arrive at a peaceful solution or end in a holocaust. Political and strategic decisions and actions are captured by 40 cards. Rules cover air and ground operations, photo-reconnaissance, convoys, accidents, world opinion and nuclear warfare.
The 11 x 17" map covers the island of Cuba. The 280 counters show US, Soviet and Cuban ground troops, air forces, convoys and more. The 40 playing cards reflect the political and strategic options open to the national leaders.
