Modern War #24: Ambush at LZ Albany is a tactical-level wargame that recreates the fierce ambush of US Air Cavalry units by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) on 17 November 1965 during the Pleiku Campaign in the Vietnam War. This engagement, one of the most chaotic and deadly encounters for the 1st Cavalry Division, is brought vividly to life through tense, chit-driven gameplay and a detailed operational map of the Central Highlands.

• Scenario Overview: Following their earlier victory at Ia Drang, elements of the US 1st Air Cavalry moved toward Landing Zone Albany unaware that NVA forces were tracking them through the dense jungle. What followed was an unexpected and devastating ambush that left hundreds dead on both sides. In Ambush at LZ Albany, one player commands the North Vietnamese Army, seeking to inflict maximum losses on the isolated American column. The other takes the role of the US commander, struggling to reorganize, bring superior firepower to bear, and extract wounded troops before the NVA can finish them off.
• Gameplay & Objectives: The game system uses a random chit-pull activation mechanic to simulate the confusion and unpredictability of combat in Vietnam. Each chit drawn activates units or provides additional support such as artillery and airstrikes.
  • US Player: must stabilize the scattered air cavalry elements, call in fire support, and manage evacuation under fire.
  • NVA Player: must exploit surprise, coordination, and terrain to inflict casualties before American firepower turns the tide.
  Victory is determined by casualty ratios, control of the battlefield, and evacuation success.
• Game System & Scale:
  • Each turn represents one hour of real time, divided into multiple impulses driven by chit draws.
  • Units represent platoons of infantry supported by leaders, artillery, and air assets.
  • The game map portrays the dense jungles, sawgrass fields, and open clearings of the Central Highlands.
  • Leadership and morale are critical, as leaders boost performance but are highly vulnerable in combat.
  The system emphasizes fog of war, asymmetric tactics, and the chaos of close-quarter jungle combat.
• Strategic Features:
  • Simulates one of the most infamous ambushes of the Vietnam War.
  • Detailed chit-pull activation system adds tension and unpredictability.
  • Incorporates air and artillery support as variable assets.
  • Captures the psychological strain and tactical complexity of Vietnam jungle warfare.
  • Ideal for players interested in tactical combat and asymmetric warfare simulations.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map of the LZ Albany battlefield
• 176 die-cut counters representing US, NVA, and support forces
• Comprehensive rulebook featuring random event and support tables
• Player aids and scenario setup sheets

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Platoon
Map: 22” x 34” full-colour tactical map
Counters: 176 pieces
Turn Scale: 1 Hour per turn

Gameplay Focus: Ambush at LZ Albany delivers a gripping and realistic portrayal of small-unit combat in Vietnam. It combines historical authenticity, tactical depth, and dynamic decision-making to recreate the desperate struggle for survival in one of the war’s most tragic engagements.

Modern War #24: Ambush at LZ Albany is perfect for players fascinated by Vietnam War history, tactical-level simulations, and asymmetric battlefield challenges.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading source for historical and modern conflict wargames. Includes price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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