Kawaguchi’s Gamble: Edson’s Ridge

Kawaguchi’s Gamble: Edson’s Ridge covers the area of Edson’s Ridge and the surrounding jungle just south of Henderson Airfield on the island of Guadalcanal during September 1942. The Japanese, as part of a complicated multi-pronged attack, sent three battalions, nearly 3000 men, charging towards the ridge protecting the airfield. Almost 800 Paramarines and Raiders defended the ridge with amazing courage and, despite suffering horrible casualties, kept from being overrun and saved both the airfield and possibly the Marine presence on Guadalcanal. The Japanese are often cited as having lost nearly 80% of their men attacking the ridge.

Banzai charges, important leaders, gas attacks, even hastily assembled riggers, are represented in Kawaguchi’s Gamble: Edson’s Ridge.

Kawaguchi’s Gamble: Edson’s Ridge is five turns long, each turn is a variable length of alternating impulses. The game length between experienced gamers is 2.5 to 3 hours.