Pavlov's House. NAC WARGAMES

In the autumn of 1942, while the ruins of Stalingrad were being relentlessly hit by artillery, crossfire, and airstrikes, a small group of Soviet soldiers took positions in an ordinary building... and turned it into an immortal symbol. That structure is known today as Pavlov’s House.

Sergeant Yakov Pavlov, along with a small infantry group, managed to seize the building during a surprise assault and, with the support of the 62nd Soviet Army, fortified it into an impenetrable stronghold. For 60 days, they repelled wave after wave of German attacks at one of the hottest points on the entire Eastern Front.

What began as a desperate maneuver became one of the most remembered episodes of the Battle of Stalingrad, to the point that Soviet propaganda claimed that “the Germans lost more men trying to take Pavlov’s House than in the entire capture of Paris.”

Pavlov’s House, designed by David Thompson, puts you in command of this legendary story. You will not only lead the defenders of the building: you will also be responsible for ensuring its survival through the entire Soviet logistics chain, from the banks of the Volga River to the last brick of the besieged house.

A system that recreates all the tension of the Eastern Front

Pavlov’s House is not a traditional historical simulation game. It is a tactical and operational survival experience under pressure. The board is divided into three connected zones that represent three fundamental levels of decision-making:

Inside Pavlov’s House: manage your defenders, supplies, and the fiercest combat.

The surroundings: the approach zone of German forces.

The Volga River: where all Soviet logistics and support are organized.

Each turn is divided into three phases:

Soviet phase: draw cards and carry out crucial logistical actions.

German phase: random and relentless attacks on your positions.

Soviet activation phase: activate units and respond to frontline threats.

Cards, dice, and tactical decisions combine to create constant tension. Every action counts. Every mistake has a cost.

Game modes for every front

Solo: all the responsibility in your hands.

Cooperative (2 players): split control between logistics and tactical defense.

Competitive (2-3 players): one player takes the role of the 6th German Army.

An original, deep, and accessible system

Despite its historical realism and thematic depth, Pavlov’s House is accessible. With a clear card-based mechanic and limited actions, it offers a straightforward entry point for new players while also providing great tactical depth for veterans.

The combination of controlled randomness and meaningful decisions makes each game a different challenge, where preparation, intuition, and tactical flexibility are key.

More than a wargame: a personal story

Pavlov’s House does not manage entire divisions or abstract maps: it puts you in command of real soldiers, with names, stories, and clear missions. You will suffer each casualty as a personal loss. You will celebrate each repelled attack as a vital victory.

This closeness, combined with its historical fidelity and oppressive atmosphere, turns the game into a playable narrative of one of the harshest moments of World War II.

Replayability and tension in every game

With dozens of cards, multiple setups, aggressive AI, and changing strategic decisions, Pavlov’s House has extremely high replayability. No game feels the same. And in all of them you will feel the pressure until the last turn.

The game ends when the German deck is exhausted or with the final event Milk House. Winning requires at least one victory point, obtained by:

Holding Pavlov’s House.

Succeeding in offensive raids.

Reducing enemy presence on the board.

Even a tie is an achievement. Winning... means entering history.

Conclusion: a different wargame, an unforgettable story

Pavlov’s House is much more than a wargame: it is a story to be played, lived, and survived. If you are looking for a challenging, realistic title full of tension and historical soul, this game deserves a place in your collection, whether you are a born wargamer or just starting out in the world of historical simulation games.

Contents of Pavlov’s House

• 1 Tactical map 84x43 cm

• 140 Cards

• 4 Counter sheets

• 5 Dice

• 2 Player aids

• 1 Rulebook

• 1 Historical book

Changes and Improvements in this second edition:

Single-language version instead of bilingual (Spanish/Portuguese)

Overall improvement of components, especially cards and tokens

There are now 2 player aids in diptych format, instead of bilingual triptych, making them easier to handle

The historical manual has been extensively revised and corrected, mainly grammar and spelling

Improved counter design to avoid cuts caused by slight misalignments

Reduced box size to save space, but still allows storing a token tray inside

Includes a set of spare counters

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Games and TCG - Board games - Wargames