Against the Odds Magazine, ATO Magazine

06/11/2026

We heard there was a review of Confederate Rails but the link we got was dead.

A search took us here: https://rollingboxcars.wordpress.com/2018/08/31/exploring-confederate-rails-this-weekend/

Ah, but that page just SAYS he is going to play and review the game, and a Google search did not turn up the actual report.

Can anyone find it?

Short of that, feel free to grab your own copy, and write your own review (we'll publish it!).

06/10/2026

Today, June 10, marks the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Brice's Crossroads. This is a fascinating study of how deception, use of terrain, and exploiting "reputation," can allow a smaller force to defeat a larger one... although, in fact, the "larger" force actually won strategically by accomplishing the missing of "Keep Forrest Occupied" (and off Sherman's supply lines.)
But here's the story: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/brices-cross-roads/?utm_source=Full+WHN+List&utm_campaign=25d50c233f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_05_20_02_34&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-25d50c233f-44410805

If Brice's Crossroads was about protecting Union rails, you'll find our XL sized game an interesting approach. In Richard Berg's "Confederate Rails," you have the opposite of most "railroad games." Here, you START with your rail network as big as it's ever likely to be, and see how long you can maintain as much of it as possible, in the face of battlefield reverses (and, yes, raids by Union cavalry.). It's a challenging and novel approach. and you can find out more here: https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=154&category=6

06/09/2026

We want to alert you that we are almost OOP on this gripping title and surprisingly fun game.

In the waning days of the war in Vietnam, as the "Peoples Army" was successful almost everywhere, they suffered a surprisingly bloody nose. Based on previous performance, when three full PAVN divisions, supported by tanks and ample artillery, attacked one depleted ARVN division at Xuan Loc, General Van Tien Dung expected a cake walk. What he got was a Meatgrinder instead.

Now, Against the Odds lets you refight this key moment in history, with "Meatgrinder: Battle for Xuan Loc, 1975." The design uses a variable initiative system that keeps both sides uncertain, and features all the weapon systems that made this battle, and this period, so distinctive. The ARVN player employs cluster bombs, daisy cutters, M-48 tanks, and helicopters against seemingly overwhelming numbers of PAVN troops, artillery, and T-54 tanks. Leadership, close assaults, and airborne operations are also included...all the tools for attack and defense that made this a classic confrontation.

We have just TWO copies left! https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=87&category=0

06/08/2026

June 8, 1967, Egypt and Jordan agree to a ceasefire that halts the heaviest fighting in the "Six Day War."

Our game, "Six Days of War," begins with a Strategic Segment of card play and counter-play as each side adjusts its diplomatic standing and “war footing” and shifts unit positions on the map. This is a tense and fascinating game-within-a-game, where cards are played, rescinded, or “trumped” (at a cost) and Random Events can vary from nothing important to forced actions which perhaps neither player will like. Will the UN peacekeepers be kicked out? Will Jordan give up its neutrality? This stage of the game feels like newspaper headlines, but players can influence the “news.”

Eventually the war will break out and players will have to jockey for initiative and conduct combat operations as effectively as they can, all while knowing the UN could call for a cease-fire at any time. It's gripping stuff that still affects the US and the world today. https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=156&category=0

06/07/2026

We mentioned our "Five for Fighting" D-Day Pocket Battle pack yesterday. Let us introduce you to the "Black Swans" page, where you'll find LOTS of interesting, small games, some done as bonus games, some done as significantly larger games. (Like 3 out of four games from our OOP "Four Roads to Moscow" Annual are still available. ). Take a browse and see what you'll like! https://www.atomagazine.com/Results.cfm?PageNum_Results=2&category=11&secondary=0

06/06/2026

We remember the day, with our most intriguing look at the D-Day landings. We created a "Pocket Battle Game" for EACH of the five beaches, then conjured rules so that each one can be its own, complete game, OR, they can all work together in a sort of "maxi-mini" version of the battle. Set comes with 100 die cut counters and rules, including special rules for using some of the counters which are NOT on the post cards! It's a terrific way of revisiting this much visited situation. (And if you're taking a battlefield trip someday, these are EASY to carry with you. Someone please post a photo of one of our games on the respective beach.)

Remember the day! https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=185&category=11

06/05/2026

Friday Funny.

We always wondered about that song lyric.

(Sorry for the earworm you just caught.)

06/04/2026

We want to remind everyone of two GREAT offers, that Steve's wife still shakes her head about. ("You're giving too much away!")
Our "Pick 3 Zips" deal has always been a good deal, allowing you to get 3 regular issues for one low price. Now, for the same price, you can make it FOUR regular issues! https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=72&category=10

And if your taste runs to the bigger games, we have you covered too. You could always "Pick 2 Bigs" for a good price. Now, for the same price, you can add a regular issue to the bundle! Two of our Annuals at a sweet price, with a regular issue for FREE! https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=110&category=10

With either offer, ONE of your picks can be a title from TPS. Any of the 20 games TPS offers (but, due to weight considerations, only ONE of your choices can be a TPS game for this offer.) https://www.turningpointsimulations.com

06/03/2026

June 3, 1864, marks the start of the Battle of Cold Harbor, best-known for the horrific opening morning attack, which was so deadly. While it sounds like a slaughter, Lee was actually horrified, because "we have no reserve at all." Here's a video about the battle:
https://youtu.be/ya2Kir0t6ZU?si=w7orpxYa5uMhQIVp

We have a game on the battle, but just a few copies left. (There's a real 'either side can win' battle here.) If you want yours, grab it now!

https://www.atomagazine.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=51&category=19

06/02/2026

Keep following the Tiger Wings progress!

Flying Tigers AVG pilot Robert T. Smith showing details of the Flying Tiger design which was produced by the Walt Disney company.