Salerno

Salerno is the first game in the Variable Combat Series (VCS) published by Multi-Man Publishing (MMP). It recreates the Allied invasion of mainland Italy in September 1943, focusing on Operation Avalanche, the Allied landings at Salerno.

Players command either the Allied forces attempting to establish and expand the Salerno beachhead or the German forces trying to contain and destroy the invasion.

Game system

Salerno uses the Variable Combat Series (VCS) operational system from MMP, featuring a chit-pull activation system that creates uncertainty and command friction.

Units represent:

• divisions;
• regiments;
• battalions;
• commandos;
• airborne troops;
• armored formations;
• naval and air assets.

The system emphasizes:

• amphibious operations;
• combined arms;
• logistics;
• variable reinforcements;
• terrain;
• uncertainty in combat effectiveness.

Special rules include:

• naval gunfire;
• air support;
• commandos;
• paratroops;
• beach assaults;
• fortifications;
• bridge and port demolitions;
• strategic movement.

Included scenarios

Historical Campaign – Operation Avalanche

The main campaign covers the Allied invasion of Salerno over 18 half-day turns.

Short Invasion Scenario

A shorter introductory scenario focusing only on the initial landing phase.

Gavin's Gambit

An alternate history scenario featuring a planned 82nd Airborne drop behind Salerno.

Long Shot for Barletta

An alternate operation involving an airborne assault on the Adriatic coast and a mechanized force landing at Taranto.

Race for Cassino

A hypothetical Allied race northward combining operations from Salerno and Taranto.

Objective

The Allied player must secure the beachhead, maintain supply, and break through German defenses.

The German player must delay, reinforce, and destroy the Allied landing force before it can build momentum.

Players

2 players

Playing time

Approximately 4–20 hours

Complexity

Medium to High

Game scale

Period: September 1943

Level: Operational

Scale:

• Units: regiments, battalions, and some companies
• Map scale: approximately 1 mile per hex for main areas, 3 miles per hex for strategic areas.

Replayability

Historical campaign

Three alternate-history scenarios

Introductory invasion scenario

Variable reinforcements and combat uncertainty

Components

Two mapsheets

1.5 counter sheets

VCS standard rules

Salerno exclusive rules

Charts and player aids

Dice