Pavlov’s House (Spanish)

Pavlov's House English (Second Edition)

Pavlov's House – The Impossible Resistance in the Heart of Stalingrad

“The entire Soviet Union owed a great debt to the men who defended Pavlov's House.”
—Vasili Chuikov, commander of the Soviet 62nd Army

In the fall of 1942, as the ruins of Stalingrad were relentlessly pounded by artillery, crossfire, and airstrikes, a small group of Soviet soldiers took up 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 group of infantrymen, managed to capture the building during a surprise assault and, with the support of the Soviet 62nd Army, fortified it into an impenetrable nucleus of resistance. For 60 days, they repelled wave after wave of German attacks in one of the hottest points on the entire Eastern Front.

What began as a desperate maneuver ended up becoming one of the most memorable 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 control of this legendary story. You'll not only lead the building's defenders: you'll also be responsible for ensuring its resistance throughout the entire Soviet logistics chain, from the banks of the Volga River to the last brick of the besieged house.

Mechanics that reproduce the tension of the Eastern Front

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

The interior of Pavlov's House: manage your defenders, supplies, and the fiercest fighting.
The surroundings: the approach zone of the German forces.
The Volga River: where all Soviet logistics and support are organized.

Each turn is divided into three phases:

Soviet Phase: You draw cards and execute crucial logistical actions.
German Phase: Random and relentless attacks on your positions.
Soviet Activation Phase: You activate units and respond to threats on the front lines.

Cards, dice, and tactical decisions combine to create a constant tension. Every action counts. Every mistake is paid for.

Game Modes for All Fronts

Solitaire: All responsibility in your hands.
Cooperative (2 players): Divide control between logistics and tactical defense.
Competitive (2-3 players): One player assumes the role of the German 6th Army.

An Original, Deep, and Accessible System

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

The combination of controlled chance and weighty decisions makes each game a unique challenge, where preparation, intuition, and tactical flexibility are key.

More than a wargame: a personal story

Pavlov's House doesn't feature entire divisions or abstract maps: it puts you in command of real soldiers, with clear names, histories, and missions. You'll suffer every casualty as a personal loss. You'll celebrate every repelled attack as a vital victory.

This closeness, combined with its historical accuracy and oppressive setting, turns the game into a playable narrative of one of the toughest moments of World War II.

Replayability and tension in every game

With dozens of cards, multiple configurations, aggressive AI, and ever-changing strategic decisions, Pavlov's House has extremely high replayability. No game feels the same. And in every game, you'll feel the pressure until the very last turn.

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

Resistance at Pavlov's House.
Success in offensive raids.
Reduction of enemy presence on the board.

A draw is an achievement in itself. Winning... is entering history.

Conclusion: A different wargame, an unforgettable story

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

Contents:

• 1 Tactical Map, 84x43 cm
• 140 Cards
• 4 Token Sheets
• 5 Dice
• 2 Help Sheets
• 1 Rulebook
• 1 History Book


Changes and Improvements in this Second Edition:

This is a single-language version instead of a dual-language version (Spanish/Portuguese).
Overall improvements to the components, especially the cards and dies.
There are now two help sheets in bi-fold format, instead of a dual-language triptych, making them more manageable.
The historical manual has been extensively revised and corrected, primarily with regard to grammar and spelling.
The design of the cards has been improved to avoid the cuts that could be seen if they were slightly shifted.
The box has been reduced in size to save space, but it is still possible to store a tray of cards inside.
A set of replacement cards has been included.