如鲠在喉 (A Stick in the Throat) is a historical wargame that simulates naval conflict in the Mediterranean theater of World War II. Players assume the roles of commanding officers, such as Italian Navy commanders (e.g., Riccardi) or British Royal Navy front-line commanders (e.g., Cunningham and Somerville), leading their respective forces in a struggle for control over the Mediterranean from July 1940 (Operation Catapult) to October 1942 (just before Operation Torch). The game spans 28 months of intense strategic naval operations.
The game features a standard rule set that offers a straightforward experience, focusing on core gameplay without hidden information. For those seeking more complexity, optional rules introduce new units, extra strategic depth, and a simplified fog of war mechanic, enhancing replayability and immersion.