Hello everyone. I think I’m starting to get into the swing of producing this newsletter, and while it’s a constant struggle to get things to fit correctly (and trying so many different things graphically from issue to issue doesn‘t make it any easier), I have yet to receive a negative comment from anyone.

New material and writers continue to show up. This issue we welcome another new columnist, Richard Hutnik. Richard writes in this issue on Swahili, a Mancala-like game from the past. He will be writing in future on other lesser-known games. Another newcomer is Gary Valenza, a member from (quick, now: what’s round at both ends and high in the middle?) O-HI-O, who writes at length on Freikorps, an alternative-history DTP game produced by the Microgame Co-op (owned and operated by SGS members!). The fact that the Editor designed this game in no way detracts from the quality of Gary’s writing and analysis.

The issue game is WOLF PACK, another small offering from member Lloyd Krassner’s cabinet of goodies. It is not my intention to turn Strategist into a “game of the month zine” - no publication has been able to deliver on that promise for years and years now - but speaking for myself, I do enjoy getting little playable extras, and feel that the design efforts of our members need to be promoted. Let me know if you disagree.

You will note from the story above that the Society had a record number of new and renewed members last month. This is welcome news, and again, we must be doing something right. Hopefully this trend will continue, as we make it even easier to join the SGS online. So tell your friends, and get them into the Big Game as well!