The differences often expressed by the major factions of the wargame industry brings to mind a saying formerly reserved for the medical profession, specifically the specialist, and the general practitioner. The specialist learns more and more about less and less until he knows everything about nothing. Conversely the G. P. studies widely and eventually knows nothing about everything.

Obviously, this does not apply in a literal sense, but the basis is there. While Avalon Hill (hereafter referred to as AH) produces a small number of games per annum they put out an admirably finished product.

The material aspect of the game seems to be the bone of contention of the wargame. industry, otherwise AH would be crushed under the massive flow of games sterning, for the most part, from Simulations Publications Inc. (hereafter referred to as SPI). This is simply not happening, SPI with 500% more titles sells about 40% of all wargames in retail outlets with AH selling the other 60%. This can only be attributed to the vast material edge of the AH product.

As many gamers are aware, SPI uses an unmounted heavy paper unglossed map, as opposed to the glossed mounted map used by AH, this is the major difference. All things being equal the playing surface is what separates a game as a contest of skill from a contest of patience.

The frustration of playing around and over creases which alternately take on the proportions of the Marianous trench and Mt. Everest is an exercise in insanity. When you play on an unmounted map you are constantly faced with the spector of your units being airlifted by the phenomena known as the "trampolene effect".

The other drawback to the porous paper map is the tendency it has to stain. If you enjoy drinking coffee while playing it is easy to create new mountains by spilling or dripping on the map as it absorbs better than the number 1 brand. My map of the East is Red now has a circular mountain chain in the middle of China because some %@!t* set a cup of coffee down for "just a second".

As a closing thought, I want everyone to know that I enjoy both SPI's and AH's games immensely, and have a large number of both (which I plan to burn when the weather gets cold), the majority of which I have played with that rare creature, the in-the-flesh, live opponent.