The work on "Classical Hack Ancient Warfare: 600 B.C. to 600 A.D." began in 1990 as an on going group effort of the Jogglers, a Western New York wargame group including Philip J. Viverito, Richard Kollbacher and Ed Backer. The purpose was to create a historical, fast play, user friendly set of wargame rules dealing with the ancient period.

Since 1990 "Classical Hack" has been played at all the major east coast conventions. Initially, the rules were designed as individual volumes, including: "Classical Hack I", "Classical Hack II" and "Classical Hack III". This was done in order to preserve the historical authenticity of each period, we had grown tired of pitting Superman against Mighty Mouse, i.e. Romans of Caesar's time against Darius' Persians and Medes.

While realizing that every wargamer has different needs and desires, especially in tournament play, we decided to take a different direction, that being period specific play. This was where we were truly interested. We have sought and found through developing "Classical Hack" a period specific set of rules that have met with great acceptance from Georgia to Toronto, Ontario.

Without fear we have finally answered the multitude of requests to combine the three original sets into one volume, revised, compiled and unabridged with the addition of the hoplite period. Being designed for period orientated play, the rules have been set down with the core rules for things like movement and shooting. To adjust for the differences in the four different periods there are four different "Period Play" sections. Each section is adjusted to reflect the abilities of thc armies within their own time. To facilitate this, there are also sections on "Special Tactics", "People on the Fringe", "Beasts, Vehicles and Machines" and "Army Formations", in addition to the Period specific charts for melee, shooting and other considerations The rules are not designed or intended for out of period play.

What is different besides the presentation? First is the inclusion of the hoplite period of 600 BC to 380 BC. Second is the clarification and definitions of the general concepts themselves. Also there are army formations, the use of markers for labeling units and unit activity and morale state markers. (Commanders can now be shot down by levy archers or anyone else who shoots. (Commanders can as an option be qualified by ability which can animate the game even more.)

Comments and questions should he directed to the Jogglers at the address on the title page. We will honor all reasonable comments and requests with an answer.

We would like to comment on the support we have received in this project from outside sources including Mr. Peter Connolly, Ral Partha, Wargames, Brookhurst Hobbies, MagWeb, and Crossed Swords, who wore all instrumental in putting things together. A word of mention should also be made to the painters who made the black and white photos a reality. They include, Ed Backer, Cy Taylor, Paul Forgette, Dan Platts, Jessica Viverito, Lynne Viverito and P.A. Viverito. Then too there are the people at Sommer and Sons Printing. Thank you.

Finally the following people have contrihuted to the overall development of the rules througout with comments, test play and demonstrations at conventions. Scott Holder, Mike McVeigh, Alan Fleming, Paul Forgette, Robert G. Sillars, Moko Cwiklinski, Burke Glaser, Marv Rich, Russ Tulp, Charles Gilbert, Lembit Toliver, Ed Thilenius, Andy Savage, Kevin Wallace and Allen Jones. We conclude by dedicating these rules to Cy Taylor.

Available at stores, via mail order from On Military Matters, or direct from LMW Works, PO Box 844, Amherst, NY 14226. $17.

Review: Classical Hack
Interview: Phil Viverito, Classical Hack Designer