DBA: 10 Years
After and Beyond

Conclusion

by Bob Beattie

So there, you have a quick overview of the next generation of the rules of the 90’s. Will these rules be as successful in the twenty first century. To coin a phrase, “only time will tell” but they are no longer the paradigm shifting set they were in 1990. They are now a grown-up version of that little rascal that gave ancients and medieval gaming such a good time. However, not so big as to lose their enjoyment potential. From the point of view of one who has played, watched or umpired at least thousand games and written untold commentary, I believe they are now so much better. The terrain was needed to make the game self-sufficient. The changes to facilitate DBM transition are harmless. The unique changes and clarifications should cut down on disputes.

The Big Battle game and the massive army list open so many new opportunities. I think the time of fraternity among players has gone a little, worn by time; the additional complexities have taken off some of the close personal feeling the original game imparted. We are far from the tension of the big DBM tournament game or the disputes of the old “edition games.” We are closer to history than recent fantasy derivities. These are still the best rules for a good historical-based ancients game: regular size or Big Battle. I plan to continue to play, watch, and umpire games in the future and even continue to write stuff.

My one sadness is that they are not yet written for the novice to pick up and play. Is it time for a text based or maybe web-site “Beginners Guide to DBA” or even a How To Video?

I urge everyone who has not played DBA and who is at all interested in a good historical ancients or medieval large scale battle to get these rules when they come out and give a try. Old timers should also get a copy as they will find much revealed that will get them up for more games. They may be a little less simple but they are much more elegant. If anyone has questions about 2.0, keep in mind that Phil gives his email address in the book.

Also feel free to contact me at beattie@umich.edu. So, let me end by giving you some sound tactical advice that has not changed since the first edition: throw sixes (except now, not for deployment!)

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