The Balkan League Matrix Game

The Matrix

by Bob Cordery

The matrix consists of 108 matrix cards. These are

NORMAL MARCH (x8)
FORCED MARCH (x4)
REST/PREPARE (x4)
RALLY (x4)
AMBUSH (x4)
SKIRMISH (x4)
OPEN BATTLE (x8)
TACTICAL ADVANTAGE (x4)
LARGE FORMATION (x4)
SMALL FORMATION (x4)
MOTIVATION (x4)
FATIGUED (x4)
VICTORY/DEFEAT (x4)
ROUT (x4)
HALT (x4)
RETREAT (x4)
MORALE INCREASES/DROPS (x4)
RECRUIT/DESERT (x4)
WEATHER EFFECT (x8)
TERRAIN EFFECT (x4)
SUPPLY LINES (x4)
BATTLE CRY (x8)
LOVE (x8)
ANGER (x8)
FEAR (x8)
SHAME (x8)
WILD CARD (x8)

USING THE MATRIX:

Deciding the order in which players pick up matrix cards from the matrix With the exception of the first move in a game, the order in which players pick matrix cards from the matrix is determined by the umpire. This may be done by dice throw, the strength of the arguments put forward by the player in the previous move, or umpire's whim: the important thing is that the umpire must ensure that the game flows, and that some players are not being unduly penalised.

The number of matrix cards which may be picked up by a player during a move Players may pick up to five matrix cards from the matrix for each of their armies/navies, subject to the maximums laid down on their Briefing Cards. The maximurns are:

    First Balkan War:
      Bulgaria 20
      Greece 15
      Montenegro 5
      Serbia 15
      Turkey 20

    Second Balkan War:

      Bulgaria 20
      Greece 10
      Montenegro 5
      Serbia 15
      Rumania 20
      Turkey 20

Making Arguments and Disclosing Actions

When all the players have picked matrix cards from the matrix, each player, in turn, discloses what actions they intend to undertake during this move. Players use the matrix cards to

    1) Define what ACTION (one matrix card) they intend to take;
    2) Predict the RESULT (one matrix card) of their ACTION; and
    3) Give three REASONS (three matrix cards) why it should take place.

Example -

    ACTION : "I will make a FORCED MARCH across the mountains to give .....
    RESULT : OPEN BATTLE with the enemy. I can do this because .....
    REASON 1 : I have REST/PREPARED for the last week,
    REASON 2 : I have good SUPPLY LINES, and
    REASON 3 : I have TACTICAL ADVANTAGE because they are not expecting me to do this

Each player should place the matrix cards in front of them as they present their proposals and supporting arguments to the umpire. When all the players have presented their proposals and the results have been adjudicated, the cards are returned to the matrix.

The Balkan League Matrix Game Rules for the First and Second Balkan Wars (1912-13)

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© Copyright 1991 by Chris Engle
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