I have noticed a controversy in the pages of MWAN concerning the standardization of wargaming rules. In other words, should we have a standard set of rules for miniature games including ancients, napoleonics, civil war, et al? I can see where this might be convenient for tournaments and conventions. But I wish to express my opinion on this, and while I am at it, wargaming in general. Please notice I said my opinion. I don't consider myself an expert and my attitude is no reflection on any particular group or person.
But if the industry attempts to standardize its rules, I will take up wargaming with pencil and paper. If I want standized rules, I will buy a board game. If I want diceless combat, I will play chess. But if I want flexibility in my gaming; one that allows me to pick and choose what I want and how I want to play it, then I will choose miniature wargaming.
I have been wargaming in miniatures since 1970. I can still remember purchasing my first book; Miniature Wargames by Donald Featherstone. I recall my first attempt to apply paint. to a metal figure and what a mess it turned out to be. I remember attending my first wargame. It was a game of English Civil War. I recall our side won (the royalists). But it was discovered we were reading the casualty tables incorrectly. We played it in an attic and crawled around on our hands and knees because of low ceilings, carefully avoiding the figures.
Over the years, I have gradually developed certain ideas about what I like in a wargame. I would like to use this opportunity to share them with you.
One of the things that must be considered is the playing area, or table size. Except for an occasional face to face game, most of my little wars are fought on a kitchen table. For those that don't have a lot of room, this is an excellent place. Figure scales are pretty much a personal choice. I will use 15mm but I prefer the 25mm size. Someday. I hope to affford the 54mm painted figures. I use the 15 mm size when I need a large army. I use Q5's for small games when there is 100 to 200 per side.
To me, painting is a chore. I like figures that are easy to paint. I don't take the time to paint every buckle and shoelace. I guess It is what you would call wargame average.
I'm pretty flexible about the period. I don't go beyond the 19th century because gunnery factors and armor thickness debates don't do much for me, But I'm willing to tty almost any other period at least once or twice. Some of my favprites are amercian revolution, civil war, colonial, medieval, and I want to try the French and Indian War one of there days. I would like to encourage other gamers to be flexible and willing to try other periods. unit size is an important factor. I know some gamers who prefer a small number of figures in their batallions or brigades.
They claim it helpe to cut the cost and painting time per unit. Personally, I would rather build less units with more figures. I would say a minimum of 20 figures per unit. I mount these on single figure bases. You must consider table size when bui ding units. Your figures need elbow room to manuever. I g nerally build small armies, in several periods.
So, we finally, come down to the rules. Your choice of rules will have alot to do with the kind of game you play. I prefer rules with simple resolution systems. I don't like to consult a table for everything. Since I play a lot of solo wargames, my rules need to streamlined, not cumbersome. When judging a set of rules, I look at the extremes in casualty resolution. When a set of rules has only a three percent chance of a casualty at one of the extremes, that tells me the designer has not done his homework properly. To me a good set of rules is not long winded. It is better to be concise. I don't like rules that require you to, be a lawyer. Usually, I end up witing my own rules. As far as I'm concerned, that's part of the hobby.
What kind of game do you play? Is winning more important, or do you game for the fun of being among your friends? Do you stand around and argue about the rules or are you willing to bend a little even if it doesn't favor your side? Fellas, I don't think we have to go head to head all the time. To me, it's a hobby, not a profession. Sure, I like to win. But whether I win or not, the rent still goes on and so do taxes. I would rather play solo games then argue over the rules. like a friendly little game and generally avoid the competitive scene.
I keep hoping someday that good manners will come back in style. Sometimes one ill-mannered person can ruin a game for everyone. I remember the behavior of this one fellow in a Napoleonics battle with eight gamers on each side. Two hours into the battle, he wanted the referee to start the game again because he didn't understand some of the rules and was losing. He eventually walked out and left our side in a real predicament. We lost, but we finished the game.
Let's try to are more considerate of our fellow gamers. A word spoken in anger can't be taken back. Do a beginner a favor. Help get someone interested in wargaming. New players are the life of the hobby. Manufacturers must sell figures to stay in business. Would it really hurt to let a greenie win a game once in a while?
I never met Jeck Scruby. Some of the first figures I ever bought were Scruby Napoleonics. I feel a great sense of loss at his passing. He was one of the old guard, I understand that Jack refused to set himself up as the final wargaming authority. He felt everyone had a right to their opinion.
My favorite wargaming magazine is the MWAN. It keeps me in touch out here in the sticks. Hal, I am two years older than you and I have had the wargaming blues several times. They eventually go away when you realize that to enjoy wargaming you have to have fun. I would like to suggest that each subscriber write in and tell what he likes about wargaming. Also, would it be possible to reprint some of the articles from some of the older magazines like Wargames Digest? I would also like to know some of the things you learned at GENCON, Hal.
If there are any adults in my area that participate in miniature wargames, I'd like to hear from you. I would also like to correspond with other wargamersr And if you know of a nice friendly little game somewhere
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© Copyright 1989 Hal Thinglum
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