ADDRESS CHANGE: my new address is 9204 Lake Braddock Dr., Burke VA 2201S. Many of your newsletters are still being forwarded from my old address. The postal forwarding ended in June and I don't want to miss your news. Thanks.

Greetings from "Vuh-jin'-ya". Another good lineup this month. First off, I received a telephone call from Chris Coffelt out in Missouri. Chris happily told me about his 25+ strong group of gamers called the Mid-Missouri Armchair Generals. These guys are very active, playing Arrnati, WWII skirmish, Johnny Reb 111 for ACW, Medieval Tactica, and many others. In fact, they are currently playtesting a new set of American War for Independence rules being developed by Scott Holder (of WRG tournament fame or infamy) and Arty Conliffe I can hardly wait. I'm sure Hal would love to see an article about the rules concepts if someone out there were so inclined? If you live in the Jefferson City or Columbia areas of Missouri, give Chris a call at (573) 893-8506. Club dues are $5 per year.

Rob Dean from the Harford Area Weekly Kriegspielers (HAWKS) wrote a polite letter informing me that I've listed them incorrectly for the past year (previously Hartford). Sorry!?! Please note their e-mail address has also been updated. The HAWKS continue to game actively in the Maryland area, completing two projects recently: a German East Africa WWI campaign and (ahem!) a Buck Rogers in the 25th Century campaign. Sounds fun. They are currently working on a campaign using "Charge!" rules arid 40mm homecast figures. They meet biweekly and would love you to drop in and play. They have set up a web page for those plugged-in gamers at http://members.aol.com/legre5/index.html. Call Rob for directions to their hideout.

Welcome! to the newest HMGS to join the ranks-HMGS South. Chuck Kennedy and Rhed Scott lead this bonnie band of adventurers into the gaming realm. Their first issue of their quarterly newsletter sports COLOR graphics--sweet! Inside, Craig Martelle gives a plug to our own Russ Lockwood's MAGWEB efforts, a cartoon military trivia quiz, classified ads, event list, how to ensue "cheap landscape" by John Wright, a description of Arrnati Arena, convention reps a recommended reading list (great idea!), "how to make trees from string" by Art Cumn, and plans to malce cut-out T-27a Soviet tanks (1932). Interesting. At S10 per year, the cost is likely worm at least one convention admission. Try than out if you're a "Southerner" through Rhett Scott, 1416 Forsythe Way, Brandon FL 33511.

Steve Weeldreyer from the Colorado Historical Gamers wrote to tell me that, yes, there are people playing wargames in Colorado. Their new group has grown quickly Tom 13 to 31 members, and Hey are looking for more. Not only that, they put out a good newsletter (first edition), called the Herald. The contents included club news and election announcemcnts, historical naive, warriors quotes, after action reports of a SYW baffle, and two DBM battles, notice of two pindng contests, and other tidbits. Nice first effort The annual dues arc S15 and good sportsmanship (good idea). Give Steve a call or drop him a line at 2430 S. Eagle Way, Aurora CO 80014, (303) 752-3213 or e-mail CHG_PRES_STEVE@MSN.COM (not sure if this is case sensitive).

Jim Butters of the Potomac Wargamers, one of the countries oldest game clubs, sent me a couple back issues of the PW Review and invited me to attend one of their game nights (3rd Friday). I intend to do so, but let me tell you what they've been up to. Sam Hepford recounts the current Napoleanic efforts u the French chase wily Haitian rebels through the jungle. He follows that with a nice copiable plan for cutout buildings on cardstock. WWII skirmish is in vogue at PW (everybody just loves these new 25mm figures), and they kick around some rule ideas. Perhaps they should check out Lion's Den's Theater of War rules?!? Todd Kershner describes his views on game sequencing, and how different rules handle it (alternate turns, cards, etc) Two 25mm medieval campaigns were described-one, a Danish invasion of England in 750, and another a Haub/Simon campaign in the War of the Roses era that featured a prograrorning system for introducing some "fog of war." Both fascinating. ECW, Renaissance, and a battle report by Ian Weekley round out the news. NOTE: PW does a very good battle report which others should follow. When describing the battle, the table and terrain are described, the figures and troops are described (including manufacturer), and battle results are described as well as why the commanders made their decisions, and how the rules mechanics determined the result. For example, they don't describe a battle as "... the Saracen cavalry were routed by the Hospitaller knights..." Rather, it might read, "the Saracen light cavalry, in two battalions, led by a rash Prince, charged rashly uphill into the steady Hospitaller knights. After receiving the charge impact, the knight commander ordered the reserve to charge, which combined with the excellent leadership and lance bonus against the bow wielding Saracens, drove flee heafllens back some 500 yards, from where they thereafter retreated from the field." Just makes things easier to visualize for those who weren't present, and gives you a feel for the rules used They sound like bunch of likable folks. Join me there some night, eh?

Good info from the Historical Gamers of Indianapolis. Mike Galbraith put out another fine newsletter. President Jim Rosenberry led things off with a sizzling assault on poor games at conventions. He offers some suggestions on improvements and continues with a description of the difference between conventions in the US and the UK (he is a citizen of both). Fire and Fury rules clarifications, quotable quotes, events, the usual broad spectrum of daily games at the club, a positive report of Little Wars '97, painting tips, and much more. Games are played at the HQ Nineteen and One spanning all periods and styles Tuesdays, and weekends. $3 at the door.

The Cameo Real Post reports that the Albuquerque NM gamers are organizing their activities. Regular meetings will be held at Warga~nes West, GAMECO, and Alpha Omega Games. Gainers in the New Mexico and surrounding southwest area are encouraged to subscribe to this valuable flyer that includes listings of individuals in each issue with a detailed list of "opponents wanted." doornail address have recently been added. Write Don Wolffand enjoy.

Maj Bill Harting at HMGS Mid-South had sad news to report: the colorful Howard Whitehouse is moving to Toronto, Canada! I'm sure he'll stay active in gaming there, but it is certainly a loss for Mid-South. Also highlighted were Don Featherstone's new book, Redcoats for the Raj ISBN 0-9526861-0-4, an excellent section on historical research by Bill Hogan, including lots of sources, a satirical "Dear Nubs column about wargeming (I was rollin' on the floor), a list of upcoming events as long as my arm, and more As I've said before, these folks are the some of the best in garning. Drop Maj Bill a line and get into the program.

Lion's Den wargamers have upgraded(!?) their Penriy Whistle newsletter -- the May-June issue features "Miss Behavin," a WWII nose art gal, on the cover. Very nice Jon Hayworth. He also reports the club air-to-air WWII rules are ready for publication as Fighter Command. They have also been running a 54rmn or 1/35th scale modern infantry skirmish game. Bring your own figure holding the weapon of his/her choice, and play using the Theater of Command rules. A one page synopsis of the Featherstone's new book "Redcoats for the Raj" is also included. Interesting. Jon also penned an article about how to select, build, and mount fighters for the Fighter Command game. Contact editor Jon Hayworth for details.

Wargaming makes the papers again!. Yes, a couple weeks ago the Washington Post sent a photographer and a journalist to the Game Parlor in Chantilly VA to interview and photograph one of our Friday night NOVAG gains sessions. Games that night included a large Napoleon's Battles game, an old west gunfight, a several fantasy games. The NB game featured Swedes, Russians and Austrians (yours truly as the Cav Corps Commander) against the French and Silicons. A bloody but indecisive battle resulted, but their was great camaraderie and many questions and answers between the Post observers and the players. The article was printed as the lead of the Style section on 18 June if anyone cares to look it up at the library. The May Gameday was also a rousing success. Other games can be found at the Fantasy Forum in Arlington, the Gaming Realm chain in Fredenck, Frostburg, and Hagerstown MD, as well as Martinsburg WV and Hobbies in Fredericksburg. This months newsletter included two excellent pieces The first, a Battle of the Bulge overview and plan for a campaign by Dave Murvihill, and the second an article by Mike Nankervis on the putting the "eye-level" experience back in generalling your armies. If you're in the northern VA/Maryland area, please join us for a night of gaming at one of our locations. You'll be glad you did.

Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance reports they had to cancel their premier convention MEGACON due to lack of participation. Bummer. However, they did offer a consolation gameday in St Louis, and have expanded their newsletter, The Fifth Colors, to monthly. Bob Stusse and Mark Johnson are promoting members to get involved and recruit to counter what they perceive to be a decline in organized gaming in the St Louis area Having lived there, I can say that the St Louis area really isn't very united as a gaining community. Yes, there are some good stores like Games, Crafls Hobbies & Such and the Hobby Shop, putting on lots of events in nuny periods, but its usually the same crowd of 10-15 core garners plus the occasionals and new faces. But I always felt the players, and the many basement-gaming groups in the area preferred to meet in smaller groups vice some huge club. My suggestion for keeping garners m clubs is to recruit younger players like crazy. Bring in your kids and their friends. Be pabent with then. Play simple niles and teach good sportsmanship. Have events at the Mall where lots of people can try things, see things, and ask questions. Or have school events at junior high and high schools. If too many middle-aged folks are raising families and other non-gaming things, then breed the next generation! Good luck Contact Bob or Mark if you're in the Mississippi River area and want to pitch in.

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