With this issue, Operations begins its fifth year of publication, and I round out my first year as your journey man editor. I considered some jazzy design and layout changes for the anniversary. But it's not The Gamers' way to toss around novelty for novelty's sake. Rather, Dean and company make changes for the sake of improvement. That principle lies behind the new, iconic graphics style that you see on the ITQF IIand April's Harvest maps and the Yom Kippur counters and that you can look forward to on upcoming TCS counters. Dean is working on ways to make the best use of space on counters, to make the units both pretty and practical. When you see them, please let us know what you think.

Regarding counters, many of you have wondered about the I I th Pz counters for Ardennes on the Repls & Variants '94 countersheet. These are extra units to add to the German at-start forces as a what-if variant. Set these units up anywhere on or behind the forward edge of the German forces in scenarios starting on 16 December, and have fun. This variant entails no victory point cost.

The legend "Printed with Ed Wimble's permission" on last issue's "Command in La Bataille" article was not meant to imply that this variant is an official, Co-sanctioned rules change.

When you buy directly from The Gamers, please remember the shipping charge. The front office has seen several orders without the shipping amount. Note also that our shipping rates have gone up (10% on US orders; see "Items for Sale" on page 29 for full details).

If your local retailer doesn't carry Gamers titles, ask 'em (politely) Why the heck not? Demand drives supply. You can also point out to your dealer that The Gamers will provide advance warning of game releases and nifty display items like sample maps to stores on our retailer mailing list. Such promotional items give you an early peek at upcoming titles and help the store generate interest and sales. Everybody wins.

Come Game with Us

If you want to meet the people who make The Gamers tick and push cardboard with a designer who drinks coffee from a mug the size of a chowder bowl, you have some great options. For one, we look forward to seeing everyone at Origins, July 4th weekend this year. Things are looking very good for a "Gamers Room" where you can play uninterrupted by Magic-Card wielding fanatics. This room will be shared by Moments in History. There may be a fee to get in the room (it will cost us about $800), but coffee and donuts will be provided each morning it is in operation. The room will be open almost 24 hours (it will be closed in the wee hours for security purposes). We're talking about solid wargaming at Origins.

You want more? There's HomerCon, the annual Gamers Fall Retreat, scheduled for Thursday 28 September through Sunday 1 Oct. As always, there is no fee, but we do want you to call ahead and let us know you're coming. Do so, and we will send you a packet with special room rates at the Red Roof in Champaign, maps (to Homer, not Stalingrad), and handy info. In case you missed my extended rave-up in Ops 15, let me say that I had a blast at the'94 retreat. You will meet people with great attitudes and no lack of gaming skill. You'll certainly find opponents for your favorite Gamers game. But don't hesitate to bring your selections of other publishers' titles: they'll get played. And the Big Burrito? It's like combat: if you haven't been there yourself, no one can really explain to you what it's like.

We'll Come Game with You

In his "spare" time, Dean will be making one trip a month to demo games at stores. If your store is interested (and within a reasonable driving radius of Homer, Illinois), call The Gamers and let Sara know. Players interested in conducting demonstrations at their local stores should contact Sara to arrange things with both us and the store. Retailers like this sort of program because it brings in people and puts them in an enthusiastic (i.e. buying) frame of mind. You'll want to attend or run one, if possible, because it's a good way to connect with gamers who share your interests.