Talking Shop Five Wargames
Part I

Introduction

by Gary Richard

"The history of a battle is not unlike the history of a ball. Base individuals say recollect all the little events of which the greater result is the battle won or lost; but no individual can recollect the order in which, or the exact moment at which, they occurred, which sakes all the difference ...But if a true history is written, what will become of the reputation of half of those who acquired reputations, and who deserve it for their gallantry, but who if their mistakes were made public, would not be so well thought of?"

    --Wellington; letter to historian, 8 Aug. 1815.

This statement is a good guide to follow when writing battle reports for wargames. The rule set has to be clear, and the participants familiar enough with it, to allow thee to remember the game as a series of related events, rather than a plod from one fire or melee resolution to the next. Also since it is just a gale, there is no reason to embarass your friends by identifying whomever made the gallant mistake that cost his side the game.

Talking Shop Five Wargames Part I

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