The rules that I wrote were pretty basic so that myself and my Wife did not have to many mechanics to remember. Our first game went really well.
After that first game, I convinced a few non-wargamers to try out a game. This also went very well. Another time a couple of Fantasy gamers well used to tape measures and encyclopedic rule books. They enjoyed the game and commented that it was a nice chance to play something easy.
I realised that using a Grid is a basic Game mechanic that everyone mentally equates to. Using a Grid greatly reduces the number of rules required for movement, Firing and Combat. This in turn means that a game ceases to be a mental strain on people, not only in trying to explain the mechanics,but also not confusing the hell out of them!!
At the time I myself didn't know that other Wargamers had also used squares prior to the rules that I eventually published.
In America in the1960,s Joe Morshauser came up with a set that never saw the light of day until a few years ago. Charles Sweet is another American Gamer who has recently been more widely known about.
There is also a Gent in Austria who has been using squares in his war gaming activities for many years. Prior to my scribblings there was only one commercial company that I was aware of that did ,( and still does) use a Grid in their rule sets.
After I published, more rule sets have appeared which uses a square as the basic mechanic. Despite this the majority of Wargamers in the hobby do not like the Grid. For those who expend a great deal of time and effort on creating well painted historically correct figures vehicles and scenery, they say it ruins the aesthetics. For the "win at all cost"Brigade they hate it because it makes it harder to bend the rules.
Myself, I think maybe the hobby missed a trick here. By introducing the square, the hobby might become more generally acceptable to the public. It would put the emphasis on war GAMING, not WAR gaming.
In my next blog I'll be writing about the size of Grid I use.
Hi Mike, I realise that this comment is late to the grid party and this article. However I just want to sY how wholeheartedly I agree with you on grids. They simplify game play so that you can concentrate on other aspects not least if which is fun! I hare the micro measurement stuff and rule lawyer wrangles that put me off wargaming at competitions and some clubs. I don't buy the objections many anti grid people raise about their use as they are minor considerations. I have got your rules And I am also embarking on writing a set myself for solo gaming in the dark ages. I just wanted to add a note of thanks for the blog and information contained herein as well as the ruleset
ReplyDeleteCheers Dave
Greetings Dave. Thank you very much for your positive comment.
DeleteYes, it is very hard to challenge the negative thinking amongst the wargaming Establishment, especially in the magazines. The perspective is slowly changing. Rules like, Strength and Honour, To The Strongest and even Bob Corderys Portable have moved things along a bit. Konrad Kinch gets airtime when he uses the hex grid in a Napoleonic Command and Colors crossover, but resistance is still quite strong.
Still, wargamers like you and me may be in the minority, however I would suggest we get as much if not more enjoyment from the hobby through the basic mechanics we use.
Very best regards
Mike and Joyce Smith.