Principles of Wargames

[Luddite]

I stumbled on this excellent blog http://wargamingmiscellany.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/my-guiding-principles-for-writing.html and i found the musings there very interesting.

Wargame principles

1.  ‘Nothing can be done contrary to what could or would be done in actual war.’

2.  ‘Wargames are played, for the most part, without the supervision of an umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual players to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the wargame.’

3.  ‘Let the dice decide!’

4.  ’If players consistently ignore a rule because it does not make sense or hinders the flow of the wargame, then the rule should be discarded. If players do not notice that it has gone, then it probably should not have been there in the first place.’


Very good i thought!

[sebigboss79]

Would end 40k and WHFB effectively...

[GordonY]

Would end 40k and WHFB effectively...

But then again those two arent wargames, simply a marketing tool for the Evil Empire.

[Orcs]

I would like to Add

5 A wargamer should have the ability to laugh at himself when he throws completely crap dice at the crucial point in the game.

6 A little gentle leg pulling at the throwing of crap dice should be p[erfectly acceptable to all participants

[goat major]

Yeh I like them and the additional ones.  Also i have played many, many games of 40k (and fewer WHFB) which have completely followed the spirit of rules 2-6 ( don't think they even attempt to abide by rule 1!). In essence, good games are determined by the company one keeps and I have met as many sociable, pleasant wargamers in the GW world as I have in historical gaming.

[Albie Bach]

If I'm in such a position, I always refer to myself as facilitator rather than umpire. I'm there to help the scenario & game along rather than pick fault with any players. If there is a fault, it is probably with my scenario.

[sebigboss79]

But then again those two arent wargames, simply a marketing tool for the Evil Empire.

Good point! Apologies for my neglectance of this.