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Friday 2 September 2016

I've started ... so I suppose that I'm going to have to finish!

After numerous requests – and spurred on by the recent publication of TIN SOLDIERS IN ACTION – I have finally begun writing a book about my PORTABLE WARGAME rules.


The structure of book is currently evolving as I write it, but at present it looks something like this:
  • Introduction
  • Some Basic Rules
  • Definitions
  • Grids: Hexes and Squares
  • Units ... and how to represent them on the tabletop
  • Exhaustion
  • Turn Sequence
  • Movement
  • Combat
    • Types of combat
    • Indirect artillery fire combat
    • Direct fire combat
    • Close combat
    • Resolving the affects of combat
  • Weapon ranges
The early chapters and sections of the book explain the thinking behind the various design choices that I have made when writing the rules. They will be followed by at least two sets of PORTABLE WARGAME RULES – probably for the late nineteenth century (including Colonial warfare) and the mid twentieth century – and possibly a couple of short, illustrated battle reports and some scenarios.

This book is going to take time to write as I am trying to do it as at the same time as I am drafting a chapter for a book Chris Engle is planning to write about Matrix Games, working on my Napoleonic figure collection, and various other non-wargaming projects ... so please be patient! You can be sure that I will keep regular readers updated on my progress in the hope that when it is finished they might buy a copy!

29 comments:

  1. I need this book and will be very happy to buy a copy :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nobby,

      My plan is to try to get the book finished before Christmas. I will try to keep people up to date with my progress as and when I can.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  2. Capital idea, I suspect many people will enjoy it.

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    Replies
    1. Ross Mac,

      I am hoping that the writing part will not be too difficult, although I expect that the diagrams and illustrations might take some time to do.

      Hopefully it will sell at least as well as WHEN EMPIRES CLASH!

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  3. Put me down for a copy! Any chance you might make it a PDF Download?

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    Replies
    1. Dick Bryant,

      I am planning publish it using Lulu.com as that will keep the cost of a printed copy down. I could see if I can make it available in PDF format as well ... but first I have to write it!

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  4. Excellent news ,can't wait to read it!
    Alan
    p.s I bought Tin Soldiers in Action but am a tad over whelmed by it...

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    Replies
    1. Tradgardmastare,

      Thanks for the encouragement!

      I must admit that I have found TIN SOLDIERS IN ACTION a bit heavy going although it does include some interesting ideas.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  5. Excellent.

    I'm sure you will produce something that will be looked upon in future times as a classic of the genre.

    Best of luck for the work ahead!

    Cheers,
    Aaron

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    Replies
    1. Prufrock (Aaron),

      I'll do my best to make the book as attractive as possible, and if it become popular and sells fairly well, I'll be happy.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  6. Excellent news! Looking forward to this, but I suppose it means I'll have to get back to painting again!

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    Replies
    1. Alastair,

      Hopefully you won't have to wait too long!

      I hope that the publication of my book will encourage you to paint a few figures just so that you can try out the rules.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  7. Hi Bob,
    That sounds like a good project. I like all of the versions of PW I've seen, especially the 20thC rules.

    That is a pretty full schedule. Are you going to allocate some time to play some games?
    Regards,
    John

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    Replies
    1. The Ferrymen (John),

      I am planning to include the mid twentieth century version of the rules in the book. I also plan to fight some battles so that I can photograph the action to show how the rules work.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  8. Bob, good stuff!
    Please put me down for a (paper) copy, none of this PDF stuff!
    Good luck with the venture.
    Regards, Stuart

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    Replies
    1. Stuart Asquith,

      I shall certainly make sure that you get a printed copy of the book.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  9. Bob,
    That's great news! At last, a wargame book full of simple, playable rules for a style of game that is achievable without undue effort and expense, unlike many of the lengthy, difficult to learn rules padded out by unnecessary photographs of toy soldiers painted to a standard few can equal on terrain more suited to a static diorama or model railway layout.
    May I suggest you consider including some rules - or at least ideas/suggestions for adapting your rules - for earlier periods, such as Ancients, Pike & Shot and Horse & Musket?
    And reserve a copy for me, please!
    Regards,
    Arthur

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    Replies
    1. Arthur1815 (Arthur),

      I'll do my best to match your expectations!

      I rather like the idea of including a section that makes suggestions as to how the rules can be modified for other periods, and if space allows it, I will try to include it.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  10. Stu Rat,

    I was already thinking about including my naval rules as an appendix to the book. The deciding factor will be cost, as I don't want to make the book too expensive.

    All the best,

    Bob

    ReplyDelete
  11. Excellent, excellent news, Bob! And based on the suggestions as to what you should add, "Volume 2" seems to be knocking on your door already!

    Best regards from a future purchaser,

    Chris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chris,

      I'm having enough trouble writing the first book, let alone thinking about writing a second!

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  12. Good news Bob looking forward to its releade
    John

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    Replies
    1. Johntheone,

      I hope that you will buy a copy ... once it is published!

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete
  13. Great news - let me know if you want any copies of photos of 54mm games to illustrate it

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    Replies
    1. Mike Lewis,

      Thank you for your kind offer. I may well take you up on it.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete

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