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Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Operational-level Wargame Design 6: Work of drafting begins

Having now decided on a name for my rules – the highly unoriginal OPERATIONAL ART – I have begun word-processing the first draft. With any luck – and a following wind – this should not take long as most of the work has been done already. My plan is to have the draft finished and ready for play-testing by Saturday, but one never knows what will crop up in the meantime …

6 comments:

  1. I'm impressed about the speed of progress - whenever I've tried doing rules, I usually end up going in circles and constantly pursuing new notions. Your focus and clear direction is inspiring me to dig some old armies out of retirement/storage and give them a new lease of life!

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  2. CWT,

    In fact I am very busy at the moment, both at work and at home. I find that sitting down and thinking (and blogging) about my wargame design gives me a welcome break from everything else. I suppose that I could sit and just do nothing ... but I prefer to relax by doing something cerebral.

    I was once told that if you wanted to get a job done, give it to someone who is busy because they will get on with it and not leave it until tomorrow. There is an element of truth in that as long as the busy person is not overloaded already!

    If what I am doing is giving you the impetus to take up a new project or revive an old one, then I am very pleased, and look forward to reading about it on your blog in due course.

    All the best,

    Bob

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  3. Well, all very interesting indeed! I feel the old gaming urge returning...

    Good clear thinking based on solid experience and background research - I like it!

    I used DivTac, modified to DivHex with some enhancements and combat values from Panzer Grenadier (PC game)and also:
    1: 40mm hexes (1.5 inch) = 500 metres
    2: 1 stand = 1 company except support 1 stand = 1 platoon (generally)
    3: games played at Corps level i.e. must have Divisional HQ's (scenario dependent too)
    4: my battlefields were all terrain modules built specifically from maps to scale for a given battle, e.g. Stalingrad, Stolberg, Omaha Beach, Sword Beach, Market Garden, Operation Blackcock etc.
    5: used micro GHQ and H&R

    The scale and scope was huge but had some incredible games; the best was the crossing of the Seine for a quick mini scenario!

    Hmm, the years do recede.
    Regards

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  4. Arthur,

    Thank you for your very kind words.

    Your description of your rules and games are both succinct and intriguing. I must admit that I would have loved to have seen some photos of your games in progress – they sound like they were tremendous fun to take part in!

    All the best,

    Bob

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  5. Hi Bob

    Aahh, the games, lasted for weeks, except Stalingrad, THAT was months and we still had to call it a day. We used the supply counter concept and the tide of battle rolled back and forwards unbelievably. Counter attacks were the order of the day.

    Unfortunately, no pictures have survived a series of moves and they remain locked in my head now!

    Also, no terrain or models left over.

    But I am going to do the Seine crossing again for fun and will post it on my blog - http://arthurpanton.blogspot.com/ - in the near future er.. about 2 months I guess.

    You have inspired me, along with a gent who moved to Spain.

    Regards

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  6. Arthur,

    As you will have no doubt noted from my recent blog entries, I am going through a period of looking back at my earlier wargaming with definitely rose-tinted spectacles, and can empathise with what you describe; games that lasted for days … and even weeks … and that were FUN to play! Like you I only have memories … but they are good ones, and it is that which is important.

    I have bookmarked your blog, and look forward to reading about how you recreate your Seine crossing game in due course. In the meantime I hope that you continue to read my blog and get enjoyment – and a bit of inspiration – as you do. If what I have written does spur you on to achieve things, I will be extremely pleased and just a little humbled.

    All the best, and good luck,

    Bob

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