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!