I am beginning with the tabletop because it is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my wargaming, and because I want to offer two options as to how your game set up might look like. First of all here’s a bit of background.

I mentioned in my introduction that I made a return to wargames in 2003. Well, in reality, for well over a decade my wargaming consisted of buying figures, painting some, and putting them in storage boxes never to see the light of day. Sound familiar? I just didn’t have anywhere to play a wargame, living in a busy home with young children. There were always other priorities. However there was a seminal moment where things changed. In 2017 my son asked me if we could go and see Dunkirk at the cinema.

In the opening scene as the British infantry withdrew walking down a deserted street, I was drawn to the tiny details. I felt the thirst of the soldier who turned a tap, desperate to drink, but the hose attached to it drew no running water. An reached out to examine an ashtray for stubs of tobacco. And then the firing. In that moment I did not think of wargaming. Instead I thought of a model – a 1940 French town, with intricate detail.

The missing piece to make this a reality came from my wife who suggested a permanent location where the town could remain in the house. This good fortune is the reason that my own wargames are as much about the table, and not necessarily the uniform of figures or the column inches dedicated to rules. For me the tabletop needs to look attractive. I produce YouTube videos and want the audience to enjoy the visual experience. I think there are limitations in my game played, and certainly in the audio – after all it’s only my voice! The images, however, are something that I’m very happy with and very keen to share.

France 1940, the lull before the storm – Buildings and scenery include 4 Ground, Empires at War and The Last Valley

Once I’ve set it up, whether France 1940 or Vietnam 1967, I like to stand back and enjoy the view. It’s only at this point that I think about a battle taking place. I think that this is authentic as actions often occur by accident and forces are forced to improvise and adapt to their surroundings. Effectively I’m not trying to think about how to play a wargame, but rather begin to look at the tabletop and think realistically about potential objectives. After a while there’s an endless assortment of options. With that said I do recognise that we need to define and understand the significance of landmarks across the tabletop. As a result let’s progress by considering the forces, objectives and how we use the tabletop which has been so carefully constructed.

My table for action in Vietnam 1967. Table produced by Greenfield Scenics with thanks to Laurence and the team.