NOTE – THE RULES ARE IN DEVELOPMENT AND I AM GATHERING THOUGHTS IN PUBLIC!

Wargaming World Solo Rule Set 

Introduction 

I have played wargames across two distinct periods. From 1983 to 1993 with friends, Warhammer, English Civil War and latterly DBA.

The second period from 2003 onwards and (with exception of great games with my friend Peregrine) entirely solo. 

This rule set is dedicated to friends past, and the the remote community of today.

Wargaming World Solo

This rule set is designed entirely with the solo wargamer in mind. Moreover the set is written in the way that I like to play wargames. I think it’s important to highlight this as I have not looked to gather a collective view or consensus of solo wargamers. My reasoning is that players view wargaming, and enjoy the hobby, in very different ways. Let me explain.

After establishing a number of wargames Facebook groups I have observed that there are some very different players. There are those who enjoy detail. This means the exact representation of uniforms and vehicles, and of playing rules to the letter. Others look for simplicity, enjoying the ability to play a game with very few figures, indeed sometimes using counters or other representation, and keeping the rules open to interpretation.

As a result I leave the wargaming of others to whatever they enjoy. This set is the way I enjoy my games.

At this point I will mention that creating a wholly original wargaming framework is impossible. There are only so many ways of playing a game and there are undoubtedly rules I’ve never seen which seem similar to what follows. Can I therefore say that I am repeating what I enjoy, and will reference where this comes from and recommend players to seek out the authors. For those who I may miss please accept my apologies. After all the process of move, shoot, fight, morale has been used by so many it could hardly be “new” but I hope that solo players are able to be inspired to get more from their hobby.

Let me begin then with one aspect that I really enjoy – setting the tabletop.

The Tabletop 

I mentioned a return to wargames in 2003, but in reality it really gained traction in 2017 after seeing the film Dunkirk. Between these two dates my wargaming was a series of buying figures, painting many (but not all), buying storage boxes – and putting them away. There was very little gaming. The reason was putting them out on a table and then putting them away a few hours later was a chore.

Watching the film in the summer of 2017, however, flicked a switch. As the British infantry withdrew at the start of the film, walking down a deserted street, I was drawn to the tiny details. A pipe and tap which produced no running water. An empty ashtray. 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 possibility 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 I previously mentioned. 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 the 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.

This means that when I start a wargame I’m not looking to create a chessboard with selected features. The whole table has to look right. 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. In addition I don’t tend to fight set piece battles where generals set up on raised ground such as the battle of Hastings. Instead I like to think that the forces have almost found each other accidentally, with a lack of knowledge of the other’s disposition. Hold that thought. So the table is set, what next?

Not France 1940 but my table of Vietnam.