| Date |
Title |
Article Summary |
| 6/22/2026 |
Phalanx Wargame show (UK) 2026
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...it was just a case of seeing what temptations I would come across...". Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, takes us along on a visit to this big show. Lots of great pictures! And check out what was "...an important table for me." |
| 6/14/2026 |
Flying Pig Games goes into the breach
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "We should all get ready for a porcine power play." Robert Peterson, in A Wargamers Needful Things, hosts an upcoming games announcement from Flying Pig Games. See if you agree: "Whether you love historical conflict simulations, fantasy battles, tactical warfare, horror, or science fiction, the future at Flying Pig Games has never looked bigger." |
| 6/13/2026 |
A Wargaming Visit to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "We 'warned' him that we would like to come out and see how the Army is wargaming with officers." Aaron Danis, in Armchair Dragoons, tells the tale of his visit to the College and what they got to see and do. "All-in-all, experiencing wargaming with seasoned professionals has enticed Lance and I to return to Leavenworth at some point (we still need to take that last class!)." |
| 6/2/2026 |
Wargame HQ at Origins Game Fair 2026
Poster: Pat L.
|
- Armchair Dragoons is hosting the Wargame HQ at Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio, June 17th-21st. One room will be dedicated for playing SPI Games. |
| 6/1/2026 |
The Partizan May 2026 Wargame Show.
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "As soon as you enter this space, the senses are assaulted (in a good way), for a hobbyist to be immersed in their hobby environment is just a thing of joy and long may these calendar highlights continue, we must never take them for granted." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, lets us join him for this premier show, with lots of great photos! |
| 5/18/2026 |
My Top New Solitaire Wargames: what have I played in last year?
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...all of them share one thing in common: they delivered great solo experiences." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, has a look at 10 solitaire titles that he highly recommends. See which one he refers to as having "...probably the best small units combat simulation ever created, with a fantastic planning phase and a system that unfolds completely differently each time." |
| 5/1/2026 |
Rolling Back the Years
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "It has really surprised me when looking at these games as a group, just how important the gaming legacy of the 70’s remains today." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, takes a look at games that have loomed large for him over the years, and why that was so. Among these gems, see which one was "...the only game that I can claim caused me to stay up until 4 AM to complete... and then off to work just a few hours later..." |
| 4/24/2026 |
Playing an AI game (Napoleonic)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Now before we start, I shall say that I had my doubts - so let’s see how it holds up!" Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, tries out an AI generated Napoleonic scenario. See what transpires during the play through, allowing Norm to conclude "I enjoyed this enough to run it again with another set of rules, perhaps a set a bit more geared towards the low unit count." |
| 4/22/2026 |
Command Is the Management of Attention
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "For the player, this level of control feels natural. But for historical commanders it would have seemed miraculous." Jerry Hall with Brian Train, in Armchair Dragoons, discuss one of the great challenges of wargame design. "In the end, the art of command may rest on a deceptively simple skill: Knowing where to look — because that is where command itself will have effect." |
| 4/20/2026 |
My top 3 Wargames… with Pacific!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Want to play a "...war where logistics, range of aircraft, and oil supply were often more important than the number of divisions on the map."? Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, offers a list of his favorite Pacific war titles. See which game he considers "...one of the most rewarding wargaming experiences on the market." |
| 3/30/2026 |
My pre-orders analysis – what games I am waiting for!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...pre-orders, supported campaigns, and upcoming editions that I am eagerly awaiting."
Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, covers his hope-for-soon titles. Check out which one is on his list because it "...is like a recipe for a great game!" |
| 3/27/2026 |
AAR of the Kriegsspiel Scenario, Hamzalag 2010
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "We had to clear several zones where insurgents and local forces could be, but we had no picture of the details. We knew we had overwhelming firepower, but timing and surprises were the problems to solve." Paul LaFontaine, in Armchair Dragoons tells us the tale of this Kriegsspiel action. Check out why he is enthused to conclude "This is exactly what the Battle Decisions Kriegsspiel idea is all about." |
| 3/11/2026 |
Conference Report – Games of War
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...Ukrainians have approached both the development and playing of games as mechanisms for sustaining a sense of 'normality' under constant stress...". Maneuver Warfare designer Ian Brown, in Armchair Dragoons, gives us a glimpse of this recent conference, and how ongoing experience of the Ukraine war has affected the discussion. |
| 1/26/2026 |
My top anticipated wargames of 2026
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "It is a broad mix, featuring solitaire, two-player, and multiplayer games, covering both modern conflicts and ancient history." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, offers his top 10 list for upcoming games in 2026. Check out which game rates the comment "This was one of my top priorities to try at Essen Spiel 2025, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations." |
| 1/21/2026 |
Interview with Wouter Schoutteten Wargame Graphic Design Artist
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "These kinds of parameters work really well to spark creativity." Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players’ Aid, interviews design artist Wouter Schoutteten about his wargame work. See what game Wouter is referring to in the comment "For this game, we couldn’t create two maps just for the sake of the narrative.", and how he addressed the situation. |
| 1/21/2026 |
Game On! Convention February 4th -8th, 2026
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- Start early, play late. We got Wargames, board games, and card games running from Wednesday to Sunday — plus The Northwest Advanced Squad Leader Tournament that runs Friday through Sunday.
Join another 149 people (that’s 150 total) in a space with ample elbow and beverage room to spare. Schedule games ahead of time, show up for some drop-in action, or a little of both!
Hotel 116
625 116th Avenue Northeast,
Bellevue, WA 98004 |
| 1/20/2026 |
Multi-Man Publishing Winter Offensive 2026
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- Winter Offensive is an MMP sponsored tournament and convention. Once again, this year's proceeds from admissions, raffle sales, and tee-shirt sales will go to the World War Two Foundation.
Winter Offensive has a long history as an ASL tournament, however, as other lines in the MMP catalog have grown, so has their appearance at Winter Offensive. Our latest "tradition" features organized play for Great Campaigns of the American Civil War. To be held at the Comfort Inn and Convention Center, U.S. 50 & U.S. 301 @ MD 3, Bowie, MD 20718.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 thru Sunday, February 1, 2026 |
| 1/17/2026 |
Winterfest Wargaming XXVIII
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- Winterfest Wargaming, now on its 28th year, is a week-long mini-convention of and for friends who just happen to be wargamers. From hex and counter classics like Europa, OCS and LaBataille, through area movement and block games, to cutting edge pre-release playtests -- Winterfest has it all!
While the week-long format lends itself to monster games, shorter and smaller games abound. Best of all we have maintained a positive community atmosphere of people who get along great, enjoying the week of games and good fellowship.
Winterfestwargaming.com
Winterfest XXVIII
January 30 to February 6, 2026
Best Western
15471 Royalton Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136 |
| 1/16/2026 |
Wallenstein: Fall (The Life & Games of Wallenstein, #4)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...Wallenstein had contrived to make many enemies." Clio, in Clio's Board Games, winds up his fascinating look at this intriguing Thirty Years War commander. Who closed out the tale when given "...the delicate task of delivering Wallenstein to Vienna – dead or alive."? |
| 1/14/2026 |
The Ambush of Fauconberg
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Fauconberg was now compelled to fight against a larger force, with nowhere to retreat to as the surrounding area was now hostile." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, finds another opportunity "...that looked suitable to transfer to the figures table." Join him for a quick, picture studded AAR on his way to "...a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon game and a good outing for my Wars of the Roses home brew rules..."! |
| 1/7/2026 |
A Christmas 2025 Giveaway Quiz Results!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, publishes the answers to his Christmas Quiz. Check it out! |
| 1/7/2026 |
Armchair Dragoons Digital Convention Registration is open!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "The 2026 Armchair Dragoons Digital Convention is coming 16-18 January. The longest-running all-online / virtual wargaming convention. For a full weekend of gaming, talks shows, and more (and it does NOT overlap MMP's Winter Offensive this year!)" |
| 1/6/2026 |
Niagara Boardgaming Weekend Club
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- You don't want to miss 4+ days of gaming just east of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. Since 2004, the NBW event has been the premier open gaming event in the Niagara Falls region. Every year the convention grows and adds new players from both Canada and the United States. January 15th thru the 18th. |
| 12/23/2025 |
SPI Board War Games at Historicon by Russ Gifford
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- Bill's Wargame World interviews Russ Gifford who organized the "SPI's Alive in 2025!" Convention held July 16-20-2025 in Lancaster, PA. Includes a quick look at the SPI games being played during the convention. (July 2025) |
| 12/22/2025 |
Top 3 wargames suggestions for Christmas 2025 – Part 2 – all time classics
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...I turn to the beautiful and timeless classics." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, shares what he feels are the best of the best as gift suggestions. See which game series system he finds "...deliberately accessible, yet remarkably deep and engaging, making it well suited to a wide range of player preferences." |
| 12/8/2025 |
Top 3 wargames suggestions for Christmas 2025 – Part 1 – new releases
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "I have greatly enjoyed every title mentioned and can recommend them without hesitation." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, begins his annual treat of new release wargame gift suggestions. To include one he considers "...probably in the top three best solitaire tabletop wargames ever created..."! |
| 12/5/2025 |
2025 Year-End Wargaming Survey
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Armchair Dragoons is taking a look at our hobby with their 2025 In Wargaming survey. They will release the results in January. Chip in your 2 cents! |
| 12/5/2025 |
The Role-Players Guild of Kansas City Presents Game Day!
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- RPGKC'S Monthly Game Day this time is Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Mindgames and Magic in Lee's Summit, MO from 11am to 11pm. Games lined up by RPGKC are Axis & Allies Global (all day), D&D24 (Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk), Daggerheart, and Shadowrun. Attendees are welcome to bring their own games to play also. Doors open at 10:00am |
| 11/28/2025 |
Convention Report: Attending the Fall 2025 Compass Expo (and talking to Bill Thomas, too!)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "What is Compass Expo? While one would think that it’s a venue to play exclusively Compass Games, that is not the case." Aaron Danis, in Armchair Dragoons, checks out the Compass Expo, and gets in an excellent interview with Compass Games owner Bill Thomas. |
| 11/21/2025 |
Interview with Fabrizio Vianello Designer of First Man in Rome – Strategikon Book II: The Civil War and the Fall of the Republic from Thin Red Line Games
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...I consider Julius Caesar as one of the most relevant figures of the whole of human history." Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players’ Aid, interviews designer Fabrizio Vianello about his upcoming Strategikon Series game. Among many interesting details, check out what Fabrizio is getting at with the comment "This early form of 'combined-arms' tactics was later adopted by Roman imperial forces." |
| 11/14/2025 |
What a wonderful hobby
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Trying to piece the battle together was absolutely fabulous and deliciously frustrating." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, is scenario building, and rediscovers the pleasures of old-school research. So why does he decide that "Suddenly there seems an even greater responsibility to get things as right as possible ….. whatever happened to a simple game of toy soldiers :-)" |
| 11/12/2025 |
Interrogation of Marshall Barrington of Command Post Games
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "We’re the rebels of the wargaming industry - think of us as the Apple Computer of historical gaming." Robert Peterson, in A Wargamers Needful Things, interviews the head of Command Post Games, an outfit that says they are "...reimagining what wargaming can be." See what you think about a company that claims "We’re not trying to destroy traditional wargaming - we’re trying to evolve it." |
| 11/5/2025 |
FALL IN! 2025 November 7-9
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- HMGS, Inc., the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society (non-profit) organization whose purpose is to promote the study of military history through the art of tabletop miniature wargaming. They are hosting a convention at the Wyndham Resort & Convention Center at 2300 Lincoln Highway East Lancaster, PA 17602 on November 7-9, 2025. Hundreds of tabletop miniatures games for you to participate in; tournaments; hobby classes; lectures; a board game library; and over 60 hobby-related vendors. |
| 11/5/2025 |
NAVCON 2025 - Picton
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...just got back from a two-day trip to Picton to take part in Navcon, a new naval wargaming convention organised by Picton local Paul Dalley." Prufrock brings us a convention report which includes some AARs and photos. He clearly had a lot of fun with Littoral Commander Indo-Pacific, and was intrigued by another "...game that I will keep an eye out for." |
| 11/4/2025 |
Compass Games Expo Fall 2025! November 6-10, 2025
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- Compass Games Expo Fall 2025 will be held November 6-10, 2025 at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Meriden, CT. You will be taking part in an action-packed venue with gaming held under one roof, which includes: Monster Games and Open-Gaming, Designer-hosted, Playtest Sessions, Game Demonstrations, Euro Games, Tournament Play, Designer Seminars and Panel discussion, Compass Games Store with great discounts (store hours 9 am – 5 pm Thurs-Sun unless otherwise noted)
|
| 11/4/2025 |
Vet Con 2025
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- The Fourth Annual Vet Con Historical Miniatures Convention in the beautiful Gold Rush town of Auburn, CA Will be held on Nov 6th - 9th, 2025. Board Wargaming, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Games are also welcome. |
| 10/31/2025 |
Wallenstein: Decline (The Life & Games of Wallenstein, #3)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...when the three months were over, Wallenstein stayed on, having his supreme authority confirmed and expanded." Clio, in Clio's Board Games, continues with his wargamer oriented history of this key figure in The Thirty Years War. So how does this event influence Wallenstein's career: "Spain was snubbed."? |
| 10/22/2025 |
Spiel Essen 2025 – Wargames Preview
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...I’d like to highlight a few intriguing titles you can check out (and perhaps play!) at the event." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle takes a look at some games he hopes to see and report on. See which title he thinks should have seen "...a boardgame about long time ago!" |
| 10/21/2025 |
Assembling By Swords & Bayonets – A Wargame Fall Learning Campaign
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "How do you learn a new wargame? Can you do it in a week?" RockyMountainNavy, in Armchair Dragoons finds himself in a perfect situation to conduct an experiment on this question we all face. Check out whether he succeeds, and why he feels appropriate to comment that "With respect to that effort I must commend Allen Dickerson and the GMT Games team for their success." |
| 10/13/2025 |
Wallenstein: Zenith (The Life & Games of Wallenstein, #2)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "And what an army it was!" Clio, in Clio's Board Games, continues his biography of Wallenstein, who obtained extraordinary powers during the war. For example, he: "...was allowed to raise a general tax on the occupied territories as well as the Habsburg hereditary domains to reimburse himself...". |
| 10/6/2025 |
My top 3 Wargames… with Julius Caesar!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "While hindsight and known outcomes can influence tactics and strategies, exploring what if scenarios remains incredibly engaging." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle covers why these three games are his favorites. See which game has him commenting that it "...forces players to think more strategically but on the other hand has enough easy rules for everybody to quickly grasp them and enjoy the game almost immediately." |
| 9/30/2025 |
The impacts of AI
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "I asked an AI program to build me a scenario for my imaginations campaign...". Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors runs another interesting experiment with AI, with intriguing insights. And an unsurprising one: "...where there is no data to draw from (i.e. the map) and it is left to guess, then its weaknesses really showed up." |
| 9/24/2025 |
Wednesday War Stories ~ The Battle of Arracourt: 19–22 September 1944
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "The 4th Armored, led by uber-aggressive Major General John 'Tiger Jack' Wood, fought a series of battles ... on the traditional invasion route into Germany." Aaron Danis, in Armchair Dragoons, takes a look at one of the largest tank battles between the U.S. and German armies. Check out what happens when "A German counterattack was brewing on 19 September, spearheaded by two new Panzer Brigades which were still receiving Panther tanks from the factory...". |
| 9/17/2025 |
A Weekend of Wargaming Fun Next Month!
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- The 2025 Armchair Dragoons Fall Assembly is coming up!. At the VFW Post #7383 on Reedy Creek Road in Cary, NC from 10-12 October 2025. A full weekend of wargaming with the usual tables full of games, plus giveaways, designer sessions, playtests, and more. Designers Bruce Maxwell & Keith Tracton are back and designer Mike Nagel will be teaching some of his games. Plus! Steve from Blue Panther is joining, so you can place orders with him and save the shipping cost when he brings it with him. |
| 9/15/2025 |
Operation Sealion the book and the game
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...each of the participants had unique insight into the realities of what could and could not be done within this semi-fictitious setting." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, tells us about a recent fascinating read of his covering a high level wargaming of the possibility. Check out his insights on the book and be ready: "I will come back to this once I have played the boardgame." |
| 9/8/2025 |
My Passion for History – Crusades
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "I am sharing various sources from the popular culture where you can learn much more about Knights in Shining armor fighting for the Holy Land and Cross." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, offers an interesting set of sources for learning about this historical period. Check out which one is related to Monty Python, and see which game Michal considers "...probably best strategic-level game on Crusades ever created." |
| 9/6/2025 |
War Game Rules (Miniatures Rules Sets)
Poster: Pat L.
|
- Richard Black and Harry Pearson compiled this list of war game rules sets for miniatures war games circa 1975. |
| 9/5/2025 |
HMGS South Hurricon 2025
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- HMGS South Hurricon 2025, Kissimmee, Florida – No Plan Survives Contact with the Enemy. The dice are ready. Are you? |
| 9/4/2025 |
Waging War with Cardboard Navies
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- John Prados, author, historian, wargame designer and winner of 5 Charles S. Roberts Awards for Excellence in Historical Wargaming, wrote this article on naval wargaming for the U.S. Naval Institute and was published in their Naval History edition Vol. 20, no. 4, August 2006.
|
| 8/29/2025 |
Comparing Some black powder period rules
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Just to compare some rules, I am taking a single situation from the Rebel & Patriot rules (Osprey Publishing) and seeing how it works out with various rules sets." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, offers one of his terrific analyses while winnowing down rule sets. Check out his insights and conclusions as he points out that "At the end of the day, that leaves me with Black Powder and my own rules as main contenders." Yet "...there is a sleeper in the background...". |
| 8/15/2025 |
My Top 3 Wargames designed by… John H. Butterfield!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, lays out his favorite John H. Butterfield games. See which one has him commenting "The learning curve is painful but satisfaction even greater once you manage to achieve your goals! " |
| 8/13/2025 |
The Armchair Dragoons Fall Assembly 2025
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- The Armchair Dragoons announce their Fall Assembly 2025, to be held in Cary North Carolina. Badge sales & event registration are set to open 24 August! |
| 8/7/2025 |
A Prussian Rearguard near Gilly - 15th June 1815
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "There were some moments in which fortunes might have changed." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, brings us a sharp French/Prussian clash on the tabletop. Lots of awesome pictures! Is it all over for the Prussians when "...their assault stalls due to the weight of French defensive fire and the Prussians fall back ... again!" |
| 8/4/2025 |
Wargame Watch – What’s New & Upcoming – August 2025
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "This month for the Wargame Watch I was able to find 35 games..."! Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players' Aid, offers a look at new and interesting games on the horizon. To include one where he points out: "Not often does a game get a 3rd Edition printing...". |
| 7/31/2025 |
Wallenstein: Rise (The Life & Games of Wallenstein, #1)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Wallenstein, the mercenary. Wallenstein, the astrology addict. Wallenstein, the traitor. ...or was he all of these things?" Clio, in Clio's Board Games, embarks on a fascinating biography of the Holy Roman Empire's initial chief commander, with glimpses of related games. Check out the setting of the stage when "Four fundamental conflicts would provide the spark, the oxygen, and the fuel for the great conflagration of the Thirty Years’ War...". |
| 7/29/2025 |
Malplaquet 1709
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "The Sun King was, for the first time in his long reign, in the mood to negotiate an end to the war to forestall... [the] ...collapse and the possible end of his monarchy." Jeff Berry, in Obscure Battles, brings us another insightful (and fun) look at a lesser known battle. Check out how push still came to shove when terms proposed what "...were clearly 'poison pills' the Dutch and Habsburgs knew Louis could not accept, even though he was willing to give in to every other territorial demand." |
| 7/25/2025 |
Sword Lore IIIA: Austrian M 1861 Cavalry Saber (Officer's)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "This study will focus on the general trends and context of officer's pattern swords, and then examine the actual sword in my collection." Ed M leads us on a fascinating look at some general and specific sword history. Check out his tools for drawing conclusions about a sword, for example: "Officer's sabers are also quite often embellished (particularly their blades)...". |
| 7/21/2025 |
Just a bit of Wargame AI fun
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "I put this together in under 5 minutes." Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, does a wargame YouTube! |
| 7/16/2025 |
Gaming the American Revolution – Ranking the Games We Have Played – 2025 Edition
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Since the last post last year, we have been able to play 3 new games to add into the list...". Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players' Aid, updates his top 20 list of games on the American Revolution. Check out which game earns the comment "This element is thematically spot on as communication was limited." |
| 7/12/2025 |
A TIMELINE OF THE HISTORICAL MINIATURES WARGAMING HOBBY
Poster: Pat L.
|
- An anonymous poster listed highlights in the history of miniatures war gaming through 1981. Don’t miss the comprehensive list of publications and resources at the bottom of the post. |
| 7/7/2025 |
2025 Guide to Quick-Play Wargames for Holiday Travel
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Are you one who, when traveling, does "...not want to part with your beloved hobby – boardgames."? Then join Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, as he covers 16 games that have fit the requirements of travel for him. Because, as a grognard, "...nothing compares to a nicely published 'analog' version of the game to be brought to the table during your free time!" |
| 6/30/2025 |
Epic Revolution (AWI)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Another instalment in Warlord Games’ Epic series has just been released..."! Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, checks out the latest figures/ruleset package in this series. "... a lot of work has gone into this rule set to make it AWI specific - well done that team." |
| 6/26/2025 |
War reaches northern Italy, 215 BC
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Hannibal has come over the Alps..."! Prufrock and his friend Ian P bring us an intense Punic War clash that doesn't look too promising for the Romans, when they "...win the first move and mostly freeze." |
| 6/18/2025 |
Interview with Robert Phaneuf Designer of Secession 1861: The American Civil War and The Armada from Fortress Games Currently on Kickstarter
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "...there are few more fertile areas for educational, simulation-ai gaming." Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players' Aid, interviews designer Bob Phaneuf about his two upcoming games. See why he thinks that "...Secession 1861 will mature as a classic solitaire nail-biter." |
| 6/9/2025 |
Battles of Heraclea Lyncestis, 219 BC and Emporiae, 218 BC (Med Campaign 9)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Reports are in of a battle in northern Macedon between the invading Illyrians and a force scrambled together to meet them...". Prufrock continues with two more nicely photographed AARs in the ongoing Med Campaign! "...in Nearer Spain, Proconsul Aaronius Dubius Scipio Calvus, having landed a force near Emporiae, was engaged by an alliance of indomitable Iberian tribes...". |
| 6/6/2025 |
My pre-orders analysis – what is new and coming!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, covers his current game preorders, and why he is anxiously awaiting them. See which game has him commenting that "...we are getting so many new elements – from graphical representation, to add-ons and optional rules – that this it will be a great, refreshing comeback to fantastic classic!" |
| 6/4/2025 |
My Top Solitaire Wargames: New Designs and All-Time Classics
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, reveals his favorite recent and all time solitaire classics. Check out the game he describes as "...probably the best small units combat simulation ever created, which has fantastic planning phase and unfolds completely differently each time.", and the one that challenges you to "...harness a brilliant mind, titanic energies, and a sometimes terrifying charisma to leave your mark on history?" |
| 5/26/2025 |
Soviet 12mm WWII Pocket Army
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "My second WWII Pocket Army is now complete..."! Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, brings us a Pocket Army update pictorial. |
| 5/21/2025 |
The Battle of the Sacred Grove (Med Campaign 5)
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- "Upon sighting the lead elements of Roman forces, being the swift-moving Equites and Velites, this mass of warriors descended from the heights to fall upon Regulus’s army." Prufrock brings us a nicely photographed Roman/Barbarian minatures clash set in 225 BC. How do the Romans fare, while already engaged, when "...a large body of the Boii tribe arrived to the north, moving southwestward towards the ridge, aiming to bolster their colleagues..."? |
| 5/7/2025 |
Grant’s Top 10 Solitaire Wargames of 2024!
Poster: Doug Holt
|
- Grant Kleinhenz, in The Players' Aid, offers an intriguing list of solitaire games from last year. See which one had him commenting "...I was very much intrigued by the concept but more importantly about how this game planned to do just that." |
| 4/29/2025 |
Historicon 2025
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- Historical Miniatures Gaming Society July 16-20, 2025. Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA. Hundreds of tabletop miniatures games for you to participate in; tournaments; hobby classes; lectures; a board game library; and over 60 hobby-related vendors. |
| 4/29/2025 |
Keeping SPI Alive in ’25! -- Welcome, SPI Gamers!
Poster: Robert Holifield
|
- "SPI's Alive in 2025!" Convention! July 16-20-2025 in Lancaster, Penn! HISTORICON offered space for a National SPI Wargame Convention! Your chance to play face to face with other SPI enthusiasts! The program will feature structured matches, open gaming, Quad, and monster games. See www.spigames.net for details. |
| 4/29/2025 |
Carnage, Vermont’s Tabletop Game Convention - October 24-26, 2025
Poster: Robert Holifield
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- Carnage is Northern New England’s Best Tabletop Gaming Convention. Spend the weekend playing Role Playing Games, Miniatures, Wargames, collectible and living card games, board games, and LARPs. There is also our Annual Diplomacy Tournament. Carnage features a wide variety of scheduled gaming, open gaming, tournaments, vendors, and more! For more detailed information, please visit our Information section. |
| 4/23/2025 |
Fight for Bühl
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "The Austrian artillery is now somewhat exposed, worse - they go low on ammunition (maximum fire is one die - as per a random event ….. unlucky!)" Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, brings us a fast-paced French/Austrian Napoleonic clash, using his home brew rules. Can the Austrian gunners save themselves and the day when they "...keep up the pressure on the horsemen and eventually, the mauled French cavalry are deterred from making any further attacks..."!?! |
| 4/16/2025 |
Breed's Hill 1775
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "...given all the SNAFUs on both sides of this early battle of the American Revolution, it seems apt that this battle be named for the wrong place." See how Jeff Berry, in Obscure Battles, elegantly explains that this was "The battle that should never have happened". |
| 4/4/2025 |
German WWII Pocket Army in 10 / 12mm
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "WWII can pass across the painting table at surprising speed compared to other periods and so it makes for a good quick project to fit in between other bigger projects...". Norm Smith, in Battlefields & Warriors, discusses a new World War II Pocket Army project he has underway: "...kampfgruppe Schmidt is ready for action..."! |
| 3/24/2025 |
Jack Greene, 1949 – 17 March 2025
Poster: Doug Holt
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- Kevin Zucker shares some memories of his recently passed friend, designer Jack Greene. |
| 3/24/2025 |
Wargaming Clubs of the Warring Clubs Era 1965-69
Poster: Doug Holt
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- Alan Arvold has shared a fascinating article with us, meant as "...a supplement to the History of Wargaming article..., specifically to the sidebar on Wargame Clubs. It is a listing of the known clubs." Thanks Alan! |
| 3/19/2025 |
My Top 3 Wargames designed by… John H. Butterfield!
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "...focus on creations of one author, whom you can treat as a whole wargaming history in micro-scale." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, covers his three favorite John Butterfield games. See which game has a feature that "...creates fog of war as you do not know which part of enemy forces can still act in a turn." |
| 3/14/2025 |
Wednesday War Stories ~ Iron Ships & Iron Men at the Battle of Hampton Roads
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "In some ways the game was frustrating; how could it not produce a clearly superior victor?" RockyMountainNavy, in Armchair Dragoons, has an interesting discussion of the classic "Monitor versus Merrimac" clash, and how that applies to wargaming. Check out what conclusion he reaches, reinforced by the comment: "No better description of the impact of the Battle of Hampton Roads on naval warfare exists than the response of the Royal Navy upon hearing of the battle." |
| 3/1/2025 |
The Vietnam War Miniatures Collection (video)
Poster: Pat L.
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- The Dusted Game Shelf dusts off his proud collection of miniatures suitable for table top Vietnam War battles. |
| 2/26/2025 |
Rodger B. MacGowan Has Passed Away at Age 77
Poster: Doug Holt
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- W. Eric Martin reports the sad news: "Artist/designer Rodger B. MacGowan passed away on February 22, 2025, and if you have been a gamer for any amount of time over the past fifty years, you have likely seen his work." |
| 2/21/2025 |
Rebellion in the Colonies (American Revolution, #1)
Poster: Doug Holt
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- America's "...humble beginnings – as a collection of colonies in strife with their British metropolitan government." Clio, in Inside GMT Games, begins a series on the American Revolution, in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of its founding. |
| 2/19/2025 |
Castiglione 1796
Poster: Doug Holt
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- Jeff Berry, in Obscure Battles, takes an insightful look at a battle that "...has been analyzed as the prototype that Bonaparte used for his ultimate winning formula for many of his future big battles...", which Jeff dubs the "Sucker Punch"! |
| 2/15/2025 |
John Hill (game designer)
Poster: Pat L.
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- Here is a reference page for John Hill, a war game designer, who designed games in the early 1970’s including Bar-Lev and Squad Leader. |
| 2/5/2025 |
My top anticipated wargames of 2025
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "It is a pretty broad selection, containing solitaire, two-player and multiplayer titles, recent conflicts or very ancient ones." Michal, in The Boardgames Chronicle, takes his annual look at his most anticipated new titles. Check out which game has him concluding "I simply could not pass on this." |
| 1/24/2025 |
RBM Studio Update: The Palisades Fire
Poster: Doug Holt
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- Rodger MacGowan has seen his home and RBM Studio facility destroyed in the Palisades fire in California. His son Steven has set up a gofundme account where you can learn what happened and offer recovery help if you wish. |
| 1/15/2025 |
CascadeCon 2026
Poster: Robert Holifield
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- CascadeCon® is a convention for serious board game-players and others interested in the hobby of craft board gaming to enjoy one another's company, play the games you love, try excellent new titles, and make memories with friends and family.
Bring your favorite board, card, and tabletop games to play in a beautiful locale, both inside and out. Large open spaces, high ceilings, and natural light abound throughout the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, but especially in the Dome Room, where CascadeCon® will be centered.
Grant Dalgliesh of Columbia Games will be at CascadeCon in Bellingham, Washington on January 15th! Stop by and get a multiplayer experience of Alliance that everyone is talking about. Afterwards, play some lighter fare like The Last Spike to wind down the day!
Thursday 1/15/2026 thru Monday 1/19/2026 |
| 1/10/2025 |
Obituary: Alan Emrich, game designer and writer, has died
Poster: Doug Holt
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- The site Game Developer brings us news of the passing of this industry titan. |
| 12/25/2024 |
2024 Christmas Newsletter
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "Hopefully all the socks and after shave that one could ever dream of, have graced your Christmas stocking and perhaps a wargame treat or two has sneaked in and brought a smile!" Norm Smith, in Battlefields and Warriors, brings us another entertaining sum up of his wargaming year! |
| 12/20/2024 |
Pournelle on “Does it matter if you call it a wargame?”
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "Much of what the Department of Defense calls wargaming is not actually wargaming, and that matters." Rex Brynen, in PAXsims, taps in on a discussion by analyst and former officer Phil Pournelle on what passes for "wargaming" in the DOD. "Failing to wargame properly in advance may mean having to learn in actual combat and risk it all." |
| 12/13/2024 |
Princeton 1777
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "...this one proved to be the decisive battle that really cemented the American survival in the early months of the Revolution." Jeff Berry, in Obscure Battles, covers the fascinating follow-up engagement to Trenton. Check out the action as "Just when everything seemed to be falling apart, Washington came galloping up." |
| 12/3/2024 |
Armchair Dragoons Digital Convention
Poster: Doug Holt
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- The Armchair Dragoons Digital Convention is coming up next month, registration is open now! |
| 11/1/2024 |
Trenton 1776
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "...not many may know that if it weren't for this tiny, half-hour battle, the American Revolution was on the verge of collapsing. The United States might never have existed." Jeff Berry, in Obscure Battles, brings us a fascinating, in-depth look at why this was a key engagement. Check out why he asserts that Trenton "...was like one of those Schrödinger moments in quantum theory where the universe split into two metaverses." |
| 10/14/2024 |
Data Diving Into the 2024 Solo & Solitaire Wargaming & Historical Gaming Survey
Poster: Doug Holt
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- The Armchair Dragoons look into their 2024 solo/solitaire wargame survey, finding top ranked games "...based on how long respondents reported they’d been playing, as well as how much of their overall gaming diet is wargaming." |
| 9/30/2024 |
Danish Hussars (Chocolate Box Wars): a Return to the Painting Desk
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "Now the Danes have a hussar unit with figures that can stand up to their Prussian counterparts on the table." Ed, in his Ed M's Wargames Meanderings blog, discusses some interesting painting and research he has done recently. With excellent photos of the work! |
| 9/29/2024 |
Renegade Con October 2025
Poster: Robert Holifield
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- Renegade Game Studios publishes the Axis & Allies line of games, Diplomacy and many other strategy games, will be holding on YouTube "One epic, all-day stream packed with everything you want to see — new reveals, major announcements, and features on your favorite games! Mark your calendar for October 3, 2025, and get ready to spend the day with us on YouTube." Click the link above to see the full schedule. |
| 9/13/2024 |
Prague 1757
Poster: Doug Holt
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- "...a near-run battle, with both sides making tactical mistakes that could have easily flipped the victory." Jeff Berry, in Obscure Battles, brings us an insightful view of this Seven Years War engagement, along with his splendid maps. Find out how the clash was a near thing, despite the fact that "...the campaign up to the battle was masterfully played out by Frederick, Schwerin and the other Prussian commanders." |
| 9/9/2024 |
Triangle Simulation Society: Southern Front 2024 Convention
Poster: Robert Holifield
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- Triangle Simulation Society of North Carolina will be hosting their Wargame Convention featuring Historical Miniatures and other gaming on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of September 2024. |
| 9/3/2024 |
Armchair Dragoons Fall Assembly 11-13 October
Poster: Doug Holt
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- Join the Dragoons for a convention with "...multiple tables for wargaming events, plus a large table for all-day monster wargaming across extended sessions." |