Our friend's son is eleven,likes board games, history and reading amongst other things. I would like to get him a primer to help him get into figure wargaming.Any suggestions? I had wondered about the new book by Sue Laflin Barker re DBA 3 but wondered if it would be too heavy/rule specific for the lad. All suggestions most welcome.
Thanks
Alan
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Donald-Featherstones-Games-John-Curry/dp/1409216764
ReplyDelete..easy!
Neil Thomas's ONE-HOUR WARGAMES would be my suggestion. Simple rules, easy to read historical sections, and lots of scenarios to use.
ReplyDeleteI would first suggest finding out if there is a particular period that interests him . . . best to find something in a period he likes.
ReplyDelete-- Jeff
Well we started with Donald Featherstone and I think that turned out rather well.
ReplyDeleteBut if he has an inclination to board games I cannot see that DBA would be too much of a leap. Also do not underestimate adolescent boys love of lists and factors. And at the risk of being hurled down the stairs, ar his mates playing warhammer?
A bit pricey but up to date and comprehensive: Henry Hyde's Wargaming Compendium http://thewargamingcompendium.com/
ReplyDeleteAlso available as an ebook
I started with the simple rule set in "Charge". A few weeks ago, at Vapnartak show, one of our local gaming groups was using this rule set as a participating game for kids of 11 or 12 and they were really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteAt six times his age my entry was via Don Featherstone and the other old schoolers but it was a huge and expensive mistake.
ReplyDeleteLion Rampart has been the salvation that arrived in the nick of time. Before that I had taken no interest in the Medieval period and have since become fascinated. It is well represented in buildings, battlefields and museum artefacts, and the game is marvellous.
Hth
Alan
ReplyDeleteI would be happy to lend my copy of Henry Hydes Wargames Companion to you to get the lad up and running.
Jim
I'd start with 'Charge' as being a readable beginning with good photo illustration. I have a spare copy still cellophane wrapped, if it's any use.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bob Cordery: One Hour Wargaming will be my choice. Apart from what He mentioned, the book covers many periods and have suggestions for campaigns, solitaire playing and further readings.
ReplyDeleteI would go for anything by Neil Thomas with OHW being the stand out choice for a primer. The only thing is that there are no pictures which may be a let down for an 11 year old. Warhammer and WH40K would be good as they would both have street cred with others, although they could be rather expensive. I have toyed with the idea of using WH with HOTT to get young'uns interested in something they could add to in time while playing a game quickly, but never got around to it. And I have fond memories of both Charge and Battles with Model Soldiers but I fear they might look rather dated now.
ReplyDeleteI, too, would recommend OHW. Alternatively, you could use Thomas's Wargaming: An Introduction which has simple rules for Ancient, Medieval, Pike & Shot, Horse& Musket and modern warfare. I used the H&M rules successfully with boys aged 10+ in a prep school wargame club.
ReplyDeleteHow about HOTT? More fun than DBA. For skirmish I swear by Mordheim. Forget the background and just use the rules.
ReplyDelete