"A Review of One Hour Wargames Ancient Rules" Topic

Recently my boy has wanted to start playing toy soldiers with his dad. Finding the correct sets of rules / game to play with him will be a bit of a journey and have started a new blog to share my experiences / thoughts with people that are also looking for games to play with children. I am also a teacher and run a games club so will probably be drawing on this to share thoughts as to how to get youngsters into playing wargames.

The first game that we are playing that I am going to review in some depth is One Hour Wargames – specifically the Ancients rules. So if you are looking for a game to play with people of a younger persuasion, or want to know how One Hour Wargames works for ancients, or indeed just have some time to kill, please take a look.

thatwargamesblog.blogspot.co.uk

Good review and an interesting game …

Thank !

Phil

Nice review. However, this game is all about the scenarios. Simple game mechanics are just a way of quickly getting to the real business of dealing with objectives and strategic problems. That's where it gets interesting. Pitched battles are the least engaging way of using these rules.However, perfect for playing with a child.

I also think that the rules play best with armies that have both ranged fire and melee capability. Dark ages is a bit dull. That's why I've written a few house rules for ACW, to enable infantry to melee.

Looks like a good game and a good time, thanks for sharing!

I recommend you to try Five Core by Nordic Weasel. Here's a batrep of mine with my son: link
cheers,

I have now played a few One Hour Wargames Ancients with the boy and have written them up – with comments on the rules and scenarios. Please pop on over if interested.

thatwargamesblog.blogspot.co.uk

Cheers

Very interesting. I'm hoping my little man develops an interest in the little big men, too. In a way, the project of making games with toy soldiers fun for our kids recalls HG Wells' efforts. How old is your kid? What age is good to start wargaming?

The question what age is good to start wargaming is a thorny one – with 'it depends' written all over a few variables.

My boy is seven but he is a clever seven year old (trying to put fatherly bias aside….), is advanced in maths and can hold a thought and consider possible outcomes, so is able to play. I know many seven year olds – and eight, nine and ten year olds (as I am a teacher in a primary school) that would not be able to and seven would be to. I think though, that seven is probably the lower limit.

The other variable is 'what game', as some are of course more suitable than others. Which is the reason for doing the blog in the fist place, to give people a sense of what games they might want to try if their children are showing an interest in playing with daddies toys.

Will be doing a blog post soon outlining the the next few games I am going try. Keep a eye if you are starting to think of what games you might want to play with your child.

Thanks, @Durrati. I've a long ways to go yet. My lad's still in daipers, but you know, considering possible outcomes and all!

I shall follow your blog with interest. A sort of Geek Dad for the tabletop wargamer.