"Solo (no, not Star Wars) - What a Tanker!!" Topic

Today we had a first go at my solo system for the excellent 'What a Tanker' rules.

The write up is on my blog at this link

Looks like a fun game. Seems "light" for a wargame and something I would do for a quick break. More like a tournament for tanks. In that category rules are too pricey for me right now.
If I ever get it would have to look up your system. Do you think it needs one? Too hard to play solo otherwise?

Thanks

Joe

Hi Joe, I, too thought it was initially a bit simplistic. How wrong I was! It has subtlety.
The rules say it can be played solo, which requires you to be honest about making the best move. The system I have guides you to do things in a way that replicates my way of playing, to a large degree.
Interestingly, in today's game, several choices the AI made were questioned by the players, as they would have acted differently, but when I explained my reasons, they agreed my solution was as valid as theirs.

When I said "light" I meant ahistorical not simple. Rich and Nick always do their homework. No infantry or anti tank assets makes it less historical and more like a tank tournament. Did tanks hunt each other in WW II? I know they did but I suspect it was the exception when they didn't have to worry about infantry and ATGs. To do away with that and focus only on tank to tank encounters I think is interesting. For me it would be something I would play as a break from my normal skirmish games.

Joe

So you can't move 12 parsecs per turn?

So you can't move 12 parsecs per turn?

…only if you throw lots of 1's!!!

Good write-up.

Joe,
The "What a Tanker!" rules were specifically designed to give a light, easy to pick up but subtle to play game you could play with mates at the Club or trot out for a quick game if your planned game ends early. They were deliberately kept simple and focussed on tank v tank encounters. As the authors have said, if you want to play with infantry and ATGs you can play Chain of Command or I Ain't Been Shot Mum.

They are ideal for that quick break from your normal skirmish games, you can even use the same terrain.

+1 archdukek!

Recently I had been thinking it would be very easy to add anti-tank guns and WP smoke rounds, but it would take the game away from the simple, fun game it is!

Archduke,
Exactly! I love Troops Weapons and Tactics. My original response said this looks like a nice light game.

Joe

If this is the game Im thinking "Tanker', it is a fun, pretty simple game. But yes, It ALL depends on getting those dice rolls ya need.
Cpl wks ago a friend ran this for myself and another gamer. Our Pz III's vs. the host w/ a Sherman and Stuart. End result: the Stuart took out BOTH of our Pz's. Dice rolls, spd & getting rear shots did them in.

Your right, not very historical but ironically, AFV games are what I really love.
Lt / Med. tanks, a few AC's & 1/2 tracks w/ ATG's or mortars just for the fun of it but not so much into dealing w/ Inf.