"Recommendation for SIMPLE WW2 game" Topic

I have a friend that is not a gamer, but willing to learn. I need recommendations for a super simple WW2 rule set (primarily using tanks). Ideally, something even more simple than What A Tanker.

Thanks.

Memoir 44

Or

World of Tanks: Miniatures Game

Neil Thomas One Hour Wargames

Not sure, depends on what you want. Does a tank represent one tank or a unit of tanks? I assume short playtime for a beginner? Are you saying mainly tanks? Only tanks?

I can only second what is above, but they represent different things. Others that are of the similar:

Wargaming, An Introduction also by Neil Thomas. A bit more detail than One Hour Wargames but still simple. In One Hour Wargames there is no difference between Tigers and Shermans. Be aware, some of the period rules in an Introduction aren't good, but I haven't tried the WW2 set.

Another option is One Hour Skirmish by John Lambshead. Meant for infantry with a few guns or tanks at most, but fast and fun. No dice, just playing cards. Novel mechanic not often used.

Alan:
If you wouldn't be embarrassed to try a homegrown rules set, my "Panzerspiel" is 2 pages long, concentrates almost exclusively on tank/anti-tank, represents one vehicle with one model, ground scale 1cm = 20m (50cm = 1000m), and resolves every shot with a single roll of 3 dice. If you're interested, PM me and I'll send you the pdf.

EUMELUS, I would enjoy looking at your rules, but can't PM you. But you can email me (hope I'm allowed to post my email) at civilwar38305@hotmail.com

As for other's questions, I primarily have a crapload of tanks, but also some artillery, anti-tank guns, armoured cars, jeeps, and various infantry units. I probably have 100 different models, so I can create various army lists and unit sizes.

I am open as to whether a tank equals one tank or a platoon. The main aspect is simple rules, without as much concern for hisrorical or tactical accuracy. Once I get my friend introduced to tabletop gaming, then I can add complexity and accuracy as appropriate.

What I had in mind was something more sophisticated than Memoir 44, but a little less complex than Bolt Action or What A Tanker.

Look up Tigers and Stalins. I have played it with both kids and adults. It is 1 tank equals 1 tank.

Based on your clarification, any of the rules I mentioned would work.

One Hour is the easiest of the bunch. The entire WW2 Rules fit on two pages!

Spearhead, 1 model = 5 tanks. Simple mechanics.

I like one hour wargames very much and can always recomend KISS Rommel.

The original Squad Leader rules were pretty simple and loads of fun.

We played some newbies at our club a few years back with rules and tables on 2 sides of A4.

They were on their own after 20 minutes.

Maneouver Group does tanks it's simple and relatable, you get to turn turrets. it's simple if you want just tanks, far more so than What a Tanker with its huge record paperwork it's ore like an aerial game with tanks and really implausible. Question is fantasy or real world, both simple if only tanks.

Flames of War played with just the core rules pamphlet you get in the box sets. It's like 4 well illustrated pages with short clear text which covers all the core rules.

Axis and Allies Miniatures or Fast Rules?

Any set of reasonably quick rules, where you did all the calculations (hence the reason for it to be quick).

Letthem concentrate on "real world" decisions, while you do the actual rules.

Have them do the attack, while you run a defence as well as umpire. Stack it slightly on their side, so the can win if the mistakes are not terrible.

BattlerBritain: I would not describe original Squad Leader as "pretty simple!" It's not for nothing that the rules book is organized as a 12-scenario course of programmed instruction.

I presume that you've mistaken something else — perhaps Panzerblitz? — for SL.

I'm not familiar with either Memoir ‘44 or What a Tanker, so can only suggest several free offerings for you to assess for yourself. (You can find them with a search engine.)

Hans ‘n' Panzer (AKA Hans und Panzer on the cover) from Milhistriot Quarterly is a very simple set with "old school" touches. 12 pages including cover, and illustrations (and explanations for newbs to the hobby).

Lionel Tarr's WW2 Wargame Rules are not just "old school" but old, having been published in Donald Featherstone's 1962 book War Games (and written for an East Front game that started in 1959). 5 pages of pure rules reference apart from the foreword by Jim Wallman when he posted them online.

1943 is available on the War Times Journal website. This is more extensive, including organization lists up to battalion level, and has had more sophisticated development than the above (arguably with more attention to verisimilitude). I think it is remarkably well presented and should be quick and easy to get playing smoothly.

The JuniorGeneral<dot>org website provides a wide array of games (and paper soldiers). I'm not up on the WW2 offerings, but reckon it's worth browsing.