"Rule Longevity" Topic

A few thoughts on rule longevity, inspired in part by the anniversary of one popular rule set here. However, the thoughts apply to many rule sets, including a few that I have highlighted.

It's interesting to see that a few rule sets are older than I had realised.

link

An interesting poll follow on might be something along the lines of, in your favorite period do you still play the same rules as 3, 5, 10, 15+ years ago?
I know that in the last year I've played Volley & Bayonet and General d'Armee (1 & 2). For different levels of battle. GdA more often, but new to me in the last 3 years, while I've been playing V&B for about 10.

"The Sword and the Flame" (Colonial gaming) was originally published in 1979 and updated in 1999 (20th anniversary edition). It is still played around the US at local clubs and at conventions, 45 years later.

We hoped to have a 40th anniversary edition in 2019 but the death of Larry Brom (the author) and then the Covid pandemic put that on the back burner. A "45th" anniversary edition was planned but the death of Lori Brom (Larry's older daughter) has delayed that. We still hope to have an updated edition, but don't know when.

Jim

Well, there's a group meeting about half an hour west of me using Empire (1975)--don't know which edition--and one maybe an hour and a half south using Napoleon's Battles (1989.) The Column, Line and Square (1966) players in the area are still trying to regroup, and getting in the odd game.

Mostly, I'd agree with what you said. Wargame rules, like shoes, are a matter of suitablity for the occaision and of individual comfort. And it's easier to tweak them a bit than to get everyone to agree on a different set, let alone rebase everyone.

May also want to add – The Sword and the Flame (1979), They Died for Glory (1986), and Fire and Fury Brigade (1990)

Some good thoughts

Agree about an interesting poll

I read on another site that some folks out there are still using Boot Hill (1975). I still play Desperado (early 90's, I think).

Warmaster (2000) in its historical form of Warmaster Ancients (2005), age 24 and 19, respectively. Young in comparison to some, but much "younger" rules cited (Black Powder is in fact derived from the Warmaster system).

Of course, Warhammer Ancient Battles (1998) is older still (and has even older roots, being the child of Warhammer Fantasy Battles). I've never played it, but I suspect there are many who still do.

It's a good article and blog, mate. I still play some rules from the 70's and 80's, when I get the chance.

Should mention I still use "Charge!" (1967) and a lightly-modified Wesencraft Army Corps Game (1974).

I routinely play WRG Ancients 6th Ed. link Jolly fun, if you have the right opponent

I still bring out Cavaliers and Roundheads (1973) a few times a year

I am very pleased that some of you have found the article of interest. Certainly I appreciate your kind comments.

There are some great examples of some other rules being played and many are noted above, or in the comments on my blog. I knew I would miss some excellent examples, but it was of course an attempt to note some.

I still think of DBA, Crossfire and Spearhead as quite modern!

Having said that, while some people still play old rules (I still hankering after games of Charles Grants "Battle") in the main I rather think rules come and go. It is figures which last forever. I've still got stuff from the 1970s which gets used regularly.

The first version of the Sword and the Flame (the Yaquinto one) is very different to the later ones. Just one dice roll for shooting with a narrow range of results, rather than the dice per figure of the later editions.

Whether or not its worth noting, The Yaquinto TSATF is still the version that I go to. I have read the newer versions, but I like the play of the older Yaquinto.

I haven't played for a while but I do still have the figures and guns for Little Wars (1913) which I have played a fair amount and intend to try and get a game on the lawn next year.

For the ACW: JRII 1980's is still considered one of the best for the period.
For the AWI: The British are Coming also 1980's with many active players.

Dawn Patrol/ Fits is still played by a large number of people.

Also, BattleTech first came out as BattleDroids way back in 1984. The rules remain largely unchanged and is hugely popular still.

Chainmail was in the 1970s and I still see people playing it (or homebrew modified versions of it).

Fire and Fury, Age of Eagles, Volley and Bayonet, Command Decision are my go to rule sets.

All date from the mid to late 80s (though AoE is 'new' at 20 years!)

How about Kriegspiel? You can use the original 1824 set or the 'updated' 1862 version. Available from TFL. Admittedly the last time I played it was a virtual game using counters, but minis can be used.

"Rally 'Round the Flag" (1970's) is still my favorite rule set for the Late Unpleasantness though I rarely get to play it.

You know, I'd pay semi-serious money to know what rules were played by how many people in a year, and more to see the changes over time, but all we'll ever have is annecdote and guesswork. Our overall numbers are so small that even if Gallup or NORC asked the question, we wouldn't show up.

I'd guess the variety is much greater than the conventions reflect.

In a couple of cases, I use rules culled from old magazines. It would take serious work for me to find out how old the rules are, but 40-50 years would be about the right range.

Thank you for posting this.

I have found a solution and my next refurb project
for the new year.

The WRG 1685-1845 has been a favourite of mine, this presentation gives a nice overview of the rule set.

YouTube link

Rules last as long as people play them!! There is no rule that says that a rule set over a certain age can no longer be played.

Anyone who says that a rule set too old is trying to sell you their new set of rules.

I used Boothill, THW & WRG rules for decades, but with my gaming cohort aging & Covid rampant, game days & cons have been curtailed, so no gaming for me (other than computer games).

@robert piepenbrink,

Which magazine rules do you use? There are a couple of sets I still use myself.