House Rules

[Sean Clark]

100% agree Les, but house rules are as old as the hills and have been occuring in wargaming from Don Featherstone onwards.

I've always fancied house ruling chess to allow black to move first.

[Leslie BT]

Sean, how's Billy Goat gruff getting on?

[Sean Clark]

More content tomorrow or Wednesday!

[mellis1644]

If playing competitive games - DBA, ADLG etc come to mind then I don't use any house rules, not matter what.

For rules were I GM and create the scenario, often for others to play who do not know the rules (or do not know them well), I so sometimes use house rules to better reflect my view or needs of the scenario. I think that makes sense etc.

For example, in Regiment of foot I have a house rule that all cavalry have to roll a single die 5+ to see if the commander gets to choose if pursuing cav units can come back to the table as reserve or has to have the unit go attack the baggage. I understand the rules but feel this reflects the lack of control most commanders had in this area. Note. Cromwell's cavalry ignore this for his Ironsides units - his units were much more disciplined than say Rupert's (a habitual roller of 1's in this control test or for example the parliamentary Northern cavalry units. 

[Sean Clark]

Just the sort of thing I was thinking of Mellis.

House Rules aren't a rewrite or intended as a slight on the original creator, but add something extra that the individual wants to represent.

[Smiley Miley 66]

Like I said at the beginning. The Beachhead game and the Ardennes games because of the size of them, rules had to be introduced to handle certain circumstances, that could not be catered for in the normal rules. The Crete game there will be certain things that will probably be outside of the normal rules, that will need covering.
House Rules can be good when needed, and written in the same way or sprite that the original rules would have been. Not because you don't like something in those rules. Like Les said buy another rule set then.
The one thing you know Martin will always put in is 6 is good and 1 is bad, unless in a Morale situation, then it is reversed. If needed sensible factors to grade this may be introduced if the variables are too large to marginalised. Simplicity is another factor, but not stupidity. Nothing too drastic otherwise it would not have be introduced. It's not about winning but keeping the game flowing with ease.
Miles

[martin goddard]

Good thoughts Miles.

[Sean Clark]

Agree Miles.

I have played every game Martin has produced other than the Star Fighter rules. I would say 90% of my gaming is RFCM games with no house rules. So they must have a formula that works 

I think the oldest rule set from Martin would be Ancients by the Effing Levellers. We used Warrior miniatures armies back then. A whole 25mm army for £20!

First Ed Squarebashing was a big favourite. I played a very good SCW variant of this and ran a participation game at a Fisticuffs back when it was a 2 day show in a local school. Mid to late 90's I think?