Several styles of gaming

[martin goddard]

Generalities are dangerous (this one included!).
Gamers might be split into subgroups of frequency of play.

1. Play 0-3 times a year.
2. Play 4-8 times per year
3. Play 9-30 times a year
4. Play more than 30 times a year

No plus or minus judgement on the number of games played.
Replay value definition= No obvious single winning tactic (put X in position Y, do Z and all will be well). Games can vary  a lot in initial task.

If a player does a lot of gaming they will probably learn rules in more detail and hence want greater "replay value"?
If a player games in category 1 or 2 they may want rules that are easy to learn/remember and not require too much  "replay value".

Opinions on these statements?
Which category are you?
Is that category the ideal one for you?


martin

[Sean Clark]

I'm probably 3 but would like to be 4. I'm probably very close to 4.

[Stewart 46A]

Normally in group 4 but probably in 2 may be 3 for this year


Stewart

[Colonel Kilgore]

A 3 in a good year but would be happy to improve on that score.

Simon

[Andoreth]

I play as a member of a club which meets every fortnight so have 26 opportunities to play each year of which I, given holidays, other events and lethargy, take advantage of 15-20. However we seldom have a long run with the same rules. Games have to be quick and preferably multiplayer so What a Tanker, Wings of Glory (both ordinary and Tripods and Triplanes) and Sangin Skirmish, feature more often along with Saga and Musket and Tomahawk. As you will gather we seldom get deeply involved with one set of rules.

Prior to lockdown, a few members of the club who are retired had started using a games cafe for more games in the afternoon, when there were plenty of tables, to practice our game for Salute, again meeting once a fortnight and had lockdown not been imposed I think we would have continued with this giving another 15-20 slots and the chance to develop a campaign or two.

I am currently painting Spanish for the SCW, 28mm stalkers etc. for Zona Alfa and other members of the club are buying 1/144 scale equipment for Northag  so I don't see the pattern of our gaming changing much once play resumes.

[Mike6t3]

Usually a 3 for me unless there is a Pandemic 😁
I like to play several different games so they have to be easy enough to remember but also have replay value.

[Nick]

Group 3 for me. Replayability important as is fun!

Nick

[Leman (Andy)]

I am usually a 3, but won't make that this year. Often become attached to a set of rules and will play a series of games before moving on. Favourite rules include Bloody Barons, Square Bashing, Bloody Big Battles, Field of Battle, Honours of War. Played a lot but fell out of love with Saga. Played a lot but never loved, and no longer play, Field of Glory. Intend to play a great deal of Furioso with its Italian Wars supplement in the future. Used to run a weekly school club when I was working and also belonged to Liverpool War-games Association for thirty years, but once my move abroad is complete I am most likely to play solo and run my own campaigns over a length of time.

[John Watson]

Definitely a 3. I tend to play less in the summer. I prefer easy to learn and remember rules as the little grey cells get fewer and fewer. What I have played most of over the last couple of years - Bloody Barons (new version), PBI, FOG R, Surface Action (WWI ships), Cruel Seas. I am a bit of a game junky and will try most things.
I also enjoy boardgames and prior to lock down would have been a 2 on that as well.
John

[Colonel Kilgore]

I should have added that, even as a relatively infrequent player, I still like my games to have variety!

Simon

[Leman (Andy)]

I play really badly when I have variety as I can't remember rules from one week to the next, One reason I will be playing solo in future. Probably most keen on the research, collecting and painting side of wargaming.

[Smoking gun]

Hi,
Normally a 4, I am lucky enough to play every week at a friends house which has a purpose built wargame building in the back garden. We tend to play large games 4-6 players on a 12 x 8 ft table, mostly 28mm, large units 30+ figures. Some games are payed over 2 nights, rules can be home grown or adapted from commercial sets.

Best wishes,
Martin Buck

[Sean Clark]

Sounds like fun Martin!

[martin goddard]

Folk with purpose built wargame buildings should be wary.

Gangs of wargamers might break in , have a great game and then sneak out before sunrise.  They are usually wearing casual clothes, male and aged 20 to 72 years old.  Some might be tooled up with little bags or boxes?

You can tell this has happened if there is one  unusual D6 left on the floor and the cavalry box has been put back incorrectly.

This might be hard crime to detect but maybe these groups are highly organised.

All very well just brushing this threat off, but be alert (Britain needs lerts)


martin

[Smoking gun]

Martin,
You forgot they ate all the chocolate biscuits and drank the beer too.

Sounds like a fairy tale involving three bears.

Best wishes,
Martin Buck