Flow charts

[martin goddard]

Flow charts are those diagrams in which you follow a path which asks yes/no questions and directs you to do things and move onto  a new path etc.
Traditionally they use little boxes and shapes.
They are clear and graphical.

http://agilemodeling.com/artifacts/flowChart.htm

What about using them in wargame rules?


martin

[pbeccas (Paul)]

I'd try it.

[Big Mike]

They could be useful in generating scenarios. Some of the RFCM pre-game systems use a variation with D6 rolls.
After several games they might become a little predictable if there are insufficient random outcomes.
Mike

[Sean Clark]

I'm fairly sure Simon C has used flow charts as part of his rules. The different shapes mean different things I think, like where a decision is needed.

Do you have any ideas brewing Martin?

[Nick]

I loved the flowcharts that were used in the pre-game for the old AK47 rules, political manoeuvre charts I think they were called ?

Nick

[sukhe_bator (Neil)]

I'm thinking of scenarios for my Mex Rev atm. The numerous factions and shifting allegencies have potential for making interesting scenarios. I agree with Big Mike that relying solely on randomised outcomes for scenarios pre-game might make arbitrary alterations to situations that could skew a campaign narrative. This has implications for other theatres...
How many times could the Stanley's sit on the fence or indeed change sides before they were called out and turned on?
A more directed set of circumstances such as those presented in a flow chart format may well be a method for determining circumstances. It sounds like the AK47 'political manoeuvre charts' were well on the way to providing that...

[steve_holmes_11]

Some rules do use flowcharts.

Done right, they are a great alternative to a terse paragraph of the dialect known as Barkerese.

[Leslie BT]

Were they in an earlier version of the ECW rules?

[Leman (Andy)]

I remember flow charts in an incredibly complex set of American ACW rules. The flow charts helped to explain some of the concepts in the game, but unfortunately did not prevent it from becoming mind numbingly difficult and tedious to play.

[martin goddard]

The first version of the ECW  ROF used a sort of flow chart idea. It was more like those adventure books in which  you choose where to go next.  It was great fun but many players found it was too involved in terms of the time it took them to carry it out.


martin

[Sean Clark]

I still remember meeting Sir Fleming Nadger one dark night!

[Leman (Andy)]

Best keep that to yourself Sean!

[Sean Clark]

I'm amongst friends 

[Brian Cameron]

I've used them, basically to take players through the turn in the correct order and they seemed to work well and be well received.  Hoping I'm not teaching anyone how to suck eggs - the convention is that a diamond shaped box is a 'decision' and usually has 'yes' and 'no' links coming out of it (eg, has the unit taken casualties - if 'yes' then you go to the box for the morale test, if 'no' then the morale test is skipped)

A pity the original version of the ECW rules doesn't appear to be available, I'd be interested in the pre-game.

Brian

[mellis1644]

They can be useful in detailing complex actions/reactions - especially for solo gaming. i.e. follow thew flowchart for 'automated opponents'. This can be mixed with sim randomness as well to make for interesting games against yourself.