Monday 15 August 2016

Balcony Painting.

Well this is my first post since 19th July, which confirms that making resolutions is basically a waste of typing. Granted I have been busy with the odd distraction, ie. family birthdays, grand children etc, but is this how retirement is meant to be?
 For the first time in many many years I put down my paint brushes and basically stopped painting anything, well apart from my bedroom balcony, but I suppose that doesn't count in wargaming terms. My wife can never understand how I can paint a straight line on any figure of any scale, but always manage to get paint on a wall etc.
 I have played several wargames over the last few weeks, including a refight of Wagram using Blucher rules.
 Somehow I came away from that event dissatisfied. Granted I had blagged my way into the game at the Durham Wargames Group  who had gone to great lengths to make the battle as accurate as possible. The rub for me was how other wargamers approach such refights, and how they interpret the Blucher rules. I dont think they were wrong, in fact they taught me a couple of new interpretations of rules which were correct, it was just the French opponents were still in the competitive mindset that I have avoided for many years now.
 To explain what I mean, one of my Austrian Hussar brigades attacked two French light cavalry brigades, which was inconclusive, resulting in me losing a couple of strength points for having the temerity to attack. The french Corps commander however was advised not to attack my brigade in their turn, as they ran the risk of also getting an inconclusive result, so instead the brigades smartly moved up to point blank range and stopped!. The ethos being that I would have to charge again, and lose by attrition.
 Nothing wrong with that from a rule point of view, but as I pointed out, after such a  maneuver the divisional commander would have been cashiered for cowardice in a real life battle.There were many such instances of good rule knowledge, but poor historical appreciation. Such is wargaming.
 Its funny that in the two refights that I have been involved in regarding Wagram, both have ended in acrimony and dissatisfaction. Actually one ended in physical threats and a really intimidating atmosphere, and no it was nothing to do with me for a change.
 I have realised however that my sense of humour can be interpreted in other ways apart from the one it is intended, so perhaps I should bite my lip and just throw some dice instead.
  [ Nah, it wouldn't be me]
 I'm sorry if the post sounds a bit negative, my intention is the opposite really. I am looking forward to Partizan this weekend, and hope to get some inspiration from the Bill Gaskin game. I also know that there are another couple of top quality games on show, so hopefully I will be able to get some new ideas.
 I have started painting again, but trying a new small project, which I will post when I have finished some of the figures.
 Anyway, I'm back, looking for a windmill to pitch against.
 


9 comments:

  1. There are some strange interpretations of rules out there, not just Blucher. The Warlord forum is full of amazingly silly and or gamey questions and answers but no threats of violence! Is the attitude you mentioned at DWG a generational thing do you think? Then again I remember the last few times I went as a member I was dismayed at the caution displayed by quite a few players, often out of period character. Hope Partizan lives up to your expectations.

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  2. Hi Robbie get your hand into your Pension and get someone in even John does.Fisticuffs in Wargaming never for me seen too much I real life I would just walk.Are you putting game on at Gateshead see you Brian

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    1. Sorry for the late reply Brian. I wont be putting a game on at Gateshead, but I look forward to see you and the other reprobates.

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  3. Robbie,
    Maybe it should be the view from the balcony? I reckon it's an age thing that we grow less tolerant of gamers who don't wish to game in a manner we've grown accustomed to. When Lee was alive he used to vet prospective gamers to see if they'd 'fit in ' in terms of our humour -(bit like yours) and our gaming style.
    Even at the club on Thursday my opponent tried to help me by suggesting how I could use the rules to my advantage ( big battle DBA) I thanked him kindly! But pointed out it just wouldn't have happened like that and pressed on. I still won and enjoyed the game mainly because I used the army in the manner it fought and not as to how the rules could be used.
    Look forward to seeing you on Sunday - lots to do

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    1. Again apologies for this late reply. I have usually found that sticking to what were the tactics of the time pays off. I suppose it is just what people want from a game. Different things.

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  4. Robbie, it is always difficult when players play to the rules rather than the history. this is something that I think has been going on for ever and a day. and it matters not whether the rules are complex or simple. it is the mindset of the player that matters. For me encouraging the use of the historical weapons and tactics is more important than the rules. but it is just as important that the game is fun to play otherwise what is the point of playing a game at all?
    looking forward to seeing you on Sunday and the weekend after where I'm sure we'll be able to tick all of your boxes for a big, fun game.

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    1. Ditto re this late reply Paul.
      I know you are a keen exponent of historical games. Lets be right, it was what we were brought up upon.

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My 6mm Napoleonic set up.

My 6mm Napoleonic set up.
Austria 1809.

Austrian Hussars

Austrian Hussars
Hinchliffe figures

Austrian Grenzer

Austrian Grenzer
Austrian Grenzer

Smoggycon 2013

Smoggycon 2013
Smoggycon 2013

Smoggycon 2012

Smoggycon 2012
Smoggycon 2012

Smoogycon 2009

Smoogycon 2009
My French getting another beating