Kriegsspiels & Confusion

[Erzhog Karl]

Gentle people,

As per my heading, I was somewhat confused regarding Kriegsspiel until I started reading posts on the Forum here and watching Cyrano’s YouTube videos, now I am totally and utterly confused.

I should perhaps, for the greater understanding of the community, or at least those who might decide to read this missive, having nothing better to do of a Tuesday evening, explain myself.  I joined the IKS (International Kriegsspiel Society) last year after reading lots of relevant material and watching many YouTube videos on the subject matter.  I got buried however with their Discord server and just couldn’t understand it or make any headway and so I did not progress further at that time.  Since joining the Armchair Dragoons recently I have learned much on my areas of interest especially regarding using TTS courtesy of ‘Saturday Night Fights’ and with Blucher, Bloody Big Battles & Volley & Bayonet.  The ACD also reinvigorated, further to my Forum reading, my interest in Kriegsspiel.

So to the point of all this.  I have thus far come across references to a variety of materials on the subject, to wit: Vol de L’Aigle, Snappy Nappy, Von Reisswitz Kriegsspiel 1824, Von Tschischwitz Kriegsspiel 1862, both from Too Fat Lardies in the UK as translated by Bill Leeson, and finally the SoCal System Kriegsspiel Rules from the IKS itself. 

Given that it is unnecessary to know the rules of Kriegsspiel, and indeed it being highly recommended they should not be known, why or what is the purpose of all the foregoing references to the various rules & systems?  Most particularly regarding the Snappy Nappy rules as they are, I believe, a table top set for miniatures gaming.

My thanks in advance for both your patience and for any assistance, guidance or clarity which may be provided on the above.             

[bob48]

Going back a wee while, and thanks to Jim and SNF, I did dip my toe into this sorta stuff, but really, I just could not seem to empathise with it at all. Shame because I really have an interest in some of the periods that it can depict, or at least, for me, the 7 week war and the Franco-Prussian affair.

Several time, I have pledged myself to 'have another bash' but have always failed to do so.

[Erzhog Karl]

Going back a wee while, and thanks to Jim and SNF, I did dip my toe into this sorta stuff, but really, I just could not seem to empathise with it at all. Shame because I really have an interest in some of the periods that it can depict, or at least, for me, the 7 week war and the Franco-Prussian affair.

Several time, I have pledged myself to 'have another bash' but have always failed to do so.

As you say and always, so much to do, so little time.  The Franco-Prussian affair would definitely be interesting

[Cyrano]

Woof.  That's a lot.  Glad I remembered my login.

1.  1824:  There were absolutely wargames before this and some even vaguely resembled the great von Reisswitz's creation, but this is the Quelle of modern wargaming  The iteration originally fashioned -- terrain made of porcelain made in squares -- looked not much at all like that which has come down to us, but the principles and resolution were largely the same.  Battalion-level and intricate, we owe much to Leeson and the Lardies for its modern strength.  The IKS is its evident heir.  And, for what it's worth, it's still taught to soldiers today.

2.  La Vol de L'Aigle:  The creation of Dr. Didier Rouy who I am pleased to have come to know a bit.  Work of simple genus to my mind.  It's operational and is what you're seeing on all the videos of the 1807 and 1809 Kriegsspiel.  Currently running one for 1815.

3.  Snappy Nappy:  A madcap project that just happens to work.  I've never cared for it as a tactical or grand-tactical ruleset -- Blucher is clearly its better -- but when you have a rare chance to play one of the "Campaigns in a Day" it is truly unmissable.  In it, several -- I've seen anywhere from 5-18 -- tables are set up, each 4' x 6', and each representing a part of a theater of campaign.  It isn't necessary to do so, but we play it with "blind boxes" around each of the many tables.  Commanders run entire corps about, stumbling over one another often enough, trying to work together as best they can.  Communication is not allowed unless commanders are on the same table so messages have to be sent via the umpire.  I tried once to run one as a true KS and it broke.  The 1809 ive game though, was a really good time.  1800 campaign coming SATURDAY.

4.  Blucher:  There are sighting rules that permit a measure of our believed double-blind to be added to my favorite wargame.  We've played it this way a couple times, one of the better examples being a recent run through Eggmuhl.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

[Erzhog Karl]

Jim,

Thank you kindly for all that goodness, it provided great insight indeed.

I shall revisit La Vol de L'Aigle 1807 & 1809.....simple genius sounds good !

Snappy Nappy.....what can I say, it sounds, convoluted.  I have played ACW at the ACWGC with FOW enabled and it was an 'interesting' exercise.

I shall check out the Blucher Eggmuhl scenario, thank you.  Your favourite wargame ?  What say you about Volley & Bayonet.

It has been immensely helpful and many thanks for it all.

Karl
"Erzhog Karl"     

[Erzhog Karl]

I forgot  , I'll be on the lookout on SATURDAY for the 1800 campaign 

[bob48]

We'll likely have one of the grandkids staying this weekend, so I'll probably be up to my ears in Lego.

[Erzhog Karl]

We'll likely have one of the grandkids staying this weekend, so I'll probably be up to my ears in Lego.

I can understand the lego comment Bob, the Easter Hols start here tomorrow, Friday and I too will likely be buried in grandkids over the coming weeks.  I will however sneak in a bit of 'me wargame' as chance permits 

[bob48]

Yeah, same here re the hols. He's a bit young for my games, but I've been teaching my 11 year old granddaughter to play 'Magic the Gathering' (yeah, I know and she has picked the basics without any problem. No doubt she'll be wiping the floor with me before too long.

[besilarius]

Don't underestimate what 11 year olds can do.  My kid demanded to try my old copy of AH Gettysburg.  He persevered and we did a play through.  He ultimately decided fantasy, Magic the Gathering, was his bliss.  But he wanted to try a wargames all on his own.