wargaming

Web Wargaming

Web Wargaming Home The wargame

A typical wargame consists of the following components:

Map: The map shows the terrain over which the battle/war is fought, overlaid by hexagons to regulate movement.
Counters: The counters are usually small squares moved around on the map that represent military units as well as markers to show the current status that these units might be in.
Dice: The dice are used to add the element of chance, given that many military actions have been influenced or even decided by odd events.
Rule Book: The rule book consists of the sequence of play and a set of rules for movement and combat.

Wargame simulations can usually be categorized according to the period of military history, and the unit size or map scale.

Grand strategy - focus is on a war or series of wars, often over a long period of time. Individual units, even armies, may not be represented; instead, attention is given to theaters of operation. All of the resources of the nations involved may be mobilized as part of a long-term struggle. The simulation typically involves political and economic as well as military conflict.

Strategic - military units are typically division, corps, or army-sized, and they are rated based upon raw strength. The simulation typically involves all branches, and often the entire forces of the nations involved, and covers entire wars or long campaigns.

Operational - units are typically battalion to divisional size, and are rated based on their average overall strengths and weaknesses. Weather and logistics are significant.

Tactical - units range from individual vehicles and squads to platoons or companies, and are rated based on types and ranges of individual weaponry. The simulation almost always focuses on a single branch, occasionally with others abstracted, and usually covers a single battle.

Skirmish - units represent individual soldiers, with possible tracking of wounds and ammunition. The simulation usually covers a small firefight.