Introduction to Kriegsspiel?

Hi everybody!

I was playing with the thought of getting Kriegsspiel and learning the game for a few years now, but I never had the chance.
I was wondering if somebody could introduce me to the game in a gentle way through email kriegsspiel?
I'd thought of playing maybe a small campaign around christmas break (that's around 19th-27th december here in germany).
What do you guys thing?

Ilhan

Hi Ilhan

Welcome to the forum. Yes a gentle email k/spiel over Xmas would be a nice way to learn. The problem is that email games are few & far between.

There is the 2012 middle east game of course, and they are looking for additional players. I've seen that you've provided some interesting & informed comment on the geo-political situation leading up to the war. My guess is that game might be too big a jump for your first game, but you might think about it, in the absense of anything else

Martin

Hi Martin!

Thanks for the reply! Yes, I was thinking of applying for the 2012 Middle East game, but I am scared it will not be a fullfilling experience. First, I do not have any Kriegsspiel experience, I don't even own (and know) the rules. Second I am not sure if I have enough time to commit regularly to the game.
But I'll think about it!

Ilhan

I think your first reservation is unwarrented. In kriegsspiel, players do not need to know the rules, although it helps if the umpires do! The idea is that you play the situation, not the system. In this, it is very different from most wargames, where knowledge of the rules can make the difference between winning & losing.

In addition, the rules used for any game are at the decision of the umpire(s). For a Napoleonic game, they may use the original Reisswitz rules, or a derivative. They may however use a totally different set of rules. Of course for Bill's 2012 game, Napoleonic rules are not appropriate, and he will have developed his own.

In some ways it's even better if you don't know the precise rules, as you can then just focus on doing the right thing militarily. As long as you have some knowledge & interest in of whatever period the game is set in, you should be ok.

I think your second reservation has some merit however. Bill's game will require a regular input of time. Why not discuss this with him? Send me your email and I'll put you in direct contact with him, or just post a reply to one of his posts on the forum.

Best of luck

Martin

Thanks for the help!
I send you a pm with my email.

-Ilhan