diving back into PBM

[ixnay]

Well, issue 10 is out, Grim has done a bang-up job, and I am breaking radio silence on this forum after more than a year.

Apart from things I wrote about in issue 10, I would like to put forth a couple of possibilities to the community:

First, I am testing out Galac-tac (finally).  It is just exactly the kind of game I like best, so I'm puzzled why I haven't attempted it before.  It's a space empire game, close-ended and computer-moderated.  The rules are fairly simple, and the tactics are fairly deep.  There's a good player community, and it's run by attentive moderators.

And it is cheap.  For the time being, $5 will get you ONE YEAR of unlimited play.

I am starting with a solo game, to learn the ropes.  You play against computer opponents, and you can trigger the next turn at your leisure.  I will be starting up a thread in the PBM games section, and posting screen-shots as I go.  Check it out, and if anyone is interested in a regular game, let's get a group together.

Second, I would like to try playing a board wargame using VASSAL.  My preference is to start small with a game I know, but I am open to anything.

Anyone interested in playing the venerable first scenario of Squad Leader?  "The Guards Counter-attack?"

[GrimFinger]

Second, I would like to try playing a board wargame using VASSAL.  My preference is to start small with a game I know, but I am open to anything.

Anyone interested in playing the venerable first scenario of Squad Leader?  "The Guards Counter-attack?"

I don't have the game.

[ixnay]

VASSAL allows you to play without owning the game, though it is really intended for at least one player to own a copy. I have owned a copy for decades, so that's covered.

The rules are available online. I found one site that hosted the pages relevant to this first scenario, with readable scan quality, at this link:
http://www.battle-board.com/minisl/scans/

It is a wargame, so if you've never played one, it will be a bit of a leap. As wargames go, it is not overly complex. I can condense the rules into a couple of pages of layman's english, if there is interest.

My intent is to play it more-or-less openly, and post screenshots and commentary as play progresses.

Also, VASSAL allows for non-players to be part of the game flow. So I would be happy to moderate a game between two newbies, and offer rules clarification and basic advice to both sides.

[Greybeard]

VASSAL allows you to play without owning the game, though it is really intended for at least one player to own a copy.  I have owned a copy for decades, so that's covered.

The rules are available online.  I found one site that hosted the pages relevant to this first scenario, with readable scan quality, at this link:
http://www.battle-board.com/minisl/scans/

It is a wargame, so if you've never played one, it will be a bit of a leap.  As wargames go, it is not overly complex.  I can condense the rules into a couple of pages of layman's english, if there is interest.

My intent is to play it more-or-less openly, and post screenshots and commentary as play progresses.

Also, VASSAL allows for non-players to be part of the game flow.  So I would be happy to moderate a game between two newbies, and offer rules clarification and basic advice to both sides.

This is an excellent idea, ixnay. Condensed rules would be a great help.