The Art of Wargaming

Doctrine in of itself can only get us so far. There are limits to what it can predict, and therefore limited in its usefulness. Criticism offers us a chance to compare doctrine to reality, and make our methods more consistent towards victory. In this, it is important that we not get lost in the details, but cut away that which is irrelevant. In doing so, we may learn from history and the mistakes...

How do art and science relate to and influence the activity of war? As Clausewitz has stated before, war is an extension of politics. As such, it is governed by the principles and rules of the day, as established on that particular field at that particular moment. From these ideas, we can first begin to craft a solid method. Rocca joins Malark to chat about art, science, and methodology. Support o...

We finish out this chapter of "On War" with Clausewitz describing how we can turn military science into art. In previous episodes, we've discussed the impossibility of positive theory and the various means at our disposal to achieve victory. We bring that all together in this episode where we talk about the pros and cons of plentiful information. Geniuses aside, any of us can develop pulse-beat kn...

Responsibility and awareness differ at varied levels of command. The front line trooper sees more of a limited area than the rear echelon, who themselves see more of the larger picture. Strategy, which consists of its own unique challenges, relies on the results of tactics to determine the means at its disposal. Tink joins the show on this episode to discuss the means of the means, and the recent...

It is easy, as a military theorist, to believe that an ideal system can be made to assure victory. While understanding maxims and established rules is important, it is also important to consider that there are limits to theory and what it can predict. Even if a perfect system were devised, it would quickly become obsolete as the technology or systems of our opponents evolved. Most significant is t...

Clausewitz provides a framework for the development of theory and military science, introducing us to the goals and methods that lay the groundwork for later thought. The want of rules leads to contemplation of future success and how to codify it into something which can be accomplished with consistency. In this episode, we deal with the hard numbers when it comes to theory, that which can be quan...

There are many activities in war that are born purely out of necessity. Others are modified to do their part in the effort, changed by the very application to an action of combat. In particular, we wish to stress how medical concerns are a constant consideration on the battlefield, sharing some knowledge on various common injuries. Special Guest Soo joins Malark to talk about camp, growth, and the...

Friction, or resistance to motion, is everywhere in our lives, but more so in a state of conflict. This resistance comes in many forms, whether its the result of petty grievances piling up or the shifting nature of information on the battlefield. In this episode, we look at the underlying causes and effects of friction, trying to understand how best to navigate and mitigate them. Special Guest Tod...

"Genius" is a term that denotes a special calling for a subject. War and wargaming are no different, as they attract people of all skill levels. At different levels of command, different traits are called for, but all students of this subject can benefit from a sober analysis of their own mindset and playstyle. Special Guest Tink joins Malark to talk about leadership, discipline, and the talents t...

Our ends in war aim at disarming our enemy's army, conquering their country, and breaking their will. While one often leads to the other, our focus must be on either the army or the country. This can be done even if we find ourselves on a battlefield of unequal power. Through the many ways of influencing our probabilities, we are more sure footed on the path to victory. And of course, politics can...

On this Episode, we will be discussing the calculated destruction of our opponent. When our motives and objectives are clear and maintained, our path to victory is more sure. When we can read our opponent while plotting our next move, our path to victory is led by guile. Finally, we look at the only good reason to suspend hostility, and the difference between inaction and passive action. Special G...

What is War? A seemingly easy question proves difficult to answer. We know that by Clausewitz's definition, war is a continuation of politics and means by which to make our opponent carry out our will. In the case of wargaming, our will is victory by any means necessary. This slow march to the extreme is our study in this episode, through the Three Reciprocals discussed in this chapter. To demonst...

Clausewitz lived at a very critical time in history. His world was dominated by the forces of revolution that would shape the political landscape of the world; his military career absorbed in the wars and battles that defined the times. In this episode, we take a look at the base causes of the French Revolution and the Prussia that Clausewitz was born into Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/thea...

The realm of Ebonhold has long been spoken of in the West, producing some of the most iconic fighters in the Belegarth community. Likewise, Vorshen is a rising power in the East who's members are heavily involved in not just fighting, but also in public service and volunteerism. These two organizations are keystones in their respective areas of the US, and their efforts benefit us all. Support our...

As we close our study of the Saga of Ref the Sly, we see his critical character development come to a head. This has been an amusing journey with an unlikely hero, and we know we've enjoyed the study. Warmaster Soo Ma Tai join Malark to discuss unpredictability, obfuscation, and the dynamics of group growth Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email: artofwargamingpodcast@gmail.c...

Heroes are not born, they are made by rising to the challenge when it presents itself. Ref has no presumption of being a hero, as he is simply trying to live his life. But life continues to put Ref into positions where he has no choice but to weather his trials or perish. In this episode, we travel with Ref to Greenland and watch him out maneuver his enemies. To help us analyze the themes found in...

Some heroes are born, thrust from their very birth into the burdens of greatness. Others are made through their circumstances, shaped and molded by their experiences and environment into a driven champion of their ideals. Whether compelled by ideals, vengeance, quest, or sheer boredom; these entertaining and engaging characters exist not only to amuse but also to instruct. The Saga of Ref the Sly...

The peoples of the North Atlantic have long been a source of fascination and fear for western culture for the last thousand years. Some view them as romanticized warriors from a simple culture, others as barbarians biting at their shields. But the truth is more complex than this and, as we have seen in previous "The World Of" episodes, the environment of the author plays heavily into their perspec...

For our Fiction Focus this time around, we are covering the Klingon Art of War. A fan text based on Klingon culture, its a fun read with some good advice. Thumbs and Malark kick back and relax while talking about the Klingon approach to war. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email: artofwargamingpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: @theartofwargamingpodcast Instagram: @artofwargamingpo...

The art of politics is universal, and politics are a central consideration in any human institution. Every school, every church, every family, every workplace... wherever humans gather, politics are sure to follow. How do we navigate this minefield; a place where a mistake can cost you dearly? How do we seek to acquire power, and how do we retain it? While the rules for the insurgent and counterin...

The strategy of the insurgent is rooted in fluidity. Operational fluidity and discipline aid the insurgent's strategy to sow disorder, ultimately draining the resources and fighting power of their foes. Conversely, the stability of the region is where the counterinsurgent draws their power. Seeking to preserve order above all else, the counterinsurgent has a myriad of offensive and defensive opera...

The founding and governance of a gaming group can seem at times to be an arduous task. It can be hard to assess what is important to growth and wellbeing. Luckily, our authors have access to the practical knowledge and experience that can help with leadership at any level. In this episode, we welcome Laoghaire and explore the nuances of establishing a new group from scratch and the effective strat...

The conduct of operations in asymmetric warfare is entirely unlike that seen in conventional warfare. The uneven nature of the contest changes the way the conflict must be approached. Many a 'superior' army has fallen into the trap of underestimating their foe. While numbers may be an advantage, they are no means a guarantee of victory. Malark is joined by special guest Todo, a long time wargamer...

Before we take our dive into "The Management of Savagery", it is important to understand the world in which this text was written. Far from the stereotypical undereducated view, the author of this authoritative Jihadist text is highly eloquent and shows an educated and dangerous mind. Although the dogma is questionable to this show, the ideas he discusses regarding asymmetrical warfare are preemin...

Western Belegarth has been shaped by many forces and individuals. In this episode, we take a look at two of the most influential groups in the West. Their unique styles of approaching the game have lessons for anyone with the eye to look and an ear to listen. We invite you to join us as we discuss these intensely interesting folks. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email: arto...