The Art of Wargaming

The Uplifting Primer is the mainstay of any Imperial Guard regiment. As a look into the nuances of Guard life, it offers a perspective that enriches our interaction with the literature. As a practical guide to combat in the field, it offers astonishing accurate insight into tactics and their application. Acting as your translators for this thick and detailed tomb, Malark and Thumbs analyze those p...

As any good trooper knows, if you take care of your gear it will take care of you. And the majority of wargamers have quite a bit of gear. However, when thinking about camp, the needs become even more specific. One must know how to store supplies and have the equipment to make them useful. A can of soup tastes better cooked, as surely you agree. Then one must consider the difference when dealing w...

After months of reading Vegetius and learning the more subtle arts of war, we finally get to some hard tactics and formations. The Roman Legion was one of the most powerful military organizations in history; their methods of war time tested against all types of foe. While their style certainly had some flaws, there is much to be learned from it and applied to our wargaming. We finish it out with t...

Any advantage over your enemy tips the scales in your favor. Being able to read the morale and disposition of your troops, yourself, and your opponent can mean the difference between life and death. The angle at which you take to the field affects the impact of the elements. This episode focuses on the many different ways to manipulate the field to your advantage and bring about swift victory. Sup...

Alexander the Great was one of the greatest commanders this world has known, but nothing in history exists in a vacuum. His father, Phillip the Barbarian, was instrumental in ensuring his son's eventual victories. Join us as we examine what made Phillip such an effective ruler and how his military revolutions paved the way for his son to take on the known world. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.co...

Anyone who has been on a field knows of the tension before the fight, a certain electric quality to the air. The choices made in this period are crucial, for a wrong move here can mean abject failure. Well thought out plans and specific training can give a solid edge over an unprepared opponent. In this episode, Thumbs and Malark examine the motives for making a move with the best chance of succes...

Numeric superiority is considered a boon in a battle, but in many ways a large force has drawbacks. Increased strain on logistics, cumbersome maneuvers, and chance of mutiny are all of concern. In wargaming, similar issues arise from too large an army in terms of command and control. Vegetius offers some workarounds for these issues in addressing situations, seasons, self-care, and exercise. Addit...

On many episodes, you have heard Thumbs and Malark talk endlessly about the importance of proper drill and constant practice. This preparation is so that, when you are on the field of battle with all of its chaos and distractions, your execution of your skills can be seamless and precise. The combination of preparation and execution is the cornerstone for military science, and Vegetius for all his...

Much of the success of the Roman Legion, and by proxy the Roman State, was due to the intricate level of organization within every level of its military fighting force. On the battlefield, every individual was keenly aware of their place within the myriad clockwork of the overall strategy. No movement wasted, nothing left to chance or confusion, this was the way of Roman Warfare. In this episode,...

When you are attempting to reach the next level of athletic performance in a combat sport, there are many factors to take into consideration. In this episode, Malark delves into these factors and discusses the pitfalls of their neglect. When it comes to gear, having the proper kit can change a great deal. Those who arrive to the field prepared are more likely to see victory, and as we know prepare...

Whether new to wargaming or looking to move past a plateau, training is most often the answer to self-improvement. A disciplined approach to fighting is essential to keep technique strong and abilities on par. In this first section of his book, Vegetius details many of the attributes that we should look to foster in ourselves and our community as we seek that next level of performance. Support our...

Few events have impacted the Western world as those that occurred during the fall of Rome. While this subject matter easily fills a semester worth of classes, in this brief overview we hope to show some of these cataclysmic changes and their influence on one of the most well-read military books of all time. As we explore the world of Vegetius, we can see how this book came to be and what it means...

In all the best fiction, there is a kernel of reality. This is true of many stories, but the one we focus on today is that of Star Wars and the epic combat styles of the Jedi and Sith that make the franchise so enjoyable. Within the teachings of the Jedi, we can find tools to help us be better fighters, more mindful of ourselves and in harmony with our communities. Within the writings of the Sith,...

You would be hard pressed to find two organizations that have more for the culture and spirit of foam fighting than Dur Demarion and the Horde. As old as Belegarth itself and ancient within Dagorhir, their stories are rich and very much intertwined. They are full of interesting characters and incredibly hard workers who have made themselves household names all across America. In this special episo...

The episode begins with a brief dive into the rules changes for 9th Edition Warhammer 40k. The changes are subtle in most cases, but definitely worth going over. We then transition into looking at the final conclusions of Frederick's book, where he specifies what opportunities present the best odds for joining battle. Of course, opportunity is nothing without having the advantages to seize them, w...

As a commander, Frederick was daring and dynamic. As an author, he was methodical and thorough. After a brief recap of how to handle armies of different sizes, the hosts of TAOW then move into a larger exploration of location before a deeper examination of oblique tactics. Any strategy must adapt to the shape of the field, therefore the amount and type of terrain are paramount considerations. To t...

A siege is a messy business for all sides involved. Brutal close-quarters fighting and high casualty rates on both sides make the prospect a daunting one, regardless of whether attacking or defending. The tactics for these two roles differ greatly even though they fight the same battle. The attacker wants to end it quickly and with as little loss of life as possible. The defender wants to hold out...

No plan survives the first encounter with the enemy, and yet there must be a purpose to a battle to give it structure. Whether we be attacking or defending, all of our movements must be done with certainty and forethought, as armies can be large and ungainly things. Yet within this maneuver, there is peril, for when we move against the enemy we often leave ourselves vulnerable. In this episode, we...

Every successful general in history knows the art of presentation. Your teammates look to you for not only a plan of battle, but also for their morale center and personal guidance. To this end, a general must learn to manage their emotions so they are not servile to them. For when the time comes, a cool head prevails in the thick of combat, and only one lucid in mind can think of the ideal plan re...

Every precious second lost to deliberation in battle is a second too long. All warfare, whether in games or real life, depends on quick decisive action to carry the day. But when so much information is constantly flowing and changing all around the battlefield, how does a commander filter out the non-essential and focus on pursuing that which matters most? When so much is at stake and the blood-pr...

Once again, we're talking about the most important aspect of actual warfare: logistics. Moving your army, keeping it supplied, and making sure it can use all advantages are just some of the challenges that Frederick addresses in his method. In this episode, we look at some of the ways you can do this correctly... and one way that it all went horribly wrong. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/the...

When it comes to planning a war, few have a more methodical approach than Frederick the Great. While none of us are invading Bohemia any time soon, his cool logic can be applied to a wide array of situations. With an eye for detail in our defensive and offensive planning, we can learn to anticipate any situation. With a mind for contingencies, we can make it so we are never caught off guard. Suppo...

The most influential minds in history often have a fascinating backstory, and Frederick is no exception. From his rebellious youth to his successful forty six year reign, Frederick's colorful personality and bombastic style paint a rich story that makes his ideas all the more impressive and inspirational. Learn a bit more about our author with us as we explore these themes. Support our Patreon! ww...

The world of physical wargaming is vast, with many different ideas on self-improvement and community involvement. In this episode, we examine two groups that have a similar history and philosophy when it comes to development. Malark goes solo to look into what makes the Brotherhood of the Falcon and the realm of Rath function as well as they have for so long. With an emphasis on confraternity and...

The last chapter of Machiavelli’s Art of War is inherently practical, focusing on the conduct and survival of a siege. After a general recap, we then learn about a military formation that has previously unexplored potential in Wargaming. Support our Patreon! www.patreon.com/theartofwargaming Email: artofwargamingpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: @theartofwargamingpodcast Instagram: @artofwargamingpodcas...