One-Hour Skirmish Wargames Rules

[Calvin59]

Following a conversation with a member of this forum about the One-Hour Skirmish Wargames rules, I'd like some feedback and impressions of this game for the Napoleonic period.
Thank you in advance.

[SteveBurt]

The rules do indeed play in an hour. Quite fun, but for the black powder era, we found it better to require all weapons to reload (and rifles to reload twice) otherwise it was like facing bolt action rifles.
My main criticism is that it often feels like you are at the mercy of the card draws; it doesn’t give a lot of player decisions, but if you want a fun exciting game which doesn’t require too much thought it is ideal.

[Calvin59]

Thank you, Steve Burt, for sharing your thoughts on this rule. I'm a bit like you about cards; I feel like I'm trapped by them.
I also notice that there haven't been many comments other than your sharing. Have players not been hooked on this rule ? 

[Ragtime]

From what I've seen, they are mostly used for the WW2 setting.

[Zingara]

I'd agree with the comment about a fun game that does plays out in less than an hour. I've played WW2 and Sci Fi. Easy enough to make tweaks to fit your own take on a period like that reload suggestion.

[Calvin59]

Thank you, Ragtime and Zingara, for your comments. From what you say, this rule is better for WW2 than for other conflicts.
I'll wait for further feedback before deciding to buy it. 

[fusilierdan]

I've played GNW, AWI, Anglo/Zulu and Interwar using the scenarios from the book. The games are quick the result believable. The decision for the player is mainly the sequence to move and fire when you draw a high numbered action card. You also need to deploy correctly to achieve the scenario's objectives.

Like any game of cards the skill is playing the cards you're dealt well.

[Calvin59]

Thank you, fusilierdan, for giving me your opinion. What period did you play? For me, it would be Napoleonic. 

[traveller]

I've played GNW, AWI, Anglo/Zulu and Interwar using the scenarios from the book. The games are quick the result believable. The decision for the player is mainly the sequence to move and fire when you draw a high numbered action card. You also need to deploy correctly to achieve the scenario's objectives.

Like any game of cards the skill is playing the cards you're dealt well.

Well said! Echo that. I also like the randomness in the number of Action Points. With a high number you can go for an all out assault!

[Calvin59]

Too bad, Traveler, that we are so far away, because otherwise I would have asked you to give me an introduction to this rule. 

[traveller]

Too bad, Traveler, that we are so far away, because otherwise I would have asked you to give me an introduction to this rule. 

Well, it is quite simple. In each player phase you draw a card that gives you the number of actions you can do during your phase (move, fire etc). If you draw a card with a high number, you can move and go into close combat with several figures, overwhelming the defenders. When you move and end your move in contact with the enemy you are allowed to draw two cards and the defender one card. The lowest card is down and risk of becoming a casualy when the turn ends(happens when a joker is drawn). Thats what I meant with an all out assault 

[Calvin59]

Thank you Traveler for your explanations. 

[fusilierdan]

Calvin59,

here's a link to my blog with some games I played. The earlier ones are more detailed. There are also some links to game reviews.

https://laststandatcairngorm.blogspot.com/search/label/One%20Hour%20Skirmish%20Wargames

Here's a review of a Napoleonic game
https://daleswargames.blogspot.com/2018/12/one-hour-skirmish-wargames-review-part-1.html
https://daleswargames.blogspot.com/2018/12/one-hour-skirmish-wargames-review-part-2.html

[Calvin59]

Thank you, fusilierdan, for the information and links you provided. I will take a closer look at this.