Measuring distances by hand for tabletop wargaming

[JW Boots]

Somehow it seems strange to me that we use exact tape measures on our tabletops for distances that are mostly listed in paces, a measure linked to the human body and therefore variable… and I now believe there is a way that brings us even closer to those we model when playing…

https://tabletopmatrixwargames689972109.wordpress.com/2024/08/30/blog-51-measuring-distances-by-hand-for-tabletop-wargaming/

[carlos marighela]

Bit unfair on the Donald Trumps of this world should they take up wargaming as a hobby. They'll only move half the distance.

[anevilgiraffe]

 

[JW Boots]

Bit unfair on the Donald Trumps of this world should they take up wargaming as a hobby. They'll only move half the distance.

Please note that my post is by no means meant as any type of political comment… The focus is on the hobby, and only on the hobby.

[has.been]

Years ago I wrote a very simple set of rules for the club I was then involved in.
Younger members wanted to play in the games, but often 'forgot' to bring things
like tape measures.
Under the rules Infantry units moved a 'Span' & Cavalry  'Cubit'
At first there were lots of complaints, but then players began to realize
that it was best to give the troops that you wanted to move fastest to the
people with big hands & forearms.

[Dr. Zombie]

I have done some games where you could walk the distance between your middle finger and pointing finger and run between your thumb and little finger.

And you could take it even further. I have played a gladiator style game where close combat was decided by armwrestling and shooting was throwing darts at a silhuet on a dart board. The shots were taken one two or three steps away from the board depending on range. If you were shot in arms or legs you could not use them anymore.
People quickly found out not to get into fights with the bigger guys or at least try to shoot their dominant arm first.