Osprey Publishing do seem to have cornered the market for what might once have been called ‘back of a postcard’ wargames rules. Easy to understand and quick, lively games, En Garde is yet another winner. Who better than bring their own brand of postcard humour to the table than that old swash buckler James, a Oliver Reed lookalike if ever there was one…?

In this evening’s scenario, the scheming Count de Rochefort and the Cardinal’s guard have been sent to investigate strange noises emanating from a local nunnery. At the other end of the avenue are a motley band of Musketeers and some swinging bags of coin……

Of course the Cardinal’s guard will do everything to save the fallen women. It would be a close run thing as to who would save the last nun!

The brave D’Artagnan was first through the gates, praying that the Mother Superior was out no doubt!

But, the puritanical Rochefort was close behind and there were plenty of souls to save.

The two opposing banded eye each other in the avenue. Blood would be spilt before virtue was endangered.

Expecting to have to haggle, those damnable Musketeers brought two halberdiers that gained them an advantage against the Cardinal’s men. Expecting to have to be carried home after their exertions, the Musketeers brought two street toughs along for the heavy work of carrying Arthos home.

Cloaks were torn and the blood flowed. Casualties were about equal until the thugs clambered over the garden wall and cudgelled the poor guardsmen from behind…..

Even the orange sellers were involved. The Count slew two of the Musketeers followers but then received a thrust to his nether regions and decided enough was enough….

The Musketeers were victorious and the nuns were richer!

It was a good thing that the Count could only dream of saving those poor girls😜

En Garde are great fun set of rules. They are no for the button counters out there but rather for the corset counter. Combat is by opposed dice rolls, weapons and tactics deciding how many attack and defence dice are thrown. The game is very well produced and a good time is guaranteed! My favourite tactic was the “mighty blow” by the way, but the photos have been censored!

Thanks for reading!