Cardiff Dice Studz bowed to the inevitable about two years ago and switched to Simon Miller’s “To the Strongest” Wargames rules. As the club labours to update our blog, I thought I would step back into club history and explain why we made such an earth- shattering transition.

DBA and DBM wargame systems transformed ancient wargaming. Simple rules and no accountant like skills needed to complete endless calculations and modifiers. To the Strongest can usually be played without recourse to the rule book. The quick reference sheet is really all that’s needed ( and only one side of that!)

Nevermind categories and troop types, heroes can sway the battle. A nameless hero or named warrior can influence combat with the simple expedient of a re-draw.

You can maximise your baggage allowance and raise your break- point or go for a minimal amount and hope it isn’t raided! Look out for Peter Ryder’s Cinese mega- deathstar of a camp!

I must admit, I too doubted the use of a grid on the tabletop. Now, I am thoroughly converted. So much so that we are trialing TtS in other later periods. It just removes all those nasty angles and measurements.

The standard sized game lasts about an hour and a half. That’s more than enough excitement for a Friday night game and allows for refreshments. ( Although it does take longer to remove the chicken grease from Martin if he has deigned to join us)

Nevermind Warhammer Olde Wurlde or Spacepixies, to hit is a six drawn and eight is needed for missile fire. Even I can remember that!

Far from being a negative, most members like the change to playing cards. Although one can play with chits, the throwing down of a flurry of cards is so addictive. Micro-cards are less obtrusive and remember the cards are not on the table for the whole of the turn.

The bottom line is that the rules system is great fun! The fact that troops will not always obey their orders can be frustrating but, realistic of course. The activation system is such a great way of introducing battle friction into play.

I do hope that you will try the rules. We play every Friday in Cardiff’s excellently appointed Firestorm games and a warm welcome is always proffered.

Mike B

Jeffe of the Cardiff Dice Studz