War Game, The

War games existed in ancient China, but the modern version first appeared in a basic form in nineteenth-century Germany. Since then the fascination of the war game has led to the formation of groups in many towns in Britain and the United States. An inexpensive pastime, one of the greatest satisfactions it gives is the realistic re-creation of the conditions of the time. The rules are therefore simple to follow but do ensure that a player operates under the same conditions, in miniature, as did his counterpart general of years before.

Brigadier Young, in his Foreword, puts Charles Grant in the front rank of those who have developed the war game in Britain. A meticulous researcher, he is constantly seeking greater realism in his war games, many of the resultant innovations being included in this book. The reader is taken through the use of the basic troops to more sophisticated wargaming techniques, and valuable chapters on buildings, terrain, etc. are also included. There is a list of the major suppliers of equipment, a bibliography, and an index.