I Ain’t Been Shot Mum (IABSM)

“I Ain’t Been Shot, Mum” (IABSM) is a World War II tabletop miniatures wargame focused on company-level actions, emphasizing realistic command and control over individual unit micro-management. It features a card-driven initiative system that replaces the traditional “I go, you go” turn structure, simulating a “fog of war” with “blinds” and using a deck of cards for unit and support activation. The game’s core design encourages players to think like a commander by incorporating “big men” leaders who have a limited number of command actions each turn.

Key features

Card-driven initiative: Instead of alternating turns, players draw cards to activate units, allowing for a more unpredictable and realistic flow of battle.
Focus on command and control: The game emphasizes leadership and command, with “big men” leaders influencing their troops’ actions through a limited number of command actions each turn.
Fog of war: The game uses “blinds” to represent hidden units and simulates the uncertainty of combat, forcing players to scout and react to enemy positions.
Unit structure: The smallest tactical units are infantry sections or squads, which are grouped into platoons. The game also includes support weapons, weapon teams, and armored fighting vehicles.
No point system: Forces are built around historically plausible orders of battle and scenarios, not a point-buy system. Balance is achieved through scenario design rather than equal point values.
Realistic simulation: The rules are designed to be simple and fast-flowing, allowing players to focus on tactical decisions rather than constantly consulting rulebooks.