One-hour Ancient and Medieval Skirmish Wargames

One-hour Ancient and Medieval Skirmish Wargames is a dice-less wargaming ruleset for fast, tactical, small-unit combat in ancient and medieval settings, like battles with hoplites and elephants. The game uses a standard 52-card deck plus two jokers for all actions, allowing for a game to be completed in about an hour by focusing on quick decisions rather than complex rules. It includes features like card-driven mechanics, optional rules for chariots and elephants, sample force lists, and a design philosophy that encourages players to customize the rules.
Key features
  • Dice-less combat: A standard 52-card deck is used to determine actions, resolution, and movement, eliminating the need for dice.
  • Fast-play mechanics: Designed for quick, tactical decision-making, with the game mechanics keeping the pace brisk and the focus on the action.
  • Card-driven system: Actions like moving, shooting, and combat resolution are all driven by card flips, with a central mechanic involving comparing cards to determine outcomes.
  • Period-specific elements: The rules are designed to capture the flavor of the “age of swords and sandals,” with specific rules for things like chariots and elephants, as well as distinct armor and weapon types.
  • Flexible and customizable: The rules are intended as a “toolkit” rather than strict tournament rules, encouraging players to adapt and tweak them for their specific needs or sub-periods.
  • Includes scenarios and force lists: The book provides sample warbands, force lists, and scenarios to get players started quickly. 
Genre: Ancients, Medieval
Scale: 15 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 32 mm
Average Models per Side: Less than 10
Number of Players: 2
Miniatures: Agnostic
Rules: Purchased PDF or Rulebook
Availability: In Print
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books
Designers: John Lambshead
Year Released: 2024
Additional Information:

Other versions include:

  • One-Hour Wargames
  • One Hour Skirmish Wargames – Napoleonic to Sci-fi
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