#HobbyGamesRecce

I reflect on the idea of “prep is play” advocated in the #Ironsworn #Starforged roleplaying game, how it applies to most preparatory aspects of #TTRPGS, and how this game in particular makes fine-tuning setting elements to one’s own tastes an essential part of play.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/04/prep-is-play.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

I made a few stops on my road trip to a funeral, visiting two fantastic #boardgame stores and picking up some small treats to divert myself...all while reflecting on a joyous, inspiring life well lived.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/03/a-pilgrimage-with-game-diversions.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Reflecting on the start of the #covid-19 #pandemic reminds me how our view of the past changes when we take the perspective of people living those events in the moment. #GamesForLearning can help us explore emerging situations and face future uncertainty to better connect with history.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/03/perspective-in-this-moment.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Concise, well-designed #wargames and #boardgames prove ideal #GamesForLearning. Their compact format makes them easier to learn and quick to play, with plenty of time afterward for discussion about player choices, the course of the game, rules problems, and thematic issues.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/03/short-games-multiple-plays.html

#HobbyGamesRecce
A while back I wrote about Watch Read Play, a strategy for learning about new subjects, especially #history, by engaging with different media. Today I explore the #WW2 Battle of the River Plate in film, books, and games, notably The Hunt #boardgame I recently played with my son.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/03/watch-read-play-battle-of-river-plate.html

#HobbyGamesRecce
I reflect on how the cycle of estimation and action, prominent in early wargame application at the US Naval War College, affects our decision-making in games...and might even help us approach challenges in everyday life.

#Wargames #GamesForLearning

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-cycle-of-estimation-action.html

In the last 24 hours views on my latest #HobbyGamesRecce post, “Write What You Know,” skyrocketed 300%. Is something wrong with Blogger or is something else going on? (I find it hard to believe folks are waking up and suddenly reading it almost a week after I posted it.)

#HobbyGamesRecce
As far as writing and game design advice goes, “Write what you know” can seem trite. But with a little reflection, it turns from a superficial maxim into a challenge to continue learning about interesting subjects to inspire your writing and games.

#TTRPGs #Wargames #GamesForLearning

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/02/write-what-you-know.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Upon discovering Bob Cordery sharing Joseph Morschauser’s frontier wargame rules for gridded battlefields I gathered some toys and tested the basic, elegant system...which I enjoyed despite inevitably finding some room for modifications.

#Wargames #HistoryGames

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/02/thoughts-on-morschausers-frontier-rules.html

#HobbyGamesRecce
I find some solace reflecting on some of my favorite roleplaying games, ones I’ve enjoyed with versatile rules that provide entertainment on their own or adapted to engaging settings.

#TTRPG

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/02/my-favorite-rpgs.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Different solitaire play styles offer differing degrees of flexibility and immersion. Looking back on my own experiences, I classified my solo gaming into three styles: player-versus-player (PVP), cooperative, and true solitaire.

#SoloGames #BoardGames #Wargames #TTRPG

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/01/degrees-of-solitaire.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

I take a look at Yasushi Nakaguro’s 300: Earth & Water. A wonderfully concise game, relatively easy rules to learn with a short play time yet a satisfying number of choices every turn.

#wargames #boardgames #historygames #gamingthepast

Demonstrates the difficulties of extending an invader’s supply line and the advantages a dedicated defender can exploit. The short play time encourages multiple games and after-action discussion.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/01/strategic-choices-in-300-earth-water.html

#HobbyGamesRecce
I look back on a few notably positive highlights from my past year, memories of events and activities to comfort me — and provide ideas for future diversions — as I endure 2025.

#history #wargames

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2025/01/finding-joy-in-past-year.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Contrary to my general dislike of year-end summary articles <sigh>, I take a look back at the most popular and personally satisfying blog entries I posted this past year...including a number exploring #GamesForLearning.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2024/12/so-long-2024.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

With the gift-giving holidays upon us it’s good to remember to shop at your Friendly Local Game Store or #FLGS. I take a look at four relatively “local” stores among my favorites.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2024/12/my-favorite-local-game-stores.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

I offer some rambling impressions of my visit to the #InternationalSpyMuseum in Washington, DC, and its interactive exhibits, along with some commentary on women in #WW2 espionage and a few notable #boardgames and #TTRPGs on historical covert operations.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2024/12/immersive-experiences-at-spy-museum.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Found a gem of a #solitaire #boardgame, a Gentle Rain, perfect for reclaiming a moment of zen-like calm from the oft-overwhelming stresses of our world. Simple, elegant, effective, a good gift for the yuletide holidays, an affordable treat to invite some peace into your life.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2024/12/solo-scene-gentle-rain.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Happy Bookday to me. My latest #wargame rules, Skirmish Kids, is now available across the interwebzes at myand Wargame Vault online storefronts, at Lulu, and places like Amazon. One of my #GamesForLearning suitable as a very light diversion in #GamingThePast.

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2024/11/releasing-skirmish-kids.html

#HobbyGamesRecce

Looking for meaningful literary diversion in these tumultuous times? I recommend Walter M. Miller, Jr.’s A Canticle for Leibowitz, born out of the bombings and trauma of #WW2 and forged in the fear of early atomic brinkmanship. “This is a novel of enduring value, and you’ll be different when you finish it.”

https://hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com/2024/11/return-to-abbey-of-st-leibowitz.html