A Day With Wargaming Legends

I recently had the privilege of spending a day in Brighton with Henry Hyde, playing an Imaginations wargame in the famous Loftwaffe. The game itself was memorable, but what made the day particularly special was the opportunity to play with some genuine pieces of wargaming history. You can watch the full story in the accompanying video, but there is plenty here to explore if you’re interested in the history of our hobby, vintage miniatures and the way old school wargaming continues to influence what we do today.

I’ve known Henry for several years, mainly through encounters at shows such as Salute and Partizan, along with an appearance on his Battlechat podcast. This visit gave us considerably more time to talk about the hobby, alongside a game using Henry’s own Shot, Steel & Stone rules. The rules were originally introduced in The Wargaming Compendium before being developed into a standalone system. Designed for the horse and musket period, they are deliberately flexible regarding miniature scale and basing, while placing considerable emphasis on command, control and battlefield friction.

For me, the real highlight was the miniatures themselves. Henry has a remarkable collection of figures and books, including miniatures that once belonged to influential pioneers of the hobby. Among them are Spencer Smith 30mm plastic eighteenth century figures, including the famous Ostergotland Regiment associated with Charles Grant. What makes these figures particularly fascinating is their history. They date from the early decades of modern miniature wargaming with the Ostergotland Regiment appearing in Charles Grant’s seminal 1971 book, The War Game.

Spencer Smith figures were designed to be simple, elegant and easy to mass on the tabletop. Their proportions give large regiments a wonderfully old school appearance. Henry's collection is partly painted by him, and partly origional regiments that belonged to hobby Legends like Grant and Asquith. Rather than being preserved as museum pieces, Henry has restored these older miniatures and continues to use them in games. And for me there was something genuinely special about seeing figures with that kind of history being used for their original purpose. They weren’t simply objects from the past. They were still wargaming.

The game formed part of Henry’s long-running Imaginations campaign. I commanded the Grenouisse army, pursuing the retreating forces of Borgenmark after the Bataille des Deux Fermes. My task wasn’t to destroy the enemy outright but to harass the retreating column and delay its progress towards the defensive positions around Vustœr. My light cavalry proved effective at disrupting the Borg advance, forcing enemy units to halt and face the threat.

There was, however, a price to pay. Light cavalry are not particularly well suited to taking on disciplined eighteenth century infantry, and several of my cavalry regiments were forced to withdraw. Fortunately, my Casseurs de Pied and their supporting light gun performed extremely well, helping to destroy two Borg cavalry regiments. Whether I had delayed the enemy sufficiently for the main Grenouissian army to catch up remains to be seen.

That, of course, is the beauty of a campaign like this. The story continues beyond a single game, with the consequences of one battle influencing the next. For me, though, the real victory was simply being there. Playing a wargame with miniatures that have survived for decades and formed part of the history of our hobby was a privilege I won’t forget in a hurry.

The Retreat From Moscow Is HERE!

After months of writing, playtesting, and rewriting, our rulebook is officially launching today!

This project has been a fantastic collaboration between Paul Brooks (the man behind the Pazoot Wargaming channel), me, and my long-suffering mate Ray (from the Don't Throw a One blog).

I won’t ramble on too much—I’ve already shared several videos and posts tracking our progress, and the reception from the community so far has been incredibly positive. 

Paul has been working incredibly hard on the website, and we are ahead of schedule, so the rules are available today. If you want to grab your copy ahead of the crowd, head over to the store right now: 

👉 Order your copy here: www.pazoot.com

But wait, there’s more... To say a massive thank you for all your support, you can use the code BIGLEE10 at checkout to get 10% OFF the cover price!

Partizan 2026 Blew Me Away

The Partizan Wargames Show 2026 once again demonstrated exactly why it remains one of the most respected events in the UK historical tabletop wargaming calendar. Held at Newark Showground, Partizan has long built its reputation around beautifully presented demo games, stunning miniature painting, and an atmosphere that many hobbyists describe as a more relaxed and “civilised” alternative to the larger convention-style events. This year’s show absolutely lived up to that reputation.

In this latest video, I take a detailed look around the demo tables and share some of the games that particularly stood out to me during the day. One of the biggest talking points was the growing presence of smaller scales, showing just how cinematic smaller miniatures can look on the tabletop. At the same time, the classic spectacle of large-scale 28mm gaming was still alive and thriving, with massive Seven Years War, Vietnam, Napoleonic, and American Civil War tables drawing huge crowds throughout the event.

Among my personal highlights were the extraordinary Seven Years War game by Friends of a Military Gentleman, featuring around 2,000 beautifully painted 30mm figures, the atmospheric Cape Finisterre naval battle by Like a Stonewall, complete with fog banks and drifting smoke, and Harrogate Wargames Club’s astonishingly detailed Vietnam game Walk This Hue 1968. There were also fantastic participation games, Sharp Practice skirmishes, trench warfare displays, feudal Japanese battles, and plenty of wonderfully eccentric hobby details hidden across the tables.

My show video attempts to summarise my reflections on the social side of the hobby, which for me remains one of the most important aspects of shows like Partizan. Throughout the day, I spent a lot of time talking with viewers, fellow gamers, traders, and well-known personalities from the hobby, including Henry Hyde, Simon Miller, Barry Hilton, Rich Clarke, and John Kershaw. Some of the most meaningful conversations centred not just around rules and miniatures, but around creativity, mental health, friendship, and the positive role that tabletop gaming communities can play in people’s lives.

Partizan 2026 felt like a hobby in excellent health: visually ambitious, creative, welcoming, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re interested in historical wargaming, miniature painting, terrain building, or simply seeing what’s possible on the tabletop, there was no shortage of inspiration on display this year.

The “Historical Accuracy” Trap: Do You Want a Simulation or a Game?

One of the longest-running debates in historical tabletop wargaming is the question of realism. How historically accurate should a wargame actually be? At what point does realism improve immersion, and when does it start to make the experience slower, clunkier, and less enjoyable?

Historical wargamers are passionate about authenticity, and rightly so. Many of us are drawn to the hobby because we love military history, historical tactics and recreating famous battles on the tabletop. But there’s an important problem sitting underneath all of this: no tabletop game can ever be a perfect simulation of real warfare. The moment history becomes a game, compromises have to be made. Real warfare is chaotic, confusing and often deeply unfair. Troops spend long periods inactive, communication fails constantly, and battles are rarely balanced. If a ruleset recreated absolute realism perfectly, would it actually still be enjoyable to play? Or would it simply become frustrating?

In this video, I explore the uneasy balance between historical accuracy and playability. |I discuss why some gamers love deeply detailed simulations filled with charts, modifiers and granular mechanics, while others prefer smoother, faster systems that focus on atmosphere and decision-making instead of bookkeeping. I also discuss the “illusion of accuracy” that sometimes appears in historical rules design. More complicated mechanics do not automatically create a more authentic experience. Every ruleset contains abstractions. Morale, fatigue, terrain, command and communication all have to be simplified to some degree if a game is going to function in a reasonable timeframe.

So what actually creates a believable historical feel? For me, it often comes down to encouraging historical behaviour rather than simulating every tiny detail literally. Good rules encourage players to make believable tactical decisions while still allowing the game to flow naturally. Smart abstractions like morale systems, command friction, and scenario design can often create a stronger sense of history than endless calculations and overly complicated mechanics.

Ultimately, there probably isn’t a single “correct” answer. Some players love hardcore simulations. Others want a relaxed evening with friends and beautifully painted miniatures. The beauty of our hobby is that it is broad enough to support all of these approaches. So where do you stand? Do you prefer realism or smooth gameplay? Can a simple game sometimes feel more historical than a detailed simulation? And have you ever stopped playing a ruleset because it became too complicated?

Boots On The Ground: What Maps can never tell you

For me, there is something uniquely fascinating about standing on the ground where history happened. As tabletop wargamers, many of us spend years reading campaign histories, studying maps, painting armies and recreating battles on the tabletop, but how often do we stop and think about what those battlefields actually looked and felt like in real life?

In this latest video, I revisit the Bosworth Battlefield while on a short trip to Leicester with my wife, and the experience led me to an interesting realisation about battlefield visits, historical interpretation and understanding terrain. I first walked Bosworth several years ago during a freezing February trip, and returning in springtime completely changed how I saw the landscape. Features I thought I could identify before (low-lying marshy areas and subtle rises in the terrain) had seemingly vanished beneath tall crops and dense vegetation. The battlefield itself had not changed, but my ability to read the land certainly had.

That discovery sparked a wider discussion about why historical wargamers visit battlefield sites in the first place. Are we trying to understand the topography and tactical challenges faced by commanders? Are we searching for atmosphere and emotional connection? Or are we simply trying to immerse ourselves more deeply in the history that inspires our games and collections? This week's video explores the long tradition of battlefield tourism, dating back to Frederick the Great encouraging officers to walk historic battlefields as part of their military education. Even today, standing on the real ground can offer insights that no book, map or scenario supplement can fully provide. Distances feel different, hills look steeper, lines of sight become clearer, and terrain features that seem insignificant on paper suddenly make perfect tactical sense.

At the same time, battlefield visits come with problems and limitations. Landscapes evolve over centuries due to farming, urbanisation, river changes and climate. Archaeological discoveries can shift accepted interpretations of where battles actually took place. Emotional attachment to a location can also cloud objective analysis, making it harder to critically evaluate popular narratives or accepted history. From a wargaming perspective, though, these visits remain incredibly valuable. Seeing real buildings, roads, fields and terrain layouts can inspire more authentic tabletop battlefields and scenarios. The video also touches on how modern games and terrain makers increasingly recreate historical locations based on surviving structures and photographs, helping bring battlefields to life on the tabletop.

Ultimately, this is a friendly hobby discussion about history, battlefield walks, terrain interpretation, and how we, as wargamers, connect with the past. If you enjoy historical tabletop gaming, miniature painting, military history or simply thoughtful discussions about the hobby, I hope you’ll enjoy the conversation. And as always, I’d love to hear about your own battlefield visits and favourite historical sites in the comments.

Is Wargaming a form of Experimental History?

Can tabletop wargaming really help us understand history, or are we simply creating the illusion of insight with dice and miniatures? This video explores the idea of wargaming as a form of “living history” and asks whether the hobby offers something that books alone cannot provide.

For many historical wargamers, the appeal of the hobby goes far beyond painting miniatures or playing games. It is about stepping into the role of a commander, facing the same kinds of decisions, uncertainties, and pressures that shaped real historical events. Unlike reading, which presents history as a structured narrative, wargaming allows us to interact with it. It turns history into a problem to be solved rather than a story to be absorbed. Through gameplay, we encounter friction, imperfect information, and the unpredictability that defined real battles, offering a different perspective on events we may already know well.

At the same time, this video takes a step back and questions whether we sometimes overstate the value of that experience. Wargaming relies on rules, abstractions, and models that simplify reality. While these systems can help us explore historical ideas, they can also create a false sense of understanding. It is easy to feel like we have “solved” a historical problem after a successful game, but real battles were shaped by factors far beyond what can be represented on the tabletop, including human emotion, political context, and logistical complexity.

The discussion also explores the limitations of focusing on battles alone. While wargaming can deepen our understanding of tactical and operational decisions, history itself is much broader, shaped by culture, economics, and long-term societal change. This raises an important question about how much wargaming can truly teach us about the past as a whole.

Ultimately, the video argues that wargaming is at its most powerful when combined with reading, research, and discussion. Rather than replacing traditional study, it enhances it by encouraging us to ask new questions and engage more actively with historical material. It is not about finding definitive answers, but about exploring possibilities and developing a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the past.

How to Hook a New Wargamer with Just One Game

Every wargamer remembers their first real battle. The first time the dice rolled just right, a unit did something heroic, and they realised this was more than a game. It’s that spark, that sense of discovery, that we try to recreate when introducing someone new to the hobby. But what exactly makes a good set of introductory wargame rules?

In my latest video, I explore that question in depth. A subscriber asked, “What should we look for in a set of wargame rules when you want to introduce a new player to the hobby?” It’s a deceptively simple question that gets to the heart of what makes tabletop wargaming so special. From clarity and pacing to theme and presentation, a great starter game needs to be approachable but still exciting. The best rules make sense as you play, keep both players engaged, and encourage moments of drama and laughter. Whether it’s Bolt Action, What a Tanker, or Chain of Command, the goal is always the same: to create memorable stories and share the joy of miniature wargaming.

The video also touches on the importance of presentation and community. The way we teach, play, and welcome new players says as much about the hobby as the rules themselves. Wargaming, after all, isn’t just about rolling dice. It’s about creativity, connection, and storytelling. If you’re a historical wargamer, painter, or just someone who loves the hobby, this discussion is for you. Join me as we explore what makes a first game great.

The Other Partizan Wargames Show 2025 – Full Video Report

Held at Newark Showground on Sunday, 12th October 2025, The Other Partizan once again proved why it’s regarded as one of the premier events in the UK wargaming calendar. Known for its outstanding presentation, creativity, and the sheer enthusiasm of exhibitors and visitors alike, Partizan has become a must-attend show for anyone interested in tabletop wargaming, historical miniatures, and the wider hobby scene.

🎥 Watch the full video here:

In my latest YouTube video, I take you on a detailed tour of the event, showcasing some of the most impressive demo and participation games on display. From large-scale historical re-enactments to small skirmish setups, each table tells its own story — brought to life through expertly painted miniatures, beautifully built terrain, and the dedication of the hobbyists behind them.

When is it too soon to wargame a conflict?

Is There Such a Thing as "Too Soon" in Wargaming? In this video, I revisit a question from the Joy of Six 2025 panel: When is it too soon to wargame a historical or current conflict? It’s a topic that sits at the crossroads of ethics, storytelling, and historical accuracy in our hobby. From civilian casualties and sensitive subject matter to the level of public visibility, I explore why context and audience matter more than ever in how we represent the past on the tabletop.

Whether you see wargaming as entertainment, education, or a bit of both, we can’t ignore the tough questions. Should we include war crimes? What about modern conflicts still in the headlines? Is historical wargaming at risk of becoming too sanitised?

I also reflect on my experience at the Joy of Six show, including a surprise appearance on the discussion panel alongside Peter Berry, Per Broden, and Heretical Wargaming.

Join me for a thoughtful dive into how we balance respect, realism, and storytelling—and let me know where you draw the line.

Battle on a Budget

In this episode, “Battles on a Budget,” I dive into the practical strategies that let historical wargamers recreate epic battles—like Borodino, Gettysburg, or Leipzig—without breaking the bank. Inspired by a great chat with Ken Reilly (The Yarkshire Wargamer), we explore how to field massive armies affordably, using smart choices in scale, terrain, and technology. From 6mm and 10mm miniatures to STL files, paper soldiers, second-hand deals, and cost-effective rulesets like Black Powder, Altar of Freedom, and Megablitz, there are more ways than ever to make big battles accessible.

Whether you're new to the hobby or a veteran trying to stretch your budget, this video is packed with money-saving tips and creative ideas for getting the most spectacle for the least spend. I also share updates from the Joy of Six show in Sheffield—Europe’s top event for 6mm wargaming—and a hobby update on my recently finished Cossacks, complete with winter conversion tips using Vallejo Liquid Putty.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy grounded, practical advice for historical wargaming on a realistic budget.

Keywords: historical wargaming, budget wargaming, 6mm wargames, wargaming on a budget, big battles cheap, wargame terrain tips, Yarkshire Wargamer, miniature painting, Joy of Six, Black Powder rules.

Partizan 2025 - Best Demo Games photo review

Join me for an in-depth photo review of the best demo games at Partizan Wargames Show 2025, one of the UK’s premier historical and tabletop miniature gaming events! In this video, I showcase the most visually stunning, imaginative, and well-executed demo games from this year’s show. From beautifully painted miniatures to expertly crafted terrain, you’ll get a close-up look at what made these displays truly stand out.

Whether you're a historical wargamer, tabletop enthusiast, or just love exceptional miniature painting and diorama building, this review highlights top-notch creativity and craftsmanship. I cover games from a variety of periods and scales—from Napoleonic battles to WW2 skirmishes and fantasy epics—offering inspiration and ideas for your own hobby projects.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more wargaming content, show coverage, and miniature painting tips.

#Partizan2025 #Wargaming #MiniatureGames #DemoGames #TabletopWargaming

 

Where have all the hills gone?

This week I dive deep into a growing trend in tabletop miniature wargaming — the disappearance of hills from our gaming tables. Inspired by a conversation with Ken Reilly on the Yarkshire Wargamers podcast and observations from Salute 52, we explore whether flat terrain is becoming the new normal and what that means for gameplay, tactics, and immersion.

This video is a must-watch for historical wargamers, tabletop wargamers, miniatures hobbyists, and terrain builders who care about the visual and tactical depth of their battlefields. We discuss the role of hills in real-world military history, their importance in game mechanics, and why they’re vanishing from both demo games and club nights.

If you're passionate about miniature painting, terrain crafting, historical accuracy, or the future of the wargaming hobby, this video offers insight, discussion, and practical inspiration for bringing elevation back to your tabletop.

Whether you play Napoleonic, WWII, Ancients, or fantasy wargames, don’t miss this in-depth look at the subtle shift shaping modern wargame design.

🎲 Subscribe for more hobby commentary and friendly discussion.

#Wargaming #TabletopWargames #MiniatureWargaming #HistoricalWargaming #WargamesTerrain

Historical Wargaming Myths Debunked!

There are a lot or myths around Historical Wargaming, and many of them are completely wrong. Today's video takes a humorous swipe at these misconceptions and from my lofty position atop a soapbox I do my best to debunk them. 

#historicalwargaming #miniaturewargaming #tabletopwargaming #wargamingcommunity #miniaturepainting

SALUTE 52 Show Report - The Extended Cut

Welcome to the Extended Cut of my Salute 52 coverage — the ultimate photo and video review of the UK’s biggest miniature wargaming show! This extended version features exclusive extra footage, bonus photos, and deeper coverage of the most stunning display boards, painted miniatures, and tabletop setups from Salute 2025.

#Salute52 #Salute2025 #WargamingShow #MiniatureWargaming #TabletopWargaming #HistoricalWargaming #MiniaturePainting #WargamesConvention #MiniaturesShowcase #WargamersUnite

SALUTE 52 (2025) Photo Report

I've been to SALUTE 52 today and as usual I took a LOT of pictures! Join me for an in-depth photo review of SALUTE 52, the UK’s biggest and most exciting miniature wargaming convention! In this video, we take a close look at the stunning display tables, beautifully painted miniatures, and epic battlescapes that made Salute 2025 an unforgettable event for wargamers and hobbyists alike.

Whether you're into historical wargaming, tabletop miniatures, sci-fi and fantasy battles, or just love the art of miniature painting, this photo showcase has something for every tabletop gaming enthusiast. I highlight some of the best miniatures, terrain builds, and independent creators that make Salute the heartbeat of the hobby.

Perfect for miniature wargamers, historical gamers, tabletop strategists, and anyone seeking hobby inspiration or industry insights. If you couldn’t make it to Salute 52, this is your front-row seat to all the action, artistry, and creativity.

If you want even more SALUTE 52 then tomorrow I will be posting an even longer extended cut video, with additional pictures and video from the show. 

#Salute52 #Wargaming #MiniatureWargaming #TabletopGames #HistoricalWargaming #MiniaturePainting #WargamesShow #Salute2025 #TabletopWargaming #Miniatures

Too Expensive to Wargame?

Is wargaming getting too expensive? Are rising miniature prices and constant rulebook changes making it harder to stay in the hobby? In this video, we dive into the costs of tabletop wargaming, looking at the impact of Games Workshop price hikes, the affordability of historical wargaming, and alternative ways to enjoy miniature wargaming without breaking the bank.

As a longtime wargamer, I share my personal journey of moving away from expensive mainstream games like Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar in favor of historical wargames, where miniatures are cheaper, and rulesets stay stable for years. If you're looking for affordable wargaming options, budget-friendly miniatures, or a way to enjoy wargaming without constant financial strain, this video is for you!

#MiniatureWargaming #WargamingOnABudget #HistoricalWargaming #TabletopWargames #Wargamer #AffordableWargaming #GamesWorkshop #WarhammerAlternatives #WargamingDiscussion

Are what-if scenarios historical or fantasy?

This topic has come up before but I wanted to discuss why I think what-if scenarios are still historical, even if they stray from precise historical facts. But only if they remain faithful to historical possibilities and plausible alternatives.

 

Sound Effects: Using music to enhance your games

Can adding music and sound effects improve your tabletop wargaming experience?

 

Does being a Tabletop Wargamer make you a natural optimist?

Does being a Tabletop Wargamer make you a natural optimist? Or do you need to be an optimist to be a wargamer?

 

From Warhammer to Historical Wargaming: Finding the right rules

How does the Warhammer player branch out from Games Workshop's systems to find historical wargaming rules from the thousands of titles available? There are three essential questions you must ask yourself that will help narrow the options available and make it easier to find the right set of rules for you.