A New Convert?

What is the best entry point to draw a potential recruit into wargaming?  The first entry point I consider is always Commands & Colors: Ancients.  Great game providing a relatively easy entry into the hobby.  I had a chance to test this theory during a protracted stay of our recent house guests.

With daughter #1 returning home for a stay while in between house moves, the house has been quite active with four additional people and a dog.  Since the game room is in the basement and the game table must be passed on the way to the downstairs bedroom suite where they were staying, I saw some growing interest from her fiance as he looked over the table having an ECW battle on display. 

Finally having some free time one evening, I suggested we give a light wargame a try.  I suggested an Ancients battle with blocks and he agreed.  I pulled out CC: Ancients, removed the boxes of blocks, and unfolded the map.  Already he was impressed.  We selected the first battle in the scenario book, Bagradas, and deployed the troops.  He really enjoyed the look of the game and mentioned that it a wonder that he has not heard of this series.  He chose to take the Carthaginians in Game 1.  Anyway, on to the real test.

Initial deployments

Game 1 took about two hours as I explained the rules, the cards, and the potential interactions.  While there was frequent hesitation on which card to play and what it means, we completed Game 1 in a closely contested match.  Although my Romans began on a 3-0 banner lead, the Carthaginians came back to tie the game 6-6.  With only one banner to capture for victory, we jockeyed for position to place our battling armies in the best situation for victory.  In the end, Carthage won 7-6.  A victory in his first game is a great motivator!  He was eager to play again.  

Carthage Victory Game #1

The next evening, we again had time to rejoin battle.  We switched sides and I took command of the Carthaginian Army.  This time the battle was not so even.  Carthage struck early with a deck of Center and Line Command activations.  Carthaginian heavy infantry made it up into the front lines early and then a combination of elephants, warbands, and heavy infantry cut the Romans apart.  In the end, Carthage won 7-3.  Still, he is looking forward to more games of CC:Ancients.  This one has potential!  Maybe next time I will bring out the 6mm armies?  Is there a more approachable system as an introduction to wargaming?

No crying over spilt beer

On deck this weekend is a Napoleonic battle featuring Age of Eagles with the regular gaming group.  Should be fun!