A common question is, “What are the Differences in Tractics editions?” The short answer is that the 2021 edition incorporates all three editions: So, one could have a purist or hybrid ruleset. The particulars are detailed further on these two sites: https://www.combatrules.com/post/why-tractics-now https://www.wargamevault.com/m/product/388023 The main page for the Tractics category is continuously updated with the… Continue reading What are the Differences in Tractics editions?
Category: Tractics
Tractics’ Direct Fire Mode
Gamers ask about the step-by-step logic of the DFM, Direct Fire Mode, in Tractics. I thought it would be helpful if you could see the summary of DFM. The ruleset also has a more detailed description of the steps and their tables. Tractics uses a 1D20 for most rolls with the same or lower than the adjusted base will hit.… Continue reading Tractics’ Direct Fire Mode
Tractics Scenarios
This is where I will post skirmish-level scenarios that Mike Reese and Tractics fans submit. When submitting a scenario, PDF or MS Word format is fine. I will provide both formats when possible for those who have a preference. Move to the bottom to download Mike Reese’s three introductory scenarios. You will find more scenarios… Continue reading Tractics Scenarios
Tractics PDF
This is the page for any updates about the PDF version of Tractics. You will find the purchase link for the PDF rulebook “P” at http://www.combatrules.com/tracticsrules. Please note that button P there will take you to Wargame Vault and my original company name, Game Design. Originally, I planned to produce a Kindle version instead of… Continue reading Tractics PDF
Dice
Dice are part of many games. There’s a trade-off to consider in games oriented to realism. Like its Wikipedia page for Tractics says, it’s not a perfect information game like Chess. In a PI game, like most older Avalon Hill games one sees everything and knows the Order of Battle and reinforcement schedule. But in… Continue reading Dice
Tractics’ IFM, the Indirect Fire Mode
Here we show how the Classic edition of Tractics‘ Indirect Fire Mode (IFM) compares to the second edition. Note that this new edition has three versions of artillery: Classic, Modified (1976), and Updated. The image above compares a detail of one of the four aspects: Corrected Fire Aspect (CFA) to how the update shows two… Continue reading Tractics’ IFM, the Indirect Fire Mode
Binding Your Game Reference Charts
Tractics on a wall or in a binder This page has my latest ideas for displaying your Tractics GRCs, that is, “Pull-Outs”. The original Game Reference Charts were loose-leaf pages stuffed in Tractics’ (3) 5.5×8.5″ volumes and boxed. So one pulled them out! In 1970 we started playing Tractics with hand-written and typed charts. This… Continue reading Binding Your Game Reference Charts
Tractics
Move down to download free Tractics play aids & the free Duckbills newsletter which now covers 3 World War II rulesets: Tractics, Fast Rules & Brew Up (the latter is now also available). Tractics is a ruleset primarily for World War II miniature games. Most people focus on the tanks, so the 1971 authors cleverly… Continue reading Tractics
US Army Small Unit Organization WWII
I did the graphic design on TestOfBattle.com‘s 82-page reference work by Bill Rutherford. I thought I knew a lot about small units’ composition from our dozens of Tractics games and time at the library with the US Army’s “green books” (available free online now!) But I was shocked at how much I had to learn… Continue reading US Army Small Unit Organization WWII
Unwritten assumptions
I may just be from an ancient wargaming tradition but I wonder if anyone else has had a similar adjustment to make regarding the modern trend towards “lists”, points and player interactivity in scenario design? And do any of these comments trigger ideas of how you might tweak? Or at least make you aware of… Continue reading Unwritten assumptions
Wargame Campaign 