Rules for the conduct of the war-game on a map 1896

British Army version of Kriegsspiel rules written in 1896.

Designed to be played with one or more umpires and several players per side.

Differs from the Prussian 1824 Krieggspiel by having the combat resolved by the umpire's judgment instead of the 1824 version's dice and combat tables.

Includes very useful tables containing march rates and frontage distances for military units just prior to WWI.

War Office rules for a game published originally in 1896. The rules are the clearest statement of the British Army´s understanding of the tactical realities on the battlefield pre-World War I
They highlight:

The dubious nature of bayonet charges
The value of trenches
The necessary for artillery to engage from beyond rifle range
Rates of march
etc.


The War Game is intended to afford a representation of military maneuvers. It is played on a map drawn to a large scale, the troops engaged being indicated by small metal blocks, coloured Red for one force, Blue for the other.

The game needs at least two players (one for Red and the other for Blue) and an Umpire, but can easily accommodate more players in either side or as the Umpire's Assistants. Also is suggested to have an officer who would describe the game in play for a later memorandum