The Art of Wargaming

The Art of Wargaming delves into history intending to find lessons applicable to modern wargaming.

About the show

The Art of Wargaming is a research based show that delves into history intending to find lessons applicable to modern wargaming. Each season features a book from antiquity which the hosts then analyze, looking for pearls of knowledge. Whether you participate in intellectual or physical wargaming, or you simply love military science and history, this show explores the tactics and strategy that influenced the course of history.

Episodes

  • Episode 51: Principles of Violence

    May 9th, 2021  |  1 hr 25 mins
    belegarth, foam fighting, the art of war, the art of wargaming, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    While possessing the same ultimate goals, the strategies available to insurgents and counterinsurgents are quite different. One uses disorder to accomplish their operations, the other uses stability to launch theirs. This episode features long-time wargamer Par as we discuss the offensive and defensive techniques defined as principles of violence.

  • Episode 50: Building Up

    April 25th, 2021  |  1 hr 48 mins
    belegarth, foam fighting, the art of war, the art of wargaming, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    This episode is about the process of founding and building up a local wargaming group. All of our contributing authors had excellent advice on this subject. Join us for a chat with our special guest Laoghaire as we explore the most effective ways to establish and govern to maximize gains.

  • Episode 49: Contrary Doctrines

    April 11th, 2021  |  1 hr 19 mins
    foam fighting, the art of war, the art of wargaming, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    Asymmetric Warfare, as the name implies, is full of uneven advantages. Both sides, insurgent and counterinsurgent, have particular strengths and weaknesses. Special guest Todo joins Yaga Malark to discuss the nuances of these contrary doctrines.

  • Episode 48: The World of Muhammed Hasan Khalil al-Hakim

    March 28th, 2021  |  57 mins 53 secs
    foam fighting, hasan khalil al-hakim, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the management of savagery, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    Throughout anyones experience with wargaming, uneven sides will undoubtedly occur. Whether the disparity is from the quality of weapons or quantity of troops, knowing how to deal with an unequal balance on the field is an eventuality that we must prepare for or suffer. In this episode, we begin our journey into a work that deals with the aforementioned topic with a simplicity that is easy to understand and a detail that explores the hidden nuances.

  • Episode 47: A Tale of Two Empires

    March 14th, 2021  |  1 hr 26 mins
    babylon empire, belegarth, foam fighting, gelf, pyke, the art of war, the art of wargaming, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    Thumbs and Malark delve into more of Belegarth culture by studying two of the most prominent Empires of the West. The GELF and Pyke, a prominent realm of the Babylon Empire, have shaped the West in a myriad of ways. Join us as we learn more of these two powerhouses of the community.

  • Episode 46: Uplifting Primer

    February 28th, 2021  |  1 hr 44 mins
    foam fighting, munitorum manual, the art of war, the art of wargaming, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    A surprisingly practical guide, the Uplifting Primer is the core of any guardsman's study. From training regimens to what to expect in conflict, the book is extremely thorough. Join Malark and Thumbs as we apply this wonderful work of fiction to real world combat.

  • Episode 45: Munitorum Manual

    February 14th, 2021  |  1 hr 47 mins
    foam fighting, munitorum manual, the art of war, the art of wargaming, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    In this first part of our Fiction Focus on the Imperial Infantryman's Handbook, Thumbs and Malark delve into all things gear. Whether it be for the field, combat, or camp; our gear can make or break any situation. From both an Imperial and practical perspective, join us for the Munitorum Manual.

  • Episode 44: Tactics and Maxims

    January 31st, 2021  |  1 hr 37 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    In this final installment in our study of Vegetius, we delve into standard tactics and formations for the era. In addition, Vegetius provides a list of Maxims which serve as easy reminders of his lessons. Join us as we share the conclusive nuggets of wisdom that Vegetius has to offer.

  • Episode 43: Gaining Initiative

    January 17th, 2021  |  1 hr 41 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    When trying to get the upper hand over your opponent, there are many factors to consider. In this episode, Malark and Thumbs look at the various ways to give yourself the initiative, whether in solo combat or on a larger battlefield.

  • Episode 42: Macedonian Interlude

    January 3rd, 2021  |  1 hr 10 mins
    foam fighting, phillip the barbarian, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    Thumbs and Malark take a brief interlude to examine the reign of Phillip the Barbarian of Macedonia, the prestigious father of Alexander the Great. As we talk about Alexander a great deal in the show, we thought it relevant to discuss the world that made him.

  • Episode 41: Calm Before The Storm

    December 20th, 2020  |  2 hrs 9 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    A battle itself is over rather quickly, but the consequences are lasting. Having the proper motives and plan are essential to a smooth operation. Join Malark and Thumbs as they analyze the calm before the storm.

  • Episode 40: Taking to the Field

    December 6th, 2020  |  1 hr 48 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    While a large army may seem preferable in many ways, there are many complications that come with fielding a large force. Logistics, health, and tactics are all strained by an army of unwieldy size. In this episode, we take a look at ideal numbers in a fight and methods to maintain the morale and health of yourself and your troops.

  • Episode 39: Clockwork Precision

    November 22nd, 2020  |  1 hr 38 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    In this episode, Thumbs and Malark explore the necessary preparation needed for a military force to be field worthy. When a commander and their army are fully prepared, it is then time for a flawless execution. The Romans had a template for both preparation and execution that worked well for centuries, and this is our subject.

  • Episode 38: Pulling Rank

    November 8th, 2020  |  2 hrs 7 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    Thumbs is back to join Malark in talking about the organizational factors of the Roman Legion. This level of management was one of the keystones of Roman success and cannot be overstated. Though modern wargaming typically deals with numbers far inferior to what Vegetius intended, the reasoning is still sound.

  • Episode 37: The Next Level

    November 8th, 2020  |  1 hr 27 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    In this episode, Malark flies solo as he discusses the next section of Vegetius. Between gear, drills, and mindset; there are many factors needed to reach the next level.

  • Episode 35: Talking About Newbs

    October 11th, 2020  |  2 hrs 14 mins
    foam fighting, rome, the art of war, the art of wargaming, the fall of the roman empire, vegetius, wargaming, warhammer 40k

    The first section of Vegetius' book deals with the recruitment and training of new warriors. Much of the advice he wrote about then still applies now when dealing with our training approach to physical wargaming.