Well, it was going to be interesting to see how the “What a Tanker” rules worked with multiple players a side, and in particular to see how much, if at all, the game slowed down with the majority being new to the game.

I decided to use T26B soviet tanks and Panzer MkII C German tanks as an introduction.

As this game was just for people to understand the system and to get used to the intricacies of the game, we played the “King of the Ring” scenario to make sure everyone received enough game time to learn. After all it is no fun if you are knocked in the first turn…………… unless it is John and he hasn’t even had a chance to move!!! 

In this scenario “knocked out” tanks return with the same or a different crew depending if they survived the knock-out blow.

In order to even things up I also gave the Soviets “souped up engines” to make them “Fast” in game terms and equal on points to the Germans at 7 points each.

The table was typical Russian countryside with a few burnt out building on the crossroads. Line of sight was deliberately limited although there were plenty of opportunities to obtain good firing lines if players were canny enough.

My normal change to the rules to provide greater uncertainty of the order of play was used.

The turn order cards are shuffled and dealt randomly. Players using a wild dice to increase their chance of winning the initiative are dealt an extra card for each wild dice. They can decide which card they use, potentially allowing them the choice to move early in the turn or later if more beneficial. The advantage of this system is the current player does not know who is moving next and has to take a more conservative approach or risk the consequences.

With Kelly’s heroes playing in the background the game began.

A Russian tank brews up from a point blank flanks shot.

Two into one ain’t bad – especially if you are the two. Another Russian tank ceases to exist.

The Russians are finally successful.

More negative waves Boris?

Another German ceases to exist.

While we were just playing to get a sense of the rules and how the system worked the Germans ended up in front with 5 kills to two.

A great fun game thoroughly enjoyed by all.