I was introduced to these 2021 rules at the Axes and Ales Wargames Club the other week. They are fast play very easy to learn and yet have tactical decisions players need to make. I really liked them. The may even replace my favourite set of rules for this period, “Fist Full of Lead“.

The rules can be downloaded for free from here.

At the beginning of a turn, each player is dealt five cards from a standard poker card deck. Choose one card at the beginning of a turn and place it face down on the table.
The cards are turned over and revealed simultaneously.

The highest card goes first, allowing that player to take actions with all of their models. Other players activate in sequence, ending with the lowest card. Ties are decided by suit: Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and lastly, Clubs.

The turn ends when all models on the table have taken two actions. If a “3” was played for initiative, that player may choose to discard any number of cards remaining in his hand at the end of the turn. Players end the turn by each replenishing their hand back up to five cards. Some cards have a special bonus when played.

In addition to determining initiative, cards can also be played throughout the turn to resolve Snap Shots, Get Your Courage Up, and brawling in Fisticuffs. Some cards have special bonuses when played.

At the end of each turn, both sides roll 1d10. If the roll is less than or equal to the number of your characters currently dead, Lily Livered, or Unconscious, the remaining men skedaddle and the game ends!

A great set of fun rules that are “beer and pretzels” to learn, fun to play, and marry this well by posing interesting challenges throughout the game.

See the Little Wars review here.

★★★★★