York historical and conflict simulation boardgame meetup
An opportunity to meet fellow boardgamers to play historical boardgames, conflict simulations and other strategy games.
“We are citizens of the world. The tragedy of our times is that we do not know this.”
― Woodrow Wilson
We moved back to Heslington, near the University of York, for our fifth meeting on Saturday 22 November 2025 to round out our first year.
Thanks to Richard for press-ganging inviting three guests. We had 16 in attendance, travelling from Fulford, Cambridge, Carlisle and points in between.
A fair range of games on offer, including a classic (though the first time I’ve played it) and some regulars.
Versailles 1919
A regular game at Eboracon and elsewhere. Probably not a war game, but the theme is a favourite of mine. There’s enough here to keep the brain engaged. Though part of the series that includes Congress of Vienna (my game of 2025), it sits more in Euro territory.Give GeekGold
Versailles 1919
Er. So good, it was played on two tables! I had the pleasure of teaching and taking a pasting.
Band of Brothers: Ghost Panzer
I think this is the right Band of Brothers game. Three scenarios played through the day, I believe.
Paths of Glory
This classic wargame needs little introduction. It’s the grand sweep of the Great War across Europe with a bit of the Near East. This struggle ended in a stalemate at 11VP, an early CP breakthrough notwithstanding.
No Retreat! Italian Front: 1943-45
I don’t think I’ve seen this entry in the No Retreat! series on the table before. The Russian Front game is very good, covering the whole arc of the war in the east. Looked like an interesting game.
Churchill
Props to Nicholas for teaching this for the second time at Eboracon. Great three player convention game with the struggle between the “Allies”. Is it really a win if you don’t defeat the Axis?
The British Way: Counterinsurgency at the End of Empire
Kenya mini-game: tense two-player COIN about Britain’s dirty war in East Africa. Possibly my favourite in the COIN series. I can highly recommend Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus, an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in London, which does an excellent job in chronicling the mess that was de-colonisation.
Looking forward to The British Way: Enemy of My Enemy, the expansion to The British Way.
El Grande
I went to a wargame convention and didn’t play a wargame but I did play this excellent area control “classic”. Thanks to newcomer Ryan for introducing us to this five-player game. Highly enjoyable.
People Power: Insurgency in the Philippines, 1981-1986
Nicholas had to teach this too. Not the easiest play as introduction to COIN but I think it’s one of the more underrated of the series.
A Game of Thrones: B’Twixt
Third time that I’ve played this card game full of skullduggery. I know next to little about the IP but that matters very little. It’s a solid card game that’s ideal to fill an hour or so with your best friends or enemies. Thanks Mike!