Bookings open in January 2027.

Three-day wargaming event in a village hall outside of York. Aiming for 20 gamers but hopefully more. Friendly community of regulars but newbies always welcome.

We have the hall for all three days from 9am to late. Two rooms and a kitchen.

There’s a pub in the village and lots of eating options in Stamford Bridge, just a few minutes away. We’ll probably order in pizza on the Saturday.

Plenty of AirBnB options and a few campsites in the vicinity.

Provisional dates for 2027:

• Saturday 9 January, 2027
• Saturday 13 March, 2027
• Saturday 10 April, 2027
• Saturday 27 November, 2027

All the above at St Lawrence Church Community Centre.

Battle Flat 2027

• Friday 17 – Sunday 19 September 2027 at Catton Hall – confirmed!

Entry fee

Please note that for all events between now and the end of 2027, the fee is fixed at £15 per day. This includes tea, coffee and snacks.

There will be a light lunch for each day of Battle Flat 2027, included in the fee.

An opportunity to meet fellow boardgamers to play historical boardgames, conflict simulations and other strategy games.

Eboracon IX is confirmed:

• Saturday 28 November 2026
• 10am to 6pm
• St Lawrence Church Community Hall, Lawrence St, York YO10 3WP, UK

Entry fee £15 on the day. Cash preferred.

An opportunity to meet fellow boardgamers to play historical boardgames, conflict simulations and other strategy games.

Eboracon VIII is confirmed:

• Saturday 24 October 2026
• 10am to 6pm
• St Lawrence Church Community Hall, Lawrence St, York YO10 3WP, UK

Entry fee £15 on the day. Cash preferred.

You can’t be a revolutionary if you don’t eat chilies.

Mao Zedong

Venue

Location: YO10 3WP

The room has:

• 17.1 x 7.6 metre main room
• eight regular size tables, fits one standard size map plus gubbins
• a small, fully equipped kitchen with microwave, fridge, oven and hob
• toilets
• outside space

There’s probably enough space for 30 or so gamers.

Accessibility

Please let me know if you have any special needs. The venue has:

• level access at the front of the building
• disabled toilet
• disabled parking space close to the entrance

“Any plan conceived in moderation must fail when the circumstances are set in extremes.”
― Klemens von Metternich

Getting there

Public transport

Use public transport, if you can.

York is well served by trains (when they run).

By car

The hall is on Lawrence Street (A1079) very near the junction with the inner ring road. If you’re coming from the A64, follow the signs to the city centre. As you near the city centre, you will pass a Shell and BP petrol stations on your right. The hall is just passed the next set of traffic lights, fronting the street.

The road entrance is to the left of the hall.

Follow the path beyond the hall to the church car park. You do not need to register to park.

Please don’t use the gravel area unless the church car park is full.

Food and drink

I recommend that you can bring your own food and drink to the venue. There’s a Waitrose, Morrisons and plenty of other food options nearby.

The kitchen is well stocked with crockery and cutlery. I will provide coffee, tea and biscuits.

Three-day wargaming event Catton Village Hall outside of York took place on 11-13 September 2026.

2026 marks the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Battle Flat, the site of the battle, is just outside of Low Catton.

After half-a-dozen one day-day events in the York (UK) area, we met for our first three day event. The venue was Low Catton, near Stamford Bridge. We were a stone’s throw from the possible battle field and near the banks of the River Derwent. Catton Hall is your standard British village hall that hosts pilates, French lessons and afternoon tea.

In total, there were 19 gamers from as far afield as Shropshire, Cumbria and, er, five miles away. We played a wide variety of traditional hex-and-counter games, multi-player CDGs and novel Napoleonics titles.

Lunch was provided by the local pub, The Gold Cup.

Games played

Holland ’44: Operation Market-Garden

One of the Mark Simonitch “40x ZOC bond” series, this title was on the table all weekend though with a break on Saturday. A convention favourite in our parts. I think it was nearing a conclusion with the Allies struggling up Hell’s Highway.

Looks like the Allies held out well in Arnhem.

Les Premiers Au Rhin (WWIIB-series)

Not listed on BGG, this is a playtest version from Three Crown Games in Sweden. Jim and Paul, who both develop for 3CG were giving Paul’s game a rigorous test.

From the 3CG website:

Les Premiers au Rhin’TM is the title of the relevant chapter from de Lattre’s book, The History of the French First Army. The French advance to the Rhine (19 November 1944) and the final capture of Mulhouse and Belfort six days later were successes of which de Lattre was rightly proud although this was tempered by disappointment that Colmar (briefly an objective) proved to be beyond their reach. Four French infantry divisions and two armoured divisions were amassed against the depleted German forces in the lower Vosges and Belfort gap. The next fortnight saw intense fighting before the deteriorating weather and depleted supplies closed the offensive down.

From what Jim and Paul told me, 3CG publishes hex-and-counter games you can play in one session. It’s a chit pull activation, and a fairly light set of rules. If you’ve played other hex-and-counter games then you should be able to pick up it up relatively easily. Worth a look.

Virgin Queen

This sprawling CDG need little introduction. Picking up where Here I Stand ends but adding the complexity of diplomatic marriages and patronage of the arts and sciences.

There were a few VQ (ahem) virgins, so they weren’t able to finish but I believe everyone enjoyed the effort. Luckily we had a back room to cope with the game’s table requirements.

The British Way: Counterinsurgency at the End of Empire

I was playing this on Friday as Scott and I squeezed in four games.

We played the Palestine scenario – it was Scott’s first play of the multi-pack. I picked up the expansion, and I’m looking forward to getting that to the table at Unfurl Your Banners in early October. It’s a toss-up but this and Andean Abyss are my favourite COIN games. I just love the historicity of The British Way, and love that it led me into reading more about the subject.

Triomphe à Marengo

This was the second game that Scott and I played. I know Scott is a big fan of Rachel Simmons games. He told me that he prefers diceless, games of maneuver which this certainly is. Me: I’m not a big fan of block games or Napoleonics but was happy to give this a try.

I got trounced.

I love the map.

General Orders: Sengoku Jidai

Scott beat me at this little, worker placement filler game. Very generic. Very light. Very enjoyable.

The Bell of Treason: 1938 Munich Crisis in Czechoslovakia

The final game Scott and I played on Friday. I screwed up the rules so we had to reset.

The Bell of Treason is based on the Fort Sumter/Red Flag Over Paris system. It’s placing cubes, removing cubes, spreading influence. It was tight and enjoyable up until the Final Decision round which we both found a bit of a let down. I’d play it again as a lighter evening convention game but it left us slightly dissatisfied.

Battle Commander: Volume I

Some more Napoleonic battles on Saturday and Sunday. A couple of scenarios and, I believe, Nick and Ian are planning another session at a future Eboracon.

Great production from Sound of Drums. Rulebook…

Twilight Struggle: Red Sea – Conflict in the Horn of Africa

Pick up game on Saturday. Twilight Struggle distilled. Not sure how this went but glad I bought it along for others to play.

Purgatorio: Men of Iron Volume VI

Purgatorio kicked off a couple of days of Men of Iron. I’ve not played these scenarios, as I’ve focused on the 1066 battles.

Polar Storm

I misidentified this first time around. It was, of course, Polar Storm, another game from 3CG.

I have heard good things about these games – relatively low counter density, less heavy rules, chit-pull, shorter playing time. I’d like it if there were more WWI titles but might have a look at the WWII games.

France ’40: 2nd Edition

France ’40 is another favourite at Eboracon. David and Andrew played the Dynamo scenario and, correct me if I’m wrong, Andrew managed a successful evacuation.

Imperial Elegy: The Road to the Great War 1850-1920

After Virgin Queen, Imperial Elegy was the other big game at Battle Flat. I’d scheduled it for two days to allow for newbies and a leisurely pace but we finished with Scott’s Russian autowin in turn five. All told, about 9 hours with a couple of short breaks.

I was Austria and managed to sneak under the radar for most of the game.

Scott was brazen with war against the Ottomans in turns one, three and five (as per standard strategy) but also coming to the aid of Denmark as Prussia waged a second war in turn one. That ended badly for Bismarck, and set the tone for the game.

Russia took territory in the Caucuses in turn one but it was the turn five war which was the coup de grace. He achieved a victory against the Ottomans, and as a truce condition snaffled an OT colonial key in Africa.

Next impulse he had a successful pacification in the east for the autowin.

Napoleon’s Triumph: The Battle of Austerlitz, 2 December 1805

Sunday morning saw another Simmons’ game. This time, Scott was teaching Ben.

These games really do have a lovely table presence.

Andean Abyss

Four of us were left to pick up the pieces on the final day after Imperial Elegy ended early. So, we went back to the COIN. (So, I played my two favourite COIN games at one event. Result!)

We made it through two campaigns before Marc achieved a narrow victory with the AUC.

Triumph & Tragedy: European Balance of Power 1936-1945

A lot of noise coming from the corner. Probably a lot of tragedy and triumph. There is something about three player games though, as many know, I bounced off T&T a couple of years back. I hadn’t appreciated the sandbox nature of the game.

I understand there was an early war and it was a bit brutal.

Norman Conquests: Men of Iron Volume V

More Men of Iron and, thankfully, the Battle of Stamford Bridge hit the table. It would be rude not to as we were only a mile or so from the battleground. I believe the Vikings were successfully routed, as it should be.

Anyone making it down to the British Museum to see the Bayeux tapestry?

We met at St Aelred’s Community Hall in Tang Hall, York on a day of April showers.

With a couple of late cancellations, there were twelve in attendance though everyone had a game or two for the whole day. Shout outs to event newbies: Jim and Stefano, both of whom travelled from the midlands, wherever that is. Jim, of course, is a PunchedCon, Unthirl/Unfurl and Vanguard regular.

It was a nice bright, spacious hall though I’m not sure why the heating in the gents’ was turned up to eleven. On the table, some old favourites, a bit of two-player COIN, and – well I’ve listed everything below.

Next up: three days of Battle Flat at Catton in September. Sign up now!

The new year started in a new (for us) venue, St Lawrence Church Hall, very near Walmgate Bar in York city centre.

Thirteen souls braved whatever elements and illnesses the English climate can throw at a person. They came from near and afar, including Northants, East Sussex and Kent. A1 be damned!

On the table? Some Pax, hex, COIN and Nappy. In the kitchen? No hot water but tea, coffee and chat.

More of this at St Aelred’s on Tang Hall on 11 April, then three days of Battle Flat at Catton in September. Beyond those, it’s probably St Lawrence as a semi-permanent home.

Pax Pamir: Second Edition

Becoming a favourite at out little event, but I’ve yet to play it. Thanks to Jim for teaching newbies.

China’s War 1937-1941

The latest COIN effort, designed by Brian Train who authored Colonial Twilight and co-authored A Distant Plain.

A different spin on some familiar mechanics. This is not a typical insurgency and the conflict is on a much larger scale. In the style of Fire in the Lake, the Japanese can outmuscle the other factions but have to watch that “Commitment” doesn’t evaporate. The Nationalists and Warlords have a messy symboitic relationships, while the Commies just do their Commie thing (especially if it’s free!).

We tried the shorter 1938 scenario with sudden Propaganda. Gordon took victory as the Warlords. The Japanese, under Nicholas’s watchful command, looked like running away with it but got pegged back at the last. David, a COIN newbie, handled the Nationalists well. My Commies got bogged down by the Japanese hogging the Lines of Communication.

Across The Narva: The Soviet Assault on Estonia, February 1944

Some traditional hex-and-counter in the form of this excellent looking Revolution title.

Richard and Mark battled it out. I don’t know the outcome but tweezers and plexi were involved, so it was serious stuff.

4. The Guns of Gettysburg

This is a super looking game on the table, beautiful map and lovely components.

Scott and Michael played this in the morning. Again, I don’t know the outcome but I’m intrigued by this style of tactical game.

Napoleon’s Triumph

Speaking of block games, here’s another one from Bowen Simmons that Michael and Scott played in the afternoon.

Again, it’s stunning on the table. Interested to hear some comments…

The British Way: Counterinsurgency at the End of Empire

A total COIN day for Nicholas and me, as we raced through the Kenya scenario in this two-player mini-game.

This is probably my favourite in the series, not just from a gaming point-of-view. It’s got me very interested in the history, and I’m glad to hear that Nicholas is going to the Imperial War Museum exhibition that covers this topic.

I got hosed as the British. Couldn’t shift the Mau-Mau out of Nairobi until first Propaganda, which meant clearing the reserve provinces was delayed. (I’ve got Palestine planned for Unfurl in a few weeks.)

Commands & Colors: Ancients

More familiar tactical warfare and a con favourite, Gordon taught David this classic.

I don’t believe elephants were involved, which is a disappointment.

An opportunity to meet fellow boardgamers to play historical boardgames, conflict simulations and other strategy games.

Planned dates for 2026:

• Eboracon VI, Saturday 10 January 2026, Heslington Meeting Room – confirmed!
• Eboracon VII, Saturday 11 April 2026, St Aelred’s Community Centre – confirmed!
• Eboracon: Battle Flat, Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026, Catton Village Hall – confirmed!
• Saturday 24 October 2026 – provisional
• Saturday 28 November 2026 – provisional

“A revolution is not a bed of roses. A revolution is a struggle between the future and the past.”
― Fidel Castro

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!

An opportunity to meet fellow boardgamers to play historical boardgames, conflict simulations and other strategy games.

Our fourth event took place at Stamford Bridge Village Hall. I’d hoped to get some 1066 games to the table but in the end wound up playing two of the Great Statesmen series plus a couple of quick games.

I hope we can attract a few more gamers for our next event in Saturday 22 November, this time back at Heslington near the University of York.

Unhappy King Charles (second edition)

An all day Civil War campaign using the Phalanx edition. This has been languishing on my own shelf so I’m encouraged to try and get a play in the near future.

Task Force: Carrier Battles in the Pacific

This gets played at Unfurl a bit. Beautifully produced version from Vuca Simulations. I think four introductory scenarios played. It’s a fairly accessible naval game with a good teaching manual, nothing too dense but you need to be good at maths.

Poland Defiant: The German Invasion, September 1939

Gosh. Another updated game – Plan West was the original, BGG tells me.

I do like Revolution Games. Small publisher that does take a lot of care in development and publishing. I’ve just picked up the my first Blind Swords game, Gettysburg: the first day.

Don’t know how this game unfolded as I had my back to the table. When I did check, they were still setting up!

Twilight Struggle: Red Sea – Conflict in the Horn of Africa

A quick blitz through while waiting for opponents who didn’t arrive. 🙁

Gosh, I’m terrible at Twilight Struggle.

Churchill

Another outing for this classic at Eboracon. Think I’m beginning to appreciate it more than previously. Perhaps that was influenced by me winning!

Stalin was grumpy because the western allies took Berlin first. So, he decided to pussyfoot around in the Far Eastern theatre and concentrate on winning conferences and Pol/Mil.

Versailles 1919

Several plays now at Eboracon. Churchill’s Euro-y cousin though Scott did say it’s less a Euro because at least there’s interaction between the players, rather than three/four people looking solely at their tableau.
Britain won a stunning victory, hoovering up a ton of issues, the strategy card adding a small amount of gravy.

Thanks to Nicholas for having his first crack at this.

In the Shadows: Resistance in France 1943 – 1944

Scott and I bumbled through this again. And, again, we (well, I) got the rules wrong, forgetting to remove the Alert markers.