Having wargamed for three decades now, it’s safe to say that I’ve amassed a lot of experience, especially in my primary game of choice—Warhammer 40,000. Created by Games Workshop in 1987, Warhammer 40k immerses players in a grim, dystopian future set in the 41st millennium, where humanity is beset on all sides by alien races, daemons, and even its own dark secrets. The game’s scale, lore, and sweeping narrative make it a go-to for players who love to immerse themselves in the struggle of epic armies, from the towering Space Marines to the dark legions of Chaos. As a long-time fan, I’ve dabbled in different settings within this universe, playing games like Necromunda (for those intense gang skirmishes) and Adeptus Titanicus (giant mechanical walkers clashing in brutal battles). However, my loyalty lies with the Warhammer 40k universe, and I haven’t collected other systems to any serious degree—what can I say, I know where my dice feel at home!
Tonight, though, I decided to shake things up. I was heading to the club to play a game of Napoleonic warfare, using Sharp Practice rules, a system by TooFatLardies designed to capture the flavour of skirmishes and small engagements in the 18th and early 19th centuries. In Sharp Practice, you’re not dealing with the massive armies of 40k—instead, you’re commanding a group of soldiers in a close-range fight, emphasizing tactics, formations, and historical accuracy. The game’s unique system, which uses "big men" to give commands, makes it feel a bit like herding cats, especially when the dice aren’t in your favour! Let’s just say, that my finely tuned 40k strategies didn’t always translate perfectly to the Napoleonic battlefield (and I learned that muskets don’t shoot quite as far as a bolt rifle).
While I’ve always enjoyed gaming in local shops, I’ve found that the clientele there are often focused almost exclusively on Games Workshop products. And don’t get me wrong—40k is a fantastic universe. But being part of a club opens up a whole world beyond it. Our club members bring a broad range of interests and expertise, which makes it easy to step out of my comfort zone and try out games from different manufacturers, settings, and periods. And having club members who are just as eager to share their passion for historical wargaming (or any other niche) as I am about the grimdark future is fantastic.
A Note on Historical Wargaming
Historical wargaming brings its own joys to the table. Instead of fantastical worlds, historical games allow you to step into actual events and conflicts, be they battles of ancient Rome, the American Civil War, or Napoleonic warfare, like tonight’s game. There’s something deeply engaging about trying to replicate the strategies and formations of real historical generals—and often learning the hard way that it’s not as easy as it looks in the history books. Plus, historical games give you an excuse to learn the intricate details of each period, from uniforms to weaponry, without ever having to pass a history test.
I’ll admit, tonight’s game was a blast. Playing a different game system with fresh rules and mechanics reminded me how much I enjoy the wider world of wargaming. Plus, gaming with different folks opens up new perspectives and strategies that I might not encounter in my usual 40k matches. And let’s face it, any night that ends with your cavalry charging (and maybe getting stopped by a well-timed volley) is a memorable one!
So, if you’re ever on the fence about trying a different game, my advice is to go for it. And if you happen to be at our club, don’t hesitate to ask me for a game, whether it’s 40k or something altogether new. After all, wargaming is all about good company, great stories, and dice rolls that make or break the night—no matter the system.