❌ “Moderate cover” etc. – open to interpretation and arguments. How It Compares to Modern WWII PDF Rules | Feature | Operation Warboard (1976) | Bolt Action (Warlord) | Chain of Command (TooFatLardies) | |--------|-------------------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Complexity | Low-Medium | Medium | High | | Turn structure | Alternating move + simultaneous fire | Dice-draw activation | Alternating patrol/phases | | Morale system | Simple, effective | Abstract pinning | Detailed shock + morale | | Vehicle detail | Basic facings/pen | Streamlined | Historical focus | | PDF price | ~$5-10 (vintage) | ~$20 | ~$18 | | Solo-friendly | Yes | No | Yes (with solo rules) |
Game Type: Tabletop wargaming rules for WWII combined-arms (company/battalion level) Original Publication: 1976 (Book by Patrick Stephens Ltd.) PDF Availability: Legal digital scans/PDFs via vintage game sellers, OOP (Out of Print) archives, and some wargaming historical sites (e.g., Wargame Vault under vintage rules). Overview & History Operation Warboard is a legendary set of WWII wargaming rules, penned by thriller author and wargaming enthusiast Gavin Lyall. Originally published as a hardback book in 1976, it was among the first comprehensive, approachable rulesets for 20mm-25mm miniature gaming. The PDF version is typically a high-quality scan of the original book, preserving the charming hand-drawn diagrams, charts, and the distinct late-70s wargaming aesthetic. operation warboard pdf
❌ Modern research has revised armor slopes, penetration values, and speeds. But for casual play, it’s “good enough.” ❌ “Moderate cover” etc