It is a question I hear a lot: “What is the difference between strategy and tactics in wargaming?”
Many people think that wargame strategy and wargaming tactics are actually the same thing. They use the terms interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between the two and we are going to explain just what it is.
So are you ready? Right then, let’s get this little lesson on the road.
Wargame Strategy
Strategy in war – and not just in wargaming – does not refer to what you do on the battlefield. Instead, your wargaming strategy refers to everything you do BEFORE you get to the tabletop. What do we mean? Right, let’s take some examples to make it easier.
Choosing your army list is part of your strategy. Some might consider it “tactics”, but the truth is army selection in a wargame is strategy. Why? Because it happens before the battle and will determine your success on the battle. Careful selection of your troops, based on your knowledge of your opponent and the terrain you are going to fight over, is good wargame strategy. If you just throw an army together five minutes before a battle, or pick a unit because you “like the miniatures” then you are not developing a good strategy.
But wargaming strategy really comes into its own when you are playing a campaign. Ensuring your troops are well supplied, well rested and in good positions all falls under the realm of strategy. As does making alliances, ensuring your economy can keep up with your war-machine, and that your people support the war. Of course, good wargaming strategy also involves giving your opponent headaches in all these areas too.
Wargaming Tactics
So what about wargaming tactics? How do they differ from the above?
Tactics are about the cut and thrust on the battlefield. If strategy is about winning the war, then tactics is what will win you the individual battles. Here is the flank attack, the counter-charge, and the ambush you laid. All of the tricks you can use on the battlefield comes out in your tactical games.
That makes tactics the tip of your wargaming spear, the sharp end of your arsenal. Use good tactics to turn a disadvantage into a win. Without solid tactics your strategy may be sound, but your forces will never stand victorious on a battlefield. However, without good strategy, your forces will struggle on every battlefield.
Are You Clear Now?
So are we clear on the differences between wargaming strategy and tactics? What you do off the tabletop (or on the campaign map) is strategy. What you do on the tabletop is tactics.
Yes, that is a generalization, but it’s also a good rule of thumb and should help wargamers look for resources that will help them improve.
Until next time, may the mighty Sun Tzu guide your dice.
