NHWC Home Page

A site for Napoleonic wargamers, for the discussion, development and display of rules, tactics, organisations, links and all things associated with the subject

Includes maps, files and scenarios for the historical recreation of Napoleonic warfare with Talonsoft's BattleGround series wargames, ideas and principles adaptable to many other systems

The intention is to have wargames which are historical in character, if not in outcome, and as close to the spirit and practice of Napoleon and his contemporaries as possible. We therefore have a set of rules to ensure that we all play within those parameters and to guide those new to the subject into doing battle the Napoleonic way. The currently authorised rules can be seen by following the link below, but be aware that new rules or changes to old ones are often under consideration. The playtesting of new ideas is encouraged, but players should ensure that their opponent agrees to any variation from the standard before playing.

By creating and providing different campaign environments, the aim is to reproduce the problems and possibilities of Napoleonic warfare in as realistic and historically accurate a manner as possible. The reconstructions take the form of battles via email between single or multiple players per side and ideally an umpire collating and putting into effect the orders from each side. The diversity of scenarios, some variations on the original BG discs, others constructed from scratch, and the innumerable possibilities of chance and intention thrown up in battle leads to results varying from closely historical to completely unexpected.

The victory conditions are based on the criteria of the enemy army being the objective and the importance of the army's strategic fitness after battle. In a campaign environment the importance of this becomes clear when the army is next called on to fight a battle. Single actions can be assessed in a similar way by using a simple formula based on comparative strengths and losses.

This is not a club and there is no requirement to join any form of membership, though you are invited to join and compete on the players' ladder and contribute to the forum of ideas and rule suggestions. Players can involve themselves in one of more wargames simply by contacting the other players or umpire offering the game as shown on other pages. Similarly, anyone who wants to run a game using the rules and any other resources found here is welcome to do so.

N. B. The files available from and ideas expressed on this site are subject to much rethinking and amendment. While every effort is made to notify the major changes, some small ones can be slipped in without fuss or fanfare. Still less can I list on this page every new or revised file or page. If a particular map, gamefile or rule is to be used, I advise that the players make sure they each have the latest version retrieved from here on or about the same date and, if possible, the same time.

First Principles

New players of Battleground, especially those new to playing by email, and anyone else seeking information about the way in which our wargames function can follow the link for a basic guide to getting started.
Those who have been playing BG for some time in the accepted, unhistorical, inaccurate way will also benefit from reading this section, as the NHWC method of wargaming is quite different from the 'anything goes' ignoring of realism normally seen in BG club games.

Latest Intelligence
Recent changes and notices for your quick reference
August 7, 2006
New changes to OOB and PDT files
New LOS file for Waterloo
Pultusk, Friedland - new files ready now
OOB files explained
PDT files explained, recently amended
Let me design you a game

Current Wargames

Games, campaigns, projects and ideas in progress or preparation
Here you can also join the ladder for competitive games

Assessing the Results

The criteria for victory in one-off actions, or in battles within a campaign

Bulletins from HQ

Players and organisers can submit reports on battles past, boast of great achievements or bemoan lost opportunities.

Playing by the Rules

This way to see the set of mandatory wargame rules used in addition to (and where appropriate replacing) those of the BattleGround programs and to the Drill Book regulating overall conduct.

Tactical Breakthrough

Space is for new ideas and suggestions, potential new rules posted, inviting arguments for and against each point.

Talking Tactics

Tactics, formations and methods of performing in Napoleonic style within the BG wargame system.

Battlefield Maps

New maps have been made for campaign or for general use, with more under construction or planned. See the list here and contact us for details of how to get the files required. Anyone who has maps available for use can have them or a link to their own site put here.

New Game Versions

Revisions of BG files to fit our aims and rules. BGW and Eylau now have working scenarios, OOBs have been amended, the PDT files conform more to realistic casualty rates and accommodate NHWC rules.