What is Kriegsspiel?

What is Kriegsspiel?
In this video we will talk about what makes Kriegsspiel unique from all other wargames.
This is the 2.0 version of our video, a replacement for our dated original video with thousands of views. Our goal in this video is to do a better job explaining what Kriegsspiel is, and to convince you that joining the International Kriegsspiel Society is worth your gaming time.

THANK YOU, ENJOY!

[crlewis]

This game was designed in the post Napoleonic world for training the Prussian imperial staff. The use of written orders is indicative of the command and control systems that armies had in the 1830s-1880s. there were no radios, aerial recon, or other ways to make sure units were following orders. A cursory study of the blunders, goof, and mess ups during the ACW is a primer in how vague and confusing written orders (or verbal orders passed on to couriers will mess up a battle. Lee's lost orders, the general that advanced into the peach orchard and wheat field thinking he had better ground, etc. The separation of the Union army at Chickamauga is another iconic example. There were many such messes. Even the loss of command and control at and before the Battle of Isandlwana shows the confusion of what is and what was thought to be true.

[Lukas-jjgz]

German guy here, just fyi: Kriegsspiel is literally the translation of wargame. For me it sounds very strange calling a wargame wargame

[Folknox]

I've heard of Kriegsspiel but I didn't know what made it different from other games 'til now. Thank you for sharing this; I think I'll give it a try.

[doubleyuno]

I knew of the game as a historical wargame, but after watching the video I realized that I had proposed a similar setup for a game literally yesterday. I guess it's something I've been looking for, so I've joined the discord. Thanks for the video!

[generalsmite]

I just started watching the channel after looking into the history of war gaming and got a recommended the video you guys did with little wars tv and marks game room. I’m excited to learn more about the game.

[Tom-ptwm]

Thank you for the explanation, it was very interesting, i subscribed to your channel and will follow your parties in Kriegsspiel🤝

[rumplestiltskin]

An excellent updated version and very motivating to participate. Although I have known of the context, you bring via this update a new exciting perspective. The mention of not knowing the rules whilst participating in tactical / logistical / strategic decision making is excellent. How often I have played other games where rules knowledge is such an advantage and to be honest a bore. I am not one for knowing all the rules deeply to all the hex games out there. Simply, not the time or reward factor to invest. The context of communication and challenges associated is another. Looking forward to actually seeing the conceptual implementation and outcomes in future games.

Thanks to you and all the others who make this approachable to interested parties.

[nathanofthefranks]

I just noticed that the map and battle on screen is Leipzig the battle of the nations

[frozencoati]

I didn't know anything about Kriegsspiel before this, other than that it was a game used by the Prussian's to train officers; I feel like my knowledge has been enhanced by this video. Good work!

[wacherwicht]

In our little online group we currently play an evolved version of kriegsspiel in the second great war against some military officers.

[ExLibrisbyMikeBooklover]

Thank you for this video, great presentation and explanation of Kriegsspiel, it certainly sparkled an interest!

[jtjames]

I don't want to play Kriegsspiel.

I want to watch LLMs simulating historical figures playing Kriegspiel.

I could watch that forever.

[XRUBIM]

The second "s" in Kriegsspiel is pronounced like the "sh" in "shift". Change that and your pronounciation is pretty much perfect. Also really, really cool what you guys are doing with this.

[MrT]

Always fascinated by your videos. I try to apply them into my actual military life. Do you have any members in Korea?

[kosmokainen]

How "funny" would it be to instead of a map, be presented with just empty papers and some pens and be told "you're in charge now"

[gomolyrak]

Damm I sat trough 12 minutes with one frame

[destruct]

i first heard of kriegsspiel years ago when i first got into dnd and table top games. you can bet your ass im joining this society

[JustRob]

This certainly seems interesting. I don't think I have the time to commit to such a game, and I've already bounced of Gary Grigsby's WITE once before (tho it sounds like this is very different). At the very least, you can have my engagement and algorithmic support for what was an interesting video.

[victorfinberg]

there are lots of high quality military simulations. it looks like the main feature of THIS one is the umpire, and the limited information.

however, this configuration does NOT guarantee fairness. indeed, it introduces the REAL possibility of abuse of power by the umpire.

i was actually in such a situation once. the game master did something so outrageous and biased that my team just quit the game.

[kornsuwin]

i'd feel too embarrassed to play this game but damn it looks like it'd be fun to watch