This year marks the 63rd anniversary of a true “classic” two player, hex wargame, WATERLOO. Published by Avalon Hill in 1962, it has been a regular at the earliest conventions (in the 1970’s when the first “Grognards” appeared!) continuing up to this year’s World Boardgaming Championships (WBC). It earned Legacy status in 2019!

The big news for 2025 is a significant rule modification involving retreats and river hexes. Throughout WATERLOO’s history the rules governing river movement and retreats involving river hexes have been different! This difference generated the most questions and Game Master (GM) interpretations/resolutions over any other rules. Now, the river movement rules also govern retreats involving river hexes. To summarize the change: Retreats onto and along a riverbank are allowed. A unit forced to retreat across a river is still eliminated. If the second retreat hex is onto a river hex, a unit is not eliminated. All the latest rule modifications and clarifications will be available in hard copy for free during the convention. In addition, these rule modifications and clarifications are used by the entire WATERLOO community in both Greg Smith’s ladder and Ed Menzel’s PBEM, WBC sanctioned, yearly tournament.

As most WATERLOO participants already know, the standard game occurs over 4 days (16 to 19 June 1815) for a total of 28 turns. Shorter one day (7 turns) and two-day (14 turns) scenarios were introduced in 2023 & 2024. These popular shorter duration games were very well received and will be continued in 2025. The original game components (2nd edition rules) along with the latest WATERLOO rule modifications and clarifications are used or will be provided.

WATERLOO employs a Free Form format at the beginning of each day that allows players to play as many or as few games as desired during the convention. The use of scenarios has greatly increased the flexibility for players to play multiple games and significantly reduce scheduling conflicts. Points are awarded for victories and losses with the four highest point holders advancing to Semifinal games with Semifinal winners advancing to the Final.

If you cut your hobby teeth on this game, it may be time to return to the fold. If you are a newbie, stop bye to find out who these “Grognards” are and play a short scenario (you don’t need a copy of the game!). The Grognards still marvel that this finely balanced classic is still played and is quite a challenging wargame with only 5 pages of rules!

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