And afterwards there will be a test!	The playest that never ends ...

For the first time we offered two mini-games on Monday afternoon, one on Bombers and one on Raiders. Both games are standalone, last only a few turns, and focus on two important subsystems. Free copies of the games were provided.

20 people participated in five full campaign games this year. Three new players joined for the first time, one from England. Of the games played, one was an Allied decisive victory (against a Russia first strategy), one was an Axis decisive (successful invasion of Britain), and three others were Axis victories of varying degrees (traditional Barbarossa campaigns). Axis success was aided somewhat by a new set of strategic warfare (SW) rules that in retrospect were a bit too harsh on Britain. The German U-boats inverted fewer transports, but sunk more, especially in the critical 1940-42 period. Last year we had three ties, two Axis victories, and one Allied victory.

GMT made available, shortly before the convention, a counter sheet with all of the new counters for the second edition. These included new advanced submarine counters, Allied Pacific bombers, beach defenses, correct Japanese marine units, island control markers, revised Greek minor country counters, and hit markers for naval combat. This allows players to update their games by purchasing the counter sheet, and downloading the latest rules from the website (www.aworldatwar.org). All games took advantage of these. The second edition is in P500 status, so those interested in the second edition can place orders. The game will be printed when GMT has received enough pre-orders (typically 750).

Several new rules, in addition to changes to SW, were also used for the first time at this convention. These included reduced effects of atomic attacks on triggering Axis surrender, and limiting German base growth based on German conquests. The latter prevents large German base increases during the 1944 and 1945 year start sequences. Two changes came out of this year's convention. The SW rules have been amended with a "Cash and carry" provision, which lets Britain build transports in American shipyards before the Americans are at war, using British BRPs. Also, the Western Allies cannot reinforce newly captured areas during the redeployment phase using transports (destroyers are required). This restriction previously applied only to Japan.

After 11 years at the helm, Mike Crowe is stepping down as GM. Paul Milne is assuming the role in 2010.

Now this is a game with some serious stacking issues.	If I were a Euroweenie, I'd have to say this game is too "fiddly".