iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Our trip to Ireland covered a lot of ground, and opened my eyes to the complex history of this amazing island. Dublin is great, but there’s a lot more to see, too.

Standing stones in The Burren of Ireland at Poulnabrone Dolmen

I don’t even like stouts, but when in County Cork, I had to try a Beamish

Napoleonic era signal towers like the Irish coastline. This one has been restored with its slate siding. It’s also the spot where the Lusitania went down, off Kinsale

A monument to remember the fraternal Irish Civil War. This is from County Galway

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

For all the endless wargames about familiar topics (Waterloo, Bulge, Gettysburg), I keep finding more topics without a single obvious title. Now visiting Ireland, I wish I could play something about the Williamite War or the Nine Years War.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Travel, history, movies, and games that help me learn about it more. (Not to mention podcasts, youtube vids, blogs, wikipedia…)

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

What should a history gamer like me see when visiting Ireland for the first time? GPO, Hill of Tara, Croke Park…? Of course we’re also seeing sites like the Cliffs of Moher. I’m asking about places of historical events.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Podcast episode 30 is up, a smaller one about Charlemagne and the Carolingians. Played some history games, read some books, visited Aachen…but saw no movies! WargamesToGo.com

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Another solo try at Les Rois Francs (Vae Victis mag, A La Charge system) via Vassal. Here Roland performs as per history (well, the legend/song) when serving as the rearguard for Charlemagne's departure from the Pyrenees.

Vassal module for Les Rois Francs, the Roncevaux scenario from a latter issue of Vae Victis magazine. The Franks (red) are in the low, narrow pass (with some green Breton light cav, too). Meanwhile, the Basque army descends from the heights to seize the baggage train and wipe out the rearguard.

Early turns, and the Franks are trying to move the baggage out of the pass while defending it. Roland puts the A La Charge system to work.

But no--just as in the famous story, the Franks are wiped out. Here Roland and his closest troops (stacked under him) are all that's left as the Basque descend to finish off. Blow the oliphant, Roland!! 📯

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

There aren't many games about the Carolingians, or specifically Charlemagne. Luckily, one of the few also happens to be a great game. I'd played its predecessor, with the super clever cup-building system. Here the game is even more impressive. Abstract though it is, it brings the history to life.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Battle of Tours 732AD, one of the Turning Point Simulations series of smaller wargames, but with a mounted map. They cover the so-called “20 Decisive Battles.” This one is by Berg, and a slightly lighter version of his MOI system. Which I don’t love, but appreciate learning about it all.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

That was fun--my first play of the À La Charge system from Vae Victis. Here I was was playing the Battle of Fontenoy-en-Puisaye, 841 (Lothaire vs. Charles the Bald and Louis the German). A very simple, introductory system. Still, felt right enough to me. Charges, disarray, and panicked retreats.

Screenshot from Vassal wargame play of À La Charge system for middle ages tactical combat. Here it was the Battle of Fontenoy-en-Puisaye, 841 (Lothaire vs. Charles the Bald and Louis the German).

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

New podcast episode. I’m learning about Operation Torch, the real payoff was starting to understand more about what Vichy France was. boardgamegeek.com/blog/2623/bl...

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Wow, a second Norwegian film was released last year about the invasion in 1940 and key decision of the Oscarsborg Fortress commander to fire. I need to watch this! Haven’t yet found a place to stream it. youtu.be/ccz0EXDYg9E?...

youtu.be

The sinking of Blücher - The Battle of Oslo (2025)

YouTube video by ashton

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

New podcast episode posted. It’s got my impressions from SDHistCon as well as a wrap up of the Invasion of Norway topic. WargamesToGo.com

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Happy to back this one. A great subject, and I trust the team behind it (Liz, David, and Salt & Pepper). Hey @beyondsolitaire.bsky.social , what book would you recommend for more context?

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Guess what? Besides the cool seminars/talks and seeing the local sights I also played some GAMES at @sdhistcon.bsky.social . As befits this unique event, the titles reflect new directions in “wargaming,” as well as older precursors of the same. History Games!

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Age yourself with tabletop gaming

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Hey @volko.bsky.social , after I recommended The Barbarossa Campaign to you (for its chit-pull), and name-dropped Bruce Geryk to emphasize the point, I learned that Bruce is actually trying to bring it back into print. boardgamegeek.com/thread/34235...

boardgamegeek.com

TBC rights and reprint | The Barbarossa Campaign

I'd like to announce that I have purchased the rights to The Barbarossa Campaign (both editions) from Gary Graber. I did this specifically in order to facilitate a new edition. I have been trying to g...

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

As much as I liked the games I played (to be described on my next podcast), I also liked the other opportunities at @sdhistcon.bsky.social . I went to the nearby Sunset Cliffs, saw the impressive Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, and listened to more seminar panels.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on a foggy morning

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery commemorative plaque

Solo Wargame designer seminar with John Butterfield, David Thompson, Jerry (Jeremy) White, and moderated by Dan Bullock

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

A rare treat to get back into some smaller/lighter wargames & history games at @sdhistcon.bsky.social .

A Few Acres of Snow played by Mark Johnson & David Thompson

Guerre Eclair (Blitzkrieg), another innovative small wargame by Yasushi Nakaguro, published by Nuts!

Seminar about wargame design tools, parameters & constraints. L to R that’s Volko Ruhnke, Cole Wehrle, and Dan Bullock

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

What was your first tabletop wargame?

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Now some wonderful nautical history at the Connecticut River museum. The successful British raid on Essex in 1814, the AWI’s Turtle, and a replica of the Onrust that first brought European explorers to the interior in 1614.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

A bit of FIW tourism today. Drove down the Lake Champlain/Lake George corridor, then visited Fort William Henry. A little cheesy (1950s reconstruction & museum mannequins), but still good to see & understand. And yes—I’m also playing AFAoS right now on Yucata.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

These were the “history games” I played in August. Arguably HotW is more euro and M44 is more wargame, but I think they both count. I love this in-between category.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

I’ve got an adult kid moving to Germany for grad school soon. Figuring out how to find & sign a contract for an apartment is tricky. DM me if you’ve got experience or tips with this.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

ATO “minigame” Assault on Narvik getting set up. Not sure about that fatigue tracking for each unit…

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

I’d been setting up to try ATO’s mini game Assault On Narvik when I learned a fan made map redone “in SPI style.” It looks so much better that I’m waiting to play until I can print it out. (I wish it had snowy mountains, but the green tones are an improvement over the original’s inexplicable reds).

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

Five years ago I used some bonus money to treat myself to a 5year subscription to S&T Quartely, now almost up. No games in these, but an entire journal devoted to a specific topic, with a foldout map. Truthfully, they pile up at home, but I love the chance to dive into these when there’s time. 🌍🌏🌎📖

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

There’s so much in @cfarrell317.bsky.social latest blog entry that I had to go past the Purple Haze and Pandemic-LotR stuff to get to what wanted—a critical look at the “history” in Pax Hispanica. Worth it. open.substack.com/pub/chrisfar...

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

New podcast episode 27.1 is about the Invasion of Norway in WW2. boardgamegeek.com/blog/2623/bl...

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

A nice morning cutting counters & watching @pushingcardboard.bsky.social ‘s Livestream YouTube episode

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Today’s the 85th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s invasion of Norway. I tried Lou Coatney’s pnp wargame on the topic. Rules are short, but a bit tricky to parse. In this game, the Germans were NOT able to gain control. boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/23...

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

On @cfarrell317.bsky.social 's excellent blog, Illuminating Games (now at chrisfarrell317.substack.com), he recommended Real Time History on YouTube for its WW2 docs. This one about the 1940 Battle of Norway is just what I needed. www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_7O...

youtube.com

Battle of Norway 1940 (Documentary)

YouTube video by Real Time History

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

On #TDOV (last Monday), one of the points was showing who “we” are. I’ve got a transgender daughter. If 1% of the population is transgender, that’s small but IMPORTANT. They deserve kindness, respect, and rights. Their parents should support & band together. You probably know someone.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Next podcast topic is the Invasion of Norway 1940. As always, learning tons already when I didn’t know so much before. This series has been a good overview before later books, magazines, and wargames. megaphone.link/ARML2095921269

megaphone.link

163: The Invasion of Norway Pt. 1 - The Altmark Incident by History of the Second World War

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

My podcast episode wrapping up the look at First Contact in Wargames is now posted. Features a discussion with @joebyer.bsky.social . The topic for the next episode will be Norway 1940. WargamesToGo.com

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Ooh! This shoots to the top of my podcast queue. Just like a Minié ball!

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Designer & tireless wargame booster @fredserval.bsky.social innovates yet again. When have we ever seen a designer self-criticize his own game? RFOP is a quick-but-deep wargame about a fascinating episode in world history. Bravo! youtu.be/ESlo7R2v9sE

youtu.be

Red Flag Over Paris - An Attempt at Self-Criticism

YouTube video by Homo Ludens

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

I’ve appreciated the online marketplace buying & selling secondhand wargames, wherever it is. Over decades I’ve done everything from eBay to rec.games.board.marketplace to CSW to BGG to Facebook Marketplace. But now I’m leaving Facebook entirely. Where’s the next best place for buying & selling?

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

I’ve clearly bitten off more than I can chew with this “First Contact” topic for my podcast episode. Most of the games aren’t exactly about that, and the books keep coming. Now reading one about the Norse in Greenland and “Canada”

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

A prime benefit of exploring “First Contact” in the New World through history games has been learning more about Indigenous peoples—past history & current issues. While I honestly say, “Happy Thanksgiving” to everyone & enjoy having my family here, I also now know about the Nat’l Day of Mourning.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

I don’t know the answer but have the same question

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Time to finish this game (at least enough of it) and clear the table in the spare bedroom/office before family arrives for Thanksgiving.

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Reposted by Mark Johnson

SDHistCon @sdhistcon.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

2024 Bobby Nunes Memorial Award finalists: - @amabel.bsky.social, video essays - @beyondsolitaire.bsky.social, interviews - @danthurot.bsky.social, Space-Biff work - "We Intend To Move On Your Works" (@drcrossbows.bsky.social, @pierrevj.bsky.social, @fredserval.bsky.social, Alex Fontaine-Rousseau).

sdhist.com

2024 Bobby Nunes Memorial Award finalists announced – SDHist

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

Of course #BGGcon is mostly about euros, but there’s a small core of real wargamers at the event, too. My buddy Phil played Downfall all day on Saturday.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

I finally caught up with this article, and found it delightful and excellent. Anyone can evaluate presidents and give them points for policy, integrity, etc. Clio serves our hobby by connecting these evaluations to a notable wargame, showcasing the president AND the game's great strengths.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 09/11/2024

We shared a town, though I’d moved away from my hometown of Lodi long before I knew about Mark. Of course I knew his wargame interest—somehow I’d missed his strong union life. Something else I admire. A great ambassador in more ways than I’d realized

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 08/11/2024

I’m sure we can find someone to teach us how to make such a starter here on Bluesky. Count me in to help.

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 20/10/2024

For a fundamentally simple game, the rules for Mound Builders are an obstacle. Still, it may be worth the effort for the uniqueness of its subject (Pre-Columbian North American civilizations). boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15...

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 19/10/2024

Is there a geeklist or something for anyone who wants to organize wargames at BGGcon?

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 17/10/2024

Oh wow. I was doing some "Google Streetview tourism" to visit Mexico City virtually, similar to what I've done with other WargamesToGo topics I've never visited in-person. That's great, but THIS...this is incredible. Be sure to try the swiping overlay images at the end. tenochtitlan.thomaskole.nl

tenochtitlan.thomaskole.nl

a portrait of Tenochtitlan

a 3D reconstruction of the capital of the Aztec Empire

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Mark Johnson @wargamestogo.bsky.social · 15/10/2024

New WGTG podcast posted. I finally summon the courage to explore First Contact in the new world, as depicted in wargames. Spoiler: we need newer/better ones! boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/166...

boardgamegeek.com

Wargames To Go 26.1 - First Contact Wargames (Introduction) | Wargames To Go

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