Wiz-War

Wiz-War is a board game created by Tom Jolly and first published in 1985 through Jolly’s company, Jolly Games. It is described as a "beer and pretzels game". Although it is a "board game", Wiz-War has a very different design from more famailiar board games such as Monopoly, both physically and in game mechanics. Though it is a board game, the board is in segments and is different each time the game is played, and can also be modified by players during gameplay. Wiz-War uses cards to represent (among other things) spells cast by players, but is not comparable to card-based game systems like Magic: The Gathering. Some concepts, like magical combat and hit points should be familiar to players of Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games, but Wiz-War is, ultimately, a unique and engaging board game.

The first edition of the game was very simple, consisting of photocopied typewritten rules and cards, and cardboard boards and tokens, contained in a clear plastic bag. Later editions featured slightly more sophisticated game materials (such as a box) but the essential simplicity of the game has been preserved. Many players regard this as an essential part of the game's charm. Several "expansion sets" have also been published, including additional cards and board segments, allowing for more players. The last published edition was the 7th Edition. An Eighth Edition has been mentioned at Tom Jolly's website for some time, but has not yet been published.

Copies of the game can be very hard to find, but are sometimes available on eBay. Dedicated players frequently make their own equipment, ranging from the simple to the elaborate. The cards and board designs are avalable on the internet. Wiz-War has a small but very dedicated following, and the game's creator seems to encourage creation and innovation within the Wiz-War community.

The relative simplicity of the game is deceiving; turns can be structured in a highly compex and sophisticated way to take maximum advantage of the cards in a player's hand and avoid interference by other players.

Wiz-War Gameplay

Wiz-War is a turn-based board game that takes place in a stone dungeon. Each player is a wizard, represented on the board by a carboard wizard token, and starts the game on a particular segment of the board, at the center of which is the player's home base. Each player has two treasures, also represented by tokens, located in that player's segment.

Cards are dealt to each player to represent spells that may be cast, objects (both magical and mundane) that may be used, and other actions that may be taken by that player. These cards are generally discarded when used and can be replenished throughout the game. Each player begins the game with fifteen life points that can be lost in a wide variety of ways.

A player wins by (1) placing two treasures belonging to other players on his or her home base, or (2) eliminating all other players.

The full text of the rules included with the original game and each of the expansion sets may be found at this website. The description of the rules provided here is intended to synthesize these rules and game concepts in a clear and readily-accessible way for the novice player.

Basic Game Concepts in Wiz-War

There are certain basic concepts that are helpful in understanding the mechanics of Wiz-War.

Victory Conditions

The game is over and a player has won when that player has either:

placed two treasures belonging to other players on his or her home square, or
killed every other player.

The treasures of players who have been eliminated can be used to satisfy (1). Note that in very unusual conditions, it is possible for the remaining two players to kill each other, causing the game to end in a draw.

Elimination

Each player begins with two treasures and 15 "hit points". A player is eliminated when either:

both of that player's treasures rest on the home base of another living player or players, or
that player has sustained damage equal or greater to his or her remaining hit points.

Note that if both treasures are on the same living opponent's home base, that opponent has satisfied one of the victory conditions and the game is over. Also, note that it is sometimes possible to gain hit points as a result of certain magical actions.

Once eliminated, a player is out of the game permanently.

The Board

Wiz-War takes place in a stone dungeon represented by square board segments. The total field of play is made up of one square board segment per player, so the larger the number of players, the larger the total field of play.

Each board segment is composed of a five-by-five grid of squares each of which is a space. The layout of each board segment is a unique labrynth of walls and doors and the boards are randomly selected by the players and radomly rotated and placed at the start of each game. The result is that the board is different every time the game is played.

The home base of each player is at the center of that player's segment, and the treasures are placed on indicated squares diagonal to the home base.

Each of the edges of the board "warps" to the edge of another board, as if it the board were a projection of a very small world; the field of play therefore is finite, but has no boundaries. When the number of players is such that the board is both horizontally and vertically symmetrical, opposite edges of the board are deemed contiguous. Board layout is therefore simple for games of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 9 players. (Note that any number of players greater than 8 would require the use of multiple sets or homemade board segments.)

With three players, arrange the boards in an ell; the inside edges of the ell are deemed contiguous, and in the original (four player) edition, an "auto warp" board segment was included. add section with pictures for 5 and 7 players.

The Hand

Each player starts with a hand of seven cards. Except for magical enhancements, a player may not have more than seven cards in his or her hand at any time, and must immediately discard excess cards.

Cards are generally either 'spells', the effects of which are described on the card, number cards, discussed below, or represent objects or actions that can be used for a variety of purposes. Any number of unwanted cards can be discarded, which can make room for new cards to be drawn up to the seven card limit . he maximum number of cards that can be held is (usually) seven, and a player may replenish two cards from the undrawn pile at the end of its turn.

Number Cards

There are numerous number cards throughout the deck, from two to six. These are used to enhance movement or the action of point- or turn-based spells. Generally only one number card may be applied to a particular action, but multiple number cards may be used in a single turn. For example, you may use one number card to enhance your movement, and one card for each spell that you cast that requires a number card.

Any spell that requires a number card may be cast without a number card, in which case it is as if the card was cast with a number card of one.

Movement

Movement is horizontal and vertical only, not diagonal. Each player can ordinarily move up to three squares per turn, but can use a number card and other magical enhancements (as described on the relevant card) to increase movement.

Lines of Sight & Calculating Distance

Many spells can only be cast against targets within line of sight of the caster. This is generally indicated by "LOS" printed on the upper right corner of the relevant card. To evaluate lines of sight, the caster and target are assumed to be at the center of each square. At the center of each square in most editions of the game is a dot, to aid evaluation. The line between the center of each square must be unobstructed, if it nicks any part of a wall or door there is no line of sight. Obviously, one cannot ordinarily see through a door or wall.

Distances are generally calculated as a player could move.

Cards & Rules

The most important rule to know is that all rules are "unless a card says otherwise". Every other rule in Wiz-war can be modified or even nulified by at least one of the available spells. For example, the "Brain Stone" card allows a player to hold nine cards, which modifies the rule stated above about the limit of cards that can be held being seven. From a drafting perspective, it would be absurd to mention all the possible exceptions to each rule when discussing the basic rules. And it would be tedious to read after every rule, "except if such and such spell has been cast". So the rules are presented without direct mention of the numerous exceptions.

Starting the Game

Deal out cards, boards, place wizard and treasure tokens on start positions, etc.

Play begins with the player who rolled the highest.

Playing the Game

Play begins with the player who rolled the highest, as described above, and passes clockwise. During a turn there are many things a player can do.

Each player takes a turn during which they may move, cast spells, control monsters, pick up certain objects, and take other actions. Each player starts the turn with three movement points, which they can supplement with a number card. At any point during their movement, a player may cast spells from their cards. A player may only "attack" once per turn and the act of picking up an object ends a players turn.

Ending the Game

The game ends when a player has satisfied one of the two victory conditions. In theory, it is possible for the game to end in a draw; this can happen if only two players remain, and an attack by one is partially reflected or otherwise does damage to both sufficient to kill both wizards. This is exceedingly rare.

Strategy and Tactics

One of the aspects of Wiz-War that can be most fascinating is the range of tactical possibilities presented by the large number of possible actions the spells permit. Under the right (or wrong) circumstances a seemingly powerful spell can be useless, while even the most mundane spell can be the difference between victory and defeat. There is, therefore, no substitute for being aware of the possibilities presented by the cards in your hand, and the possible spells tha others can use to thwart your well-laid plans. One of the most characteristic aspects of Wiz-War is to believe you are only one turn from inevitable, crushing victory, only to find that one or several adversaries have anticipated your move and are ready to thwart you.

General Strategic Considerations

A few general strategic considerations can be enumerated:

Prioritize treasure-stealing over combat

It is almost always more effective to win by stealing two treasures, and to eliminate adversaries by depriving them of their treasures, than to defeat all opponents in combat, especially in multi-player games. While there is little more satisfying (in the context of Wiz-War) than doing massive damage to a good friend, as a strategic matter an important goal is to reduce the range of actions available to opponents.

An attack can be directed against only one player, while stealing a player's treasure pushes one player closer to elimination, while simultaneously putting all the other players on the defensive. Unless it is possible to kill an opponent outright, or reduce an opponent's life points to a small enough number that it significantly affects that player's decision-making, an attack still leaves an opponent with many options. On the other hand, a player with one treasure on another's home square, and another treasure vulnerable is forced into playing defense.

Even if a player can direct a massive attack against another player, the victim may well be able to reflect some or all of that attack upon the caster. Stealing a treasure does not run the same risk.

Depriving opponents of turns or otherwise limiting their action is more effective than depriving them of life points

Until a player has taken sufficient damage that it affects decision-making (for example, inability to cross damage-causing obstacles, or unwillingness to enter lines of sight), the player still has substantial freedom to pursue strategic and tactical objectives. Losing a turn, however, completely prevents an adversary from pursuing victory for at least one turn. It also has the collateral benefits of depriving an adversary of the opportunity to replenish cards, and of allowing an opportunity for retreat. Some attacks can restrict an opponnents movement or capabilities, like preventing them from being able to cast spells for a number of turns. Because these types of attacks are more effective than trying to actually permanently damage a wizard, it is no accident that one of the expressions of regret at the end of a game most heard from the still living losers is "but I was only one turn from victory".

When no clear tactical objective presents itself, get in the mix

One of the general restrictions on most actions is that they can only be performed in line of sight. Because of this restriction, wizards must usually be relatively close to areas of the board that they wish to influence. A wizard who has no immediate clear tactical objective, due to boor board position, unlucky placement of available treasures or cards that poorly support a quick treasure-grab, may find it useful to just head toward the center of action to "get in the mix". Doing so will increase the range of possible actions and decrease the possibility of being further marginalized. It may be possible, for example, to finish off wizards weakened by combat with better-situated adversaries. It may be essential, in the event of a collaborative defense (see below), that the player simply be present to help delay another player's victory.

Recognize when collaborative action is appropriate, but protect your interests

There is no second place in Wiz-War. When one player is on the cusp of victory it is in everyone's interest to work to thwart that player, and other players will often collaberate to thwart the player threatening to win. Collaboration may consist simply of asking "Player A, will you be able to grab that treasure before Player B gets there to drop the second treasure?", and making a judgment as to whether to trust the answer; at the other extreme, it may require several players opening up their hands and sharing cards (which can only be done between wizards inline of sight, hence the importance of being in the mix).

However, it is important at these moments to realize that, while there is no second place in Wiz-War, it is easy for a player to misrepresent the strength of his or her position. For example, a prudent player faced with an adversary's imminent victory may be perfectly aware that they can thwart that player easily, but may wish to encourage other players to drain or reveal their hands unnecessarily. Or, that player may be perfectly aware that due to a strong hand they will themselves win first, but will use the distraction to his or her advantage. Weighing these situations properly is a very important Wiz-War skill.

Specific Tactical Themes

Becoming an irritant

A corollary to the strategy of getting in the mix is becoming an "irritant". The realities of both the randomness of board placement and the drawing of cards with significantly different amounts of utility is that each wizard does not have an equal chance of winning in any specific game. Also, a wizard for whom the game has gone badly so far may feel that victory is just out of reach this game. From this point, such a player may declare themselves an "irritant" (note, such declaration has no game mechanic effect, but it does put the other players on notice that you are about to get nasty) and spend the rest of the game attempting to amuse themselves by engaging in the time honored tradition of annoying their friends. Such a player may put themselves into the mix or may simply hound another player who has incurred their wrath. While such a strategy may not lead to victory in that specific game, a reputation for general nastiness, especially nastiness of a somewhat irrational nature, can be a useful deterrent to opponents in later games.

"House Rules"

The creation of "house rules" is expressly contemplated in the published rules. Many groups do not like certain spells, and remove them from the game. Many groups also have created their own spells. For example, if a certain spell is believed to be too powerful and to unbalance gameplay (such as "Perma Warp"), it can be removed from the deck, or modified to reduce its power. It is also common to modify or eliminate certain rules to suit a particular style of gameplay.

Rules Questions

Rules questions abound in Wiz-War. Many of the rules and spells are drafted ambiguously. Also, because of the huge number of possible combinations and interactions between spells, and the perversity of the sort of player who is attracted to Wiz-War, it is often unclear what should happen. Some issues are addressed in the rules, and some are the subject of heated debate within Wiz-War groups. Most groups appear to resolve the more common questions by consensus, and develop a common law of Wiz-War for use in the group.

Tom Jolly has offered his views on some rules questions, either in the rules or through his website, but groups are of course at liberty to decide whether this interpretation is dispositive. Some examples of ambiguity are below.

Counteractions and "Illusionary Attack"

Player A uses "Illusionary Attack" on Player B. Illusionary Attack, which mimics the effect of any other attack, but with only a 50% chance of the victim "believing" the attack. Player B has "Full Shield", which shields the player from the effects of any attack. Player B is vulnerable and must shield whatever attack Player A launches. Does Player A get to roll the die to see whether Illusionary Attack "works" and then, if it works, play Full Shield (Player B's theory); or must Player B either immediately play Full Shield, or accept the 50% chance of a successful attack (Player A's theory)?

One argument Player A might advance is that the relevant attack that is being shielded is the Illusionary Attack itself, rather than the (possibly unsuccessful) attack it is pretending to be. Therefore if Player B wished to shield anything, it has to be the Illusionary Attack at the moment it is cast. Player A might point out that gameplay is improved by not allowing Player A two chances to disrupt the attack.

Player B could reply that Illusionary Attack only mimics the effects of another attack, for example, a "Fireball". From Player B's perspective, a Fireball is hurtling down the corridor, Player B sees it and is either convinced by it or not (hence the 50% chance of being affected). If Player B disbelieves the Fireball, Player B simply ignores it. If, on the other hand Player B believes it is a real Fireball, Player B can counteract it as any other Fireball. Player B might also point out that Illusionary Attack is an intentionally weak spell, and it would disrupt gameplay to allow it to always require a player to use a counteraction.

"Swarthmore's Enchantment" cast on a player's fists

"Swarthmore's Enchantment" is a spell widely thought to be of limited utility and often discarded to make room for more powerful spells. It can be cast on any "object" and causes that object to do one more point of damage than it ordinarily would. One player creatively decided to cast Swarthmore's Enchantment on his fists, rather than discard the card, raising the question of whether a player's fist is an "object" within the meaning of the term as used on the Swarthmore's Enchantment card

On one hand, a player's fist is clearly an "object" in the game context in the sense that it occupies space, has mass, is not a magical force and does physical damage. Other spells that effect "objects" can unequivably be used to effect players (unequivable because those cards or the rules are more specific in these other spell's application), implying that the player as a whole is, at the very least, an object. This interpretation also makes useful a card that is otherwise of very limited utility, and shows a great deal of creativity. On the other hand, the set of examples enumerated on the card itself is evidence that its original intent was to apply to a limited subset of damage-causing in-game weapons; for example, the Large Rock and the Dagger. A proponent of this view could argue that the alternative view makes unreasonable use of a spell intended to be weak and of limited utility, and that it could not have been in the contemplation of the author of the rule that it would be used in such a way.

An analysis similar to that discussed above applies to casting Swarthmore's Enchantment on monsters capable of doing physical damage, like the Skeleton.

Calculating distance for "Thumb Of God"

"Thumb of God" allows the caster to "flip the die from a distance of no less than six inches onto the board so as to hit playing tokens." Does the six inches include vertical distance?

Homemade Equipment

An example of an elaborate homemade wood Wiz-War board. The placement of a player token in an autowarp resulted from the use of Thumb of God; this position could not occur in normal gameplay. This board configuration also includes a seventh homemade board segment allowing for larger games.(full size)

Because of the scarcity of original games, it is common for players to make equipment, or indeed whole sets, for their own use. Tom Jolly seems to be aware of this, and does not appear to have raised any copyright or other objections to the making of homemadesets for personal use.

Perhaps the most common pieces of homemade equipment are new spell cards and new board segments allowing for more players. While the expansion sets contained additional boards, adding further homemade boards Homemade versions are often simple, printed on card stock from home printers.

However, some players have prepared very elaborate sets.