THE RULES OF THE GAME OF WAR

1. The Territory and the Object of the Game

The game is played on a map-board marked off into five hundred squares (25 x 20) and divided in half horizontally so as to represent two opposing territories each ten squares in depth. The two regions are asymmetrically disposed, but each contains the following: two arsenal squares, three fort squares, one mountain-pass square, and nine mountain squares. Mountains constitute an absolute barrier to troop movement and completely obstruct fire. Similarly, they block all lines of communication between the armies and their arsenals and communications units.

Before the start of play, each side or army ("North" and "South") may deploy its units as it sees fit within its own territory, one unit per square. This initial deployment must be conceived in ignorance of the adversary's arrangements, so one or both players should plan out the precise disposition of their forces on paper in advance.

The players toss a coin or draw straws for first turn. A turn comprises the movement of up to five freely chosen fighting or non-combatant units and an attack, once these moves have been completed, on an enemy unit within range. There is no obligation to declare such an attack, however, and a player is at liberty to move fewer than five units during a turn -- or indeed to move none at all.

The object of each side is the complete destruction of the adversary's military capability. This may be achieved either by the elimination of all enemy fighting units or by the capture of both enemy arsenals, an arsenal being neutralised the moment it is occupied by an enemy fighting unit.