Hand Games Books

The product was great and Woody's book store communicated great through email about the purchase and ordering information. The only thing is the number of days that it took to ship was confusing; I thought it would get to me sooner, but what the number of days meant was when it would be shipped as opposed to it arriving to me.

Sometimes, people who have been "handicapped" in some manner end up withdrawing into themselves. A few of them are downright miserable. Mad at the world for being stuck in the situation they're in... the best they can hope for (because they're depressing to be around) is to have people feel sorry for them.

Mark Zupan (who, hopefully, you know from the astoundingly-good, and deserved-to-win-the-Oscar documentary, MURDERBALL), is NOT one of those people. He doesn't WANT anyone to feel sorry for him. (In fact, he doesn't even want to be seen as a "role model," or an "inspiration," though [sorry Mark!], to a lot of people, he is.)

Mark was an athletic, fun-loving 18-year-old, having a blast in South Florida when everything he knew changed in an instant. Sleeping off a night of heavy partying in the back of his buddy Chris Igoe's parked pickup, he had no clue when his friend got in and (also drunk) drove off. Not too long thereafter, Igoe swerved off the road and Mark ended up flying out of the truck-bed, over a fence, and into some dense foliage overhanging a small lake. (Igoe had no idea Mark was in the truck bed, so when the police came, they never looked for him.)

Mark regained consciousness, only to find himself unable to move (he didn't know it yet, but he was paralyzed from the neck down), hanging upside-down from a branch with his nose just inches from the water... and getting closer by the moment. He hung there for 14 hours, before a workman heard him yelling for help.

And that's just the START of the story!

In the years that followed, he has not only become one of the star players of the sport known as Quad Rugby (a.k.a. Murderball), his attitude about his "situation" (whether he likes it or not!) has helped untold numbers of others* to better cope with their own situations.


* I know of what I speak. My young and lovely wife has been in a wheelchair for several years due to Multiple Sclerosis. After seeing the movie MURDERBALL --and *especially* after meeting Zupan at a tournament, her attitude went from "good" to fantastic. She's no longer "the girl in the wheelchair." She's simply my wife, who's fun to be around, and who's interested in doing the things she CAN do, rather than fretting about the things she can't.

-Jonathan Sabin

A fast paced, gritty look into an Athlete's brush with death and the long road to recovery. If you are looking for the next inspiration for a cheesy After School Special on overcoming adversity...don't read this book. If you are looking for a well written, insightful look into how one guy copes with tragedy and disability, then this is an excellent read. To say Gimp has texture is an understatement thanks to its subject, Mark Zupan, a quadriplegic athlete who was made famous by the documentary Murder Ball. Gimp details how this proud, perhaps arrogant athlete dealt with a tragic accident that cost him the full use of his limbs thanks to drunken night that resulted in a brush with death and a debilitating spinal cord injury.

Gimp does not spare us the details that are often left out of such stories including the uglier side of human emotion. The books subject faces Zupan's denial, doubt, guilt, fear, despair and loss as a result of his tragedy. While he ultimately comes to terms with his injury and recovery, it is not without some serious setbacks, some self inflicted. It is this part of writer Timothy Swanson's writing that really sets Gimp apart. He does not spare Zupan some hard looks into his darker nature to include arrogance, self indulgence and outright self destructiveness at times. If there is a villain in the book, it is Zupan himself and his own feelings of despair and anger. It is Swanson's description of Zupan's struggle with his own dark feelings and fears that give the story its power.

The book is not without its own sense of humor and offers a dark amusement that Zupan has for the hand life has dealt him. Gimp deftly shows Zupan's outlook on life which is headstrong and confident but not without his fair share of hidden frailty in the face of a near death experience. In fact, the description of the actual accident that describes Zupan clinging to life, literally perhaps, is the book's strongest section. I have many friends who suffer from war wounds, especially brain injuries from IED's or "danger close" air strikes and I can say from personal experience that Gimp does an excellent job at looking at how proud warriors (in Gimp's case a world class athlete), deal with injury and recovery. I recommend this book without reservation to certainly anyone who knows someone who suffers from a disability or who has seen the documentary Murder Ball. The book has broader appeal to fans of sports writing as well since the book leaves no doubt that Zupan is an athlete. The fact that it is an easy read and has a brisk pace is no small feat given that other works of this genre tend to drag on, lack direction and are often burdened with sappy and clichéd, touchy-feely housewife book club nonsense. Zupan's force of will as described by Swanson carries the book along as does the suspense of how he will cope with each stage of his recovery and his entrance into the world of quad rugby aka Murder Ball. I thought it was a great read and recommend it without reservation.

This is a great book. Inspiring, entertaining, hilarious, and real. Mark doesn't pull any punches in this. It is not a self-pity book nor does it try to lecture the reader. It is a real account of someone who is very inspiring, yet doesn't pretend to be what he isn't.

Once I started reading this I couldn't put it down. Awesome!!!

Mark Zupan makes you think about what you have, not what you do not have.

He may be in a chair, but he is not handicap. Mark Zupan speak frankly and openly about his life before and after. He does not blame anyone for his injury.

Make you think you life is O.K. and despite what happens you can survive and go on.

Life is not so bad.

This book is great! There are many word activities to choose from, which I find very helpful and a time saver!

This concept keeps kids interested. They want to figure out the little words and the big words created by the letters, so it's an excellent one for phonics. If you already use Open Court, it would be a good supplement. There is some prep time involved in writing and cutting the letters, unless you're smarter than me and use die-cut letters from a bulletin board!!

I use this resource with my first graders in conjunction with our phonics program. It is a super hands-on way to reach those tactile-kinesthetic learners!

This book is wonderful for primary grades as well as ESL classes. It's interactive and the kids love it. We use it every morning when we enter the "Wonderful World of Words." There is also a Making Big Words for intermediate grades! I definitely recommend it!

This is the best spelling book I have seen. I am a homeschooling mom of 2 boys (9 & 8) and this is the easiest method and they enjoy it too!

Every accomplished bridge player has a copy of this book, but don't expect them to lend it to you. This is the oldest and most comprehensive guide to understanding the cards. There is a wealth of information on suit combinations, basic strategies, and other principles of declarer play. You won't be able to read it in a weekend, or even a month, so plan to take it slowly and study each chapter carefully. A bestseller for over 65 years. My mother gave me this book almost 40 years ago, and I still find valuable information in it.

Easy to read, well organized, this masterpiece needs to be studied carefully, a must have for any serious player!

I have 40 bridge books. This one teaches you the 90% of bridge, and all the others the rest 10%. Top classic.

First, my mother tongue is French, I'm sure you will excuse my style. In the past, I read Mollo, Kantar, Grant... always on a quest to find a great and complete bridge book and never entirely satisfied... too simplistic, too advanced, hard to read, poor teaching skills...
I wanted to find a book that was covering both the dummy play and the defense. Also, I wanted to revisit the very basics, to have a solid start, and then to go gradually into more complex techniques, covering virtually all aspects of the play, including the more advanced techniques. I was looking for the ultimate book: the Bridge Bible written by a brilliant teacher!

When I was not really looking for a book anymore, I finally tried Watson's book. I hesitated at first, because I was told his style is a bit dry and too detailed. EUREKA!!! I regret not having started with this book the very first day I played bridge. This is the ultimate BIBLE! Not only it fulfilled all my above expectations, but it goes one step beyond, he is a genius, each chapter is a revelation. I did not learn techniques; I learned the principles underlying the techniques. It is like being thought secret knowledge by a wise guru, realizing how simple everything was in the first place. His style is clear, concise, and straight to the point, but he covers a lot of material. His summaries are ideal for fast and easy review. I don't have to mention how drastically my level of play changed.

My quest is now over, I found the Grail, I now understand why Watson's book is recommended by most schools around the world. This is probably the only book you will every need about the play of the hand.

There is no other book comparable to this book for learning, improving and reviewing. I bought this book 30 years ago and I still go back and read some of the advanced chapters. Although the book is a little wordy, it pays to concentrate on what Watson is saying, if you are really interested in being a good bridge player.

Execution Hour is a must have book for any BFG player. The book is written just as if Rennie was watching a huge BFG Tournament game being played out and he was the play by play man for some gallactic radio station! The details he puts into the book are so descriptive, yet easy to read, that you actually "feel" the storyline. Fantastic descriptions of an Imperial Cruiser or a Chaos capital ship. The scenes on the bridge where Captain Semper commands his ship are so well layed out, it was just as if Rennie used an Imperial set of blueprints. BFG players will love the battle details, and the book is full of them!

Wow!, well written and thoroughly absorbing. The struggle and futility were conveyed well, as was the desperation and dedication by all characters. The details were as accurate with the 40K universe as they can be. A well recommended book for those who like me, love all things sci-fi and the Universe of Warhammer 40k.

Execution hour is one of the best novel out there, Sadly, you have to understand a lot about the WarHamer 40K universe, so for new fans, or outsider, they should start with simpler book (See Space Wolf (Ragnar's books), Xenos (Eisenhorn trilogy) and even the Eye of Terror novels). But for the fan's it's a rarely seen aspect of the WH40K universe, the space battles, and gothic ships, fighters etc... It's a great book, good and strong story line, a few twists to keep it interesting, the action, and space battle are vividly and richly detailed, and thus, completely enjoyable, the only negative part was the end, a little abrupt, but they're will obviously be a sequel in the future, recommended to all knowledgeable fans.

Emperor be praised! What a great novel! Players of Battlefleet Gothic or Warhammer 40k or just fans of Sci-Fi will like this action packed book! Alot of outer space fleet action, small craft fighter action even grounder pounder action! And the characters are involving and interesting. It's also an excellent tie in to the Abaddon Black Crusade saga. Get it, NOW!

This is a tale about the ongoing war in the Gothic sector( a area in the Warhammer 40,000 that is rife with war and conflict). But, there is a dark threat on the horizon. Abaddons evil warfleet is on its way with a new weapon called, "The Planet killer". The Imperial warship, THE MACHARIUS, lead by Captain Semper. Is in a struggle against the agents of chaos. This book has it all. A finely written book that is easy to follow( if you know & understand the warhammer 40,000 world ). It has epic battles in space and more personal battles on the planet of belatis; A planet marked for complete destruction. It also tell the story from several different angles;from Capt. Semper to a lowly crew hand...There is also a new book out called "Shadow Point" that is the second part to this book.

I purchased several party planning books for my son's 4th birthday. This book was by far the best. There are great ideas, recipes, games, projects, treats, you name it, this book has it. It does not have a bunch of dressed up glossy pictures. It does have lots of photo copy pages for invites, games and decorations. The suggestions cover a wide range of ages as well.

I very rarely write reviews, but this book is so great that I felt it deserved it. So many ideas that I never even thought of and step by step ways to incorporate them into the party. I took this out of the library but definitely want to buy it so I always have it on hand. This book also has a lot of fun recipes and games that don't have to wait for a birthday party.Very highly recommended

From the American Library Association Booklist (Denise Donavin) Vangsgard's party plans follow common themes: cowboy, pirate, dinosaur, circus, space, etc. However, these are party plans often called for by younger children, and Vangsgard exhibits much depth of planning and creative detail. She has ideas for making your own stickers and face paint, building game structures, and fashioning cakes in original patterns. For parents not motivated to these depths of do-it-yourselfism, there are plenty of suggestions for adding a personal touch to purchased prizes, cakes and other items. The general planning and scheduling guidelines are excellent as is the advice for gearing the party to the child's age.

From Jeane Voltz (former food editor of Woman's Day) This book has everything you'd want to know about how to throw a children's party, and has projects worked out to the tiniest detail, including how-to-drawings. This is not just for parties. The play-crafts will come in handy for Cub Scout dens, Brownie packs, rainy day entertainment and a host of occasions when the complaint is, 'What can we do now?'

From Pittsburgh Parent (Beth A. Lawry) This book is still one of the best resources on party giving that I've seen. Hit of the Party is a well-organized and comprehensive party planner for children ages 1-10. I particularly liked the outline format. Headings are clear and let you skim through to find the sections you want. The introduction is well thought out and includes extremely helpful tips. Individual chapters include complete plans for 12 theme parties ranging from pirates to fairy tales, safaris to space. Four appendices in the back compile recipes, cake tips, crafts and games. Vangsgard also gets high marks for including photocopy-able lists and artwork, age ranges for activities and crafts and preparation times.

I absolutely LOVE this book! The concept of taking something and remaking it is so practical. I like that there are patterns in the back of the book. The descriptions of "how to" are well written. Great pictures. I was so inspired that I went to the author's website and blog for further study! If you like handsewing and embroidery work (although machine sewing is an option, you will enjoy this book.

I sew for a living and this book is beautiful. Can't believe I didn't hear about them until now. Went to work making some pieces. Wish sources listed places to buy the super fabric they mention. Quality fabric is hard to find without some tips.

book! if i had to write about growing up in the south (nc) it would look something like this.i was taught at a very young age to sew with with a needle and thread from my great grandmother the exact same way the author teaches.
to this day, it is easier for me to take a scrap piece of cloth,draw out my pattern with a pencil and sew it up on my hands than it is for me to sew on any machine.the black eye peas and biscuits would have been prepped at dawn so they would be ready to eat by lunch, then at dinner,fried chicken and rice would complete it.
my husband's job sent him to alabama for a few weeks and the entire time he complained bitterly that it had to be the most backward state in the union,where the worst southern stereotypes were a all day long indignity to endure.
the projects are gorgeous and inspiring and i was pleased to see some beautiful truths emerge from the pages of this book,proving that alabama,like everything else, only needs a loving eye to be seen through.

I had pre-ordered this book and kind of forgot about it. When it arrived on a particularly over cast day it was a wonderful surprise. This is a beautiful book. I love the history that she starts out with as well as the incredibly beautiful projects. I am going to be making the skirt that is featured in the book. The only bummer is I wish she would of listed sources in which to find the jersey t-shirt knit fabric that she uses. What I like about the projects is one you have the base garment finished you can bring your item with you where ever you go and stitch to your delight. I love some of the beading that is added to some of the projects. If you want to get your socks blown off check out Natalie's Project Alabama website. If only I was rich I would be buying every single garment she makes. I have been truly inspired by this book and I think that is what it is designed to do. I am going to take her basic technique and make it my own by designing my own stencils. This book is worth every penny if you haven't figured it out by now. Destined to be one of my favorite craft/sewing books ever. Enjoy!

I have admired Natalie Chanin's clothing for some time now. I have completed the corset shown in this book, completely hand-stitched and beautiful! Chanin gives you all the tools and information needed to complete this project and many more. It comes with stencils, full-scale patterns, and so many projects... I can't wait to do them all! I am by no means a seamstress, or even that good at sewing, but these projects are so easy, with such beautiful pictures and illustrations, even a novice like me can make amazing clothing! Thank you, Natalie, for sharing your vision and creative gifts with us all!

This book is superb; the author's thoughts flow through my mind during every auction, competitive or not. He discusses in detail, for example, when a holding of xxx in a suit opened by opponents is terrible, neutral, or mildly positive. The studious reader will understand why a hand which opened 1 Spade with xxxxxx in spades improves vastly more than a hand which opened 1 Spade with KQJTx when partner raises Spades vigorously (in Lawrence's words, "Beware the short stubby suit.") Attention to the principles carefully explained and extensively illustrated (sometimes the same hand is geven with half a dozen different auctions to explain evaluation niceties) by Lawrence will vastly reduce your phantom sacrifices, -800s when dummy hit with "all the wrong cards," and +1370s which delight your teammates, who were -630 defending 3NT at the other table when their opponents never looked for a minor-suit slam.

Someone once charitably described me as an "average player." So, take my review for what it is worth.

I believe that this is an excellent book for its target audience. But, most novices are probably not ready to make much use of it.

The introduction says that it is for "experienced bridge players." I would interpret that as meaning those who have completed a series of beginning classes (perhaps based on the Audrey Grant - ACBL - series) and have played at least a year.

The book is well written. (An enhanced discussion of what Lawrence terms "shell points" would have been helpful to me.)
It helped me to understand in a more profound way how both "shape" and competitive auctions affect hand evaluation.

I think that this is a very insightful book, which I will read and re-read several times.

This book is superb; the author's thoughts flow through my mind during every auction, competitive or not. He discusses in detail, for example, when a holding of xxx in a suit opened by opponents is terrible, neutral, or mildly positive. The studious reader will understand why a hand which opened 1 Spade with xxxxxx in spades improves vastly more than a hand which opened 1 Spade with KQJTx when partner raises Spades vigorously (in Lawrence's words, "Beware the short stubby suit.") Attention to the principles carefully explained and extensively illustrated (sometimes the same hand is given with half a dozen different auctions to explain evaluation niceties) by Lawrence will vastly reduce your phantom sacrifices, -800s when dummy hit with "all the wrong cards," and +1370s which delight your teammates, who were -630 defending 3NT at the other table when their opponents never looked for a minor-suit slam.

You hold AQTx in a suit. 6 HCP. The suit is overcalled on your right. Its likely RHO holds the K and J. Your hand is worth maybe 2 extra tricks (finesse the T and Q). Lets say LHO overcalls the suit instead. Oh, oh! Bad news, they probably have the K and J, your hand is probably good for 1 trick, though its still got stoppers for NT.

The books has many bidding sequences where your hand fluctuates in value.
A singleton in your partners first bid suit is not necessarily an asset as their suit is hard to set up and secondary honors are worthless.

Axx gives you control as to when to take the ace - 1st 2nd or 3rd round. COmpared to a stiff ace.

You need some practical experience to get something out of the book. Read some books, play for a year, THEN read this. This is beyond counting HCP

No ZAR points or silver bullets, just how to dynamically value your hand.

A must for any serious player. Good advice on every aspect of reevaluating your hand as the bidding proceeds by one of the most readable of all bridge authors.

I am reading my way through the White Wolf omnibus series and have just finished this one. There is only one word to describe the sweep and the depth of Moorcock's imagination -- awesome. It's no wonder so many other fantasy writers call him the Master.
This book, like the final book in the Elric series, has a dramatic and shocking ending, but that makes it all the better, all the more like a real myth. From books like Mother London and The Brothel in Rosenstrasse, through the Elric and Hawkmoon novels, to the most recent King of the City, Moorcock shows himself to be the greatest. A giant in modern fiction. Whether you like fantasy novels or literary fiction, I guarantee you will like the Corum series. Only Moorcock and Tolkien are the 'real thing'. Even in his minor work, he throws up concepts which other writers create entire series out of. He is one of the best and most influential writers of our age. Totally recommended!

In America at least, I think Moorcock has been overlooked as a notable pioneer in fantasy. At the very least he's merely underrated but as I read more and more of his work I realize how much he's influenced writers of today and the recent past, especially in the fantasy genre. Elric took the concept of the "anti-hero" and ran with it and Corum injects a whole heap of Celtic mythology into the proceedings, with quite entertaining results. Nowadays, some writers (Charles DeLint is the one who comes to mind right away) pretty much base their entire careers on building on those mythologies and folklores, but when Moorcock put all this stuff together, I don't think it was as common and I wonder what people thought of it at the time. This is another volume in White Wolf's Eternal Champion series and the second entire book to feature Corum (he's had cameos in other stories throughout) and this one basically wraps up his saga. Pound for pound I think Corum is a far more interesting character than Elric . . . Elric, while fun in a "gee what new tragedy will happen to him so he can complain about it" sort of way, probably has the biggest appeal these days to teenage fantasy lovers who mostly fixate on "Cool! He sucked out that guy's soul!". Corum, on the other hand, is more well rounded, he has definite doubts after saving the world, he misses his late wife but is prepared to move on, has a sense of humor and is actually proactive once in a while, which I think gives the stories more narrative drive, as opposed to the Champion reacting to stuff over and over again. These last three stories in the series have separate plots but mostly deal with the ongoing problem of saving the world from huge demigods from Limbo that would really like to get back but since they can't would rather just destroy the world (I'll give Moorcock this, his villains are unique). Corum is summoned to the future (really the past, or at least an alternate world) to save the world from these menaces and proceeds to get hip-deep in Celtic mythology. Moorcock sure seems to have done his research and it's hard to tell where he's drawing from other sources and where he's simply just making it up. The plot do suffer to some extent from the "plot coupon" mentality, where Corum has to go track down the long lost rare artifacts (the titles of the stories are a good clue) generally by way of a lot of tangential side quests, but Moorcock piles on so much local flavor that you don't really notice and he does take time to throw in extra twists and wrinkles so it doesn't feel color-by-numbers. The ending is typically downbeat (I know they're called "champions" but boy do their lives stink) but it's a fast entertaining read and probably possessed of more reread value than the Elric stuff, this definitely makes for a more consistent reading experience throughout. A must for both fantasy fans (the White Wolf volumes are sadly out of print, I'm sure the British or the originals are all available, although I'm not sure how much revision was done) and those who enjoy adding a sprinkling of Celtic folklore to their reading.

When it comes to real intellectual content Gene Wolfe gives better value than Moorcock in this series at least. But for sheer Celtic instincts (listen to Celtic Ladies CD while you read this) Moorcock is second only to Yeats, who used the great Celtic myths for inspiration (both the CD and Yeats refer to 'moorcocks'). These are the closest to their Celtic roots, using Cornish, rather than Irish, as their main influence. Is it a coincidence that Cornwall has so many traditions associated with King Arthur and Camelot. There's a suggestion in this that Corum visits Tintagel, which sometime Dubliner Moorcock has used to similar effect in his Jerry Cornelius books. How mythologies intersect, sometimes with disastrous results, is part of the theme of this hell-for-leather fantasy which goes so fast, in comparison to modern 'phat phantasy', as Revolution SF calls it, that you hardly realise the time has passed. The CONTENT of this book, like Wolfe's, is considerably greater than the content of most of its rivals. Highly recommended, if just for its sense of the Celtic Twilight.

My first experience with Moorcock was Elric. I loved the character and wanted to read more Moorcock, so I picked up Von Bek. Well, I did not care for Von Bek, so I picked up the Eternal Champion, which, excluding the Von Bek story, I liked. I had heard many good things about Corum and decided to give him a try. While I will not say that he is greater than Elric, he is almost as good. Corum's story is one of irony to the end. Humans take his eye and his hand, but he aids humans in their struggles and falls in love with one. She dies and the Prince with the Silver Hand collection starts up. I liked these novels and consumed them rather quickly. They are well-written and thought out and everything that happens, for the most part, is resolved. Moorcock's sense of continuity is wonderful. Corum, as are most Moorcock books, is violent and full of arrows through heads and swords through throats. If you are at all interested in dark fantasy, read Corum

While Elric remains Moorcock's most enduring charecter, Corum is the most likable. The Corum stories are also probably the best written because they were written as a series, unlike the Elric stories which were written through a 15 to 20 year time span. (The first 4 volumes of Hawkmoon are also excellent.)

Corum, like Elric is a tragic Hero, but is much more likeable and really has a lot of elements of being a true Hero. While Elric is a taker (The Stealer of Souls), Corum leaves his own world for another to help humans in a dire struggle against an Ancient race of Gods. (Actually charecters and representations from ancient Celtic Mythology.)

All in all one of Moorcock's best series. A must for any Sci-Fi/Fantasy Genre fan.

This book is a gem with exciting stories and/or experiments with elements. Written in a simple manner with cartoon illustrations, parents and teachers should have fun sharing this with children and everyone will learn some chemistry!

When my son's third-grade teacher said the students could get extra credit for doing science experiments in front of the class, I began a search for a great book that would not only give simple, interesting experiments, but that would provide information about the concepts behind the projects. This book fit the bill perfectly! We've done two or three of these in front of the class already -- the kids were interested, and my son was able to convey some interesting scientific principles. Great for teachers, home schoolers, or parents intent on getting their kids extra credit. :)

If you teach the elements and/or the periodic table to elementary students and want to make them come alive, this book is a definite must have. It is chock full of easy to prepare investigations as well as "element essentials" thumbnail sketches of various elements. Most materials are ones you have on hand either at home or school. Without a doubt, it is the best elementary chemistry book I have ever seen.

I bought this for my 3rd and 4th grade homeschooled children. There are no concepts that make the Periodic Table seem dull or uninteresting in this book. Instead, it uses simple language for the elementary aged - middle school student, nice black and white drawings, and silly rhymes to make it seem so understandable and fascinating. You'll find it loaded with facts that interest children to help them draw it all together. The idea my kids are left with is that science is "so cool!" Many experiments, using everyday items, are throughout the book. This enhances the fun and learning. Science should be interesting and not boring. This book exceeded my expectations. I'm sure we'll continue to use this book for several years.

Calling all home educators! Here is a way to teach the periodic
table to your children using witty text, amusing illustrations, and
fascinating do-at-home experiments. Dr. Brandolini really helps
young and old alike to understand the science found in our everyday lives
through this intriguing book. This is one of those books that your kids will WANT to pull down from the home library shelves to enjoy.

I've been involved in wargaming and collecting miniatures for about 25 years. But even though this book is seemingly aimed at kids, I was still interested in acquiring it as a source of simple wargaming rules and as a way to ease some newbie friends into the hobby. This book provides a very solid all-around introduction to wargaming for both kids and adults alike. The concepts are explained in a friendly, conversational manner.

What makes this book valuable is that it's not just all fluff text and pretty pictures. Rather, it provides valuable substance in the form of its Milk & Cookies rules (for big battles) and Blood & Swash rules (for skirmishes). The rules are pretty straightforward and on the simple-side, which is perfect for newcomers to the world of wargaming. In fact, I've seen both sets of rules used to run convention games at the HMGS East cons which are held 3 times per year in South/Central Pennsylvania. So "Big Battles" isn't just a 1-time read; it's a reference book you can stick on your shelf and refer to over and over again.

The only real downside of the book is that all of the pictures in it (and there aren't all that many) are in black & white. That's a shame since the visual spectacle of wargaming is a major part of the hobby.

Overall, Buck and Rob did a good job here and I'd recommend this book for anyone (of any age) who has an interest in the miniature wargaming hobby.

This is an excellent book designed primarily for parents interested in getting their childen involved in historical miniatures gaming. This book is also useful for anyone starting in gaming...Period.

The rules are strictly for land based combat primarily from the horse and musket period but the rules accomodate all periods from ancient to the WWII modern era. Two sets of rules are included within the book: The "Milk and Cookies" rules and the "Blood and Swash" rules.

The "Milk and Cookies" rules are for fighting battles with based figure units serving as individual pieces. Casualty rates in these games is higher than in adult oriented games as a design feature by the authors to cater towards younger or beginning players desire to see actual results from their attacks.

The "Blood and Swash" rules use individual figures to represent individual combatants in skirmish style games. The rules are based on swashbuckling pirate action in close quarters fighting based on bar-room brawls and boarding actions. The rules lend themselves well to commando raids and ambushes as well as wild west gunfights.

In addition to the above mentioned rules you get lessons in tactical principles and maneuvering which are well written and can assist an adult in explaining basic tactics to younger players.

The book contains a short history of miniatures gaming, advice on painting figurines, instructions on how to cast miniatures at home and several other topics. The Authors give plenty of insight about their experiences in gaming often agreeing to disagree on some preferences as too painting styles and methods.

I have bought my second copy to replace a missing previous copy (It really is that good). The publisher/authors have additional materials on a supporting web site. I have exchanged e-mails with both authors and have found them open to discuss their work, provide advice and generally share any knowledge they have on gaming.

Although intended as a resource for adults to use in introducing younger players to the wargaming hobby, BIG BATTLES FOR LITTLE HANDS is an excellent general introduction for anyone interested in collecting and painting miniature soldiers and then deploying them on the field of battle.

The two rules sets included in the books ("Milk and Cookies Rules for Battles" and "Blood and Swash Rules for Skirmishes" are both quite easy to learn and play.

I had a miniatures battle for the Indian Mutiny set up on my game table, intended for use with another rules set but not yet begun, when BIG BATTLES arrived. A quick check of the "Milk and Cookies Rules" suggested I could use them with the unit and basing organization from the other rules set without change, so I was able to try out the "Milk and Cookies Rules" the same day I read them. The result was a very entertaining battle, played to completion in two hours; and I now intend to use the rules for battles in the English Civil War and the Seven Years War as well.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the miniatures wargaming hobby. Very well done!

While the book is pitched for use with kids, I think a better approach would be to aim it at anyone new to wargaming that wonders what it is all about. I found the 5 page History of Warfare and 5 page Primer on Tactics superb - both concise and interesting - making me want to go review my history lessons and explaining to me what I was always doing wrong at the gaming table!

Two sets of rules are included: the "Milk and Cookies" rules for bigger battles (where a player controls blocks of troops) I have used for games at several wargaming conventions in games for kids and parents-new-to-wargaming with great success. The "Blood and Swash" rules are a reprint of an older rule set for skirmishes (where each player controls a small number of figures) that allows great flexibility in scenario and setting - I have played in games using those rules for 18th century pirate tavern brawls on up to Buck Rogers era conflicts, and enjoyed them all. The differences between the rule sets make having both here far from redundant, and the apparent simplicity of both the rule sets does not mean that the resulting games are either uninteresting or inaccurate.

The back of the book with directions and tips on painting and terrain construction are okay, though I liked the front portions - described above - better. For example, I don't see myself ever homecasting figures, and the painting tips I had already heard as I was first drawn into this hobby. But they complete the picture and make this a good all round reference that you could even send to someone unfamiliar with the hobby and expect them to be able to cope without the support of a local wargaming group or club.

As a wargamer of 25 years with two young sons, I have struggled with determining the best way to introduce my boys to the world of miniature wargames. Now I have the answer. Rob and Buck do an excellent job of explaining how to create a pleasureable wargaming experience for kids. If you are looking for a simple set of rules covering many historical periods that are explained in a clear way, then this book is for you.