Members: Please see the Official Notices at the end of this newsletter.
GAME ON!
14 Game Days a Month!
Did you know that the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis averages 14 game days every month?
Between our regular Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday gaming and our monthly Game Days West and East, there are plenty of opportunities to get some figures on the table.
Whether you prefer historical battles, historically themed games or something that defies reasonable classification, there is probably a table waiting for you.
Check the calendar, grab some dice, and come join us!
OCTOBER GAME DAYS
Game Day West
Saturday, October 3 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
9755 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
Join us for October Game Day West, featuring several great games.
Table One – Battle Masters
The Forces of Good and Darkness gather around a new custom terrain mat to determine who will be the real Battle Masters of the day!
Break out those big fantasy armies and return to the classic Milton Bradley hex-based system. Designed for 4–6 players.
GM: Dave Schaffner
Table Two – The Battle of Saratoga
Altar of Freedom Rules • AWI 250 Project
GM: Tim Lalk
Take command during one of the pivotal campaigns of the American Revolution!
The Battle of Saratoga was actually a series of engagements in 1777 that culminated in a major American victory and the surrender of British General John Burgoyne’s army. In this scenario, players take command of American and British forces as they maneuver across the battlefield, attempting to seize key positions and break the opposing army.
Using the Altar of Freedom rules, this game emphasizes command decisions, battlefield maneuver, and the challenges of controlling large formations rather than simply moving individual units from one fight to another.
Part of the AWI 250 Project, this game provides an opportunity to experience one of the most important campaigns of the American War for Independence from the tabletop commander’s perspective.
No experience with Altar of Freedom is required. Come take command and see if you can change the course of the American Revolution!
Table Three – Quartermaster General
Presented by Jim Long, Ares Games Representative
Think you have what it takes to run a major power during World War II?
Quartermaster General puts players in command of the world’s major combatants as they fight a global war across multiple theaters. Players must balance military operations with the resources needed to keep their armies, navies, and air forces in the fight.
Rather than getting bogged down in thousands of individual units, Quartermaster General focuses on the big picture—building forces, controlling territory, managing resources, and deciding where to commit your nation’s limited military strength.
Presented by Jim Long, Ares Games Representative, this is a great opportunity to try a fast-moving strategic game that captures the scale and tension of World War II without requiring an entire weekend to finish.
Choose your nation, build your strategy, and see if you can guide your side to victory!
GAME DAY EAST
Sunday, October 18 • 12:00–4:00 PM
Impact Gaming Center
49 Ludwig Drive
Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Table One – Orders to Eagles
Presented by Steve King
Join Big Muddy for a public educational historical-gaming demonstration exploring Corps-level Napoleonic warfare.
Using miniature figures, terrain, maps, and historical research, the scenario examines leadership, terrain, strategy, and command decisions.
Visitors are welcome to observe, ask questions, and participate.
No prior gaming experience is required.
Table Two – Sgt. Rock and the Wolves of War
Fistful of Lead
GM: Steffan Gluck
Sgt. Rock and Easy Company have been tasked with going behind enemy lines to capture the head of a top-secret weapons program.
Intelligence is in short supply, but reports point to the creation of another German wonder weapon. Considering Easy Company’s recent run-ins with the strange and unusual, it is probably safe to assume this mission will be no different.
Table Three – The Capture of Constance (if needed)
GM: Kevin Fitzpatrick
The Three Musketeers spring into action to defend the lovely Constance from being captured by the Cardinal’s Guard.
RESPECT THE GAME ROOM!
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance welcomes gamers of all ages, interests, and levels of experience. Our regular gaming events are possible because retailers generously provide us with space to play.
That makes taking care of those spaces everyone’s responsibility.
When we use a retailer’s game room, remember that the tables, chairs, and other furnishings belong to the store—not to the gaming gods.
Please use chairs properly. Don’t rock them, tip them, stand on them, or otherwise abuse them. And please do not sit on gaming tables.
Those tables are designed to support miniatures, terrain, cards, dice, and the occasional frustrated gamer—not the gamer himself.
A stack of 14 damaged chairs was recently observed at Impact Games, and we have also seen members sitting on gaming tables. These may seem like small things, but they can damage property and make it more difficult for retailers to continue providing gaming space.
So please treat every game room as though it were your own.
A Few Simple Rules
- Follow the store’s instructions.
- Ask before moving tables or other furniture.
- Report damage or safety concerns to store staff.
- Keep food and drinks where the store permits them.
- Clean up your gaming area when you are finished.
- Leave the space ready for the next group.
Respecting the venue is part of good sportsmanship. More importantly, it helps maintain the relationships that give us places to play.
Take care of the game room, and the game room will take care of us.
COMMAND CON-LITE RETURNS NOVEMBER 7!
Game Day West / Command Con-Lite
Saturday, November 7 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
9755 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
Command Con-Lite returns to Big Muddy Game Day West on Saturday, November 7, with a great selection of historical, science-fiction, naval, and strategic games.
Session One:
10:00 AM – Setup
10:30 AM – Gaming Begins
With multiple games running simultaneously, there should be something for just about every type of gamer. Pick a table, grab some dice, and prepare for battle!
SESSION ONE
Table One – Gettysburg Morning
GM: Dave Schaffner
Warlord Epic 13.5mm Miniatures
4 Players
Heth’s Confederate Division has deployed for battle astride the Chambersburg Pike, having pushed Union cavalry back beyond a ridge just ahead.
Now the fight for Herbst’s Woods and McPherson’s Ridge begins!
Players will recreate this iconic opening action of the Battle of Gettysburg on a new, custom-made game mat featuring the important fences, roads, woods, and other battlefield features that shaped the original engagement.
Using Warlord’s Epic 13.5mm miniatures, this game puts players in command as the battle develops around Gettysburg.
Can the Confederates seize the high ground and drive the Union forces from the field, or can the Union troops hold long enough for reinforcements to arrive?
Four players will take part in this visually impressive recreation of the opening of Gettysburg.
Table Two – Hunt or Be Hunted
Fistful of Lead
GM: Ray Gluck
Weyland-Yutani Corporation has detected mysterious ruins on the fourth planet of a distant system.
A detachment of Colonial Marines has been dispatched to investigate several sites.
It should be a cakewalk.
But you never know when you’re stomping around in someone else’s backyard—and Weyland-Yutani has a rather unfortunate track record when it comes to withholding life-saving information.
Players will take control of one of three very different forces:
- Colonial Marines
- Predator Clan
- Alien Brood
Each force has its own objectives, and completing the mission may require dealing with the other two factions.
The Marines are looking for answers. The Predators are looking for worthy prey. The Aliens are looking for…well, you probably know what they’re looking for.
Who will hunt—and who will be hunted?
Table Three – Ironclads: Hampton Roads 2.0
GM: Gregg Dieckhaus
Home-Brew Rules
1/900 Scale
Up to 6 Players
The Union attempts to move a force up the James River toward Richmond, and the Confederates must stop them.
And this time, the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia get a rematch!
This home-brew naval game brings the dramatic ironclad warfare of the American Civil War to the tabletop in 1/900 scale.
Players will command their vessels as Union and Confederate forces clash on the waterways leading toward Richmond.
Will the Union fleet break through, or can Confederate ironclads once again halt the advance?
Six players can take part in this naval battle.
Table Four – Invasion of Sicily
GM: Mark Lueckenhoff
George Knapp Games – Highly Modified and Expanded
2–5 Players
This is a double-blind variant of George Knapp’s strategic Sicily game.
Players represent the air, land, and naval forces of Italy, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. Each side operates on its own three-dimensional map of Sicily, hidden from the opposing players.
The two maps, courtesy of Pat Lewis, create a fog-of-war environment in which players must make decisions without knowing exactly where their opponents are or what they are planning.
Each playing piece generally represents a brigade, while each turn represents approximately four days of combat.
Players must balance several competing demands. They will need to:
- Defeat or delay enemy forces.
- Keep their own units supplied.
- Protect and disrupt road networks.
- Cut enemy supply lines.
- Gather intelligence through combat.
- Coordinate with their allies while competing for their own objectives.
Information about enemy units is limited. Players generally won’t discover exactly what they’re facing until opposing forces actually join battle.
The Axis forces must inflict as much damage as possible while conducting a strategic retreat toward Messina, with the ultimate goal of evacuation.
The Allies must prevent that evacuation by cutting off Axis forces and capturing Messina.
The campaign is yours to fight—but the enemy is never quite where you think they are.
Table Five – Battle for Kyiv 2022
GM: Tim Spakowski
1/300 Scale
Recreate the dramatic opening day of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian VDV forces descend on Hostomel Airport while armored columns race south toward Kyiv.
Players will fight over the opening objectives of the campaign and face the central question confronting the defenders:
Can Ukraine stop the assault before the capital is threatened?
Using 1/300-scale miniatures, this game brings a very recent conflict to the tabletop and challenges players to deal with the rapidly developing situation of the opening campaign.
SESSION TWO
Conflict at Culloden
GM: Burt Campbell
Claymore & Cannon – Home-Brew Rules
18mm Wofun Miniatures
2–8 Players
The fate of the Jacobite Rising will be decided on the tabletop.
At Culloden, Government Redcoats and artillery prepare to hold their line against the desperate charge of the Highland army.
Using Claymore & Cannon, an original ruleset designed specifically for 18th-century warfare, players will take command of the opposing forces in this historically researched scenario.
The Highlanders must close with the Government line and overcome its disciplined infantry and artillery.
The Government forces must maintain their formation, withstand the Highland charge, and prevent the Jacobite army from breaking through.
With room for 2–8 players, this is an opportunity to step into one of the most famous battles of the Jacobite Rising and determine whether history will repeat itself—or take a very different turn.
The Highlanders are coming. Can you hold the line?
COME PLAY!
Command Con-Lite is designed to give Big Muddy members and guests a chance to experience a variety of games in one location.
Historical battles, science fiction, naval combat, strategic warfare, and tactical action will all be represented.
Come for one game. Stay for the day.
And if you have never played one of these games before, don’t worry—ask the Game Master. That’s what we’re here for.
Game Day West / Command Con-Lite
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
REINDEER WARS 2026 IS COMING!
Is it a game day?
Is it a shop crawl?
Is it a convention?
Yes.
And possibly a few other things we haven’t figured out yet.
Reindeer Wars 2026 returns as Big Muddy’s annual between-the-holidays celebration—a great opportunity to get together, see your gaming friends, visit some gaming establishments, and celebrate the season.
We’re looking for Game Masters to pitch in with old favorites, new scenarios, bizarre experiments, and anything else that sounds like a good way to spend a winter day rolling dice.
Reindeer Wars 2026 Schedule
Saturday, December 26
Reindeer Wars – Game Nite
Bolt Action Tournament
Sunday, December 27
Reindeer Wars – Game Nite
Bolt Action Tournament
Sunday, December 27
Reindeer Wars – Impact Gaming Center
Combined with Game Day East
Monday, December 28
Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Rock Hill
Tuesday, December 29
Reindeer Wars – Game Nite
Combined with Tuesday Night Gaming
Wednesday, December 30
Reindeer Wars – Fantasy Books & Games
Combined with Wednesday Night Gaming
Thursday, December 31
Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Cave Springs
Combined with Semi-Regular Retirees Gaming
Expect some old holiday favorites, some new scenarios, and quite possibly a few things that should never have been allowed on a gaming table.
THE ED GRAY COLLECTION
One of Ed Gray’s wishes was that his collection of gaming miniatures remain in the local gaming community and find its way to people who would actually put the figures to use.
Ed, like many of us, had an interest in a wide variety of historical periods and several decades to build his collection. The result reflects that broad range of interests.
In keeping with Ed’s wishes, we are working to find new homes for these miniatures and, hopefully, see them return to the gaming table under new generalship.
Ed was genuinely one of the nicest guys many of us ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was also an excellent painter and assembled some terrific collections over the years.
The collection includes:
- Bolt Action
- Flames of War
- Blood & Plunder
- American War of Independence
- French & Indian War
- American Civil War – 13.5mm
- British Colonial
- Ancient
- Dark Ages
- Medieval
There is a little bit of everything: mostly 25/28mm figures, painted and unpainted, table-ready armies, figures still in their boxes, and works in progress.
Whether you’re looking to start a new period, expand an existing army, or finally investigate that historical era you’ve been thinking about for the last five years, there may be something here for you.
For photographs and additional information, contact:
Ed enjoyed gaming.
Let’s help his collection keep doing what it was meant to do—get on the table and get some dice rolling.
BMHGA NAME TAGS
We have received the test run of our new Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance name badges, and they look very good!
Members interested in ordering one should contact:
The estimated price is approximately $15 each. If we receive a discount on the order, that savings will be passed along to members.
PUT BIG MUDDY ON YOUR iPHONE!
Would you like quick access to Big Muddy news, event announcements, gaming updates, articles, and other information?
You can put the BMHGA website directly on your iPhone Home Screen, making it almost as convenient as an app.
BMHGA.com
How to Add It
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Go to bmhga.com.
- Tap the Share button.
- Scroll through the options and select Add to Home Screen.
- Edit the name if you wish. Try BMHGA or Big Muddy Gaming.
- If available, turn on Open as Web App for an app-like experience.
- Tap Add in the upper-right corner.
An icon for BMHGA will now appear on your Home Screen. One tap takes you directly to upcoming events, gaming updates, articles, announcements, and other Big Muddy news.
Don’t See “Add to Home Screen”?
The option may be farther down in the Share menu.
Scroll to the bottom, select Edit Actions, find Add to Home Screen, add it to your available actions, and return to the Share menu.
One tap. No searching. More gaming.
WEBSITE SECURITY NOTICE
We recently experienced an attempted website hacking incident.
The situation has been addressed, but we want members to be aware that occasional attempts to compromise websites are an unfortunate part of life on the internet.
As always, exercise reasonable caution with unexpected emails, messages, or links claiming to be from BMHGA.
If something looks suspicious, don’t click it.
If you have questions about a message or communication that appears to come from Big Muddy, contact us directly at:
AFTER ACTION REPORTS
Did you miss a recent Big Muddy event—or want to check out some of the games you played?
Our After Action Reports are now being posted on the BMHGA website.
Check out BMHGA.com for photographs and reports from games you played in and games you may have missed.
WEEKLY GAMING E-UPDATE
Want even more gaming information between newsletters?
To receive the Weekly Gaming Update, email:
Public gaming events may also be submitted for inclusion.
OFFICIAL NOTICES
Executive Committee Meeting
The next BMHGA Executive Committee Meeting will be held:
Sunday, October 25, 2026
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Online via Google Meet
Paid members in good standing who wish to attend should contact:
A Google Meet-capable device will be required.
Agenda
In accordance with the BMHGA bylaws, the agenda will include:
- Proof of Notice
- Reading of Minutes
- Receiving and Circulation of Communications
- Officers’ Reports, as appropriate
- Committee Chair Reports, as appropriate
- Old Business
- New Business
- Adjournment
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Annual Membership Meeting of the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance will be held:
Saturday, November 7, 2026
In conjunction with November Game Day West and Command Con-Lite
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
9755 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
Time: To Be Announced
Agenda
- Proof of Notice
- Reading of Minutes
- Receiving and Circulation of Communications
- Officers’ Reports, as appropriate
- Committee Chair Reports, as appropriate
- Old Business
- Election of Officers
- New Business
- Adjournment
Election of Officers
The following offices are scheduled for election:
Vice President – Tom Vielott
Treasurer – Bill Doelling, Incumbent
Member at Large / Director – Kevin Fitzpatrick, Incumbent
Members in good standing interested in serving are encouraged to submit their name to:
Members unable to attend the Annual Membership Meeting may issue proxies for voting on resolutions submitted for consideration and for the election of officers. For information about submitting a proxy, contact director@bmhga.com.
2026 GAMING CALENDAR
All events are subject to last-minute changes, substitutions, or cancellations.
OCTOBER 2026
10/01 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
10/03 – Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10:00 AM
10/06 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
10/07 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
10/08 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
10/13 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
10/14 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
10/15 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
10/18 – Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12:00 PM
10/20 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
10/21 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
10/22 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
10/27 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
10/28 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
10/29 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
NOVEMBER 2026
11/03 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/04 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/05 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
11/07 – Big Muddy Game Day West / Command Con-Lite – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10:00 AM
11/10 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/11 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/12 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
11/15 – Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12:00 PM
11/17 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/18 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/19 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
11/24 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/25 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/26 – Thanksgiving Day – No Regular Gaming Listed
DECEMBER 2026
12/01 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/02 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/03 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
12/08 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/09 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/10 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
12/15 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/16 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/17 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
12/20 – Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12:00 PM
12/22 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/23 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/24 – Christmas Eve
12/25 – Christmas Day
REINDEER WARS 2026
12/26 – Reindeer Wars – Game Nite – Bolt Action Tournament
12/27 – Reindeer Wars – Game Nite – Bolt Action Tournament
12/27 – Reindeer Wars – Impact Gaming Center / Game Day East
12/28 – Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Rock Hill
12/29 – Reindeer Wars – Game Nite / Tuesday Night Gaming
12/30 – Reindeer Wars – Fantasy Books & Games / Wednesday Night Gaming
12/31 – Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Cave Springs / Semi-Regular Retirees
STAY CONNECTED
The latest Big Muddy news and updates can be found through:
- Website: BMHGA.com
- Reddit: r/BigMuddyHGA
- Weekly Gaming Update
- Dispatches E-Newsletter
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis strives to support and build the historical gaming hobby throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area through demonstrations and presentations at conventions, schools, libraries, and other events where the theme includes military history or gaming.
HAVE AN IDEA?
Have a suggestion, article, photograph, event, or gaming story for Dispatches?
Know someone who would like to be added to our email listings?
Send it to:
To have an event listed in the Weekly Gaming Update or newsletter, please submit it no later than the 20th of the month preceding the event.
We strive to keep the calendar as accurate as possible, but all events remain subject to last-minute changes, substitutions, and cancellations.
See you around the gaming table!
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis
