RUCKUS

Rapid Urban Combat Kriegsspiel Umpiring System (RUCKUS) is a fast play wargame of modern urban combat at the battalion/brigade level. It was originally designed to be a support tool for an umpire running an analytical style wargame who wants a basis for consistent responses to players - but with the flexibility to over-rule as required. However it is also suitable for standard PvP play without an umpire as long as you’re both happy to fill in any missing elements.

RUCKUS can be played either on a map with the urban terrain divided into areas (40-60 being typical), or using a set of 10cm UTZ tiles which can be laid out to provide almost any required urban environment. Manoeuvre units (MU) are typically platoons or companies, with tile or area size proportional to the areas that such an MU would be concerned with. Turn duration is either taken to be about 1-2 hours, or is randomly diced for to perhaps better reflect the uncertainties of urban warfare.

The game can either be played “open” - so units are face up and ISR is used to improve targeting, or “closed” so counters are face down - or blocks are used - and ISR is needed to reveal them. You can even make the choice weather dependent, good weather means lots of ISR drones and open play, bad weather means no or fewer drones and close play.

Supporting assets are largely represented by mission counters, of which each side gets only a few each game. These may include artillery and mortar fire missions, CAS sorties, FPV and Bomber drone attacks and EW.

RUCKUS includes the hooks for a number of other distinct elements of urban combat, such as civilians, rubble, cultural property and TICs & TIMs.

RUCKUS will be available as print-and-play and as a Tabletop Simulator module by end Aug 2026. Play time is intended to be 1-2 hours depending on the scenario for two teams of 1-3 people.

Here are some of the work in progress materials to give you an idea of the game:

RUCKUS Flyer
RUCKUS Rules - to follow
RUCKUS Designer Notes - to follow
RUCKUS Scenarios - to follow

Since this game is one of the key games for my PhD I am keen to collect formal feedback on play. If you'd like to participate then either just email me at david@burden.name, or read and complete the following forms (all online) to confirm your participation and to document your plays:

If you've got any questions or comments about RUCKUS, or would like a demo game with me just email me at david@burden.name.

And here are some images of the game in play: