How do you play this Warhammer nonsense?

Can someone (preferably someone who plays Warhammer) tell me step by step how to play Warhammer? I don't get it at all. A step by step example would be great. It's not too much to ask, is it?



There's 10 point's up for grabs and only 2 for anyone who tells me to go read or buy the $96 rulebook...



Thanks!How do you play this Warhammer nonsense?
There are two separate versions of warhammer: Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40k. I will explain fantasy since that is my preference.



Each race has their strong points and they also have special rules incorporated. So it would be very difficult to explain step by step in-depth. But, the basic rules of the game are very easy to learn.



The game is played turn by turn and each turn is divided into these categories.



1. Movement phase

2. Magic phase

3. Shooting phase

4. Close combat.



In the movement phase the controlling player issues charges which is a move to engage in close combat. After that normal moves are made. Units move differently depending on the movement value. To fully understand this you would need the Warhammer Rulebook.



Next, in the magic phase, wizards attempt to cast spells using "power dice" while your opponent tries to dispel them with "dispel dice"



In the shooting phase, units with missile weapons attempt to shoot their weapons. Ballistic skill is used to try and hit the target and then the strength of the weapon is used against the targets toughness to kill. Each weapon has a different range, for example, a bolt thrower has a long range, while a longbow has a shorter distance.



The final phase is close combat in which your unit that charged, or a unit that is already engaged from a previous turn, attempt to fight and kill, or rout the enemy. Models fight back and forth using their weapon skill trying to hit the target and then using their strength to kill the target.



The game uses dice to determine whether attacks hit or miss, as well as doing other things such as magic. A tape measure is also used to help determine distances.



I view Warhammer Fantasy as being a complicated version of 40k. If you were interested in 40k, the basic rules are similar, the only difference is the game is split up into these phases:



1.Movement

2.Shooting

3.Assault



The movement phase is extremely simplified by having each foot troop moving up to 6 inches while vehicles move anywhere to 12 inches, all the way up to 20 inches.



Shooting is the same as warhammer fantasy.



Instead of charging like Warhammer Fantasy, in the assault phase you are allowed to charge into combat with 6 inches. At this point, combat is very similar.How do you play this Warhammer nonsense?
A step-by-step explanation wouldn't really help, because each race has its own special rules and variations and, even outside those, there are a wide variety of options for each unit, each turn and that's before you throw in magic.



Warhammer isn't an expensive hobby when you measure the time-to-investment ratio, but it does require a willingness to spend at least some money on it, otherwise it's probably not the right hobby for you. However, there is an alternative to the Big Red Book.



First of all, you can buy the Battle for Skull Pass, which is the same price as the BRB, but includes the rules in a handy A5 softback, two small armies (dwarfs and goblins) and all the dice and measuring sticks you need to get started.



Alternatively, if you're not interested in that money, you can find the A5 softback sold separately on eBay, usually for between $20 and $30. If you have a local wargaming club, it might be worth asking, because a lot of veterans can acquire multiple copies of the little rulebook. They might sell you one for a few bucks or even give you one for free (anything to get a new player into the hobby!).How do you play this Warhammer nonsense?
The easiest way to learn is to get down to your nearest Games Workshop store and ask the folks there! Check out the GW website to find the full list of stores. The staff will be more than happy to give you a run-down on how the game works, and if you've got time you can even play or watch a game yourself. If you enjoy it, they'll also be able to help you pick the army which most suits the way you want to play, and give tips on what models to buy first