Show Notes
In this exciting episode, Jonny and Phil finally get their hands on the highly anticipated Bolt Action V3. They kick things off by reflecting on the Welsh Open, where the transition from V2 to V3 highlighted some significant differences in gameplay. The hosts delve into the changes introduced in V3, starting with the revamped HQ units and their crucial role in maintaining unit cohesion amidst the new pinning mechanics. They also discuss the streamlined shooting rules, cover saves, and the redefined assault mechanics, providing their insights on how these changes impact gameplay and strategy. Phil and Jonny share their experiences with various units, including the newfound importance of regular troops and the tactical benefits of half-tracks. They touch on the updated vehicle movement rules, the new damage tables, and the implications for artillery and indirect fire weapons. As they explore the new platoon structures and army composition rules, the hosts consider the broader impacts on list building and tournament play. They also discuss the balance between historical accuracy and gameplay mechanics, offering their thoughts on the evolving meta in Bolt Action V3. Join Jonny and Phil as they navigate the exciting new landscape of Bolt Action V3, sharing their tips, strategies, and predictions for the future of the game. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your Bolt Action experience. Don't forget to check out the English Open at Warfare in November for a chance to compete in one of the first two-day V3 tournaments in the UK! https://wargamesreading.co.uk/product/bolt-action-english-open-warfare-2024/
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More from Tabletop Tommies
Jonny runs through the Latest FAQ, summarising housekeeping updates, rule clarifications and a few controversial changes that could affect gameplay. He highlights key points including one-shot weapon wording, ambush AP/HE confusion, infantry slingshot assaults on vehicles, flamethrower/morale timing, and concerns about growing exceptions to the main rules. He also covers notable army errata and point adjustments across Germany, Britain, Soviet Union, Japan, Italy and the Commonwealth. Comments and corrections are invited, and Jonny signs off with a reminder about the upcoming English Open and the reserve list for entries. Want to support the channel? Why not use one of our affiliate links: Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES Firestorm Games: https://www.firestormgames.co.uk/wargames-miniatures/bolt-action?aff=64a025ee621f1 Wayland Games: https://affiliates.waylandgames.co.uk/1240.html Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES Or you can support by buying a fancy mug: https://tabletoptommies.co.uk/collection/new/
Ben is back for Episode 97! This week we're looking back at the Bolt Action Welsh Nationals in Cardiff, discussing the event, standout armies, the evolving tournament meta and some of the biggest talking points from the weekend. We also dive into Campaign Mode in Bolt Action; how it changes the game, why narrative play deserves more attention, and ideas for getting more from your gaming group. Also, we explore how AI can help Bolt Action players, from creating campaign content and scenarios to generating army backgrounds, mission ideas and hobby inspiration. Whether you're a competitive tournament player or a narrative enthusiast, there's something here for every Bolt Action fan. Want to support the channel? Why not use one of our affiliate links: Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES Firestorm Games: https://www.firestormgames.co.uk/wargames-miniatures/bolt-action?aff=64a025ee621f1 Wayland Games: https://affiliates.waylandgames.co.uk/1240.html Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES
Jonny and Phil unpack Warlord’s new Armies of the Commonwealth book, a standalone V3 supplement covering Australia, Canada, East Africa Command, India, New Zealand and South Africa. They explain how each nation’s special rules and unique units work, and how the generic Commonwealth roster ties it all together. Highlights include Australian infiltrators and fanatical defenders, Canadian stubbornness and vehicle upgrades, East Africa’s local-area tactics and camel riders, India’s Gurkha and mountain options, New Zealand’s steadfast infantry and Maoris, plus South Africa’s vehicle bonuses. The hosts discuss playstyles, modeling tips and tournament implications in a breezy, tactical overview. Want to support the channel? Why not use one of our affiliate links: Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES Firestorm Games: https://www.firestormgames.co.uk/wargames-miniatures/bolt-action?aff=64a025ee621f1 Wayland Games: https://affiliates.waylandgames.co.uk/1240.html Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES
Jonny and Phil review the South Coast GT weekend: venue praise, the 1,000‑point pack, mission choices, and how the tables and timing worked. Phil also announces the details of English Open (Warfare, 14–15 November, 1066 points, thematic lists) and explains booking details and incentives. The episode covers competitive meta takeaways — Japan’s strong showing, the value of veteran troops and dice count, the role of armour and flamethrowers, and tips on listbuilding — and finishes with results and awards, including the top placings and community shoutouts. Links: 🏆 English Open at Warfare 2026 🎟️ Tickets: https://wargamesreading.co.uk/product/warfare-2026-bolt-action/ 📅 English Open Facebook Event 🚧 Coming soon! 🥇 South Coast GT Results & Standings https://www.tommies.to/scgt 📊 BABS Rankings & Results https://www.tommies.to/babs 🇬🇧 Tommies Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/tabltoptommies 🎲 Competent Wargaming Events https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586156015717 📖 CWE Organised Play Guide for Bolt Action https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yCTdyx9eZAkDBYzDcYjZU3BNxfB_J3Xx?usp=sharing 🏢 The Warp https://www.facebook.com/IntoTheWarp 🗺️ Tommies Tournament Missions https://www.tommies.to/missionsWant to support the channel? Why not use one of our affiliate links: Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES Firestorm Games: https://www.firestormgames.co.uk/wargames-miniatures/bolt-action?aff=64a025ee621f1 Wayland Games: https://affiliates.waylandgames.co.uk/1240.html Warlord Games: https://r.warlordgames.com/aff/?TABLETOPTOMMIES
Jonny is joined by some Bolt Action Legends who also happen to be WTC Captains: Paul Wickens (Team Wales), Bo Mortensen (Team Denmark) and Phil Crowcroft — to break down the World Team Championship: format, list building, and the new extra-list options. They discuss mission balance (objectives, kill points, movement, and controversial Fog of War/sticky Timely), terrain quality, team selection methods (BABS/ELO and captain picks), prep strategies and playtesting, and captain tools like Paul's the famous binder. Key drama includes tight finishes, time-management problems (unfinished activations and the chess clock debate), dice luck stories, shared-dice etiquette, and close results that left teams celebrating successes and learning lessons for next year. Links: English Open at Warfare 2026: https://wargamesreading.co.uk/product/warfare-2026-bolt-action/ Bo's Channel: @boltactiontutorialsbybomor3846 BABS: https://www.tommies.to/babs TT Missions: https://www.tommies.to/missions Bo' Commander's Compendium: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1ASg9jJeGZpV4C_hZnXNHRoZneesSpNwQ