Once Upon a Table

"Once Upon A Table" is a 1977 rulebook for historical miniature wargaming, published in the United States by Battle Axe Co. Designed primarily by Richard Boyd, it focuses on simulating ancient and medieval tactical warfare. Rather than being a ready-to-play board game, the booklet contains strictly rules, combat charts, and simulation mechanics for resolving battles from the pre-gunpowder era.

Because it functions solely as a rulebook, the system requires players to supply their own miniature figures, physical terrain features, measurement devices, and six-sided dice. The rules emphasize standard tabletop mechanics of the late 1970s, which involve measuring precise distances for movement, calculating missile ranges, and checking combat resolution tables to determine casualties during close-quarters engagements.