BtB: Turns & Timing

In this Beyond the Book episode of Tales & Tactics, we examine how turns and timing shape play in RPGs and wargames, from rigid "I go you go" structures and phased turns to initiative systems, simultaneous actions, and narrative timing. We explore how different approaches to sequencing time affect pacing, tension, fairness, player agency, and cognitive load, and why certain genres demand precision while others thrive on flexibility. Ultimately, this episode looks past the surface mechanics to show how timing systems quietly guide player behavior, tactical thinking, and the overall feel of a game at the table.