[2] The name of the game recalls the popular Avalon Hill board wargame Tactics II (1958).

In 1968 Reese and Tucker, two members of the LGTSA, began play-testing rules for tank combat that would eventually form the core of Tractics.

Mike Reese authorized a new edition December 2021 that combines the Classic Rules of 1971, Modifications of 1976 from Little Wars magazine and his new Updates.

For miniature wargamers who felt that the amount of detail was excessive, Reese and Tucker recommended their earlier Fast Rules (1970) although that set covered World War II only.

A player does not initially know where his enemy is located, and pieces are placed in the playing area only when they come into open view or are detected by active observation.