The rules for A Good Dusting cover the Sudan War 1884-1885 and the Egyptian Revolt of 1882. The miniatures used can be from any scale, and the composition of armies are loose - the only stipulation being that each must have a command element. Firing, saving throws, cohesion, and Mahdist activation is all handled with dice, mostly against target numbers. Movement is by chart, and is measured in inches. Optional rules cover baggage, dhows, Nile steamers, scouts, and spies. Interestingly, and a surprising rarity in desert-based wargames, the rules also cover the supply of water to each army. One sample scenario is outlined at the back of the rules book.