First Hants Gap

The good news is that Hearts of Tin still does what it was designed for and I don't foresee any major problems with Saturday's multi-player game and that the 4'x5' table had plenty of room and could easily have accomodated two people sitting facing each other.

General Kinch puffs on his pipe as he dictates orders for the attack. 

The inevitable bad news is that after more than 2 hours of running back and forth around the table, often several times per turn as I moved troops, chased the tape measure, hunted for more markers, move casualties from the corner of a table to a regrouping area off table, etc (all good exercise for me!), and after throwing seemingly endless handfuls of dice, few of which were decisive (though several could have been if the roll was different), and placing and replacing endless marker dice, I was hot and both physically and mentally worn out. Without the uplifting energy of competion, the finish was met with almost as much relief that it was nearly over as excitement as to whether either side could manage a win.

I was especially interested to confirm that the business of tracking hits and removing stands with its attendant direct, drastic drop in effectiveness and frontage just doesn't work for me any more , at least not in a solo context. Leaving aside some theoretical qualms, the practical business of bringing troops out and then quickly stuffing casualties here and there to be sorted later as I try to keep the action rolling. Not bad with a dozen stands but with 40 to 50 stands being removed over 18 turns, they can get a bit mixed or lost.

But on to the game!

About 6 turns in. The Reb cavalry has been sent to probe and "amuse" the Yankee left. They do so well enough to draw in some reserves but are maybe a bit too aggressive with their dismounted attack and also suffer heavy casualties. 

The infantry soon catches up and the attack is pressed all along the line but is held. 

Across the road a desperate stand by a 20th Maine Wannabe repulses a series of attacks by total of 4 Reb regiments before the last strength point is ordered  to fall back in good order. It almost makes it to safety but is overwhelmed by concentrated long range artillery and musketry as it nears safety. It has, however, cost the Rebs precious time. 

An overview around turn 12 of 18. Everywhere the Federal line is under pressure. The Rebs have lost almost twice as many stands but they have more to lose and by replacing worn units with fresh ones,  have yet to lose a regiment. The Union commander, either misunderstanding his orders  or else losing hope of victory and opting to go for a draw,  has ordered his men to give up the ridge  and slowly fall back as the sun sinks towards the west.

Time grows short! Kinch's orders are to have a substantial force break through and exit the battlefield before dark. Only 4 turns remain.  The enemy regiments have suffered heavy losses. A mounted cavalry charge is sent in in hopes of breaking through. They face the steadiest volley of the day and are mown down. There is no stopping the Rebs now though. Charge follows charge interspersed with the fire of 4 batteries which have come forward. Regiment after regiment of Yankees breaks and streams to the rear but as darkness descends not a single Reb regiment has broken through. Kinch calls a halt. His division will camp on the vital gap and pursue in the morning.  A tactical victory but a strategic (and scenario) draw.

The board is now reset to the proposed 40" x 56" table with the excess blocked off. A replay of the scenario using in Army or Square Brigadier is now scheduled for Sunday or Monday if all goes well.

But first, 10mm Hearts of Tin tomorrow!