Quick and easy, but engaging. That was my goal and the first test game did that. The question is, "Will it do it again?"
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| Mid-game: The French skirmishers and artillery are inflicting more hits than they receive but they are a long way from taking possession of the village unless some of the infantry can seize their objective and then come to finish the job. The British commander had been holding his Dragoons in reserve and decided to send them to do what they can on the far side. |
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| On the hill, the French infantry are taking heavy fire from the Coalition infantry and artillery but they are making steady progress. As they push back the enemy and start climbing the hill, the Dragoons suddenly appear behind them! |
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| Despite a heavy fire, the Dragoons break the right wing French infantry. However, on the hill, the deadly fire of the French silences the guns. The Brigadier rides over to rally them but is shot. Suddenly the hill is threatened. |
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The cavalry, without orders, rest their tired horses and watch the battle on the hill from afar.
(How many 1's can one roll in a row?)
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| The French infantry are tired but face the allies. However, the firefight does not last long and the French are suddenly running. |
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| Meanwhile, back at the village, both sides have also taken heavy casualties but when the word comes of the defeat on the hill, the gunners limber up and retreat while the skirmishers cover their withdrawal. |
So? Conclusion?
Basically, this game met the criteria that I set out. There were the usual interruptions and splitting the game into two sessions but the game was enjoyable with engaging action and decisions to make. The setup, play to the finish and and the cleanup, added up to about 3 hours. The 4 stands of 4 infantry were definitely what I wanted and I can't exactly remember why I switched to 3 bases of 6, probably it was to get the flag in the centre and to shorten the foot print of a battalion so I could field more battalions on my 5'x5' table.
Anyway, that's just one game, and more games are needed before I reach a "final" decision. So, I'll just have to get some more games on the table!
It's been iteresting following this whole thought process behind, basing,rules etc. Great looking game too!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's annoying at times that the simple solutions are best
DeleteA great game though a very difficult Scenario for the attacking side - the rule/basing changes seem to have worked for you Ross.
ReplyDeleteIt was actually very close, closer than it looked. Rather annoying to part of me that stripping down the rules improved the game.
DeleteGreat to see the troops on the tabletop again.
ReplyDeleteThat time of year. Spring came early and so did the yardwork.
DeleteWell, seems to work, couple more games should be enough... Then just enjoy?
ReplyDeleteMore games? Well if I must.....
DeleteIn the interest of the public good, I think you * have * to play more games!
ReplyDeleteSighhh, Another game? Well, if Duty calls, it calls,..
DeleteVery nice and interesting game Ross. The armies and terrain look wonderful. The French had a very difficult task, both armies where almost equal but the English had good defence positions.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cesar, good to hear from you! Yes, that the Scenario I played.
DeleteIs this Nº 14 scenario (Static defence) from Neil Thomas´s "One Hour Wargames" book?
ReplyDeleteHello Ross, I found your account of this game and the rules most interesting, as I have been trying to strip down and speed up a set of horse and musket rules – intended to be quick and allow the sorts of small action you often describe here, but in practice too slow. I look forward to seeing more about the rules, and perhaps the ‘finished’ version when you have made the latest revisions ?
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Nick
I will post them if I can get 2 more games without any drastic changes! I'm in the midst of reorganizing my F&IW forces for the next game. (I want 1 set of 'horse & musket era' rules.)
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