This was a game using Neil Thomas's rules Wargaming Nineteenth Century Europe 1815 - 1878.
The rule book has a number of historic scenarios in it of which this is one under it's alternative name of Mars-La Tour. The design philosophy is to keep the rules pretty simple but design the battles in such a way as to give a real flavour of the action
The actual battle went in favour of the Prussians as, although substantially outnumbered, they forced the French to fall back and lose the strategic advantage.
To win the battle the French basically have to clear the Prussians from the field. They are given the numbers to do that but there is a catch. On each turn only 1, 2 or 3 units are considered to be in control and move fire fight at full effect. All the other units are restricted to half. Myself and Tim ran the French and seemed to roll a lot of 1s! Although Doug's Prussians were eventually forced back we called the game in his favour after 10 turns (out of a possible 15) as it was obvious that the French victory conditions could not be met.
Van Bredow's death ride was a feature of this battle. The heavily outnumbered Prussians sought to relive pressure by a cavalry charge of his brigade which he brilliantly pulled off using cover and battlefield smoke to protect his men until they were almost on the enemy. It had the desired effect albeit at the cost of over 50% casualties. Typically the rules only model the effect of the charge rather than model the way in which it was delivered. Presuming the charge goes in the target unit has to take punitive morale checks and if the Prussians then win the melee all nearby French units again test morale. This worked well in the game with the taget unit breaking and had the effect of further delaying the French advance
A feature of the scenarios is the inclusion of 'military possibilities' to change the balance. I would be quite interested in trying this again with those in play as they give the French a better chance of pulling off a victory.
I hope to play more games using the rules as give a different rather old school experience. Indeed Tim expressed the opionion that they shared many characteristics of Donald Featherstone rules and you can't get more old school than that!
Games 20
Rules played 14 New 7
Places played 3 New 0
Places played 3 New 0
I really like these Neil Thomas rules as well as his One Hour Wargames.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great game, and a great scenario. I like the idea of only part of the army being in full command each turn, I think I will use that in an upcoming scenario.
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