Friday, September 13, 2019

Scenario One - Napoleon's Battles

Sounds impressive.  It is the first scenario in the green scenario book that accompanied the original Avalon Hill edition of Napoleon's Battles.  I thought it would be quick to play, but I had not considered the defensive nature of the two players (Stephen N - French and Mark B - Prussian) who I was umpiring.

The aim of the game was to test out my new markers and if I couldn't get the the two players into action this wasn't going to happen!  Grrr!!

 Deployment with Prussians on the left and French on the right.
Despite uniforms to the contrary this is a Revolutionary Wars battle.

 The French cautiously advance, 
at least they get their 12pdr into range, 
damaging a Prussian battery.

I now realise I need better counters to show damaged battery etc.  Hmmm...

 After some delicate maneuvering the Prussians adopt a very defensive posture.
The French continue their oh so cautious advance.

 Finally some action.
A Prussian formation has been contacted by cavalry.
Note new casualty and disorder markers on the left hand unit. 

 The French cavalry have pulled back leaving their infantry exposed.

 The French cavalry after their charge and subsequent retreat.
It was cruelly pointed out that my new disorder markers look like ponies!

 Holes are appearing in the Prussian lines.
In the preceding excitement I failed to remember to take photos.

After eight turns everyone was exhausted.

Morale victory to the French who still had their original three Free Roll markers, the Prussians had long exhausted theirs (with mixed results).

Once the excitement starts it is very hard to maintain player discipline and the first casualty seems to be those player aids that aid discipline.

3 comments:

  1. The first casualty of war? Game markers! That is a new twist to an old adage.

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    Replies
    1. It would seem that they are in the front line along with battle plans.

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