I was very fortunate to get a quick test game in with my buddy Brian. I have long admired Arty Conliffe's games, Tactica, Crossfire and Shako (his large battle toss in rules at the end of Shako). So I decided to adapt his first version of Shako to a SYW game. I also added in his deployment rules from his first version of Tactica for good measure. So here goes.
A cardboard wall is erected in the center of the table to conceal set up of opposing armies.
I was the Austrians and I was able to deploy my army in its defensive positions. My grenadiers formed a mobil reserve... Which I completly forgot about!!
Brian's Prussian host had to come on in march columns and move in for the attack. He of course had no idea how I was set up. The Prussian's have two turns to move and deploy onto the board in line formations. They are able to place their guns 30" in from the rear table edge so they can bombard the enemy prior to attack, if they so choose. I also restricted the infantry as it had to start at least 18" from eithe end of the board, the cavalry could set up in that spot or behind the Prussian infantry.
I moved my cavalry wings out to threaten the Prussian's flank.
The second deployment turn has taken place and the Prussian's shake out into line. Large cavalry actions follow. Not a good outcome for the Austrian's
The Prussian host advances like a wall of blazing fire!!
The Austrian right wing cavalry advance!
The bloody aftermath of my left wing cavalry attack. The hussars and cuirassiers on left have given way and lost their close combats. Sigh..
The Austrian center is under some pressure!!!
The cavalry action on the right is less decisive however my hussars have been broken, not in picture and one of my dragoon regiments has been hit. Prussian hussars in back of picture have pulled back.
If a cavalry unit wins a close combat it has three options. One it can perform a 12" breakthrough move that must result in another combat. Two fall back 18" to regroup or regroup in place. After a combat the cavalry is considered "Blown" and must stand idle for one turn to get its fighting power back.
The Austrian cavalry on the left is behaving poorly!!! My flank is about to be turned.
Impressive manuevers are being performed on the right!!
The high tide for the Austrian infantry as they have eliminated a Prussian unit or two.
The big push!! Close Combat is the deciding factor in this game. It represents not so much the hand to hand fighting as that last 10 yards of close in volley's and the will to fight giving way.
The Austrian left flank cavalry has in fact been flanked...... The humanity!
A close inspection of this image will show my hussars are facing in the wrong direction.
The cuirassiers will not let those hussars pass!
Frederick watches on with grim satisfaction.
Frederick's view.
The Austrian line showing some holes.
We halted the game at this point but plan to pick it up after Christmas. It was four hours agreat fun and discussions the reason I am in the hobby..
and as always hanks for having a look.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!