So I order Bob Jones' new set of rules Die Fighting II when they were released late last year. This was the first time I was able to get a game going to try them out. For those of you who have not heard of these or their rather unique presentation, Bob Jones had a rule set called Die Fighting. This is the update to that set which covers warfare from late 1600's to 1902. The unique presentation to this rule set falls to it's presentation. It's a video tutorial on how to play the game. Bob and some of his wargaming buddies got to together and put this nicely made DVD on how to play. The video takes about an hour and half or so to watch. It walks you through all of the materials needed to play, how to setup the troops etc... The video then goes into how to actually play with Bob setting up what will be shown and then war gamers playing it out on the table.
So how to move, shoot, melee and command your troops on the table top. It's rather easy to follow along.
The DVD also includes a PDF Power Point slide show of the rules that can put on any tablet to used as reference while gaming. Also included are a quick start reference guide plus Template for the time periods that the rules cover.
Now on to our game from Saturday 1/24. I put together my forces using the Revolution Template. The British and the American Rebels would fight across an open field in a little meeting engagement.
Each side had 3 sub commanders with about 7 to 8 units per command.
Here are the opening positions. The Americans are on the left, the British on the right. The field in the middle is Class 0 terrain so hinderance to movement, the woods however are Class 1. So a unit has to stop when it reaches it and then proceed.
Kevin the American Commander
Andy the British or as he says, "The Good Guys" commander.
After the first few moves the British had advanced to the field. Despite my scenario design the Americans sat on the defensive. Note to self provide objectives next time for both sides.
Because of this the Americans stock piled red resource dice. Unfortunately the British Dice were not with them this night. Poor Andy couldn't roll well at all.
Hence the slow march across the field. He needed tons of red resource dice but couldn't get them. Another note to self. Start the armies closer together.
Finally the British catch a small break and start to move up again.
British Cav trying to out flank the American lines.
American Cav waiting to get into the action.
The British cleared the field and the blood bath began. With little to no Red Resource Dice the British attack stalled.
By the end of the game which concluded on one British Sub Commander not having any resource dice left, the British took a beating.
I made a few mistakes with the rules and did not setup the scenario properly to force both sides to move. The American side sat and collected dice and there wasn't anything that the British could do to stop it. Luckily, Andy was a good sport about the whole thing. We will try these rules again after more reading and understanding and better scenario design.
Yes, you need to set the troops up fairly close together - I'd say about 24" apart, 36" at most. Players also need to learn to maximize the effect of their red dice by using the right formations, using officer dice, etc.; I am loathe to use 2 red dice fro movement unless I really, really need them. The British may have been better to use their artillery to "soften up the Colonists a bit (assuming they had any, which they should, while the American would presumably be lighter in that arm).
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