Table at start of Game
New BUA Rules
We
use our own “house rules” to wargame the battles produced by our 1813
campaign. We have developed these rules
through extensive game play over the past 10 years.
They
include fighting in a built up area (BUA), such as towns, villages and farms. At present they are spread throughout the
rules and we now want to combine them all in a single section called BUA.
At
the same time we will simplify them and update to bring them in line with
amendments in other sections of the rules.
As
part of this process we are about to play the first test game, and I thought it
might be of interest to some readers to read about it. So over the next couple of weeks I will post
each move of the game and explain the mechanics.
Current Wargame Rules
First
I need to explain a few principles of the rules themselves.
There
are a maximum of 12 moves in a game, each representing one hour in the
campaign.
Each
move we dice (or draw a chip for large games) to decide which side moves
first. This can make a huge difference,
as they can then move and fire first.
Commanders
have a command range of 8”. To issue
orders he must be within that range of the brigades concerned. He is allowed one order for each Formed brigade
(none for those disordered, shaken or in rout), plus one if he is a Poor
commander and two if an Average commander.
Test Game
There
are two corps in this game, one French and one British. Their order of battle is below. C types get minus one for combat and morale.
1st
British Corps – General Stewart (Average)
1 infantry brigade 4000 men B class B firepower B skirmish
2 infantry brigade 4000 men B class B firepower B skirmish
3 infantry brigade 4000 men C class B firepower C skirmish
4 infantry brigade 4000 men C class C firepower C skirmish
1 cavalry brigade 1000 men B class light cavalry
1 corps artillery 1000 men B class 30 9 pounder guns
8th
French Corps – General Taupin (Poor)
29 infantry brigade 4000 men B class B firepower B skirmish
30 infantry brigade 4000 men B class B firepower B skirmish
31 infantry brigade 4000 men C class C firepower C skirmish
32 infantry brigade 4000 men C class C firepower C skirmish
8 cavalry brigade 1000 men B class lancers
8 corps artillery 1000 men B class 30 9 pounder guns
The ground area of each BUA is determined by a
6x6” felt square. One is a village or
farm. Two is a town. Four is a city. Only one brigade is allowed in each
section. However two brigades can attack
each corner.
The French commander has orders to hold the
area between the two hills, including the walled farm in the centre. He has placed one B class brigade in the
farm, and the second behind in support.
The two C class brigades are either side of the farm. The cavalry are placed on his left to
threaten any approach on that side.
Most important his artillery have been placed on his right to dominate
the most open side and most easiest for the enemy to attack. The long white card is the range and width
of artillery fire.
The British commander has orders to take the
farm. His plan is to attack the farm
with his artillery and two best infantry brigades. He will hold the flanks but not advance
unless the French do so. His artillery
is centre left and one of his B class infantry centre right, the second one in
reserve behind the artillery. His two C
class brigades are on the flanks. His
cavalry is in reserve to keep the French guessing.
Link to
Wargame Rules
