"One and a Quarter Hour Wargames" Topic

Instead of half a dozen of us playing one big battle, last night we split up into pairs and each pair played a smaller game. Specifically, we had Spicheren, Langensalza and Montebello all going at the same time. Spicheren took two and a half to three hours to play, but each of the two smaller games rattled along so quickly that we were able to finish them once, then swap tables and fight them to completion a second time in two and a half hours. (Obviously being familiar with the rules helps; new players trying these scenarios for the first time are reporting more like 3 hours to get through their first game.)

As evidence for how swiftly these division-sized battles went, check this out:

‌Langensalza 5 – it all happened so fast! by bbbchrisp, on Flickr

And a rather better pic of Dave's very nice layout for Langensalza:

‌Langensalza 1 – Hanoverians mass in Merxleben by bbbchrisp, on Flickr

Although these Small Simple Scuffles aren't what BBB was primarily designed for, they have turned out to be really entertaining tactical puzzles, and ideal for when time and space are a bit limited. Can't wait to try them again!

Chris

Bloody Big BATTLES!
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If the game is fun at a small scale too, then that is a huge bonus!

Indeed.

How did the Prussians fare at Langensalza? Did they manage a tie in either game? Also interested in Montebello results.

Well, a big thank you to those whose requests for smaller scenarios persuade me to write them – present company included!

We were playing Langensalza with adjusted victory conditions, Prussians needing to hold just one objective for a draw, 2 for a win. First game the Prussians were entirely swept from the field, not a base left. The second game was also a Hanoverian win but was far tighter: if the Prussians had succeeded with one particular movement roll needing 9+ (a 10/36 chance) they would have won; if my Hanoverians had missed a movement roll needing 6+ to take the last objective it would have been a draw. I do think the Prussians have a couple of different ways they can win this. Next time I want to try fighting it from the Prussian side to find out.

Montebello was good fun and really seemed to capture the flavor of this apparently unequal and improbable battle. As the Austrians I managed to lose this on the last turn. The next Austrian player salvaged a draw. This one too I think is very winnable by either side.

Chris

Well, I hope that you're satisfied, Chris. My order for the rules has just been placed.

Hi coopman,

Thanks for ordering the rules. I hope you'll like them. I'll be truly satisfied if you enjoy playing the game.

Chris