"Questions about Chain of Command" Topic

Hi,
I'm interested in Chain of Command by TFL and I hope it is not too difficult for me. I only play Crossfire (in 1/72) and not very expert in wargaming.
Some questions:
Is CoC suitable for solo games?
Is my 120x120 tabletop enaugh large?
I want to buy the tablet version of the rulebook: is it complete or I need any scenarios' book?
Thanks a lot.
Roby

robspak,

CoC is not a very conventional set of rules, but then again Crossfire is/was even more unconventional. I would rate it as "medium difficulty" to learn on account of the unique patrol phase rules and the number of different rules for different weapon types vs target types (common for most WW2 games).

1/72 figures are fine, but you may find that singly-based figures are easier.

I don't think CoC is suitable for solo play as one of the key features of the game is your opponent being able to interrupt the flow of the battle – solo gaming probably cannot replicate the experience.

I think 120cm x 120cm is too small.

The tablet version of the rules is complete. The supplements are optional.

CoC works fine for solo play.

I think 120cm x 120cm is too small.

Since CoC is designed for play on an "average" 6x4 table then a 4x4 (120cm x 120cm) might need a bit of tweaking for the lack of 2ft in one direction but not overly so IMHO.

If you were to find it a bit small, you can easily play with cm instead of inches. I've played my fist few games with multi-based figures.

The main problem for solo play is probably the command phase, but I guess even that wouldn't be insuperable. Maybe worth looking a the toofatlardies forum to ask if anyone else has addressed this question: link

The rules for Chain of Command are fairly straightforward, one of the difficulties when learning the game is to figure out what they mean by squad, team, section etc. Orders take one or two games to pick up and the finesse of the chain of command dice may take some trying out.

The best way is to go through the book, try out some of the mechanics and check out the instructional videos on youtube and see how the flow of the rules plays out. Best to try a game or two and then review the videos again to make sure you got the basics right.

In many Chain of Command games the action actually focuses down into an area approximately 120x120cm though working the Patrol phase could be a challenge on such a small table. You may want to assume that the table is 180 x120 for that purpose which should work fine.

Alternatively try substituting 2cm per inch.

Solo play will work, but you will lose some of the in phase interactions you get in face to face play unless you are scrupulously fair to both sides. Not always easy. Each side will have its own command phase in which the command dice rolled determine what you can do and will nicely circumscribed those tendencies to favour one side over the other.

In my view that are the best WW2 platoon level rules available. You won't regret trying them.

I forgot to say that Too Fat Lardies also produce a supplement called Platoon Forward originally created by Joe Legan. It is designed to generate plausible scenarios for solo play. While original written for TFL's Troops, Weapons and Tactics rules it is easily adaptable to Chain of Command.

The smaller table should be fine, just put a bit more terrain on the table.

There's no explicit solo tools but people make it work anyways.
Honestly, even if you never end up playing it, it's still a game that everyone can benefit from reading.

I use 1/72.

Think Weasel has the best suggestion re extra terrain