"Command Decision Test of Battle - size of 6mm games" Topic

Guys we're just starting to get back into Command Decision after almost a decade off.

We're starting to collect 6mm GHQ and Adler miniatures for our forces. Looks like we're doing western front from mid to late 44.

What experience have others had in gaming in 6mm and what size of forces do people collect? We're thinking of doing augmented divisional level forces. For example I'm starting a German Infantry Division which is being reinforced by a Panzer Battalion.

I'm really interested to hear what others are doing in this space.

DEW

Ye gads, A full division? That's enough for 6-10 players to push. When I was doing micro-armor, I built a Infantry regiment and a tank battalion per side.

DEW – yes, you can push a division on the table. I've done it once or twice. But I don't recommend it. The game will slow to a crawl as you wade through moving and firing all those stands.

When I was more active we played on tables ranging from 4 x 5 all the way up to 8 x 16 feet. (8 is too wide to reach the center, but I was younger and thinner and could climb up there to reach the center).

As Rich advises, I'd shoot for a regiment/brigade sized force for Test of Battle.

A couple of Battalions per player is plenty. I've been in Divisional games, though fun, they are a lot of work. A standard table is really about a regimental zone.

Great feedback.

Yeah G Dog we've got a 18 x 6 foot table which we play a lot of 28mm on and there was some thought that it could play the odd game on that but I must admit we're thinking of usually using a 6 x 4 or a 8 x 4.

I guess Rich when I'm saying a division I'm talking about a German division which is only 2 regiments strong but yep I take your and G Dogs advice.

I guess we used to play a lot of Napolonics (Empire) in 6mm back in the day and then we used to push around 2 divisions plus reserve. Admittedly they we're big games but still it gave you a sense of taking control of the whole battlefield.

Can I ask how did you base your figures? What size of base and how many figures per base?

DEW

I used the standard CD basing scheme at ythe time for infantry and but the vehicles on 1x3/4 base for handling purposes. I would definitely advise you to play with the standard scale, it will give you a much better game. I'd also recommend you find a copy of the old Bastonge module, if you don't already have it. The OoB information and the scenarios will prove to be useful to you, I suspect.

As above, for CD you only want a battalion or two per player.

My 6mm stuff goes on standard 30x30 bases same as everything else (very large vehicles might go on 30x40).

I put three to six figures on infantry bases, depending, and use different formations to indicate troop types e.g. SMG stands are based in a diamond.

We've been playing the WW1 scenarios for CD:ToB. The one's we've played feature a regiment per side and they have taken 6-8 hours each to complete for two of us. Admittedly we are still getting back into the game and learning the new version of the rules, but I reckon a reinforced battalion per player is a manageable force unless you have full days to dedicate to playing.

My 6mm stuff is based on 15mmx15mm bases with three figures per base, or is left as is when I use the Irregular Miniatures infantry (20mm x 10mm, I think). Vehicles are based on whatever size base suits the model, so some on 20mmx15mm and some on 30mm or 40mm x 15mm.

We play at half scale because of space restrictions. The standard ToB games seem designed for a 6'x6' table and I just don't have the space for that. Still, half scale works just fine for us.

I wrote a couple of our games up on my blog if you are interested. Never got round to writing the rest up though. link

Saber 6 thanks for that. Seems like we might have bitten off a bit much to start with but then again you cannot help being overly enthusiastic sometimes.

Thanks for that Rich Bliss. I've been trying to pick up the new Battle of the Bulge supplement but it's been out of stock but I'll get it soon enough. I ordered the main rule book on Friday but I'm in Australia so it can take a while for stuff to get to us down under.

So one thing I'm trying to work out in advance is what is the standard base? Martin you suggest it's 30mm by 30mm is that right? Is that right for command stands, rifle stands and weapons stands. I presume that for guns and vehicles you use the 30mm by 30mm as a minimum and then use a bigger base if required?

Are these assumptions right?

I'm pretty happy with 30mm by 30mm. It'll give enough space to put on 1/2 a dozen figures and do a mini diorama. We used to do 50mm by 50mm bases for Napoleonics and get 20 or 30 figures on the base and it used to look fantastic. Obviously WW2 is more spread out and not as colourful but still it'll be good to have a bit of flexibility.

Dr Berserker – mate that is a great website and a great battle report. Really like the maps, the photos and the description of the action. That is exactly the type of game that we are looking for.

Thanks guys for the responses.

DEW

For an evening game of CD, a battalion per player works well.