"Battle of Bemis Heights - A Polemos Ruse de Guerre Refight" Topic

Please see link for a refight of the Battle of Bemis Heights, part of the Saratoga operation, using 6mm figures, the Polemos Ruse de Guerre rules and re-set into the War of 1812.

Looks like an excellent game. However, was wondering, how long did the game take? I see one reviewer describes the rules as "choppy". Are they difficult to read and do they have a 2-page quick reference sheet?

Thanks very much, I appreciate it.

I think the game took about 75-80 minutes of playing time. I would not describe the rules as choppy – anything but, really. I am taking it you mean the review on Wargames Vault? That was a comment on a read through, so I'm not sure what to say…I don't find them 'choppy' in that sense either. However, I play the Polemos rules a lot and it may be that a familiarity with the concepts makes it easier for me to understand than someone coming in cold.

Hello Durban Gamer!

I've introduced the rules to a number of players and had feedback from a number of purchasers. No one, absolutely no one other then that one "none reviewer" has ever written anything negative about the rules. No one has ever told me that they were difficult to read. Actually only heard the opposite, very easy to read and understand. Any questions have been few and brief. Regardless, you can never please everyone. When it comes to wargame rules a lot of people are looking for different things.

The actual rules in Ruse de Guerre are probably only about 10 pages if you take out the pictures and diagrams. The design was intended to be as simple as possible yet still produce a challenging game. I think that was achieved and since the individual never played the game I think he missed the whole point of the book.

I think Whirlwind did a short review last year or maybe in 2017 when it was first released. Check out his full site as he has a ton of great stuff in it.

Anyway should you obtain them I would be delighted to see your comments.

And yes there is a simple 2 page quick reference sheet that you can print out on the print versions.

Best regards,

Glenn

Hello John!

It was not easy getting a balance on how and when to use your commanders in combat. New players seem to throw them in regardless of the situation (anything to get an edge). Experienced players give it a lot more thought as they realize the consequences of losing a commander at a critical time can be devastating and in some situations can cost them the game. Historically the loss of a commander could be overwhelming for a force, so it can be in Ruse de Guerre. It's great hearing about your rationalization.

Best regards,

Glenn

Thanks Glenn

My first impressions review is here: link

I may write a fuller review in due course and after a few more games, although I don't think my opinion has changed greatly.

Thanks everyone. Looks like I need to purchase these rules! Whirlwind, I really enjoy your AARs and rules analysis.

Hello John!

Your more then welcome, nobody has more interesting and informative stuff then you. I always try and set aside the time to read your game postings for all rule sets. The only problem I have is your often too fast in posting and I fall behind and can't always catch up.

A fuller review would be very interesting as I now have players who have been playing the game for almost 10 years (veteran play testers) and they still occasionally say "I never fully realized just how complicated an offensive or defensive strategy could be". There is a not so obvious depth to the game that only starts to show itself after you have played a number of games. Sadly some players never see it and have no real idea why they won or lost. They often don't really care either, they just know they had a great time playing the game.

Best regards,

Glenn

Hello Durban Gamer!

If you have any questions I'm often on TMP and of course the Baccus Forum.

Best regards,

Glenn

Thanks very much Durban Gamer, I appreciate that. Hopefully there will be some more useful stuff coming over the course of this year.

Glenn, I don't imagine I will get to that level of understanding! But by the time I finish the majority of the scenarios in the rulebook, hopefully I should be getting a reasonable understanding of what works.