"Frank Chadwick “Breakthrough” rules" Topic

Does anyone have any news about the progress on this system? I've read various brief comments about it since 2019, and would be interested in it- but don't know if or when (or by whom) it will be released. Does anyone know the status (informal or otherwise) of this system.

I played them at Little Wars in April. Frank and Tom are 'this close'. There are a couple more folks that have run games at HMGS cons.

Expect at least one game at Historicon and Fall In (just my hunch)

Thanks- I will look for it, as I plan to attend Historicon.

Any comments on the system, apart from the obvious one (corps level, figures are battalions, etc)?

I'm a big fan of Chadwick's work over the years; he is one of the most intelligent and perceptive game designers out there.

Looking through the Historicon offerings, and they list "Crossing the Sambre, 1914" as a "Breakthrough- Decision in Europe" game. Is this the test you were referring to? If so, glad to see they are testing WWI scenarios as well.

There play testing a Sword Beach Normandy scenario this weekend. I'd imagine it's a candidate for Historicon as well.

Stands are Battalions, with Regimental/Brigade and Division HQs.

Most play can be done from the QRS

I'm a big fan of Chadwick's work over the years; he is one of the most intelligent and perceptive game designers out there.

Agreed.

If you can share any of your thoughts on what you have seen of it, I would be interested in reading them. Any idea who's publishing it?

I'm getting my hands on a copy as soon as I can. My plan is to use it for ImagiNations battles for the old AH Blitzkreig

Yes, particularly if it can simulate WWI. I have been working on painting Turkish and ANZAC forces for his old "Over The Top" system, but have been coming very reluctantly to the conclusion that the Aug 6-10 fighting for Sari Bair is just too big to do at that scale (stand=platoon). It was nominally a division-sized attack, but you wind up with something like 7 brigades (4 Australian, NZ inf, NZ Mtd, 29 Indian, and 29 British and 38 and 40 British).

"Blitzkrieg" is an old favorite of mine; have you seen the reprints that are now available of Jim Dunnigan's "Blitzkrieg Module System" and Camelot Games' "Blitzworld map"?

Played in the test of the Normandy British beaches game they are planning on doing at Historicon. Got a pretty historical result. Frank and Glenn Kidd are still making small adjustments to the rules so we're not sure on a publication date. The rules would work fine for WW1.

Curious to hear how it went, life got in the way of my well-laid plans, so I didn't get to see either.

Having watched a game last summer I think at one of the HMGS cons I noted that he focuses on the regimental structure within the division. There also seemed like a lot of artillery represented in the division. Mind you I am probably slightly biased towards my won rule (not to be mentioned) but he is such a prolific designer I too have been anxious to see what he has come up with.

His understanding of the mechanics of indirect fire is very good, and every tactical/operational game of his I have seen incorporates rules that capture it effectively. It's important to capture fire, maneuver and logistics, and I think he generally does it, while retaining playability and avoiding excessive recordkeeping. Looking forward to seeing it.