For many a year I have wanted to have a go at English Civil War wargaming, but have been frustrated by the various sets of rules that I have tried. A year or so ago, Bob Black gave me his massive 28mm ECW collection and I felt that it was time to put some figures on the table.
A couple of weeks ago Will came over and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try out some ECW rules. I have had a copy of Bob Cordery's book, 'The Portable Pike and Shot Wargame'. It is not really a rule book but more a collection of ideas. Within the book is a set of rules by Alan Saunders, which adapt his own rules to match a gridded playing area. We decided to give these a go.
Will commanded a Scottish army and I the English.
Two similar armies were laid out on an open table, with a single road and a few low hills:
We worked our way through the rules. The game begins by both sides rolling for initiative. If both players roll the same number a random event is introduced from a list within the rules.
As in many ECW encounters our game began with a cavalry engagement on the flank. This would last most of the game.
Both sides exchanged artillery fire:
The cavalry action went back and forth with a slow accumulation of casualties.
Infantry units began to close
Will attempted a flank attack on one of my units using another of his cavalry regiments, but that did not go well and they were beaten off.
An English cavalry counter charge occurs against Will's horsemen that have pulled back:
Battle is joined between the two cavalry units as some pikemen try to turn the cavalry flank.
At the same time, I launch my infantry
Battle is joined in the Scottish centre:
Finally on the left Will's cavalry collaps and this allows my cavalry to run riot amongst Will's guns and infantry
The high point of the battle as the Scots are forced back.
Finally the Scots break and the English claim victory.
After a slow start we got the hang of the rules. They provided a fast moving and really enjoyable game. We plan to give them another go when we next meet.
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Seems like the rules gave a good game, I have a collection of ECW figures in their boxes that I bought last year but still to finalise what rules system to use, I may well have a look at those. Nice figures on show, some lovely miniatures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donnie. I went through the same dilemma, wanting to play a game but never finding the mechanisms to make it work as I would like. I would like to try the rules again as the early part of this battle ran slowly as we tested the rules out.
DeleteI've also found the ECW a difficult period to get into, so glad you have found something you like.
ReplyDeleteThanks Martin. I'm not very good at adapting to new rules, but these worked well for me and Will liked them too, even if he did lose!!
DeleteHaving some quick rules sounds like a winner - I just can't help teaking rules and that so often slows them down. I just posted an ECW game I played yesterday (cabinettewars.blogspot.com) but it did take about 5 hours!
ReplyDeleteActually teak is too expensive these days, so I just tweak rules now.
DeleteI knew what you meant! We really liked the rules as we normally enjoy fast paced games and these rules provided that. I must say that we have house rules for most of the games we play, no matter what rule set is employed.
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