ACW Battle: Adapt and Survive

Over the past few days, I played another solo ACW game. We haven't started our regular games again, so we're still playing in solo mode.

I used the "Adapt and Survive" scenario from WSS #115. A cavalry force must defend some river crossing, attacked by a superior infantry force. Mobility vs numbers.

I won't give a detailed turn-by-turn account of the battle, just some highlights.

The initial setup. The cavalry force (Union) is deployed on this side of the table, the attacking infantry (Confederates) will approach from the road at the far table edge.

The first Confederate infantry regiments enter in march column, and will soon start deploying.

Union cavalry is deploying across the ford on their left flank. The idea is they will use hit-and-run tactics.

The Confederate infantry is deploying on both sides of the road, and starts taking fire from a deployed Union artillery gun.

On the Union right flank, cavalry is dismounting and taking up position to guard the bridge.

Dismounted cavalry is shooting at the approaching confederate cavalry.

Overview of the battlefield so far.

One of the mechanics I use: If an activation roll gives a double-1, that side can change the clock (I keep track using a huge D20), moving it either forwards or backwards. Defenders usually want to shorten the time, attackers want to lengthen it ;-)

The approach as seen from the Confederate side.

Another view of the developing battle.

The Confederates had drawn a random event at the start of the game, allowing to discover an additional ford. Comes in handy!

The situation on the Confederate right flank.

The Union artillery is taking aim at the newly discovered ford.

I use animal counters to indicate temporary unit status. "What did I use the sheep for again? Was it no action this turn or a forced morale test?"

More heavy fighting near one of the woods.

The flank where all the heavy fighting is.

Situation near the bridge.

Confederates fighting their way across the ford.

Stable situation on the other flank.

Last turn ...

It was a fun game. The Confederates were really pressuring the Union, and managed to cross the ford on the Union left flank. However, the bridge was not crossed. The discovered ford was used, but was guarded heavily by the Union artillery.

The difference between fast-moving cavalry (but with less firing range), and slow moving infantry was really significant. Fun scenario, I should repeat it when we start playing face-to-face games again.