The Great Northern War revisited

 Yesterday we played a game of Black Powder, using Bart's extensive Great Northern War collection (see also out Crisis 2010 game on Poltava).

It had been a while since we played a game using the Black Powder rules (pre-Covid). We don't care that much about 1st or 2nd edition, using a mix of rules as we remember them. It's a game after all, and it's the tactics that count, not a modifier more or less on some die roll.

The scenario was based on a scenario we played before, a great river crossing. The Russians could cross using a ford, a bridge that had to be repaired, and some pontoons.

Eddy and Wim took the side of the Russians, Phil played the Swedes, while Bart was umpiring. At the end of the evening, it was more or less decided that there was a minor Russian victory: the Russians had succeeded in crossing the river, although the Swedes had held them up for some time.

Here are some photos (more photos and a report written up by Eddy to be found here: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1387808/article/41703990#41703990).

This is how the table looked when I entered Bart's wargaming den. No deployment yet, although the toys were already out.

Eddy and Wim pondering about the Russian deployment. How will they cross the wide river in front of them?

Initial Swedish deployment, focusing on known crossing points on both flanks, leaving the centre unguarded.

The Swedish left flank - the ford. Russian troops are stuck in the mud in the middle of the river. Eddy will later claim this was all part of the plan, pinning a large Swedish contingent such that the bridge on the other flank could be crossed.

The Swedish Beer Garden.

The Bridge as seen from the Russian side, heavily defended by Swedish troops. An initial attack was repulsed. A first pontoon crossing has also already taken place.

Overview of the entire river.

The Swedish left flank again. No movement, just some shots exchanged back and forth.

Heavy fighting on the Swedish right flank. More Russians are crossing using pontoons. Swedish cavalry are preparing themselves to charge - but this will turn out to be a disaster. Due to hammering by the Russian artillery, an failed command rolls, the Swedish cavalry will rout a turn later.

Another view of the Swedish right flank, moments before the Swedish cavalry routed.

 A very exciting game! As usual, we had a post-game discussion about what worked and didn't work in the scenario. And we also discussed the state of wargaming affairs in Belgium, the world, and the universe!