General d'Armee 2 - solo to further absorb rule changes and new systems

Set up a solo game with GDA2 to try to further comprehend the changes from GDA and familiarise myself further with new systems.

Table set up using GDB random terrain generator and the new 'Lists' from GDA2 with a French versus Prussian bash circa 1814.

Tried a different Prussian support option with a 5 unit Brigade of Landwehr who are classed as Enthusiastic (a temporary upgrade of sorts) but Recruits thus making the Prussians a large force. 

Prussians were in defence and French in attack both with 1 Bold Brigadier and both with Campaigner Generals.

Both held their Cavalry Brigades of-table as Reserve.

Play in GDA2 just seems to flow quicker than previous version with the movement being very liberal (essentially full going forward and half for sideways, backwards or in rough terrain) and the use of ADCs (still pretty random as to numbers available for use per turn) is slick with Orders seeming bit easier to use. 

Bold commanders are very good as unlikely to fail a command roll, unless you overload them with several taskings and you do get only one in 'pick up' games. 

Initiative seems more important than in GDA (maybe I misunderstood before ?) as going first is a potent advantage.

Charges are much easier to understand in terms of who can lead (max 1 unit per Brigade) and who can support and the charging process seems easier overall.

Shooting is pretty intuitive as to quality of volleys and adjustments and whilst Skirmishing has changed somewhat it still can be damaging as screens always seem to have decent numbers of dice to roll.

Artillery also easy to implement and Canister as deadly as ever.

Did manage a couple of melee combats and again easy to understand and process and the outcomes can be decisive if opposing scores diverge enough and supports get involved in a defeat.

Only things I needed multiple readings of to grasp were Retreats, Withdrawals and the differences pertaining to when and how these occur (ie from shooting or combat) and option to voluntarily withdraw to behind your supporting second line, which unlike a 'normal' withdrawal is marked as a Retreat (guess friends do not know it voluntary move) instead of usual Unformed.

Of course the new CinC Commands still need some absorption, I tried 'Now's Your Time!' but soon realised I had somewhat misunderstood its 'shoot and charge' concept especially when enemy pre-empted any charges with their own. 

These new Commands need to be carefully timed in the main and are a powerful but precious one-time resource.

Another game planned with Stephen this week which will doubtless highlight any mistakes in my understanding. 

Overview of initial deployments with Prussians on left occupying Village objective

French launch an Infantry Assault on town which threw out the lowly Landwehr defenders

Action all down the line.

The lead French column managed to get into combat without suffering casualties (a bonus indeed) and their re-rolls for support worked whilst Prussian re-roll failed

Clash of skirmishers with Prussians being out shot by larger French screen (they later dispersed voluntarily to avoid a Falter as not enough ADCs to assist)

French 2nd Line units (Reservists) push forward beyond the village but one Battalion suffered from a small Prussian battery (just visible beyond tree)

French stalled in center due to couple of Hesitant results but Prussians stuck due to Defend 'stance', you can use a Redeploy order to allow attacks beyond deployment zone but as ever ADCs needed

The effective small 6pdr battery visible

Central French Brigade is mainly Light Infantry so able to field units in Skirmish in open terrain in addition to Brigade screen

On Prussian left a Young Guard Brigade has pummeled them (and disrupted the 'Now's The Time!' Command order)

Prussians have two 6pdr Batteries side by side (from 2 different Brigades) but they have been ineffective as French not closed to canister range.

Prussian Light Infantry withdrew voluntarily from wood (where they could operate as skirmishers) but in Retreat mode but was unsure if they instantly drop out of skirmish as now in open (such skirmishing not allowed to their lights) but maybe sort of moot as will become unformed column once reforming from Retreat.