Some solo COINage and ongoing Pbem (Storm Over Arnhem and Combat Mission)

Got Fire In The Lake onto table (no minis game this week) for a solo session (only way I can get a win) and hugely enjoyable it was.

I still have not gotten the wherewithal to try the actual solo systems included but just played each faction as best I can as usual.

Played the Full scenario and US had a torrid time throughout even though they trounced NVA concentrations several times as public support dwindled constantly (only Saigon seemed firmly pro USA) and finished in last place (not helped by a surge just before last Propaganda card)

NVA tried a full military build up from get go which worked to a degree (certainly occupied US army) but a preparatory Guerilla campaign in initial stages (especially in the long scenario) a better strategy but did finish above US in third.

ARVN done usual flip flopping from helping or hindering US goals and did achieve victory conditions at one point with control of swathes of country but could not hold onto gains but finished second.

So victory went to VC who started rather poorly but steadily gained the 'support' of populace and established bases throughout Vietnam and had a +1 VP level on turn of fifth Propaganda card for a narrow win.

Such a fun game even playing it in my own tiny mind space.

Had planned to re-set and play the Fall Of Saigon expansion but instead opted to try A Distant Plain again using long scenario.

Early on but Government in strongest position thus far with Taliban struggling (just like VC) and Warlords and Coalition dawdling

Do so enjoy the COIN system.

Also Storm Over Arnhem game via Vassal started in earnest with Mike with a 6pdr Troop taking out 2 Armoured Car units to start proceedings.

 

And last but not least an ongoing Pbem game of Combat Mission (boy have I gotten moneys worth from this series of games) with NJ John with a scenario set in Italy 1944 with South Africans (moi) defending a German attack

Had to take pics via phone as not able to screenshot for reasons unknown

Not a great start on first turn as an exposed Sherman done what Shermans do 

 

A Distant Plain - a quick solo session

As a wee change from miniatures I had quick afternoon solo session with 'A Distant Plain' one of my favourite COIN series games, playing the Main scenario (I usually do the full scenario) which is 5 decks (rather than 6).

Game was concluded on 4th Propaganda card with a very narrow victory for Taliban beating Coalition by a mere 1VP with Warlords close by in third (-3 VP) and poor old Government well of pace in 4th (-12VP).

I generally struggle with Government faction and maybe need to use Bot for them in future (do find Bots bit ponderous to use) but still a fun game overall.

I do so enjoy the decisions and actions of COIN system combined with nice historical flavour even in sad sack solo mode.

Early stages with a lot more Taliban on board initially than I am used too

End situation with Taliban firmly established in Kabul and strong in their Pashtun heartlands, Coalition had just 'Surged' out of the country to beef up their VPs but still came up short.

Field Of Battle 3 - solo Napoleonic game and A Distant Plain (Pictatstic)

No scheduled game with Stephen this week (as I had to take parent to hospital appointment) but did manage to get a FOB3 solo game on table as I wanted to test a possible change to Attack Column.

In standard FOB Attack Column gets an UP1 whenever it fights in melee but am not sure that this would be supported by history so was testing cutting this UP1.

I have already made Attack Columns Down 2 rather than Down 1 for shooting but left melee untouched.

My thinking is that the Attack Column maneuvers a tad quicker (moves 8" whilst I give Line 6") and versus a Line it can get 2 on 1 (which is Down 1 for the Line being outnumbered) and if initiating the combat its gets Up1 as standard, so essentially a difference of 2 dice types (rather than 3 as written) just not sure the extra UP1 purely for being Attack Column is warranted ? but conversely do not want to make the formation too weak.

It worked fine in test game and think I will retain the amendment, but (as ever) might consider giving the Up1 versus Towns or Fortifications, will need a few games to see if too weakened.

Game was using Markkleeberg scenario I used as manageable numbers of units.

I actually started the game with Battle Command but find this bit harder to solo (keep getting confused as to which side is 'on' and what Action each command entitled to) so quickly reset and used my trusty and favoured FOB3 which I can solo with no problem.

Loads of pics showing various stages of game which the Allies won after crushing French left 

Also earlier in week I set up and completed a solo game of A Distant Plain which was thoroughly enjoyable even in 'lonely pint'/schizo mode with Government winning (although I did underplay the Taliban)

Ulster Wargame Society - Monthly meeting and A Distant Plain (solo)

 

Attended UWS today thinking I was to participate in Combat HQ game but got my months mixed up as scheduled for next month (senior moment) but lots of chat/waffle with others and watched some ongoing games.

Andy and Ian had another Team Yankee practice bash ongoing (competition in Cardiff in New Year) with some new Mdf buildings in use (due for a paint job soon). BAOR vs Czech (?) forces but don't know how it turned out. Not a fan myself of the Flames of War family of rules but players were having fun and that is what counts.

Phil and co had another large 20mm game this time a Zulu Wars game (based it seemed on Isandlawhana ?) with an interesting off-table maneuvering system. Phil had boosted his Zulu forces with some home made figures utilizing Milliput (not aware that was still around) which looked fine especially from a distance. Believe Zulus narrowly won this.

The 'strategic' board

Last but not least the 'Two Daves' had a couple of game using Field Of Glory Renaissance using Italian armies with lots of heavy metal Gendarmes, Pike Keils and Arquebus or Crossbow armed troops.

First game was Milanese versus Maximilian Imperial which was seemingly an easy victory for Milan.

In second game Milanese faced a Florentine (?) force a game which I watched for good while (FOGR enticing to play again) with Milan certainly not having things their own way when I left.

 

During week I had another solo COIN session this time with A Distant Plain and the medium scenario. Great fun with US managing a last gasp victory by suddenly leaving Afghanistan en mass (hmmm sounds tad familiar). Find these games so immersive even in solo mode.