The Loose Association of Wargamers

Gentlemen,

Sometime I intend to re-fight the SYW Battle of Reichenberg.

As you know, this battle was between strong forces from Prussia & Austria.
The Austrians were in prepared positions & intended to stop the Prussians from joining the main army. The Prussians were equally determined to force their way through.

By “prepared positions”, I mean much of their frontage was protected by abatis, Chevaux de Frise, breastworks & wolf pits (which I intend to make as well as the Reichenberg city walls).
These would slow down infantry & probably halt cavalry. Part of the centre and one flank were not so covered (say 40% of the line).

However, historically, the Austrian line infantry retired from these lines, mid battle. No one knows why: they were the usual reliable Austrian infantry. Wrong order? Poltroon in charge? Overawed by Prussian infantry excellence? No one knows why but the fact remains: they withdrew in good order.

So, our options are:
1. Set up as per historic battle and ignore what happened later, leaving it to the players to fight the battle their way & having no Austrian retreat.
2. Automatically (say in Turn 5) have the Austrian infantry retreat & fight the battle from there.
3. Use chance: from Turn 4, a dice throw will determine when/if the Austrian infantry withdraws.

Your thoughts?


donald

I think all are valid. I have played Waterloo where Grouchy appears, where he doesn't, where Blucher appears on time, or where he appears by cards. It's all about the refight you are trying to achieve.

I'd leave it down to the vagaries of the dice. Not much point in refighting a historic battle where one side historically pissed off home after kick-off. There are many times playing Fire & Fury (by way of example) where the fickle whims of dice have caused the defenders to first hold fire and then bugger off when defending superb positions...

Presumably all the players know what the scenario is? If so, another vote for option 3.

As an alternative (and if you have the time), play all three versions, and see which gives the best game? Start with the historical one, as that could be the shortest.