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Mulling Things Over Instead. . .

A rousing illustration of Prussian infantry charging toward the enemy lines.


Chilly, wet, and foggy here today in Mid-Michigan.  Much like the weather in Southampton, England many years ago (1988-1989) when I visited newly married ol' Mom and Stepdad for the Christmas and New Year's period.  I've delayed the planned game until New Year's Eve in favor of more painting (harnesses, reins, and bridles are now painted and highlighted) and a nice long walk with The Grand Duchess and Young Master earlier this afternoon.

But one can always mull over possible rules, right?  So, let me bounce this latest idea off of you.  Does it seem reasonable to give the option of firing first before then charging toward the enemy to line infantry units for which a charge has been declared at the start of a turn?  As always, I'm interested in your thoughts on the matter.

 -- Stokes


Hanover infantry this time, making, if not an out and out charge, then at least a menacing move toward the enemy.

Comments

Norm said…
I’m not sure where I have read it, but I thought I saw some text that suggested commanders
who wanted to charge, did not want troops to ‘stand and fire’, because it was then difficult to
get them out of that mindset and into a charging mindset.
12:46 AM
nobby said…
"Does it seem reasonable to give the option of firing first before then charging toward the enemy to line infantry units for which a charge has been declared at the start of a turn?"

Does it seem unreasonable? I'd have thought not and if the effect of firing is counted before charging you could be charging onto a weakened enemy.

What do I know? I am completely new to this period :0)
2:34 AM
Martin said…
Happy New Year, Stokes! Firing off a volley then closing with the cold steel was a standard tactic of the times. So... yes on having that as an option. I leave the Colonel's decision to do so... or not; up to the dice. Throw a 1, 2, or 3, and yes; the regiment erupts in a cloud of smoke, flames, and lead... then advances towards the foe. Throw a 4, 5, or a 6, and no; the regiment holds its fire as it advances. All in all, this has worked out pretty well over the years. Sometimes they do; and sometimes they don't... and always, an imaginative wargamer can come up with a reasonable justification as to why. I'm looking forward to reading the after action report of the encounter at Hook's Farm!
7:40 AM
warpaintjj said…
It may well be possible in theory for highly drilled & motivated troops but we're talking rules mechanics in a game. Allowing this takes out some of the decision making we all love, call command & control if you like. You could allow it for Guard regiments who are fresh I guess, but I suspect you would lose something in the game if everyone can have their cake & eat it.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year & a fabulous decade,
Jeremy
6:51 PM
Independentwargamesgroup said…
Good question Stokes and it depends whether you want a simpler and fast moving game or a more sedate and deliberate game with additional complexity.I opt for moving THEN firing rules, but thats because it is easier to play. Usually I will use Blackpowder which uses this set up, but I know that certain BlackPowder players have introduced firing first followed by movement. From what I understand of the period once the line was firing it was very hard to get the troops to move forward. Suvarov wouldnt allow his men to have loaded muskets in order that they kept moving and use their bayonets, but that is an extreme example.Personally if you want your units to fire then charge I would create a dice throw penalising units that had fired before wanting to charge.
9:32 AM
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