"Crimea a River" game presented in the Black Powder rulebook and involved a
British assault on a heavily defended Russian position composed on two redoubts,
bristling with four artillery units.
I played a similar game a couple of years ago so the game lineup and objectives
were similar but played rather differently although the outcome was the same - a
British victory - this time perhaps not as decisive.
The British advanced boldly across the river and onto the hills where the
Russians waited in their redoubts supported by columns of infantry and a strong
cavalry reserve.
The British concentrated their efforts on the eastern redoubt and this proved a
wise move where their superior firepower ravaged the Russian defenders at long
range despite some savage artillery fire.
A mass cavalry charge in the centre by the Light and Heavy Brigade broke the
Russian defenders and with their cavalry split on both wings managed to divide
the Russian forces into two zones. The stronger right flank took the redoubt and
disabled the cannons. The other redoubt was impotent due to the restricted angle
of fire imposed by the fixed position so the British were left to demolish the
Russian units piecemeal on that flank. The Russians did put up a courageous
counter attack on the left wing but the British forces were too strong and so
the Russian Prince conceded.
A great game packed with period touches and dashing gallantry. I love using the
British army - Guards, Highlanders, Riflemen, Hussars and Dragoons - makes quite
a spectacle and a real joy to play. The Russians did have some special rules in
their favour - their superior artillery was a potent force and stubborn infantry
a neat feature, however, British firepower superiority - both range and "to hit"
rolls, combined with their drill rule gave them quite an edge.
