Crimean War Game

I recently completed an enjoyable game set in the Crimea. It was based on the
"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.