I wanted to try out GMT's CDG Solo System for C&C: Ancients and decided to do so with this scenario (which I'd not played before - I've played Ancients the least of the C&C family).
The first rule of CDG Solo System is that it "is not a bot and cannot be played against." Instead, it "streamlines two-handed solitaire gameplay". Each side's turn, you roll the 'Fate' die, which dictates which card/s you are able to play for that side. It's then up to you to play the card that will do best for that side.
Looking at the board, my strategy as Carthaginian is to hang back from engaging the enemy until more of the army gets across the river. As the Syracusans, my strategy is to hit 'em with the Heavy infantry in the centre and keep on hitting them.
Some useful initial cards for Syracuse let me push the Heavy infantry forward, but the Carthaginian Light infantry Evaded them with little damage while the rear troops started crossing the river. The Sacred Band had a go at the Syracusans, eliminating one unit of Heavies and Timoleon. 2:0 to Carthage.
More Heavies fell to the Sacred Band as Syracusan Lights Evaded the Carthaginian chariots (first time I've played a scenario with chariots) - 3:0.
A "Double Time" card let the remaining Syracusan Heavies hit the Sacred Band and demolish one unit (3:1). The chariots joined the other Sacred Band unit to take on the Syracusans and both died in the battle backs! The chariots because three flags meant they had to retreat far beyond the edge of the board. And suddenly it's 3:3.
What was left of the Syracusan Heavy infantry, led by Mamaercus, now pinned the Carthaginian Light infantry against the back of the board and demolished them to win 3:5. So the Syracusan strategy worked, the Carthaginian one didn't - with almost half the army still on the wrong side of the river.
(This report is also on my BGG blog - with more explanation for non-C&C aficionados and some photos:
boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/152498
)
