OT2019 Round 5

Gentlemen,
Coming up to the Round 5 deadline on Saturday. Please get your outstanding matches played!

If you have difficulties, please contact me.

Game 2
Nemo2333 (Alies):9
RiverWaderer (french)

GG06 Fleurus (26 June 1794) 2nd game

Viridovilas (French) 9
Mark-McG (Allies) 6

It was as usual a tough battle against Mark. At first Allies put a lot of pressure against French left flank, but despite the heroic sacrifices of Generals Montaigu and Morlot (two double sabres hits), the Napo infantry miraculously hold the line against the Dutch attack (apparently unable to roll INFs). Allies then turn their attention toward the opposite side of the field where they fiercely charged the French strong position upon the hill, wiping out their artillery. But again the Gallic infantry proved to be resilient and hold back the attack. The battle was finally decided by a double cavalry charge in the centre, with luck that smiled on the French.

I've had about a 2 month stretch where I can't seem to roll INF hits, to the extent that I'm hesitant to even target them.
This game was a exemplar of those dice, my first 2 banners were XX leader kills, and of 6 banners, I killed 2 leaders, 1 INF, 1 CAV and 2 ART.
The CAV & one ART I lifted off complete with a charging Heavy CAV, hot dice against anything but INF.

Anyway, after 8 straight losses over 3 months, I seem to have turned the corner on the dice curse. Won an EPIC game in mid February.
Better than the Ancients dry patch where I played 19 games without getting First Strike or Double Time in hand.

Game 2

BrentS (French) 9
scipio1zama (Allies) 6

A very enjoyable match with heavy engagement in all sections. It ended memorably with a Fire and Hold grand battery vaporising a full strength Austrian Heavy Cav.

While the observation balloon was a cute idea, I don't recall it being used in either of our matches. Certainly when I played a Scout as the French, I was much more desperate to broaden my card options than to see the Allied hand.

Thanks Mike for a couple of fun matches and thanks Mark for organising the tournament.

Brent.

BrentS wrote: ...
While the observation balloon was a cute idea, I don't recall it being used in either of our matches. Certainly when I played a Scout as the French, I was much more desperate to broaden my card options than to see the Allied hand.
Brent.

When you finish this round: Try it with the NEW SPECIAL RULES (check the scenario on this website).

GG

Game 1
FoxK (Allies) 9 banners
EZPickins (French) 6 banners

Game 2
EZPickins (Prussian) 9 banners
FoxK (French) 5 banners
Both games were tense from the start. Action all across the board with most of the damage on the flanks. I think I was able to win the second only due to his lack of good cards. Rolls were pretty even on the whole. Another good set of games with a quality opponent.

Game 2

David (Allies) - 9
Nigel (French) - 1

The Austrians opened the game with two consecutive Attack Center cards and Hippignies falls early to a concerted attack. Soon after, Fleurus is secured on the Allied left flank as the French troops are battered back. The battle continues along the front as the French bring forward reserves. Lefebvre dies a glorious death under withering fire from the outskirts of Hippignies and the situation is grim for the French. The center of the battlefield continues to rage and the Dutch hold the line on the Allied right flank. In a last ditch effort to save the day, the brave Morlot advances from the safety of Gosselies only to have his troops mowed down by deadly Austrian fire.

Fortune shone brightly on the Allied forces this day. Nigel is an awesome opponent who suffered some serious misfortune in this second game. The first game was razor close and was a game for the ages. Thank you!

Out of interest, did any of the Round 5 matches use the Balloon Special Rule?

As the French I think I never had the opportunity.

The advantage to the French seems to have been knowing the Austrian movements, and so being able to direct their forces to meet them. It seems more like an operational level advantage than a tactical one. Perhaps giving the French March moves (the 3 star moves) would be more effective?

Anyway, now the Round is complete.. comment away!

Mark-McG wrote: Out of interest, did any of the Round 5 matches use the Balloon Special Rule?

As the French I think I never had the opportunity.

The advantage to the French seems to have been knowing the Austrian movements, and so being able to direct their forces to meet them. It seems more like an operational level advantage than a tactical one. Perhaps giving the French March moves (the 3 star moves) would be more effective?

Anyway, now the Round is complete.. comment away!

Check the new rules I gave to this scenario to a better balance and use of the balloon (see the scenario on this website):

Special Rules changes:

• If all the building hexes are not occupied by French troops, the Allies player gains one Victory Banner (Turn start). The Allies player starts with 1 Victory Banner. (so the Allies can win a MAXIMUM of 1VP even if the French leaves more than 1 town free)

• French balloon watching: At the start of any turn during which a scout card is played (Allied or French): The French player can watch the full opponent hand. (so you can see ALL the cards BEFORE ordering your unit plus you can still DRAW 2 CARDS and choose one)

GG