AC01 Ocaña (18 November 1809)

Details
Written by: Andres Del Cerro Rodriguez
Category: Peninsular War (1808-1814)
Hits: 1376
Total Plays: 1
Top Army
(100%)
Bottom Army
(0%)

Historical Background
The Central Junta organized a campaign to liberate the center of the peninsula, launching a maneuver with the Armies of Galicia, Extremadura, and the Center. After a strong start by the Army of Galicia, which resulted in a defeat at Tamames, the Army of the Center, under General Juan Carlos de Areizaga, was to advance swiftly and decisively towards Madrid. 
The Army of the Center was the best and strongest that Spain had managed to assemble, well equipped and armed with a mix of professional and novice units.
The Army of the Center took the road through Andalusia towards Madrid. After attempting to reach Aranjuez and cross the Tagus River, it was forced to retreat due to the presence of French troops under General Jean Soult, Major General of King Joseph I, who positioned themselves at Ocaña.
The armies took their positions on the battlefield with a significantly larger force than the Spanish. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Soult decided to attack, relying on the superior training and experience of his troops.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?

 

 

Battle Notes

Spanish Army
• Commander: Areizag
• 4 Command Cards
• 4 Tactician Cards

 

French Army
• Commander: Soult 
• 5 Command Cards 
• 6 Tactician Cards
• Move First

Victory
Spanish: 10 Banners (or 13, starting with 3 Permanent Banners)
French: 13 Banners

Special Rules
• The lack of leadership by General Areizaga and the resulting chaos is represented by the inability of the Spanish troops to form more than two squares at the same time.
• The Portuguese units are the most veteran and professional units in the Spanish army. They fight under Portuguese rules.
• Defensive Maneuver. General Zayas. This maneuver allowed the Spanish left flank to withdraw the divisions in order. Each complete Spanish unit, in its number of blocks, will give 1 VP to the Spanish side when withdrawing through the green hexagons. This action may be executed when General Freire's cavalry units are facing a single block or have been eliminated (these are the 4 marked cavalry units on the Spanish right flank). Spanish units may not be positioned for a retreat beforehand
• Sudden Death. If a Spanish unit kills King Joseph I (marked with a red label), the Spanish side wins immediately.
• All streams are fordable.
• Spanish Guerilla rule is not in effect.

Log in to comment

Posts in discussion: AC01 Ocaña (18 November 1809)
locoNey replied the topic:
#14428
4 months 6 days ago
Despite this phrase " Spanish units may not be positioned for a retreat beforehand." , I think it is still very possible to move units laterally to be closer to the exit.
- No, that move is not allowed. You must play to fight and win the battle, and once your cavalry is destroyed, organize the retreat.

On a completely different tack, if everything got moved over two hexes towards the French right, would that give more room for the cavalry battle?
-I considered moving it, but it wouldn't be the historical battlefield.
Zayas's option was to pressure their flank to cut off the French retreat to Madrid.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14427
4 months 6 days ago
a very long Special Rule

my understanding of the Ocana battle is that the Spanish left flank, led by Gen, Zayas, covered the retreat of the rest of the army. They were the last to withdraw, rather than the first. The rear guard.

Despite this phrase " Spanish units may not be positioned for a retreat beforehand." , I think it is still very possible to move units laterally to be closer to the exit.

On a completely different tack, if everything got moved over two hexes towards the French right, would that give more room for the cavalry battle?
locoNey replied the topic:
#14426
4 months 6 days ago
Good day, everyone.
New version of the rule to do it clearer.
Defensive Maneuver. General Zayas . This maneuver allowed the Spanish left flank to withdraw the divisions in order. Each full Spanish unit, in its number of blocks, will give 1 VP to the Spanish side when withdrawing through the green hexagons. This action may be executed when General Freire's cavalry units are facing a single block or have been eliminated (these are the 4 marked cavalry units on the Spanish right flank). Spanish units may not be positioned for a retreat beforehand.
Full Spanish Cavalry Force.
Spanish units may make one retreat by spending a movement order (max 1 hex) when they are within the movement distance of the French units:
- Infantry: 1 Hex
- Heavy Cavalry: 2 Hex
- Light Cavalry: 3 Hex
This distance cannot be increased by the effects of command and tactic cards . You cannot use it to move backward.
- Forced March: 2 hexes
- Cavalry Charge: 3 hexes
- Grand Maneuver: 4 hexes
- Bayonet Charge: 2 hexes
- Artillery Reposition
- Light Infantry Skirmish
- Short Supply
- Cavalry Forward
- Infantry Forward Leader
Movement hexes can be increased:
- Leader orders a fallback
- Retreat and Reform
Spanish units can move backward by spending a movement order (max 1 hex) when they are within firing range and line of sight of French units:
- Infantry: 2 hexes
- Artillery: 3 hexes

Spanish cavalry eliminated or reduced to 1 block per marked unit.
Spanish units can move backward as many hexes as the command or tactic card or movement order allows.
- Forced March: 2 hexes
- Cavalry Charge: 3 hexes
- Grand Maneuver: 4 hexes
- Bayonet Charge: 2 hexes
- Artillery Reposition
- Light Infantry Skirmish
- Short Supply
- Cavalry Forward
- Infantry Forward Leader

To exit through the exit hexes, you must spend one movement point. You do not need to stop if you have enough movement points.

I hope this explains the scenario rule.
If there are any questions about interpretation, this text could be included in the scenario rules.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14422
4 months 2 weeks ago
to be honest, I just think it makes it longer..  how do you " avoid" melee attacks..  well, by being as far away as possible. 
without an objective measure, subjective rules can always be " interpreted". 

We haven't had any interpretation problems

If you try to delay your units, you're lost The French cavalry will kill you. You can do two squares..
There are only 3 exit hexes. It is a death zone.

The game spend between 3 and 4 hours.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14421
4 months 2 weeks ago
I have been pondering on this scenario today, and considering if these possibilities are allowed (Green arrows) and disallowed (red arrows) prior to the withdrawal start.Not permitted. The Spanish cavalry is at full strength on the right flank.
the purple hexes are those I believe are within canon range at start, so those units could retreat.
yes, satisfay the conditions
They can move backward under the following conditions:
  1. Avoiding melee attacks
  2. Avoiding cannon and rifle fire
  3. Retreat and Reform
  4. Use of a tactical card (Leader orders a fallback)
  5. Flag symbol on the die after combat.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14420
4 months 2 weeks ago
Not permitted. The Spanish cavalry is at full strength on the right flank.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14419
4 months 2 weeks ago
No action is permitted if the Spanish cavalry on the right flank is at full strength.
It's very simple. You cannot approach the exit hexes if the Spanish cavalry is at full strength on the right flank.

Exceptions: Combat actions and tactical card actions per combat
En español:
No puedes hacer movimientos de retirada para acercarte a los hexágonos para salir (hexágono con borde verde). Solo por las acciones de batalla o carta táctica que permitan retroceder puedes retrasar la posición.
Sin pegas de comprensión.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14418
4 months 2 weeks ago
to be honest, I just think it makes it longer..  how do you " avoid" melee attacks..  well, by being as far away as possible. 

without an objective measure, subjective rules can always be " interpreted". 
locoNey replied the topic:
#14417
4 months 2 weeks ago
I'll try to simplify the rule.
The Spanish Cavalry is at full strength.
Spanish troops cannot move towards the exit hexes as the end of their movement using Command Card orders.
Example:
I receive a Command Card with 3 orders. I cannot move units to place them near the "exit" hexes.
Example:
I receive a "Forced March" Command Card. I cannot move units to place them near the "exit" hexes.
Example:
I receive a "Bayonet Charge" Command Card. I cannot move units to place them near the "exit" hexes.

They can move backward under the following conditions:
  1. Avoiding melee attacks
  2. Avoiding cannon and rifle fire
  3. Retreat and Reform
  4. Use of a tactical card (Leader orders a fallback)
  5. Flag symbol on the die after combat.
The Spanish Cavalry is reduced to 1 block per unit or eliminated.
All Command Cards and Tactician Cards can be used to issue a movement order to exit via the "exit" hexes.
Units spend movement points to exit, but they do not need to stop. They spend one movement point to exit.
Example:
I use a "La Grande Manoeuvre" Command Card. I move 4 units to the "exit" hexes, and they can move 4 hexes. They spend 2 hexes to arrive the "exit" hex and 1 hexes more to exit.
I hope this clarifies the rule.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14416
4 months 2 weeks ago
I have been pondering on this scenario today, and considering if these possibilities are allowed (Green arrows) and disallowed (red arrows) prior to the withdrawal start.
 

fundamentally, the Spanish can move horizontally towards the exit a much greater distance than any rearward motion. 

the purple hexes are those I believe are within canon range at start, so those units could retreat.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14415
4 months 2 weeks ago
Correct
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14413
4 months 2 weeks ago

General Zayas' Defensive Maneuver:
The purpose of this rule is to prevent the Spanish command from moving towards the exit hexes.
Moving backward is only permitted in the following cases:
- Flag symbol on the dice roll.
- Avoiding melee attack.
- Retreat and Reform.
- "Leaders orders a fall back" Tactical Card.
- Avoiding rifle and cannon fire.
Movement towards the starting hexes is only allowed when the Spanish cavalry is eliminated or reduced to one block per unit.
OK, I had not percieved this was the intention of the rule. I think it is a very difficult restriction to make when there are so many potential exceptions.

I also note that the French player can guarantee the Exit never opens simply by refusing to battle or battleback against one Spanish cavalry. This strikes me as gamey, but perfectly allowable within the Special Rule.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14412
4 months 2 weeks ago

Important
Do not stop on the exit hexes. A great Maneuver, Forced March, allows you to exit and score with that movement.
but the unit must pass through an Exit hex. So regardless of where the unit starts, it must move to the Exit hex, and spend 1 move to " Withdraw" 
RiverWanderer replied the topic:
#14411
4 months 2 weeks ago
Andres, I sense that you are trying to avoid players gaming the scenario rules.

As I understand you, movement to avoid ranged or melee attack is allowed.  As written, with the Tactician deck in use, the potential attack ranges are therefore:
Infantry alone: 2 hexes (Bayonet Charge)
Infantry with a leader: 3 hexes (allowing for Infantry Forward Leader)
Cavalry: 4 hexes (allowing for Cavalry Charge and Cavalry Forward, but not allowing for Momentum Advance and Breakthrough).
Foot Artillery: 5 hexes

Is that your intention? If so, might I suggest that the rule is simplified to allow unrestricted movement when French Infantry or Artillery are 3 hexes away or when French cavalry are 4 hexes away, or something along those lines.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14410
4 months 2 weeks ago
Important
Do not stop on the exit hexes. A great Maneuver, Forced March, allows you to exit and score with that movement.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14409
4 months 2 weeks ago
1. If the Spanish cavalry are reduced to 1 strength, and then are rallied back to full strength, can they exit and count as Victory Banners?
Yes, it's a complete unit.

2. If the Spanish cavalry rally over 1 strength, does this close the Exit?
Once the withdrawal has started, it cannot be cancelled.

3. There is a potential for a inconclusive result if all the Spanish exit, but insufficent units are full strength.
The Spanish victory is by 10 VP, which is the total number of French units eliminated and Spanish units withdrawn.
In the times this game has been played, both scores have been added together, and there were still plenty of units left to fight.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14408
4 months 2 weeks ago
General Zayas' Defensive Maneuver:
The purpose of this rule is to prevent the Spanish command from moving towards the exit hexes.
Moving backward is only permitted in the following cases:
- Flag symbol on the dice roll.
- Avoiding melee attack.
- Retreat and Reform.
- "Leaders orders a fall back" Tactical Card.
- Avoiding rifle and cannon fire.
Movement towards the starting hexes is only allowed when the Spanish cavalry is eliminated or reduced to one block per unit.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14407
4 months 2 weeks ago
there are a few unlikely complications of this Special Rule;
1. If the Spanish cavalry are reduced to 1 strength, and then are rallied back to full strength, can they exit and count as Victory Banners?
2. If the Spanish cavalry rally over 1 strength, does this close the Exit?
3. There is a potential for a inconclusive result if all the Spanish exit, but insufficent units are full strength.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14406
4 months 2 weeks ago
For the sake of an alternative.. I've tried to reduce the text, and load the no entry to the Exit zone into the front of the Special Rule. I think the gist of the exit requirement is that the units are ordered, and expend 1 movement in an Exit hex.

• General Zayas' Defensive Maneuver:
- no units or leaders may enter the 3 marked exit hexes on the Spanish baseline, except during Retreat, Retire & Reform or through play of the "Leader Orders a Fallback" Tactician card until Withdrawal commences
Withdrawal
- Withdrawal commences once General Freire's cavalry units are each reduced to a single block or have been eliminated (these are the 4 marked cavalry units on the Spanish right flank).
- Once Withdrawal commences, any unit or leader may enter the exit hexes freely.
- Ordered Spanish units and Leaders may withdraw from an exit hex for 1 hex of movement.
Note: This maneuver allowed the Spanish left flank to withdraw the divisions in order.

In the Victory Banner section
- Each full strength Spanish unit that withdraws will gain 1 Spanish Victory Banner.
RiverWanderer replied the topic:
#14405
4 months 2 weeks ago
I have made the adjustment to the banners in the scenario description.

Regarding the withdrawal rules, is this an accurate expression of them? 
The part in bold italics needs clarification. Does this mean in range of an enemy unit?
What does "withdrawal from a potential melee attack mean" - in movement range of an
enemy unit via any potential card?

• General Zayas' Defensive Maneuver: This maneuver allowed the Spanish left 
flank to withdraw the divisions in order.
- Withdrawal commences once General Freire's cavalry units are each reduced to
a single block or have been eliminated (these are the 4 marked cavalry units on the
Spanish right flank).
- Spanish units may not move backward except due to the effects of combat (retreat, exposure to ranged fire, and withdrawal from a possible melee attack).
- Once Withdrawal commences, Spanish units may move freely and Spanish units
and Leaders may withdraw through the exit hexes. Units may not exit by Retreat, Retire & Reform or the Tactician card "Leader Orders a Fallback" but all other types of movement are
allowed, starting from any hex (baseline or not).
- Withdrawal VPs: Each full strength Spanish unit that withdraws will gain 1 VP for
the Spanish side.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14404
4 months 2 weeks ago
Hello!
Thank you very much for your work. Well done!
We've played this game several times, and since each side has different victory points—10 for the Spanish army and 13 for the French (this should be corrected in the scenario rules)—it makes the French command think carefully about when and how to use the cavalry to prevent a Spanish retreat. In fact, the Spanish have won more than once. Spanish units don't need to stop to leave the board (this should also be corrected in the scenario rules), and with a Grand Maneuver or Forced March, it's possible to move a large number of units out.
Thank you.
RiverWanderer replied the topic:
#14403
4 months 2 weeks ago
I have re-implemented this scenario in Vassal for an upcoming module release. As shown in the image, the scenario is standardised so that the French Army is at the bottom of the screen. There is only one statistic at the moment - a French victory. Perhaps Ale can swap that over.

Other mods mark units explicitly where special rules apply.
locoNey replied the topic:
#14280
9 months 1 week ago
Mis Generales!!!.
Les dejo las reglas en español para todos esos jugadores hispanohablantes.
Que disfruten!!

Victory

13 Puntos de Victoria. Bando Frances.

10 Puntos de Victoria. Bando Español.

Al ser una maniobra defensiva se considera como victoria el 80% de los PV.

Reglas Especiales

• La falta de dirección del Gral. Areizaga y el caos que se produjo, se representa con la imposibilidad de formar más de 2 cuadros al mismo tiempo por las tropas españolas con uso de las cartas de mando. Se puede usar la carta táctica “Cuadro Apresurado” sin que le afecte esta limitación, de tal manera, que se puede formar 3 cuadros a la vez manteniendo 2 cartas de mando.

• Las unidades portuguesas representan la unidades más veteranas y profesionales del ejército español. Combaten con las reglas portuguesas.

• Maniobra Defensiva. Gral. Zayas. Esta maniobra permitió al flanco izquierdo español retirar las Div. en orden.

Cada unidad española completa, en su número de bloques iniciales, dará 1 PV al lado español al retirarse por los hexágonos de color verde. No es necesario pararse en los hexágonos verdes para salir pero es necesario gastar un punto de movimiento. Esto significa que una retirada por los efectos de una tirada de dados con resultados de bandera no pueden salir por estos hexágonos y se perderían los bloques correspondientes a las banderas que no se pueden evitar.

Esta acción debe ejecutarse cuando las unidades de caballería del Gral. Freire se queden con un sólo bloque  o hayan sido eliminadas. Son las 4 unidades de caballería del flanco derecho y dentro de un hexágono amarillo.

Las unidades españolas no podrán hacer movimiento hacia atrás salvo por los efectos del combate (retirada, exposición al fuego a distancia y repliegue ante un posible ataque a melee).

• Muerte Súbita. Si una unidad española da muerte al Rey José I, este gana inmediatamente. Líder del hex color azul. Se señalizará para conocer en todo momento su ubicación en el tablero.

• Todos los arroyos son vadeables.

• La regla de guerrilla española no tiene efecto.
bartok replied the topic:
#14279
9 months 1 week ago
Yes, but the first cavalry-to-cavalry attack was by the Spanish.
Once the Spanish cavalry was destroyed, the Spanish retreat through the three defined hexagons was not as significant (3 VP) due to the very rapid advance of the French infantry ( 3 Force March, 2 Bayonet Charge in 9 turns), despite the three squares the Spanish army was able to form thanks to the Hasty Square tactic.
Mark-McG replied the topic:
#14277
9 months 1 week ago
From the photo, it appears your playing follows the historical events, the French cavalry destroy the Spanish cavalry on the French left, and roll up the infantry from the left.

Did the various special rules make any impact on the scenario?

It does look like an interesting scenario, and not one covered by the Exp.7 battles.
Read More...

Maps with similar TAGs