Friday, March 22, 2024

Battle of Lutzen - Pike & Shotte

Played with the old ECW figures I sold to my buddy today - first time gaming them since hosting a Marston Moor game with them two years ago. Glad that they're getting a new lease on life - gaming-wise.

The unit flags are yet to be replaced with the TYW ones from Flags of War. My buddy was trying to see if he could preserve the ECW ones already on, but I told him to just replace them as he is only interested in TYW anyway.
I was the overall commander for the Imperial army. We played 7 turns with the game ending in a close draw. The objective was for either side to hold 3 of 5 objective markers at the end of the game. Those are the red squares on the table - which were placed nearer to the side of the Imperialists. 
Early in the game, the two Swedish cavalry units were destroyed by Imperial cavalry in hand to hand combat. Per the rules, supports for the fighting unit was a major factor for the outcome.
I ran several pike and shotte units in the center of the battlefield, and made good use of musketry. The Swedes failing several activation rolls slowed their advance as well.
As the Swedish army advanced they were able to return fire with good results. It was a shooting match for good part of the game.
The Swedish cavalry on their left flank finally were successful in charging into two Imperialist musket units - both just out of distance from their pike unit to form into hedgehog. They were both ultimately destroyed.
The Imperialists' right was held by dismounted troops - they didn't really play a big part in the game other than keeping the opposing cavalry mindful of their presence.
It was great to see the old figures on the tabletop again - and with a good friend who only lives 10 minutes away.

14 comments:

  1. Seeing your Old Army again in battle must have been a thrill but perhaps bittersweet? Can you describe the ground cloth? I like the look of it very much. Great looking game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! Indeed, enjoyable, but played with a bit of melancholy. I can take satisfaction that the new owner is not only a close gaming buddy, but is really passionate with theTYW. He's the same buddy who an equal interest with the 1809 Campaign. Oh, and I think the cloth is from Cigar Box Battles, two of the same pattern. Warmest regards, Dean

      Delete
  2. The figures and terrain look lovely Dean and sounds like it was a great game too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Keith. It was great to play the rules again - and figures - first time in 2 years! Warmest regards, Dean

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thanks, Michal. It really was a nice return to Pike & Shotte. Best regards, Dean

      Delete
  4. Great to see your figures getting in the tabletop Dean. Looked a good game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ray! Yes, it was nice to push the figures around again - and have someone else GM! :) Best regards, Dean

      Delete
  5. Great looking game and a lovely collection to play with

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you much, Matt! Yes, a nice revisit of the figures and rules. Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  6. Fabulous looking game and figures. I would have been sorry to let them go.
    What rules did you use?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Richard! We used Warlord Games' Pike & Shotte. Rules work great for the period. And yes, I felt I may have made a mistake parting with them. Then again, they were just sitting in the cabinet for 2 years - it's good they are in good hands and should be on the table much more often. Warmest regards, Dean

      Delete
  7. Great looking game, and almost around the corner; A good deal all around!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Peter. Yes, fun gaming, and the figures are in good hands. Warm regards, Dean

      Delete