Friday, January 16, 2026

Black Powder, Battle of Dresden, 1813 - My First Game in 2026!

Wrapped up a very nice Battle of Dresden game using Black Powder. There were 7 players, 4 commanding the Allied army, and 3 commading the French. It was a close battle with lots of back and forth action, especially between cavalry. Small skirmish units were able to occupy the smaller buildings in the center of the table. We played 6 turns ending with a very close French victory. They held their positions around the city, although their cavalry brigade on their right flank took heavy losses. 


The Allies were allowed to go first, since the French were already in a defensive position in the city. The Russians made the first move by advancing well into musket and cannon range. They wanted to force the French out from their positions.
French left.
French Dragoons and Lancers forcing Russian infantry into square.
French Carabiniers and Cuirassiers on their right.
Russian infantry advancing.
French infantry within the city defenses.
Prussian Dragoons and Uhlans advancing.
Austrian and Prussian cavalry advancing in front of their infantry.
French heavy cavalry in combat with Prussian Dragoons.
Center of the battlefield. 
Around turn 5.
Austrians attacking the French right.
Russian infantry awaiting movement orders (they had a few failed command rolls).
Russian Grenadiers. 
Russian Uhlans charging into French Dragoons.
Prussians advancing in the center.
French and Austrian infantry clash. 
Action on the French left. 

It was great to finally get all of the models onto the table - including the large buildings that were put together last year. The players, most of whom have only played Black Powder once or twice before, all said they had a great time and enjoyed the game. I think the rules are great for fast play and we were able to get 6 full turns in within about 4 hours. A great start to the gaming new year! Thanks for stopping by and hope you all are doing well!

18 comments:

  1. Amazing looking game, Dean. It made my mouth water.

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    1. Thanks, Richard! It was a great game - all the players had a good time with lots of action all over the table. Kindest regards, Dean

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  2. Fantastic looking bash, Dean. The second pic made me chuckle, with the pooch begging for attention.

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    1. Thanks, Ray! Yes, she was also begging for food after we took a refreshment break. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks a lot, Christopher! It went off very well - better than I had hoped. All enjoyed the game. Warmest regards, Dean

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  4. Looks like everyone had amazing fun, and as always I just love the hell out of your dog, he is hilarious poking his head into the shot.

    Cheers
    Kevin

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    1. Lol! Thanks, Kevin. Yes, I have to get her in the pictures, as she's always roaming around the place. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you, Sir! Looking forward to seeing your Leipzig game too.

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  6. Splendid game,sounds like fun, lovelyterrain and troops plus the photo with the dog made me smile!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks Iain! Yes, the game turned out well. We all had a great time. Kindest regards, Dean

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  7. Great to see Vetran Wargamers having fun during the game! Your table top battle remind me games during the 80s and 90s guys show up with 25mm napoleonic armies, roughly about 1200 figures for the French and Russians, my point is with 1200/1500 figures per side on 6 x 12 ft table there will be always room to maneuver during the game with your regiments/brigades..... :o)
    cheers!

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    1. Thanks a lot for the kind words, Phil! We did have a great time. Warmest regards, Dean

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  8. Great looking battle Dean , I like the idea of collecting Prussians but I’m not ready at the moment 👍

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    1. Thanks, Matt! It was a slippery slope with Prussians for me. I started with a box of Atlantic Games Prussian Reserve Infantry, and then picked up some Perry Prussian Line. Held off for a long time, but glad I finally got some.

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  9. Don't know how I missed this AAR Dean but it's a fantastic looking table with beautiful terrain and figures!

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    1. Hey, Keith! Thanks for stopping by and the nice comment. I've been off the blog since posting that, so I've been out for awhile too. Kindest regards, Dean

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