GdA2-Introductory Game at the Abyss-Albuera

Six of us got together last Sunday to play the new updated version of GdA2. Eight members of our wargaming club made a group purchase of the new rulebook and this was our first chance for the club to get in a game (myself and Graham had played 2 warm up games to get a sense of the rule changes). 

Graham and myself game-mastered the game, with 4 players, 2 per side. Rob and Michel played the Anglo-Spanish side, while David and Gabriel took the French. I should have the 4 players only one was acquainted with the ruleset and that was version 1. Two of the other players had knowledge of other Napoleonic rulesets and 1 player had really no knowledge of Napoleonic warfare aside from watching the Sharpe series on TV. As an aside, I should mention that that is how I got into wargaming!

We played the Albuera scenario from rulebook, there were 5 brigades per side and if you want to know more about it I would strongly recommend that you buy the rulebook.

Game (many thanks to Graham foe taking the photos and recording the events)

  Scouting: French failed all 3 scouting checks

                    

                  

Turn 1: Spanish brigades moved forward, 2 French brigades moved, 1 Hesitant.

Turn 2: Same as Turn 1 but with 2 French Brigades Hesitant. Allied reinforcement Colbourne arrives in Allied right centre.

Turn 3: Same as Turn 2, Colbourne redeploys towards right sector, artillery deploys in centre. 2 French Brigades advance and 1 Hesitant.

Turn 4: Both sides have full ADC count, French win the initiative. Artillery fire commences. Hoghton and Penne arrive for Allies in centre sector. French reinforcements and Reserves use a re-tasking to  arrive in their right hand sector.

Turn 5: 1 Spanish Brigade Hesitant, Penne move to support Spanish brigades, Hoghton deploys behind Colbourne. French okay and start massing for their attacks against Colbourne and the 2 Spanish Brigades.

Turn 6: Allies use “Chief of Staff” C-in-C command, win initiative, 2 French Infantry Assaults against Colbourne  result in 2 British battalions retreating and Colbourne’s Brigade Falters. The Spanish are holding their own against the French, with a Spanish square beating of a French cavalry attack. 

Turn 7: Colbourne uses “Stand with Me!” C-in-C command to steady faltering brigade and beat back fresh French infantry attacks . 

Not to be outdone, the Spanish Brigades repulse further French attacks.

 More Photos from the players:

I believe everyone had a good time and they all said that they would play again, we are having another introductory game featuring the Eckmühl scenario this Saturday so stay tuned in.