Below is Part 3 in a series from David Waldorf covering a Manoeuvre tournament “March Madness” style. Parts 1 and 2 can be found here and here. Enjoy! -Rachel

Pregame Analysis

This match looks pretty bleak for the Americans. Not only are they considered the weakest army in this contest, but they are up against the strongest. Furthermore, they have very little in the way of defensible terrain. Getting to set up second is a boon, however, as they can attempt to array themselves against the French in the most effective manner. The Americans will have to be extremely cautious, and make good use of their ambush and leader cards.

The French cannot sit back on their heels, however. They will have to weather at least four American ambushes, which could strike them anywhere on the board. Keeping units on the full strength side and controlling the points of contact with the Americans are two important strategies the French can keep in mind, even as they aim for a swift, decisive attrition victory.

Gameplay

France sets up first on the east side, using a fairly typical alternating formation, with the exception that the two cavalry units are positioned together to quickly secure the two hills near the center of the battlefield.  The Americans set up as best they can, looking to attack France’s southern flank.  At start, the battlefield looks like this:

During the first few turns, the Americans make use of supply lines to mobilize more units than the French. There are a few battles near the southern edge of the map, some giving and taking of ground on both sides, with unit reductions and subsequent rallies. The Americans manage to push the French back somewhat, without losing any of their units.

The French Guard Cavalry penetrates deep into the American half of the battlefield and digs in with a redoubt. They attack and reduce the 13^th Militia, but the 13^th is able to rally. Again the Guard Cavalry attacks, and this time they overwhelm and eliminate the 13^th Militia. Instead of advancing, they choose to remain inside the security of their redoubt, within reach of the American 1^st Regiment. Now approximately halfway toward nightfall, the battlefield looks like this:

In retaliation, the Americans spring a successful ambush against a previously reduced 2^nd Regiment Legere, eliminating it and evening the score. A little later the American Volunteers attempt to attack the 19^th Regiment de Ligne, who make a strategic retreat, drawing the Americans back with them. The Volunteers dig in with a redoubt since they are now vulnerable to attack on two sides, but French Sappers team up with the 19^th Regiment de Ligne to demolish the redoubt, drive the Volunteers back, and reduce them. The Volunteers rally and make an attempt to get behind the French line, but get caught between the 19^th Regiment de Ligne and the Garde Imperial, and are eliminated. After more jostling for position and some give-and-take, the battlefield now looks like this:

The American 10^th Regiment manages to reduce the French 45^th Regiment de Ligne. In their following turn the Americans move up and cut off retreat for the French 1^st Cuirassiers, while also ambushing the crippled 45^th Regiment de Ligne. Astonishingly, the Ambush fails—but this means the French Cuirassiers are still hemmed in.

The French attempt to punch through the trap with a 1d10 bombardment on the 3^rd Regiment, but it fails. The Americans again attempt to ambush the the 45^th Regiment de Ligne, and this time it succeeds. However, the French immediately eliminate the 10^th Regiment on their turn; now, with all their units either at or over the center line and numerical superiority, France is in a strong position to win.

The Americans fight back admirably, pushing the northern French line back across the center and eliminating the 19^th Regiment de Ligne. France reaches the end of their deck first, and knowing that the Americans have only one card left to draw, strategically positions themselves for nightfall. The Americans are not able to outdo the French, and at nightfall the French are in command of the battlefield, with the final results looking like this:

Analysis and Discussion

Both sides played well. The French drove mercilessly across the halfway line into American territory to gain control of the battlefield, and despite being thrown back some, were ultimately unstoppable. It is possible they could have ended the game earlier if they had focused on eliminating units, but that is hardly a criticism. It is surprising that they lost three units to the Americans—going forward, perhaps they had better pay a little more attention to defense. They will go on to battle Russia in the second round.

The Americans held up astoundingly well against the French. If there is anything they could have done differently, it may be that they should burn through their deck quicker in an effort to recycle their Ambush and Leader cards. This might involve discarding even potentially useful cards if they are not going to be used that turn, which is something of a high risk/high reward strategy.

(NOTE: Upon review, following the game, it was discovered that the French had made two illegal moves.  The Guard Cavalry illegally retained a redoubt upon withdrawal from a position, and at one point France illegally moved two troops instead of only one. Also, on one turn the Americans failed to move any unit, which is against the rules. A rematch was held, which the French also won, and it was therefore determined that the original game results would be retained. But who knows what might have happened in the original game if all the rules had been followed . . .?)

Come back next week for the Austrian Empire vs. Prussia.  Prussia is slightly favored by the tie breaker rules, but these two armies are about as equally matched as they come—and the Austrians have the benefit of setting up last.

Previous Article in this Series: Manoeuvre Tournament Part Two: Russia vs. Spain

Next Article in this Series: Manoeuvre Tournament Part Four: Prussia vs. Austrian Empire

Author: David Waldorf