The SYW game, Part the First

Earlier today Phil and I tried out the new SYW rules, Honours of War, here in GHQ. I have to confess that I was n't keen to give them a go, having been massively underwhelmed by what I'd seen of other Osprey rules, but I was persuaded to put that to one side and try them out! We played the second scenario from the four included at the end of the rule book, 'The Clash at Kutzdorf'. I defended as the French and Phil attacked as the British. The table layout looked like this ~

Taking a relaxed view of the coming battle, General de Bykli had time for the better things in life before taking the field ~

Indeed, the local populace seemed to share his view of impending hostilities being a good way off yet ~

Not withstanding the laid laissez faire approach of their commander, the French were standing ready to receive and repel the British attack. The two infantry brigades, Superior to the left and Standard to the right, supported by two batteries of Inferior artillery Heavy Guns were flanked on their left by a brigade of two cavalry regiments, one of cuirassier and one of heavies.

The French cavalry, protected the left flank of the infantry brigades and also threatened the British cavalry opposite them. Their very presence was to hamper the British attack, even though they did not really get into the action at all during the game ~

After three turns of British advance and desultory French artillery fire things were starting to develop all along the French infantry's front. The British infantry, a Standard brigade of four battalions, was supported by three batteries of Standard artillery on its right and a brigade of two Standard Light Infantry units on its left {We are using Grenadiers to represent the Lights in the game}. Its far right flank is protected by a brigade of two units of Horse ~

The French infantry and its supporting artillery are enjoying the advantage of more effective fire than their British opponents, having no deductions for movement at this stage. One British Light Infantry battalion retires to reform in Turn 4 and the French, sensing an opportunity move forward into the gap in the enemy line ~

In Turn 5 the fighting is becoming more complex. Despite halting one British battalion and routing a second, the French find two infantry battalions forced to withdraw and reform, leaving a great hole in the centre of their line. Can the British exploit this gap and turn the battle in their favour?

Well, sadly for Phil, no they could n't. With three infantry battalions now routed, alongside the Lights, and the fourth being forced to retire and reform it was nearly all over ~

The seventh and final turn saw the rout of the one remaining British infantry battalion and the army reaching its break point of 5 points. General Lord Rawnsley and his men quit the field leaving the French commander, General de Bykli, the Compte du Merde, to savour his triumph ~

The sleepy village of Kutzdorf returns to its slumber, until later in the week at least, when Jon and I will reply the scenario in slightly enlarged form using the Black Powder rules ~

The rules hum along quite nicely we found, although as newbies of course we were stopping here and there to check our understanding of the rules or our interpretation of explanations as you do. We played seven turns in about three hours in all which I think is respectable for a first run through. In our post game coffee and cake debrief we did wonder if we were playing in the correct SYW style or just playing the game. As neither of us are SYW buffs we will have to hope others come along and put us right in due course.
The figures are all from my collection and are Foundry miniatures sculpted by Rob Baker I believe. I think they really capture the C18th look of an army, but others I know will disagree. I really need to add more cavalry to my two armies, but that is a long way down the list of priorities for 2016 I have to say. I hope you liked the 'new look' Conflix buildings in action for the first time, as I really think basing has made a real difference to the look of the game.