Some solo COINage and ongoing Pbem (Storm Over Arnhem and Combat Mission)

Got Fire In The Lake onto table (no minis game this week) for a solo session (only way I can get a win) and hugely enjoyable it was.

I still have not gotten the wherewithal to try the actual solo systems included but just played each faction as best I can as usual.

Played the Full scenario and US had a torrid time throughout even though they trounced NVA concentrations several times as public support dwindled constantly (only Saigon seemed firmly pro USA) and finished in last place (not helped by a surge just before last Propaganda card)

NVA tried a full military build up from get go which worked to a degree (certainly occupied US army) but a preparatory Guerilla campaign in initial stages (especially in the long scenario) a better strategy but did finish above US in third.

ARVN done usual flip flopping from helping or hindering US goals and did achieve victory conditions at one point with control of swathes of country but could not hold onto gains but finished second.

So victory went to VC who started rather poorly but steadily gained the 'support' of populace and established bases throughout Vietnam and had a +1 VP level on turn of fifth Propaganda card for a narrow win.

Such a fun game even playing it in my own tiny mind space.

Had planned to re-set and play the Fall Of Saigon expansion but instead opted to try A Distant Plain again using long scenario.

Early on but Government in strongest position thus far with Taliban struggling (just like VC) and Warlords and Coalition dawdling

Do so enjoy the COIN system.

Also Storm Over Arnhem game via Vassal started in earnest with Mike with a 6pdr Troop taking out 2 Armoured Car units to start proceedings.

 

And last but not least an ongoing Pbem game of Combat Mission (boy have I gotten moneys worth from this series of games) with NJ John with a scenario set in Italy 1944 with South Africans (moi) defending a German attack

Had to take pics via phone as not able to screenshot for reasons unknown

Not a great start on first turn as an exposed Sherman done what Shermans do 

 

Boardgame solo day

Couple of board wargames played solo today.

First up my ever favoured Combat Commander playing a Bulge scenario based on action near Lanzerth.

Small force of Yanks dug in armed to teeth with MGs against a motley collection of Kraut Volksgrenadiers, Conscripts and a couple of Fallschirmjager. 

A tough one for Germans this.

Then it was turn of The British Way COIN system game. 

I managed to play through the Palestine and Malaya games.

I have yet to fathom how to play Brits in Palestine as the sabotage and terror tactics of Irgun just drain Political Will.

Malaya an easier proposition for Empire and they came good at the end.

Disaster in the Holy Land

 

Victory in Malaya

A Distant Plain - a quick solo session

As a wee change from miniatures I had quick afternoon solo session with 'A Distant Plain' one of my favourite COIN series games, playing the Main scenario (I usually do the full scenario) which is 5 decks (rather than 6).

Game was concluded on 4th Propaganda card with a very narrow victory for Taliban beating Coalition by a mere 1VP with Warlords close by in third (-3 VP) and poor old Government well of pace in 4th (-12VP).

I generally struggle with Government faction and maybe need to use Bot for them in future (do find Bots bit ponderous to use) but still a fun game overall.

I do so enjoy the decisions and actions of COIN system combined with nice historical flavour even in sad sack solo mode.

Early stages with a lot more Taliban on board initially than I am used too

End situation with Taliban firmly established in Kabul and strong in their Pashtun heartlands, Coalition had just 'Surged' out of the country to beef up their VPs but still came up short.

Field Of Battle 3 - solo Napoleonic game and A Distant Plain (Pictatstic)

No scheduled game with Stephen this week (as I had to take parent to hospital appointment) but did manage to get a FOB3 solo game on table as I wanted to test a possible change to Attack Column.

In standard FOB Attack Column gets an UP1 whenever it fights in melee but am not sure that this would be supported by history so was testing cutting this UP1.

I have already made Attack Columns Down 2 rather than Down 1 for shooting but left melee untouched.

My thinking is that the Attack Column maneuvers a tad quicker (moves 8" whilst I give Line 6") and versus a Line it can get 2 on 1 (which is Down 1 for the Line being outnumbered) and if initiating the combat its gets Up1 as standard, so essentially a difference of 2 dice types (rather than 3 as written) just not sure the extra UP1 purely for being Attack Column is warranted ? but conversely do not want to make the formation too weak.

It worked fine in test game and think I will retain the amendment, but (as ever) might consider giving the Up1 versus Towns or Fortifications, will need a few games to see if too weakened.

Game was using Markkleeberg scenario I used as manageable numbers of units.

I actually started the game with Battle Command but find this bit harder to solo (keep getting confused as to which side is 'on' and what Action each command entitled to) so quickly reset and used my trusty and favoured FOB3 which I can solo with no problem.

Loads of pics showing various stages of game which the Allies won after crushing French left 

Also earlier in week I set up and completed a solo game of A Distant Plain which was thoroughly enjoyable even in 'lonely pint'/schizo mode with Government winning (although I did underplay the Taliban)