Minimum Detachment Size

In your experience(s), what's the minimum size of detachment per player for said player to have a reasonably good time?

I know Reisswitz talks about 8 batts. of infantry, &c., but are so many really necessary?

I'm particularly interested in hearing what people recommend for a convention game where a bit of rule teaching is involved as well.

Thanks!

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

Hi Jim

6-8 units (bttns, sqdns, batteries) in total would be fine for new players. I would suggest a couple of things:

(a) Give them a mix of at least 2 arms, for flexibility & interest. All 3 arms, if they are the only player on that side.

(b) Set your game in the mid-late 19th C rather than the Napoleonic period. The various improvements in infantry weapons & tactics helped small forces do more, take more advantage of terrain, and spread-out more. They also had greater survivability.

Reisswitz was essentially operating under Napoleonic conditions, and our experience suggests that games work better with somewhat larger forces for that period.

Hope that helps.

Martin

cyrano wrote:In your experience(s), what's the minimum size of detachment per player for said player to have a reasonably good time?

I know Reisswitz talks about 8 batts. of infantry, &c., but are so many really necessary?

I'm particularly interested in hearing what people recommend for a convention game where a bit of rule teaching is involved as well.

Thanks!

Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)

Convention games can be quite hard to run as you need space away from the table so players can not see master map and where things really are. It really depends on how long the game you want? If it is short time frame and only a taster for people focus on a few units per player. Remember the more players the more time it will take unless you can co-opt people to help umpire with you. If you give more details of how long and if you have help I could say more. For me I am looking to run a ACW game at Histcon this year and I will be aiming to get 2 people to help umpire and 2 players a side as the minimum. The game will be designed for an afternoon or morning session of 3 hours and each player will have a smallish selection of units. Based upon Jacksons Valley Campaign and realistic to what units were there. If there are any American readers that will be at Histcon and want to help or play let me know off line. Cheers Mark