Hay. I have to add something else, so hay again.

I'm a new member form the US. I've been getting into block games for the last couple of years. Mostly for FoG off line and on the table. I've been thinking of Kriegsspiel for a while now and I think I'm just about ready to take the plunge. I'm mostly interested in doing some ACW stuff. My main question now is which set of (TFL) rules are best for ACW? Suggestions please. I do intend to get the 1824 set as I am interested in the Napoleonic period as well, but for ACW do I need the 1862 version? I'm thinking about/playing with changing the color scheme on the blocks as well. Every time I look at those "red" blocks I keep thinking, "Italian Army". It's driving me nuts.

So anyway, that's me.

Hi whatabunchofhooy

Welcome to the group.

Yes the von Tschischwitz 1862 Kriegsspiel Rules are probably more appropriate for ACW.

If you fancing changing the block size, shape or colours I would feel free to do that. We do it all the time! IMHO anything which helps with the suspension of disbelief is good. Why not paint-up blocks in blue & grey?

Same goes for the rules actually. In our group, whoever runs the particular game decides what rules to use and how to apply them. Even the 1862 rules were developed for European warfare, so you might wish to modify them for some aspects if you are doing an ACW game (eg the treatment of cavalry). As long as the players have some feel for the period and what tactics to use, they don't need to even know the rules.

Martin (J)

Thanks for the greeting. Yeah, calv. will probably be the major change. We'll see. I am working out a blue/gray block set. Though Guns of Gettysburg has red/blue blocks, which was a bit controversial for a minute or two. I guess it was a tip of the hat to Kriegsspiel. I'm adding a bit of color for specialized unites, like the Lightning Brigade with their Spencers. And I'm thinking of adding "veteran" status, but I'll have to check the rules first. Anyone else you know of doing ACW who has any rules input?

I can think of at least 3 of the group who have run ACW k/spiels for us, so hopefully some of them will post.

Martin (J)

I tend to use an adaptation of the 1890s rules (VdV) built around 20-minute actions and leaning on some handy ACW tables for average movement rates, discipline under fire, courier movement times etc etc.

I haven't run anything with this group (yet!), but had some success with running Shiloh online a couple of years ago, and both Shiloh and Chickamauga more recently in face-to-face.

Gettysburg is the dream, but we'll see how that goes.

Sounds good Justin. Hopefully we can get you running an ACW game for us later this year

Martin (J)

Thanks.

Khryses wrote:I tend to use an adaptation of the 1890s rules (VdV) ...

Are you talking about the John Curry book?

I don't know the John Curry translation - I use the J.R. MacDonnell one.

But definitely looking forward to seeing how you guys run them and likely shaping my intentions toward that.

I have run at least two ACWs in the past, Chickamauga + a fictional 1863 Pennsylvania scenario, and have a third in an advanced stage of development. Unless it has disappeared with a recent computer crash, this includes a sheet of customised regimental blocks, with a full range of ancillary units, ready to mount on artists foam board, which I can email to anyone requesting it - just send your email address by PM on this site. Rules are dispensed with, I am afraid, in favour of my judgement of inherent military probability [IMP] and my trusty set of roleplaying dice. The whole art of umpiring, at least for amateur social players, consists solely of keeping the game moving at a reasonable pace.

Khryses wrote:I don't know the John Curry translation - I use the J.R. MacDonnell one.

But definitely looking forward to seeing how you guys run them and likely shaping my intentions toward that.

Hmm ... didn't see that. Curry's the only one I could find. Thanks. What's your thoughts on MacDonnell's version. Anyone out there seen both of these and know if there is any difference?

King_Rufus wrote:I have run ... at a reasonable pace.

Thanks for the input. Do you use, have you seen, do you know of either the Curry or MacDonnell translation of the VdV rules? Thoughts if so. I will PM you and take whatever you've got.