Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Nine

Situation after turn eight

My activation dice land 5, 2 and 1. I reroll the 5 and 1, but get another 5 and an equally useless 4.

Both my infantry units move back obliquely right, so that at least they are next to the French commander. I leave the artillery where they are, partly hoping the Allied infantry behind the trees will advance into my guns' line-of-sight.

The AI's activation dice are 5, 4 and two 1s. A 1 is rerolled, becoming 2.

In area 4 the infantry roll 1, which has no effect as they are not below the red dashed line.

In area 5 the forward infantry roll yet another 6, reaching the bottom of the map. The rear infantry roll 1, which, since they are below the red dashed line, means they enter the adjacent trees, from where they fire at Marshal Masséna. Their three dice are decreased for moving and for firing through intervening trees. However they roll 6, killing the French commander. The artillery roll 2, advancing obliquely right to put an enemy unit in range (they cannot fire because artillery cannot move and shoot in the same turn).

Activation dice will be crucial next turn

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Eight

Situation after turn seven

My activation land 4, 3 and 1. I reroll the 4, and it lands, as I hoped, 2.

In area 1 the infantry advance obliquely right and fire at the cavalry, their two dice reduced for moving. I roll 5, eliminating the enemy unit.

In area 2 the infantry advance, but I leave the artillery where they are on high ground.

In area 3 Marshal Masséna advances one hex to support the infantry in the trees, who fire at the three-strength infantry ahead of them. Their three dice are increased, thanks to support from the French commander, and I roll 5, 4, 3 and 1, reducing the enemy to two-strength and forcing them back a hex.

I am starting to fancy my chances - remember I win if at the end of turn 10 I have more units on the map than the Allies have below the red dashed line

The AI's activation dice are two 6s and two 5s. Because the Allied commander has been killed, only a 5 can be rerolled, and it becomes 4.

In area 4 the infantry fire at my men in the trees, their two dice reduced for the target being in cover. They roll 6 and 3, reducing my unit to one-strength.

In area 5 the forward infantry yet again roll 6, advancing. The rear infantry fire at my men in the wood, their four dice reduced for firing through trees and for the target being in cover, and they roll 2 and 1. The artillery fire at the same target, their three dice reduced for the target being in cover. They roll 5 and 2, eliminating my one-strength unit.

Suddenly I am pessimistic again

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Seven

Situation after turn six

My activation dice are two 5s and 3. I reroll the 5s, getting 1 and another 5.

In area 1 my infantry resume their long-range shooting duel with the one-strength Allied infantry, rolling 6 and 3, eliminating the enemy unit.

In area 3 I elect to keep my infantry in cover, while trying to eliminate the last remaining Allied cavalry unit. The three dice are increased for being next to Marshal Masséna, but I roll 3 and three 1s. Masséna falls back obliquely left to take cover.

For the first time in the battle I have been thrown onto the defensive

The AI's activation dice are three 5s and 4. Two 5s are rerolled, becoming 3 and another 4.

In area 3 the three-strength infantry fire at my unit in the trees near them. Their four dice are reduced for the target being in cover, and they roll 6, 3 and 1, reducing my unit to two-strength. The one-strength infantry fire at the same target, their two dice reduced for the target being in cover, and they roll 1.

In area 4 the cavalry advance obliquely right (decided by die roll over advancing straight down) and charge my men in the trees. Their four dice are reduced for the target being in cover, and they roll a miserable two 2s and 1. The infantry fire at the same target, their two dice reduced for the target being in cover. They roll 3.

In area 5 the forward infantry roll 5, advancing. The rear infantry roll 5, advancing. That clears a path for the artillery to fire at my same put-upon men in the trees, their three dice reduced for the target being in cover. They roll two 1s.

My right-flank infantry enjoyed, on the whole, a charmed life that half-turn

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Six

Situation after turn five

My activation dice land 6, 5 and 1. I reroll the 5, but it lands 1. I turn the wildcard 6 into 3.

In area 1 the infantry fire at the two-strength cavalry, rolling a magnificent two 5s, eliminating the enemy unit.

In area 3 my two-strength infantry leave the trees and charge the French cavalry at bayonet-point, their two dice being increased for attacking at range one after moving. I roll 5, 4 and 1, reducing the enemy unit to two-strength and forcing it back obliquely right (the decisive tiebreaker over right or left being which direction takes the unit nearer area 3). The three-strength infantry enter the just-vacated trees and fire at the same cavalry, their three dice being reduced for moving, but increased for being next to Marshal Masséna. I roll 6, 3 and 2, reducing the cavalry to one-strength. Marshal Masséna stands still.

The battle will be decided on the French right/Allied left

The AI's activation dice are 5, two 3s and 1. A 3 is rerolled, but remains 3.

In area 1 the infantry fire at my nearest infantry, but roll 3 and 2.

In area 3 the three-strength infantry fire at my furthest-up unit, rolling 6, two 5s and 3, eliminating my two-strength infantry. The one-strength infantry roll 2, advancing.

In area 5 the forward infantry roll 6, advancing. The artillery fire at my three-strength infantry beside Marshal Masséna, their three dice reduced for the target being in cover. They roll 3 and 1. The rear infantry roll 2, advancing.

The Allies are breaking through on my right

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Five

Situation after turn four

My activation dice land 4, 3 and 1, which I decide to keep.

In area 3 my forward infantry fire at Sir Arthur Wellesley, their three dice being increased for being next to Marshal Masséna. I roll 6, two 3s and 1, killing the Allied commander. The other infantry enter the trees ahead of them and charge the one-strength Allied cavalry, the three dice being increased for attacking at a range of one after moving. I roll 5, 4, 3 and 1, eliminating the Allied unit. Marshal Masséna advances obliquely right one hex.

In area 4 the cavalry advance directly up a hex, and then obliquely left to charge the two-strength Allied infantry. I roll 5, two 4s, 3, 2 and 1, reducing the enemy to one-strength and forcing them back to the edge of the battlefield.

In area 1 my infantry advance into the wood and fire at the infantry directly ahead, their four dice being decreased for moving. I roll two 5s and 4, reducing the enemy unit to one-strength and forcing it back a hex.

The Allied centre and right flank are being forced back, but the left flank is ominously strong

The AI's activation dice land 5, 4, 3 and 1.

In area 1 the infantry fire at my forward men in the wood, their two dice being decreased for the target being in cover. However the AI rolls 5, reducing my unit to one-strength.

In area 3 the three-strength infantry fire at my cavalry, rolling 5, 3 and 1, reducing my unit to two-strength. The one-strength infantry fire at the same target, rolling two 6s, eliminating my unit.

In area 4 the one-strength infantry fire at my three-strength infantry in the trees, their two dice decreased for the target being in cover. They roll 2.

In area 5 the forward infantry roll 6, moving straight down. The artillery fire obliquely right, rolling 5 and two 3s, reducing my unit in the trees to two-strength. The cavalry roll 4, advancing towards the unit that just suffered casualties. The backward infantry roll 2, advancing a hex.

The Allied left-flank has sprung into life

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Four

Situation after turn three

My activation dice are two 6s and 4, which, thanks to the wildcard 6s, mean I can activate the whole French army.

In area 2 my artillery fire at the cavalry directly ahead of them, the two dice being increased for being on higher ground and for being next to the French commander. I roll two 4s and two 1s, which has no effect as Sir Arthur Wellesley's presence ensures the cavalry do not retreat. The forward infantry advance and fire at the three-strength cavalry directly ahead. The three dice are decreased for moving, but I roll 5 and 4, reducing the cavalry to two-strength, although Wellesley's support means they do not retreat. The other infantry advance.

In area 3 the one-strength infantry advance and fire directly ahead, the two dice being decreased for moving. I roll 5, reducing the Allied infantry unit to two-strength. The forward three-strength infantry advance and fire directly ahead. Their four dice are decreased for moving. I roll two 4s and 2, but the enemy only withdraw one hex as, after that, they receive steadying support from Wellesley. Marshal Masséna advances into trees, so that when the backward three-strength infantry advance and fire obliquely right, the penalty for moving is cancelled by the bonus for being next to the commander. The infantry roll 6, 4 and two 1s, reducing the enemy to one-strength and forcing them beyond the red dashed line.

My cavalry advance two hexes.

There is a long way to go, but for now no Allied units are below the red dashed line

The AI's activation dice are two 4s, 3 and 1. A 4 is rerolled, becoming 2.

In area 1 the infantry fire at my forward infantry in the wood, their four dice reduced for the target being in cover. The dice land 6, 4 and 2, reducing my unit to two-strength and sending it back, a hex the high ground being chosen on tiebreak.

In area 2 the one-strength cavalry charge my furthest-forward infantry. Their four dice are decreased for the target being in cover, but they roll 6, 4 and 3, eliminating my one-strength unit. The two-strength cavalry roll 2, which has no effect. Wellesley advances one hex straight down, and then obliquely left to be adjacent to three Allied units.

In area 3 the two-strength infantry cannot fire as their line-of-sight is obstructed, and their roll of 1 has no effect. The three-strength infantry roll 6, but cannot move straight down.

In area 4 the one-strength infantry fire at my cavalry, but their dice land 3 and 2.

This was a better half-turn for the AI, but the Allied commander is suddenly very vulnerable

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Three

Situation after turn two

My activation dice are two 6s and 1. I reroll the 1, but it remains 1. The wildcard 6s I turn into 2 and 3.

In area 2 my artillery fire at the Allied infantry directly ahead, their three dice being increased for being on higher ground and for being next to the French commander. I roll two 6s, 5, 2 and 1, eliminating the Allied unit. Both my units of infantry advance a hex.

In area 3 my infantry in the trees fire at the two-strength cavalry three hexes away, their three dice being increased for being next to Marshal Masséna, I roll 6, 4, 3 and 2, reducing the enemy unit to one-strength and forcing it obliquely back. My middle infantry advance a hex and fire at the Allied infantry sheltering behind trees. The four dice are decreased for moving, but there is no further deduction as the angle of fire does not pass through any cover. I roll 5 and two 2s, reducing the Allied unit to two-strength. The backward infantry advance.

The Allies are first to lose a unit, but their array still looks formidable

The AI's activation dice land 4, 3, 2 and 1.

In area 1 the infantry roll 1, which has no effect as they are not below the red dashed line.

In area 2 the one-strength cavalry roll 1, which has no effect as there is no enemy within three hexes. The three-strength cavalry also roll 1, and so also stand still. Sir Arthur Wellesley remains adjacent to three friendly units.

In area 3 the forward infantry fire at the French directly ahead. Their four dice are decreased for firing through trees, and they roll a miserable 2 and two 1s. The other infantry roll 6, advancing a hex.

In area 4 the infantry return fire at my unit that shot at them earlier this turn, rolling 6, 5 and 3, reducing my unit to one-strength.

The armies are still some way apart

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Turn Two

Situation after turn one

My activation dice land 6, 5 and 3. I turn the wildcard 6 into 2, meaning I can activate the whole French army.

In area 3 the middle infantry advance into the trees and fire at the cavalry ahead of them. Their three dice are decreased for having moved, but I roll 6 and 4, reducing the cavalry to two-strength and forcing them back a hex. Marshal Masséna advances a hex, and the cavalry advance obliquely right and then straight forward. I decide to leave the other infantry where they are as advancing and firing through trees is unlikely to be successful.

In area 2 my artillery fire at the infantry directly ahead of them. Their three dice are increased for being on higher ground and for being next to the French commander. I roll a disappointing 5, 3, two 2s and 1, reducing the Allied unit to two-strength. The forward infantry advance a hex, and the other infantry advance obliquely left.

The AI's activation dice are two 5s, 2 and 1. A 5 is rerolled, becoming 4.

In area 1 the infantry roll 1, which has no effect.

In area 2 the infantry also roll 1, as do the cavalry - again no effect. Sir Arthur Wellesley cannot move to a hex that would put him adjacent to more friendly units than is currently the case, and so remains where he is.

In area 4 the cavalry roll 4, advancing straight down two hexes to approach the nearest French,

In area 5 the forward infantry roll 2, advancing a hex. The cavalry roll 1, which has no effect. The artillery roll 6, advancing a hex. The backward infantry roll 6, but cannot move straight down.

Allied troops have crossed, or are poised to cross, the red dashed line in large numbers

Battle Of Sabugal - French Playthrough: Setup & Turn One

THE 18th scenario in Mike Lambo's Battles Of Napoleonic Europe is the Battle of Sabugal, with the human taking the French side.

The French start below the blue dashed line

In addition to Marshal André Masséna, I get five units of infantry and one each of cavalry and artillery.

The AI receives, in addition to Sir Arthur Wellesley, seven units of infantry, three of cavalry and one of artillery.

To win I must, at the end of turn 10, have more units anywhere on the map than the Anglo-Portuguese have below the red dashed line.

I have placed my artillery on high ground, and will draw up a plan according to the AI's dispositions

The Anglo-Portuguese setup is decided by dice throws.

The AI has generally gone for a sensible-looking formation, except for the awkward placing of the Allied artillery 

TURN ONE

My activation dice land 4, 3 and 1. I reroll the 1, but get another 4.

I advance all my infantry in area 3, move Marshal Masséna to the newly vacated high ground in area 3, and also move my cavalry into area 3.

The AI's activation dice land 6, 5, 3 and 2. The 6 is rerolled, becoming 1.

In area 1 the infantry roll 6, and so move straight down a hex.

In area 2 the cavalry roll 1, but that has no effect as there is no enemy within three hexes. The infantry roll 3, and advance straight down. Sir Arthur Wellesley also advances a hex, putting him next to four Allied units.

In area 3 the cavalry roll 5, and so advance two hexes. Both infantry units roll 4, advancing a hex.

In area 5 the cavalry roll 2, which has no effect (no enemy near enough). The forward infantry roll 4, advancing a hex. The other infantry roll 6, but cannot, as required, move straight down as the left-flank Allied cavalry are in the way. The artillery roll 6, advancing a hex.

The central Allied cavalry have rushed forward precipitately

Slingshot Issue 350

THE January/February edition of Slingshot, the magazine of the Society of Ancients, arrived a few days ago, having been returned-to-sender by Royal Mail, who decided my flat number, block name and postcode were not enough to locate the home I have been living in for 36 years.

Slingshot ... better late than never

It was well worth the wait, with the most-interesting article, for me, being John Hogan's seven-page (plus notes, etc) effort on slings. Naturally I knew most of what is presented, but by no means all.

I was also happy to see a review of Bob Cordery's Developing The Portable Wargame.

That book joined my wargaming library as soon as it came out in 2017, but I have not perused it in a while, and I was pleased to be prompted to take yet another look.

Summing Up My Allied Playthrough Of The Battle Of Sabugal

WINNING in eight turns is a novelty I could get used to, but the battle did not feel one-sided until very near the end.

It should be particularly interesting to play the return scenario in which the AI commands the Allies.

Meanwhile, my lead over the AI in our series, which includes one scenario played twice, has increased to 10-8.

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Eight

Situation after turn seven

My activation dice land 6, 5 and 2. I reroll the 5, but get another 2, and I change the wildcard 6 into 3.

In area 2 the infantry fire at the nearest French infantry, rolling three 5s and 2, eliminating the enemy unit. The cavalry advance two hexes obliquely right.

In area 3 the two-strength infantry advance and fire at the French commander. The two dice are decreased for moving, but I roll 5, killing Marshal Masséna and so winning the game.

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Seven

Situation after turn six

My activation dice are 6 and two 2s. I reroll a 2, but get another 2, and I change the wildcard 6 into 3.

In area 3 my artillery fire at the French cavalry, their two dice being increased by one for being next to Sir Arthur Wellesley, and by two more for shooting at short range. I roll 4, 3, 2 and two 1s, forcing the cavalry back a hex. The three-strength infantry advance obliquely right and fire at the French cavalry. Their three dice are decreased for moving, and I roll two 3s. The two-strength infantry also advance obliquely right and charge the cavalry. Their two dice are increased for attacking at short range after moving, and I roll two 6s and 5, eliminating the French unit.

In area 2 my cavalry attack the French in-square infantry. The five dice are decreased by three, but I roll 5 and 1, eliminating the French unit. My infantry advance obliquely right and fire at the French nearest them. The four dice are decreased for moving, and I roll 3 and two 2s.

The French right-flank has been wiped out, making the French commander look suddenly vulnerable

The AI's activation dice are 5, 3 and two 2s. A 2 is rerolled, but comes up 2 again.

Only the infantry in area 5 can be activated, but they stand still as they cannot move nearer the French commander.

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Six

Situation after turn five

My activation dice are two 6s and 5. I keep the 5 and change the wildcard 6s into 2 and 3.

In area 2 my infantry advance and fire at the enemy square. The four dice are decreased for moving, but increased for the target being in square. I roll 5 and three 1s, reducing the enemy unit to two-strength. The cavalry charge the same target. Their five dice are decreased by three for the target being in square, and I roll 6 and 3, reducing the French unit to one-strength.

In area 3 the artillery fire at the French cavalry. The two dice are increased for being next to Sir Arthur Wellesley, but I roll 4 and two 2s, the requirement to retreat being cancelled by the presence of Marshal Masséna. The forward infantry advance and fire at the infantry next to the French cavalry. The four dice are decreased for moving. I roll 6, 3 and 1, reducing the enemy unit to two-strength. The other infantry advance a hex, and the commander moves behind the right-flank infantry.

The cavalry in area 5 move left so as to be next to Wellesley, but out of range of the French infantry in the wood.

The battle seems finely balanced

The AI's activation dice are two 6s, 3 and 1. The 6s are rerolled, coming up 4 and 2.

From this turn on the French infantry's first instruction is to move nearer to the French commander.

In area 1 the infantry cannot move as they are pinned by the Allied cavalry, which they duly attack. Their two dice are decreased for attacking from a river hex, and they roll 2.

The French cavalry roll 4, moving straight down two hexes, finishing by attacking the further-forward Allied infantry in area 3. They roll 6, two 2s and three 1s, reducing my unit to two-strength.

In area 4 the further-forward two-strength infantry cannot move nearer the French commander, and so fire at my area-4 infantry, rolling 6, 5 and 4. My unit is reduced to one-strength, but does not retreat as it supported by Sir Arthur Wellesley. The other two-strength French infantry fire at the same target. Their three dice are increased for being next to Marshal Masséna, but decreased for firing through trees. They roll two 6s and 2, eliminating my unit. The three-strength infantry hold their position next to Masséna, who also remains where he is.

Both armies have seven units left, with the Allies edging it in strength points 16-15

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Five

Situation after turn four

My activation dice are three wildcard 6s, which I turn into 2, 3 and 4.

In area 2 my cavalry enter the trees and charge the French artillery. I roll 5, two 3s and 1, reducing the artillery to one-strength. The infantry advance obliquely left and fire at the same target. Their three dice are decreased for moving, but I roll 5 and 1, eliminating the French artillery.

In area 3 my artillery fire at the enemy infantry to their front. The three dice are increased by two for firing at short range and one more for being next to Sir Arthur Wellesley. I roll 5, three 3s, 2 and 1, reducing the enemy unit to one-strength. The forward infantry fire at the enemy unit directly to their front, rolling two 6s, 5 and 1, eliminating the French unit.

In area 4 the infantry advance and fire at the one-strength French infantry. The four dice are decreased for moving, but I roll 5, 3 and 1, eliminating the French unit.

It has been a good half-turn for the Allies, but my left-flank cavalry are very vulnerable, despite being in cover

The AI's activation dice are two 6s, 2 and 1. The 6s are rerolled, but become two 2s.

Only the infantry in area 1 can activate, and they have to form square as there are Allied cavalry within three hexes. They then fire, their four dice being decreased for the cavalry being in cover and for being in square (on reflection I have dropped my amendment to the rules, which gave a minus-two penalty for being in square - I think I overly penalised the infantry, especially as cavalry can be quite effective against squares). The infantry roll 6, reducing my unit to two-strength*.

The green bead shows the right-flank French infantry have formed square

*Only later, after starting turn six, did I realise the French square should not have been able to fire as the men are in a river hex, which should reduce the number of dice by one.

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Four

Situation after turn three

My activation dice are two 6s and 2. I keep the 2 and change the wildcard 6s into 3 and 4.

My artillery fire at the enemy to their front. Their three dice are increased for being next to Sir Arthur Wellesley. I roll 5, two 4s and 3, reducing the French unit to two-strength, but it does not fall back as it is supported by Marshal Masséna. The forward infantry in area 3 advance and fire at the French to their front. The four dice are decreased for moving. I roll 5, 4 and 3, reducing the enemy unit to two-strength and forcing it back a hex. The other infantry in area 3 advance.

In area 2 the cavalry advance two hexes and the infantry slot in behind them.

In area 4 the forward infantry advance and fire at the French infantry in the wood. Their four dice are decreased for moving and for the enemy being in cover. I roll 6 and 4, reducing the enemy unit to two-strength and forcing it back obliquely right (chosen over obliquely left because it keeps them in range and line-of-sight of an enemy unit). The backward infantry advance.

There has been significant action at last

The AI's activation dice land 6, 4, 3 and 2. The 6 is rerolled, but becomes 4.

The artillery roll 4, advancing a hex.

In area 3 the forward two-strength infantry roll 2, advancing and firing. They have four possible targets, the tiebreak being their preference for firing at artillery. Their two dice are decreased for moving, and they roll 1. The other two-strength infantry roll 3, and also advance and fire. Their preference is for cavalry over infantry. Their two dice are decreased for moving, and they also roll 1. Marshal Masséna moves obliquely left. The cavalry roll 3, advancing two hexes.

In area 4 the two-strength infantry fire at the enemy infantry nearest them, rolling 5 and two 1s, reducing my unit to two-strength, The forward three-strength infantry fire at the same target. Their four dice are increased for being next to the commander, but decreased for firing through trees. They roll 6, 5 and two 4s, eliminating my unit. The other infantry in area 4 cannot move.

The main body of French infantry presents a formidable front

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Three

Situation after turn two

My activation dice are 5 and two 2s. I reroll the 2s, getting 1 and another 2.

My right-flank cavalry stand pat, while my left-flank cavalry move back two hexes obliquely right to join the main body of the Allied army.

The AI's activation dice are 6, 4 and two 2s. The 6 and a 2 are rerolled, but come up 6 and 4.

The infantry in area 2 roll 5, moving obliquely left and firing at my furthest-forward infantry. Their four dice are decreased for moving, and they roll two 4s and 3, forcing my unit obliquely back two hexes. The artillery cannot fire through the town. Instead they roll 6, entering Sabugal (they still cannot fire as artillery cannot move and fire in the same turn).

In area 4 the forward infantry roll 3, advancing a hex. The other infantry also roll 3 and advance. Marshal Masséna moves obliquely right, the tiebreak in deciding direction being his preference for higher ground.

Another quiet turn

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Turn Two

Situation after turn one

My activation dice give me two 4s and 3. I reroll both 4s, getting 5 and 6. I change the wildcard 6 into 2.

All my troops in area 3 advance one hex obliquely right, and the troops in area 2 do the same.

The right-flank cavalry fall back one hex obliquely right, ensuring they cannot be fired at this turn.

The AI's activation dice are two 6s, 5 and 1, The 6s are rerolled, becoming 2 and 5.

The infantry in area 1 roll 1, which has no effect.

In area 2 the infantry roll 2, advancing a hex. The artillery roll 1, which has no effect (French artillery in this scenario need 3 or higher to move).

In area 5 both infantry roll 4, meaning both advance a hex.

I cannot recall a previous scenario with no firing before turn three

Battle Of Sabugal - Allied Playthrough: Setup & Turn One

THE 17th scenario in Mike Lambo's Battles Of Napoleonic Europe is the Battle of Sabugal, which was fought in April 1811 near Portugal's border with Spain.

The Anglo-Portuguese force under Sir Arthur Wellesley will advance from the bottom of the map

The human takes on the persona of Wellesley, getting five units of infantry, two of cavalry and one of artillery.

I have opted for a compact formation, and will make my plan according to how the French line up

The AI, in addition to Marshal André Masséna, receives seven units of infantry and one each of cavalry and artillery.

The semi-randomised French setup has resulted in much of the army forming on the French left, while the artillery is, at least for now, sited unfortunately behind the town of Sabugal

To win I have to kill the French commander.

As usual I will write the battle up as I go along.

TURN ONE

My activation dice land 6, 4 and 1. I reroll the 1, but get another 4, and I change the wildcard 6 into 2.

I start by advancing my right-flank cavalry two squares obliquely right.

My left-flank infantry also advance obliquely right, getting off the same file as the French artillery. My left-flank cavalry advance obliquely left, and then directly forward, also moving off the enemy artillery's file.

The AI's activation dice land 5, 4, 3 and 1.

The infantry in area 1 roll 5, advancing a hex to approach my right-flank cavalry.

In area 3 the infantry roll 2, advancing a hex. The cavalry roll 1, which has no effect as there is no enemy withing three hexes.

In area 4 the forward infantry roll 5, moving obliquely left to approach my right-flank cavalry. The other infantry roll 3, advancing a hex. Marshal Masséna's actions are dice-independent, and this turn he advances onto the hill in the centre of the French position so as to be directly behind a unit of infantry.

In area 5 the forward infantry roll 2, advancing onto the hillock in the large wood. The middle infantry roll 6, moving obliquely right so as to approach, albeit from a distance, my right-flank cavalry. The rear infantry also roll 6, and also want to approach my right-flank cavalry, the sixth tiebreak (hex nearest French commander) deciding they move obliquely right.

The French are advancing en masse

Big Hitters

ON a recent visit to Cambridge, I found the two books I had taken with me were not enough for a week-long trip (I had already got halfway through one of the books, and the other proved a huge disappointment).

Luckily I came across a secondhand bookshop that proved to have a decent history section, and from there I bought The Secret Of The Hittites: The Discovery Of An Ancient Empire for £3.50.

This is a 2001 paperback version of a book first published in German in 1955

Anyone with more than a passing interest in ancient history will almost certainly have heard of the Hittites, an Indo-European people who carved out an empire in much of what is now Turkey.

But 200 years ago they were very much a forgotten race, apart from a few mentions in the Bible where Hittites are listed with other tribes as occupying or impinging upon the Promised Land.

However, the fact individual Hittites are described in the Bible as serving King David might have alerted scholars to the people's possible importance.

It took a series of discoveries, still being made when this book was being written, to change that.

Normally a book of this sort, almost 70 years old, would be terribly dated.

But the author, Kurt Marek, a German using as a pen-name CW Ceram, does not try to give a definitive account of the Hittites.

Instead he describes how the world's state of knowledge of the Hittites had got to where it had reached by the mid-1950s.

It makes for an entertaining read, a kind of historical whodunnit?, and I certainly feel as though I enjoyed much more than my money's worth.

Summing Up My French Playthrough Of The Battle Of Barrosa

ANOTHER really close one, with fortune seeming to swing quite violently, sometimes favouring both sides in the same turn.

I suspect my plan of attacking on the right, before hooking to the left, a plan which I abandoned during the battle, was misconceived.

Despite that false start I came within a hairsbreadth of winning, although in the end my lead in the series against the AI has been cut to 9-8 (the score includes a scenario fought twice).

Battle Of Barrosa - French Playthrough: Turn 10

Situation after turn nine

My activation dice land 6, 4 and 3. Since only my units in area 2 can win the game by clearing the hill of Allied troops, I reroll all the dice, getting 3, 2 and 1.

In area 2 the infantry fire at the Allied infantry on the hill, rolling two 5s, eliminating the enemy unit.

So it all comes down to the cavalry, who charge the remaining Allied infantry on the hill, rolling two 5s, 1 and three 1s. That reduces the enemy unit to one-strength, but its presence on the hill means the Allies win.

Battle Of Barrosa - French Playthrough: Turn Nine

Situation after turn eight

My activation dice land 5, 3 and 1. I reroll the 5 and 1, but get another 5 and another 1.

My artillery fire at the infantry directly in front of them, their three dice being increased by two for firing at short range. I roll 6, 5, 4, 3 and 1, reducing the enemy unit to one-strength and driving it back to the edge of the sea.

The AI's activation dice land 5, 3, 2 and 1

In area 1 the infantry fire at my one-strength infantry, rolling 4 and 2, forcing my unit back a hex.

In area 2 the infantry roll 1, which has no effect.

In area 3 the infantry advance obliquely right to approach the hill.

The Allied artillery roll 4, advancing obliquely left to put the French artillery in range and line-of-sight.

The French can still win if I can activate my units in area 2 next turn