Altar of Freedom ACW

This will be short as I've been slack. I posted the images then didn't write the report. 

Okay, after several months, Ian and I finally played 'Altar of Freedom' by the guys from Little Wars TV. I used my - now quite old - ACW 15mm figures. These are based on inch square bases with three to a base. I now think four would look better. 

We played with around 9 brigades a side - which means 3 divisions each. All had a battery too. We did not attempt a historical scenario as we were just trialing the rules. 

And what of the rules ... pretty damn good. The main phase of each turn (the most crucial) comes first with the allocation of CinC and divisional commander points. This decides order of division activation, who controls the clock and a few points should be saved for the final phase of the turn - for a bonus move per division. This can take a little while to get your head around. 

In general, controlling the clock is good if you are losing or defending. Otherwise, spend your points are ensuring the divisions where you have an advantage go first. 

On the night, we lined up our forces and moved in. The Union held back their right and pressed an extra brigade into the centre. This gave them an edge. 

The Confederates were cautious on their right but pushed up on their left. Firing can be quite inconclusive - especially musketry - but may push a unit out of the line or stop an attack. This second one is especially the case with batteries who can interrupt enemy movement and drive back an attacking brigade. 

The Union were able to concentrate more brigades - slightly - in the centre leading to an advantage. 

By the end of the night, no units had broken or routed but the Rebs had more fatigues. We figures out the rules but still had a bit to learn. Cannons caused us a bit of debate on this night. (I don't think batteries should be manhandled into melee for example.)