I do enjoy the 18th century as a wargame period. And based on some conversations we had at the Virtual Wargames Club, a book on wargaming the Russo-Austro-Turkish War of the late 1730's was brought up that piqued my interest.
David Watson, aka Balkan Dave, has published a history of this period with some good basic details if one would be interested in playing out this particular conflict. There are a couple of scenarios for the Battle of Banja Luka and the Battle of Grocka, as well as a generic skirmish scenario.
Dave provides some basic details of the Russian, Austrian, and Ottoman forces and also snippets of the main commanders of the time.
The only complaints I have are that the maps are hard to read and the two orders of battle are likewise in a very small font. Additionally, the rules that Dave and his friends use are called Lust For Glory, which is a set that has not yet been published. It would have been helpful to know some more details about the rules to help understand the OOBs provided for the scenarios. I am especially interested in refighting the Battle of Banja Luka.
Overall, I am enjoying the book. Thanks to Alan and Tidders for mentioning it, a great recommendation!
Eric, I think they are the horse & musket version of "To the Strongest" and "King & Parliament" by Simon Miller which he is developing and demonstrating at shows in the UK.
ReplyDeleteNeil
Neil, that's what I understand. I have not played either system, so I really have no frame of reference. The playtests from the shows I've seen look interesting.
DeleteEric
They use a grid and playing cards (or chits) instead of dice.
DeleteNeil
I've just acquired the book myself. Will be delving in once I have finished the current O'Brian
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Let me know what you think. I am enjoying it, despite the couple of quibbles I mentioned.
DeleteEric
Sounds like a bun baked in memory of P O’B.
DeleteWhen at Uni the Edinburgh University Wargames Club and I put on a demonstration game of the battle of Banjaluka, in 25mm with fortifications. We used the old WRG rules back then.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fascinating period and is a wee change from the 18th century European warfare. Different troop types and tactics too.
ReplyDelete