It was a scorcher outside on this First Saturday of September but that just made it a great day for gaming at Miniature Market Rock Hill as we gathered for our Game Day West.
The three games on tap drew from the early history of our nation and proved to elicit much conversation on these inflection points in our nation’s past. First up was “Gettysburg Morning” presented by Dave Schaffner who graciously sent along his description as well as running the scenario for us.
We will pass along Dave’s thoughts on the table top action…
“We had nice interest in our Game Day on Saturday. My Gettysburg Morning scenario presented the opening infantry action for the first day of Gettysburg, pitting two Confederate brigades against two Union brigades, an almost classic, near-iconic ACW confrontation to wargame. “
“Dave H., Chris B., and Lance W. (who teamed up with Chris) commanded the Rebel brigades of Archer and Davis from Heth’s Division, which began to cross Willoughby Run, and were moving up against McPherson’s Ridge on July 1st, 1863. Opposite this along the ridge, and from the other side of it, were the Union brigades of Cutler and Meredith (the latter unit the famous Iron Brigade), being commanded in-game by Rick C. and Jon B. (see direction arrows).”
“The ordered ‘probing action’ soon became the general engagement General Robert E. Lee had wanted to avoid initially, but which our players now were coming to grips with – and a full-on meeting engagement played out. The guys didn’t shirk from their duty and went straight into battle. On the Confederate left, Chris and Lance pressed hard against two of Rick’s infantry regiments, and looked ready to carry the heights there, but then BG Davis was killed in the heat of the action, and the loss of his command ability within the rule system would stymie Rebel prospects for success on this flank.”
“On the Rebel right, Dave H. dutifully pushed forward, aware that the Black Hat regiments of the Iron Brigade commanded by Jon were coming on fast. Dave would use the avenue of the Herbst Woods in the center to maneuver away from Jon, and possibly forward into Rick’s more open positions behind the McPherson Farm, but seeing Davis’s Brigade on the left faltering, deemed it important to extract his own brigade before it became pinned down against superior numbers. Thus, the game ended, largely with similar historical results, and with all players saying they had enjoyed themselves.”
“This game will be run again in November at Command Con-Lite, and we’ll see if history might be changed then from the expected outcome for this famous First-Day at Gettysburg fight.”
Thanks to Dave for his great report and to all the players who came out to enjoy a nice Saturday afternoon of gaming. We would also like to add our ongoing appreciation to Miniature Market Rock Hill for their continued support.
Big Muddy Historical Game Alliance of Greater St. Louis
Our public educational demonstrations including rules and game evaluation sessions use historical miniature and historical board gaming to explore military history, historical decision-making, and the people, places, and events of the past.
Historical Gaming in Action is a public educational program presented by the Big Muddy Historical Game Alliance of Greater St. Louis.
Using miniature figures, terrain, maps, historical research, and guided play, our games explore military history through the decisions faced by commanders, soldiers, and communities. Visitors can examine the table, ask questions, learn about the historical setting, and—when space and time permit—join the game.
Our scenarios are based on historical sources. While game rules simplify some details for practical play, each event is designed to encourage discussion of historical events, geography, leadership, logistics, strategy, and the human experience of conflict.
Historical gaming can be both enjoyable and educational. Big Muddy provides public educational demonstrations, seminars, and convention programming that promote historical miniature gaming and military history.
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