Our October Game Day West brought out an enthusiastic crew looking to game and game they did with the offerings of our GMs. Historical gaming is alive and well as we could tell by the full table of players at Tim Lalk’s “Live Free or Die” Battle of Saratoga. Great looking terrain and some splendid 15mm miniatures added immeasurably to this presentation in our ongoing AWI 250 Project series celebrating the struggles of the founding of our nation.
Tim was kind enough to not only run the game of this critical historical event, but to also provide us with a bit of commentary on the game so we will turn it over to him….
“The Second Battle of Saratoga, Bemis Heights, originally fought Oct. 7, 1777 was refought by BMHGA members Bob and John (British) versus DJ, Steve, and Burt (American).”
“The game begins at 2 pm and lasts 10 turns beginning with the American counter-attack on Fraser’s Brig. which is probing in strength the American left. American victory condition is to take Breymann’s redoubt which is on the British right flank. Morgan’s 2 Brigs enter at X. One engages Fraser’s Light Inf. Reg. while Morgan’s Rifles rush to harass Breymann’s Redoubt.”
“Poor’s Brig. of NH and NY regiments enters on turn one at Z followed by Learned’s Brig. with mainly MA regiments on turn two. Reidesel moves toward the Americans who are slowed by the stream and are pounded by Fraser’s Grenadiers, 24th Foot, Mohawks, and 3# gun.”
“American regiments get so stacked up behind the stream that the last American Brig., Ten Broeck’s, has to delay entrance onto the map area at Z. During these middle turns volleys are exchanged, losses mount and regiments retreat.”
“Hamilton’s Brig. enters at Y on the road racing to insert his regiments in front of the redoubt to hold off the Americans but is too late. Poor’s Brig. has finally cleared the enemy is able to move directly to the hill where Breymann’s Hessian regiment has left the redoubt to make a stand (historically the redoubt was poorly made and was without flank protection)”
“Benedict Arnold, as he did historically, led the charge. In the game Breymann’s regiment was allowed 10 d6 and the gun 4 d6 with canister for closing fire. Needing hits on 5 or 6 the dice resulted in zero hits on the Americans”
“The melee went well for the Americans as the Hessians took significant losses and retreated off the map. And … General Arnold was not wounded as he was in history. At this point the British players conceded they did not believe they could retake the redoubt in the remaining time so the game was called.”
All the players did well with the forces and dice rolls available to them as the game ended as the battle did historically.”
Steve Lowry Commented…..
“The game ended when Benedict Arnold led a charge of the second New Hampshire regiment, around to the rear of the redoubt on the hill, forcing the retreat of the British regiment defending it.”
“Funny thing was that it practically followed the historical event in that respect.”
Thanks to Tim and Steve for their thoughts on the game and pictures. We also would like to offer our Thanks to all the players who came out to enjoy a fun afternoon of gaming. As always we extend our ongoing appreciation to Miniature Market Rock Hill for their continued support.
Remember to shop local!
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.
