The Pea Ridge game is progressing.  Not exactly as a model of the tactical art, but progressing.

I’m happy about my rules learning curve.  That will make the next games much easier.

I’m not happy about my tactics.  I’ve done of poor job of positioning artillery batteries for both sides.  Sure, the terrain is not the best for artillery, but still.

One problem is that I misread the terrain effects chart and thought that artillery movement in heavy woods was prohibited.  No, just very slow.  Even very slow would have helped both sides, especially the Confederates.  Their infantry has muskets, with a maximum range of two hexes, at one-half firepower.  It is only when adjacent to a Union regiment that the Confederates can fire at full strength.  On the other hand, the Union regiments fire a double strength at one hext range, full strength at two hexes and one-half at three.

The Confederates need to get their significant artillery assets into position sooner rather than later.   A “Pin” result will suppress the Union rifle fire and allow the Confederates to move adjacent, fire at full strength and, perhaps, pass the morale test they need to melee.  Better yet, artillery fire with a  “Rout” result or loss of fighting strength (with accompanying morale check).

Here’s an overview  of the battlefield.  The top of the photo is west.  It is the start of Turn 13, Confederate phase.

To the west, the Union forces have withdrawn across the open area, and  set up their artillery assets (finally) to sweep the open field to their front.  The one Union artillery unit outside their new defensive line failed to limber up (due to a form of withdrawal fire).  The Confederates now have to figure out how to cross the open ground.  Here’s a closeup.

A firefight has developed to the east.  Here, the Union forces’ longer rifle range is a significant advantage, with Union regiments starting to flank the Confederate right.  Again, most of the Confederate artillery has not deployed.  Sigh…..

Plan to get back on this after Thanksgiving dinner.  Can’t blame the turkey if I’m too drowsy…..just have to watch all the other stuff.