Pike and Shotte Part 2

On Friday I went back to Neal's to complete our TYW game, unfortunately Dave couldn't make it so I took sole charge of the Swedes. The Swede continued to apply pressure across the front of the Imperialist position before eventually breaking through on the hill, only to be quickly slammed back as the Imperialist reserve brigade stepped into the breach.

On the Swedish left the Horse managed to see off the Imperialist Horse and turned their attention to the Imperialist foot, attempting to get in behind them. On the Swedish right things started well with a unit of Reiters breaking some imperialist Cuirassiers before hitting some commanded shotte in the flank, but from there it went downhill. A second unit of Reiters were repulsed and the Pike from the Yellow brigade failed to dislodge some Imperialist foot from an enclosure before promptly failing a break test and disintegrating.

Eventually though the pressure began to tell with both flanks of the Imperialists under pressure though still holding its own in the centre, though both centres had become badly beaten up. Overall a very enjoyable game and a set of rules I will play again. In fact on Thursday when I'll be using it for an ECW game.

Fresh Swedish Infantry advance under fire

Swedish left commence their assault

The Yellow Brigade Pike break

Imperialist centre under intense pressure

Imperialist right flank is turned

1st Pike and Shotte game

I had the good fortune to get my first taste of the Pike and shore rules and must say I am impressed. The game was at Neal's to christen his new table. Myself and Dave. Took up the Swedish cause. I did manage to take a few photos of the game. The original set up can be seen on Neal's blog.

Imperialist Battle line

Swedish right wing

Swedish centre and left swing into action

Getting up close and personal

Swedish Cuirasssiers begin the attack.

I did manage to commit my entire cavalry brigade to the attack. My Cuirassiers doing Sterling work, seeing off 2 enemy units, My Reiters though proved themselves very unwilling to get involved, often failing command rolls.

Swedish Cuirassiers hitting the enemy flank

Then driving their opponents back before they fled the field.

The cautious advance

Swedish infantry getting into position

I have to say that I really enjoyed the game mechanics, especially the command rolls to activate units, the combats were quick and easy to work out, for even a newbie like me I only had to check the rulebook once. The figures and terrain were all from Neal's collection. I did spot Minifigs, Essex and Matchlock figutres in amongst them. 2 Lovely looking armies. Cannot wait for next week to finish the game.