Valour & fortitude: a new rule set

I posted shots of the set-up yesterday-and I want to post my thoughts about the game.

We chose the slightly modified scenario from the website _ Assault. In 8 game turns, the French managed to hold out a relentless Russian force as night fell. Each force had 6 brigades, losing only one each as damaged brigades can leave the line and be rallied if your army is large enough.

We finished the game in a fairly timely manner & I have bad news. I may well have played my last game of General d'Armee, Shako & other Napoleonic rule sets. And this is because 'V&F' ticks nearly every box. Yes, it's that good IMO.

I should say these rules were not what I expected. They're touted as simple & as fast play. They are more than this - there's a lot of subtilty in them and the individual army sheets stop them being bland.

I like a game that looks like a Napoleonic battle & the rules encourage a use of correct formations & combined arms:







The various elements seem in the correct balance. Artillery is useful but not overwhelming. Infantry battalions & brigades used open order, line, attack columns & march columns as needed. Cavalry had a genuine role apart from fighting other cavalry. Command needed to be carefully managed to ensure you got what you wanted. I am very impressed that the rules allowed a competitive game between the often over-rated French Imperial Guard & the often despised Russians. The two armies were not identical but each had its strengths & weaknesses, allowing for a compelling game.





Because they move at a cracking pace, you can position the armies at a distance & manoeuvre without this taking all day. Although we began at the far ends of the table, shots were fired in Turn 2 & charges happened in Turn 3.



This isn't the proverbial beginner's rule set. Although brief, they expect the gamer to have a considerable knowledge of the era & of Napoleonic gaming. Written by professional expert rule writers, they encapsulate a lifetime's knowledge of the era.



Are they 100% perfect? Of course not. There are some aspects you may not agree with (use of skirmish lines for me) but some compromises make this an eminently playable set of rules.





Clearly, people will have other opinions. I was looking for a Big Battle show set of rules but I think I've found our go-to Napoleonic rules.