After Action Report (29.10.2005): 'Thirty Years War Quad - Nordlingen 1634'

We had two tables set up this time. Seow Buay would be playing two games of Nordlingen simultaneously.

This was the second time this month I was playing 'Nordlingen'. This time, I would be taking the Imperial forces.

Seow Buay would be playing the Swedes. He would also be taking on Wei Yi on the other table. (Image of Seow Buay pitted against Wei Yi in a battle of wits)

Seow Buay (Swedes) versus Shyue Chou (Imperialist forces)

Seow Buay opening moves were utilising Horn's powerful infantry and cavalry (a mix of 13-4, 15-4, 7-8, 4-8 units) to decimate my four infantry units (5-3 units). He also brought up strong infantry units (8-4, 12-4 units) from his main army and shifted them towards his right flank. He sent strong cavalry reinforcements (4-8 units mainly). Meanwhile, I moved strong forces (5-3, 4-6, 9-3 units) towards my left flank, attempting to rescue those beleaguered units.

I had also sent units up the right flank of the Swedish army, hoping to present a threat. (See Image 2)

My guns were unable to disrupt a single attacking infantry at point blank range (turn 1) until much later (turn 2). By then, the guns were surrounded and I had only one disrupted unit left. I launched six attacks and moved up a lot of my forces. My numerous flanking attacks at 1:1 odds failed badly and Seow Buay was able to build a line, taking the guns and bringing up reinforcements. He had destroyed nine units (easily 60+ VP) by turn 4 and captured two guns (20 VP). I haven't yet destroyed a unit.

At that point, I withdrew my largely intact army to strong positions. Seow Buay had enough a victory points for a decision victory and he occupied strong positions. As no one would advance their army, we ended the game at this point. (See image 3)

Wei Yi (Imperialists) versus Seow Buay (Swedes)

Seow Buay essentially did the same thing in this game. He attacked with Horn's forces and destroyed Wei Yi's positions by turn 2, securing the hill and the guns. He moved strong reinforcements forward.

Wei Yi was very aggressive. (See image 4)

He moved his Swedish army forwarded, attempting to prevent the Imperialists from reinforcing Horn. There was a large cavalry melee where the Imperialists took heavy casualties. It was to no avail as the hill was lost to Wei Yi. The position was formidable and the Imperialist forces cannot take high ground with a 15-4 infantry unit securing it. Meanwhile, Wei Yi managed to penetrate the Imperialist left flank, destroying three units while suffering heavy losses. Wei Yi's Imperialist Army was disintegrating. Seow Buay had managed to accummulate sufficient VP for a decisive victory. The battle was lost by turn 6.

Next week

We will be playing GMT Games' 'Sword of Rome' next week.

"Our armed forces, according to their tactics, are already leaving the way open to the capital, especially the commandos, are getting ready to wipe them out."
Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf (Baghdad Bob)