GHQ's ACW rules.

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:58 am

Looking to expand my gaming from ancients and 20th century. As the ACW is of interest to me I was wondering what peoples thoughts were on these rules? How they play? Are they a simple set of rules (what I am looking for?) Also, as a beginner can you play a fairly good game with just the GHQ CW Brigade sets( I belive in the rules they represent a supported battalion) on each side? ASre they suitable for other scales like 6mm?

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:32 pm

Twenty-Five views, and no response! No one around here tried these rules at all?

dnichols · Post by **dnichols** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:47 am

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have on the ACW Rules.

If you are familiar with either the WWII or the Modern rules then you will pick up the ACW rules quickly. When I teach new players the system, they generally pick them up in a couple turns at most. So yes, an easy rule system to learn.

Basic units are regiments/battalions that are made up of 3-6 stands. The regiments are maneuvered as a brigade.

The rules are designed for 10mm. If you have not checked out the GHQ ACW figures I would encourage you to do so, they are very high quality.

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:24 pm

Just as a rough guide so I know what I would need to start off. How many units (stands) would be needed to set up the most basic combined force army?

10mmACW · Post by **10mmACW** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:40 am

For a painting guide try looking at some Trionni prints on line
or Keith Rocco (His are nice)http://www.keithrocco.com/

As to the rules they are stand based (ie each stand is 80 men)
i only put 6 figs to a stand, that makes your figs go further.

Give them a try, I like em.

dnichols · Post by **dnichols** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:43 am

I agree Cama, for a person just getting into ACW a combat command of each side will do nicely.

8ball · Post by **8ball** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:30 pm

I'd still like to learn a little more about these rules before purchasing. I play F & F, and I'm pretty happy with it, but I wouldn't mind trying out another system. But before I do, I want to see it in action.

How about some play examples with pics, and a narrative explaining what's going on. Or how about a lite version as a free download like the original Micro Armour game. I played that demo, and then purchased the game.

10mmACW · Post by **10mmACW** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:12 am

Agree on the "sample" rules idea, then you could include them with the Brigade packs.

SJDonovan · Post by **SJDonovan** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:57 am

I've just bought a set of the MIcro Force ACW rules and I thought I'd say that after a couple of read throughs I am very impressed with them. I haven't played them yet - I am still in the process of painting up my armies - but the rules are well written and have a nice feel about them. I particulary like the command and control and melee systems both of which look like they will play well. The rules also include a number of interesting-looking scenarios. I'm particularly keen to play Cleburne's night attack at Chickamauga where one of the headaches the opposing commanders have to deal with is preventing friendly untits from firing on one another.

So, all in all, I'd say the rules are well worth checking out. In fact my only quibble with them is their title. To my ears 'Micro Force' somehow sounds a bit high-tech for the Civil War.

Stephen

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 11:13 am

What is the basing convention for the rules? How many infantry and cavarly to a stand?

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 11:14 am

How many infantry and cavalry to a stand?

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 11:15 am

How many figures to a stand?

SJDonovan · Post by **SJDonovan** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:21 pm

The basing convention is 8 infantry to a 1" x 3/4" stand and this reprsents a company of 70-80 men. Regiments are made up of two or more stands.

However, the number of figures to a stand is just for aesthetic purposes. For game purposes - firing, melee etc - you just count the number of stands engaged not the number of figures on them. This means that you could use figures based for a different set of rules with no problem.

Panzerleader71 · Post by **Panzerleader71** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:29 am

How are cavalry based?

Am I not right in thinking that during the ACW the cavarly were more less mounted only for transport, then fought dismounted on the battlefield for the most part? Were there any cases of a "European" style cavalry charge?

SJDonovan · Post by **SJDonovan** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:22 pm

The cavalry are based three to a 1"x1" stand when mounted. The rules don't specifically state the size stand to use for dismounted cavalry but I use 1"x3/4" stands with three or four figures per stand and use them as skirmishers rather than close order infantry.

The cavalry in the Civil War generally seem to have operated as dragoons or mounted infantry though there were a number of cavalry v cavalry engagements that featured charges. There weren't many instances of European-style cavalry charges in major engagements. This is generally attributed to terrain (lots of fences) and increased infantry firepower. However, the rules do include a scenario for a cavalry fight that took place on the third day at Gettysburg.

I don't think you really need to invest in cavalry figures if you want to start Civil War gaming. For the most part it was an infantry and artillery contest. And to be honest, GHQ's civil war cavalry range is a bit disappointing. They are beautifully sculpted figures but none are in action poses and there isn't much fun to be had using cavalry who look like they are permanently in reserve.

Stephen