The CACCN Tournament 2016

Hourra Napolean a encore gagné

In the last play of the Jena scenario for the tournament, Wayne played as Hohenlohe and the Prussians, while I had Napoleon and the French. With the selecting of the cards, right off I was limited to mostly center cards and a few specials. This would force Napoleon to make an attack right against Closewitz without much preparations after first maneuvering some of the flank battalions to better positions. The main attack came when Suchet and Hilaire took three battalions right at the 2 Prussian Lines in Closewitz. The fight was tough as the French battalions reduced the Prussian Lines but at a cost a of French battalion and Sachet’s command. Hilaire formed a second attack driving a Prussian line from the field and advancing into but at a loss of another battalion. Prussian muskets opened up on the French in the town and they too were forced to retreat.

At this point Napoleon orders up more battalions, including the Light’s and the Young Guard to press the defenders of Closewitz. Firing by the Guard Artillery and the Lights drive the last Prussian Line from the field and leaving the town defenseless. But Napoleon does not have battalions ready to take the town and is force to maneuver more units from the right flank to support the center attack. During this time Hohenlohe is able to maneuver a Line, Greniader and Field Artillery to defend Closewitz. The French Lights that were positions on the sides of the town reduce both the Line and Artillery that were positioned there to defend. A second volley from the Lights forces the Line from the field. But the Prussians reduce the Young Guard to a dangerous level.
At this point the Prussians try to move on the left flank but the French artillery is in good position to stop this. Bombarding the advancing Prussians reduces their effectiveness. In the center the Guard Foot Artillery opens fire on the artillery in Closewitz, destroying it and leaving it defenseless for a second time. Hohenlohe orders the Lancers to try for the reduced Young Guard. The Guard squares up an holds against the Lancers attack.

Napoleon seizes the attack and orders a charge of the cavalry units forming in the center. The Lights under Treikhard strike a counter charge at the Prussian Lancers while the Cuirassier, Guard Heavies and Horse Artillery move up to support. The Lancers are reduced but voluntary move back to let the Horse Artillery fire at the Young Guards. They fire shot and shell at the Guardsmen, forcing it from the field and destroying Hillarie’s command. This gives the Prussians a 6-4 banner lead.

Napoleon still has the initiative and orders another Cavalry Charge to go after the Lancers and the Horse Artillery. The French Light Cavalry goes after the Lancers and Cuirassiers go after the Horse Artillery while the Guard Heavies and Horse Artillery support. The Lancers are run down by the Lights and then they go after some Prussian Lights milling around in the rear. They catch them off guard and force them from the field, evening up the banner count. The Cuirassiers overrun the Prussian Horse Artillery driving the gunners from the field. Pressing the attack they go after the Prussian Cuirassiers. They reduce and force them to retreat. This gives Napoleon a 7-6 lead in banners. The Prussians at this point have little hope and the French Cuirassiers rundown the last counterpart to get the final banner. An 8-6 win for Napoleon and the French.

Wayne played well as the Prussians, but lacked the cards in the center and the specials to counter my French attacks. He kept it close and with two significant leaders at two points in the game. But have mostly center cards and key specials made the day.