Die Kriegskunst Wrap Up

Our epic concluded today in grand style.  It literally all came down to the last throw of the dice on the last turn of the game.  Here is a brief clip of how things stood at the beginning of the final day:Youtube link

Each side received one last brigade of reinforcements at the very beginning, but they didn't play much of a role except to raise morale.

The critical cavalry battle on the Prussian left had a lot of potential, but it soon became undone when the Hadik Hussars soundly defeated the Prussian Guard du Corp.  This changed the entire scope of the battle on this flank.

The Guard du Corp have been defeated, dashing Prussian hopes on this flank

Just to the right of this, two brigades of Prussian grenadiers fought ferociously to break into the town.  Enduring staggering losses, they eventually did obtain a toehold, but it was not enough to gain the objective.

Austrian infantry has finally been driven back from the church's wall

Where things stood at the end of the game

In the center, the Prussians managed to hold on to their main objective, but only by a thread.  Waldus's brigade had suffered 75% losses.  To the right of this fight, Hulsen's brigade fought itself out trying to defend an important bridge.  Reinforcements arrived and went on the offensive, but it was too little too late.  And then, from their left, thundered the remnants of an Austrian cavalry brigade that swept down upon two unsupported batteries.  In just one turn the Prussians lost both sides of the bridge and gave up 50 points to the Austrians.

Hanoverian reinforcements.

A remarkable cavalry charge at the very end of the game captures the bridge and 50 points for the Austrians

And then, at the other end of the table, the Prussians fought desperately to hold the hill.  Things had started off very well for them early in the week, but fortune turned against them when die rolls brought three Austrian brigades in on their side of the table.  Some Hanoverian cavalry fought hard to regain lost ground, but they were not able to intervene in the attack on the objective on the extreme Prussian right.  The first Austrian assault was barely defeated, by a single pip of the dice.  A second attack on the next (and final) turn gave both sides an even chance of victory.  The two players rattled their dice for what seemed like forever before they finally spilled onto the table: the Prussian player rolled snake-eyes and the Austrian a nine.  The Prussians were driven from the position and it was occupied by the white-clad Austrians.  50 more points went to the Austrian cause.

A desperate fight for the hill (Hanoverian cavalry can be seen entering in the top left of the photo)

The first Austrian attack is stopped by the narrowest of margins

The second attempt was successful and of vital importance

And so the week ended.  The kids were great.  The game kept them engaged the entire time.  It was one of the funnest games I have ever put on.  Thanks to everyone who participated, especially my two assistants, Michael and Brian.  Here are a couple of shots of the action.