SANTA ANNA RULES

Warfare in Mexico 1820-1870

Review by John D. Skinner

Santa Anna Rules! ™ (SAR) contains two EXCELLENT but distinctly different systems [levels] of Historical Miniatures wargaming. Santa Anna Skirmish (SAS) rules were written by Pete Panzeri (author of Little Big Horn 1876-Osprey, Kelly's Heroes WWII, and Crazy Horse Rules) the Santa Anna Tactical (SAT) system was written by Buck Surdu (author of Battles for Empire, BAPS). SAR includes extensive historical, army, and scenario data along with a comprehensive wargaming system for a unique period of history, including The Texas War of Independence, Mexican-American War, Mexican Wars for Independence, Franco-Mexician "Pastry" War, and the French Intervention "Maximillian Adventure." SAR is scheduled for FINAL RELEASE at Historicon, JULY 1998 by Old Glory. The 1/2 priced "playtest beta-version" is available now.

The SAS skirmish rules, based on Pete's convention-proven Rules of Engagement system, were written with simplicity in mind. Even inexperienced gamers will fully grasp the rules after just one turn. The Skirmish system is designed for MASS Skirmish battles at a one-to-one scale, with a "fog-o-war" command control system, a rapid sequence flow, and little time for decision making.

The SAT tactical set of rules are a unique blend of some of the command and control ideas I used in BAPS and some interesting new notions. The tactical rules are designed for each player to control a brigade. They accurately portray the feel of battle in this period. Warfare in this period is Napoleonic-like, but the Mexican-American War and the War of Texas Independence are neither the Napoleonic Wars nor the American Civil War. SAR captures the aspects of these wars that are unique. Planned future supplements include campaign and scenario booklets for the three Mexican-American War Campaigns, the War of Texas Independence, the Maximillian Adventure. There is even some talk of supplements for some of the lesser-known Latin-American, and numerous Mexican theater Indian Wars. This is an excellent exciting new period to begin wargaming. It is colorful, small enough to manage, and with all the variants covered by SAR it has endless possibilities.

SAR Scales
ScaleSA SkirmishSA Tactical
Ground Scale1" = 2 meters1" = 15 yards
Time Scale 1 turn = 5 minutes1 turn = 15 minutes
Figure Scale 1:1 or 1:2Infantry & Cavalry: 1 figure = 30 men
Cannon: 1 casting = 2 guns
Artillerists: 1 figure = 10 men
Command Span Co/Squadron/Battery Brigade

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© Copyright 1998 by Pete Panzeri.
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