1870 Franco-Prussian War

Grand Tactical Rules

review by Pat Condray

Written by Bruce Weigle. This well illustrated and researched 105 page rule book is probably the best I've seen on the Franco-Prussian War. For most periods that statement would have to be qualified for level of play, i.e. skirmish, company level, battalion, operational, etc. However, the defining combats of the FPW all involved corps and divisions, so the Grand Tactical approach is almost a must for the era. My appreciation is at this point entirely from textual criticism. I have to admit to a lack of play test, but perhaps that can be remedied since there seems to be only a 1/4" difference in the "battalion" base frontage between 1870 and my brief WAR IN THE AGE OF NAPOLEON THE LITTLE, also an attempt at grand tactical rules. These rules were designed for 6mm, but can presumably be played with smaller numbers of more visable figures on each base. Bruce's 6mm games on spectacular terrain can usually be witnessed (and participated in) at HMGS EAST conventions.

First, a caution for those who downgrade the quality of rules by the degree to which they exceed one post card in length. At least 80% of the booklet consists of orders of battle, historical notes, bibliographies with reviews, quotations from participants, etc. Even the rules sections are interspersed with historical examples and how they relate to the rule mechanics. In effect, a history course on the war in question. The mechanics are fairly simple, mainly involving rolling of D10, low being generally a good thing. There is also a web site: http://www.Grandtacticalrules.com with errata, ordering information, and an e-mail POC for questions. One of the three "errata" notes suggested to me the degree and quality of the research effort:

"In the Orders of Battle (page 93), a couple of 6-pdr batteries were left out of the Saxon XII Corps artillery "regiment". The correct listing should be: 4 x 6pdr, 2 x 4 pdr, and 1 4-pdr HA batteries (the other HA battery is shown with the cavalry division, where it usually was assigned)."

1870 is also the first of the major published rules to notice that the Bavarians used a trap door conversion of the Austrian Podewils and the Werder (Werdl?) with brass cartridge, and to reflect the difference in the rules.

I believe the price is around $25 for a slick ring binder 108 page volume. It is not only a rule book, but an excellent one volume reference on the FrancoPrussian War.

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