For those who have come to enjoy using Command Decision by Frank Chadwick as much as I have I would like to make a suggestion which I think will introduce a new wrinkle into your game. This is particularly suited for a small two orthree person game. I suggest that with anything larger the conventional rules be adhered to particularly at a convention where there are already enough handicaps inherent to a game. If like myself you often find only one or two opponents frequently available this will inject uncertainty and an element of the "fog of war" for both players.
I have developed a series of tables to determine troop quality. In a battalion level game throw one D10 (ten sided die) per company. By cross referencing year with nationality you will then find the assigned troop quality. The troop quality assignments are subjective and arbitrary. Feel free to adjust them as you see fit. I have tried to reflect what and where the different belligerent troop quality levels were like during a given year based upon my own readings and research over the years. It can pose interesting tactical consideration foryou to have a battalion of infantry with two green companies and a veteran one.
To really con found your game then try an additional dice throw for morale. See for youself what happens when a veteran unit with an attitude problem (morale of 7) goes up against a green unit that is committed to the defense of the "Fatherland" (morale of 10).
I suggest further that you color code your figure bases. I use the recommended frontages and have based all my figures and flocked them onto 3/8" thick balsa, color coded by battalion. I consistently use sand color for 1st battalion, dark blue for 2nd battalion and red brown for 3rd. On the rear end of each stand I then paint either one, two or three white dots to denote company. This also helps me to record or track unit casualties.
You may simply assign a morale rating commensurate with the troop quality such as a 10 to elite units, 9 to veteran units, 8 to experienced and trained and a 7 to units whose die roll equals a result of green. If you choose to randomly determine morale as well I include the following chart which you would consult after throwing a D10 again.
| DIE | MORALE |
|---|---|
| 10 | 10 |
| 8,9 | 9 |
| 5,6,7 | 8 |
| 1 to 4 | 8 |
Once again feel free to adjust this as you see fit orto accommodate the peculiarities of a specific scenario. It has proven to be an interesting adjunct to our games and I hope you have as much fun with it as we have. Good gaming!
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