From: Owens, Mark
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 1997 2:01 PM
To: 'kzucker@charm.net'

Strangely enough, I was just stepping through the Virtual Wargame Board (as a lurker/guest) and read comments regarding 1807. Even though your game series has remained the greatest system I've practically never played, I stumbled upon 1807 in a game store down in southeast Florida. I had been out of touch with the wargame world for a while and it came as a complete surprise (and delight).

I congratulate you on tackling the subject matter as no one else has ever tackled such a difficult level. I consider that annoying tactical level of La Bataille to be below my level of interest. How did they get to that battlefield? Just looking at the map of Struggle... was instructive in answering the question 'Why did anybody fight over Lepzig, Dresden, Bautzen, Lutzen, or Bunzlau?' The effect of the road network and the supply 'tail' were astonishing to one hearing about cavalry charges and massed bayonets. It made perfect sense from all I have read.

Sadly, when it comes to why 1807 didn't sell as well as expected, the emphasis on 'tactical/grand tactical' Napleonic subjects has, from my experience, always exerted a baleful influence. Despite including luminary occasions as Eylau and Friedland, I think they are at a level at which most gamers can't or don't want to relate.

I enjoy the outpost/vedettes and hidden leaders because it increases the uncertainty and makes planning very important. Such is one of the lures of 1807 and its brothers for me. Planning where to place the CoO and how much strength under what leaders should go where is a great experience.

Marching Russian reinforcements across Poland (slowly) to support Prussian allies, hoping that measures to counter threats to the LOC were sufficient without weakening the main line of operation were great. The fact that there were practically NO battles except a climactic one seemed hugely Napoleonic. The system played as I imagined it. My faith (and purchases) justified.

I think many gamers who have grown up today and are still young have been spoiled by Gameboys, Arcades, and computer arcade games to look merely for gunfire, 3-D effects and arcade action and do not have the patience to enjoy boardgames (and especially intellectually stimulating ones). I look forward to your future efforts. I will undoubtedly purchase your book also.

From: "James D. (Jim) Parmenter"
To: "Owens, Mark"
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997

I certainly agree that the OSG game series on the Napoleonic Era is very enjoyable. It is especially so for the folks who want to see the "big picture" while retaining the flavor of war, so to speak. You do come down a little "heavy" on those whose interests are different--although I too have a problem with cards. I fear that there is too much bickering between the various specialties in wargaming. We have too much to learn from each other--not the least of which is simply to appreciate the skill and knowledge others invest in a hobby. For example, Kevin's games could not reflect the picture nearly as well if he did not understand the "counting bayonets" level of combat simulation to digest it for the OSG level of presentation.

If you are interested a mailing list where you can air your views and probably find others to discuss the specifics of particular games, I would suggest "Bouting" as a place to try. (bouting-request@halisp.net ; Message: info) We exist to advance the enjoyment of wargaming the Napoleonic era.

From: Owens, Mark
To: 'jasdpar@rmii.com'
Subject: FW: NAB
Date: Monday, September 08, 1997

I coerced someone into playing 1807 and, as a consequence, I played the coalition side. My feeling is that my opponent was a trifle over-cautious with the French and then perhaps a bit over bold. There were a great many wary moves. I played cautiously, but my opponent did not force or flank the Bug river early, so I moved to defend the Bug itself. I broke the bridges and guarded them and deployed as if he would flank the river.

The Prussians did not boldly attack, but waited, and then positioned to move athwart any supply line crossing the center of the southern map. I stubbed a diversionary move on the Bug. My opponent waited until his next turn and then had Nappy cross with a substantial force to attack Barclay--exactly where I expected him to cross if he crossed the river by force. There was a climactic battle where he was surprised to find Bennigsen, Prince Gallitzin, and the massed batteries of practically the entire Russian artillery park!

1807: The Eagles Turn East was designed by Kevin Zucker. It is published and sold by Clash of Arms Games, The Byrne Bldg. #205, Lincoln & Morgan Sts., Phoenixville, PA 19460. The game uses the Napoleon at Bay system and sells for $48.