This game was the madness that was played out in a hotel in January. We had 20 players and about 600 square feet of table. We were in the hotel for a whole week. It was a two part game, reinforcements and repositioning occurring during the week. The games in the hotel, this being the first one, are being called "Supagames" and it is hoped it becomes an annual event.
I hope the post illustrates the size and scope of these big games when played with good kit on good terrain with enthusiastic players.
The pics are in chronological order but it would take far too long to try and explain all the action.
That will have to wait until I publish the WWII rules as part of this game. The idea is to have a book with the rules and the whole planning sequence of this game; kit, terrain, OBs, player planning etc along with a commentary of how the game played.
The above are the three tables. Each table is 32.5' long and 6' deep, a playing area of about 600 square feet.
This pic gives a good idea of player density per table. Space was plentiful as the game utilised all the tables simultaneously, a result of deployment and flank marches.
I've included this pic as it shows how hidden deployment is done. Numbered markers go on the table and then the kit is placed on the numbered squares on these boards. It does away with the need of maps!!! The on table markers are numbered on one side and plain on the other so that although the other side can view the overall forces they are potentially facing (treat it as top level intelligence), they cannot see the detail. I've taken this system from guys called Grant and Craig who have their own rules called Cornish Combat Command.
In the immediate foreground are two of the said on table markers. These are Russian markers.
The caption should read, "is this sheet the right way up?" or "in which building have they hidden the money?"
This shows the maximum player density, you always need to take care in big games that the action is well spread out.
Not sure what to say about this one! Attempted camouflage? Pleading for assistance? Laying down the law, literally?!
Two closer style shots showing the action. We had areas of fluid battle in the open, assaults on dug in troops, fighting through villages and woods, the lot!
The air forces were also there. Each side had about 20 aircraft each, organised into missions.
I like this pic because it shows a nice model bridge that is the centre of attention of both sides. The Russians would eventually secure both sides, after a week of fighting!!
More general action. All the pics were taken whilst the action was taking place. I mention it so you can note that the use of status markers is minimal. Again, you have to be careful that you don't have a myriad of markers or paperwork on the actual table otherwise it detracts form the spectacle.
A pic looking up to Kharkov. The Russians never go there, but not for a want of trying. The bridge at the bottom of the pic would survive in German hands until the last day.
This is the action on the other approach to Kharkov which could be seen in the background of the pic before this one.
Just a pretty battle scene.
So there you have it, lunacy enjoyed by the masses. The gaming was good, it all worked well. The players all played in a good spirit and had a great time, win or not win. Difficult to say there are losers when the event was such a success.
The "Supagame" for next year is Borodino 1812. Table size could be up to 810 square feet!! And figure numbers ?!?!?!? I now need to lie down!
Enjoy
Looks superb!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic Ged.
ReplyDelete