Comparing some different Black Powder period rules

[Norm]

I have just put up a simple scene on a battlefield and then run through the game four times with different sets of rules.

My reasons are quite specific, an ongoing back problem is impinging on my gaming. In my last game, I just wanted the game to end as aches increased. I am not moaning about that, but it become interesting how an influence can impact on what rules you might start to prefer.

Anyway, I think at the moment for me, a smaller (so shorter) game with rules that are dynamic enough to keep the small game interesting is perhaps what I should be looking for.

I have done a loooong post on my blog regarding observations, but there is a ‘conclusion’ section as the end if any interested party just wants to cut to the chase.

LINK

https://battlefieldswarriors.blogspot.com/2025/08/comparing-some-black-powder-period-rules.html

[SJWi]

Norm, thanks for the in-depth post.  My little group game ACW in 6mm, Napoleonics in 28 and 6mm and have AWI in 28mm. As you say we discount any of the Osprey "Dan Mersey" rules a as being large skirmish, and in any event use "Sharpe Practice" for this level of game. Over the years we have tried Black Powder v1 which we dropped, and then have opted for a variety of period specific rules such "Loose Files and American Scramble" for AWI, "Altar of Freedom" for 6mm ACW and are looking at Blucher for 6mm Napoleonic.

My mates have recently found a "Napoleonic" set based on Simon Miller's popular "To the Strongest" ancient/medieval rules. These originate in France and apparently have Simon's blessing. Some of the group tried them out on Wednesday and I plan a game with them next Thursday.

   

[Norm]

Thanks. I have seen bloggers playing larger AWI battles with R&P and so assumed that they would stretch - but like your good self, that was not my experience. I have not tried Blucher and. The miller-esque set sound interesting, as I am not adverse to grids.

[Redshank]

I look forward to reading your blog, but just wanted to note we have played battle-scale South American independence wars with Rebels and Patriots with some house rules to enforce formations and unit facing. It worked pretty well.

P.S. Have you considered Bonnie Blue Flag?

[Cat]

Nice write up.

I find Rebels & Patriots scales up nicely simply by redefining what a unit and a commander represents.  Each 'figure' can be replaced by a group stand, 12 stands per unit.  The rules still work just fine with the stands and units set at whatever level you like, and the commander set to the appropriate rank to lead them.

[Moriarty]

One Hour Wargames. Brutal, bloody, and with just enough ‘period flavour’ to make it interesting.
And it does what it says on the tin.

[Phil Robinson]

A great post Norm I really enjoyed reading it and your observations on the various rules and outcomes was most interesting.

[vtsaogames]

Thanks for the tests and the AARs. I have a mind to try this solo with "The Devil to Pay", free rules for the ACW. I have an AAR waiting to be finished of our game last weekend. If I get off my duff and post it before heading north this weekend...

The Devil to Pay can be found here https://www.thedeviltopay.com/rules-and-charts

The rules are designed for convention play, each player running a brigade. I have no connection with them aside from having had my clock cleaned by the designer at Huzzah, playing an AWI game using Fistful of Lead.

[vtsaogames]

By the way, those 60-figure regiments look quite nice.

[Norm]

Thanks all.

Vincent, thanks for the rule reference, they are very interesting and well written (complete). Yes 60 heads and shoulders do bring a nice visual of their own. That frontage is 160mm, so still a bit shorter than I was doing with my 28mm ACW, and the shallow depth also brings some advantages.