Battling with Bastardized Black Powder: Big Bash Based upon Borodino, Part 1

Jared invited me to an enormous game that he's been planning for at least a couple of years, based upon the Battle of Borodino. For this game the Senior High players would be army commanders, chiefs of staff, and Wing commanders, whilst the Middle School players would command the bulk of the actual troops. Here the players are all assembled as the game is about to get under way yesterday morning. 

Jared, Roland, Mike, and especially John, the group's Black Powder expert, worked out a simplified but also modified version of the Black Powder rules, which were used on the day. This view of the battlefield, taken before most of the generals arrived, is taken from the North end.  The table is composed of three 6' long by 4' wide sub-tables.


    Although I knew most of the Middle School students from the games that I have run at Jared's school the past 2 years, I own a copy of Black Powder but have never played it. Thus on this day I played the role of Pyotr Edvardovich, correspondent extraordinaire to both The Moscow Messenger and Le Moniteur in Paris. As such I was fortunate to retrieve the following sketch maps of the battle from the respective camps....

Northern sector of the battlefield, viewed from the West (French side). The Great Redoubt stands upon a hillock. One can see the notations Berthier has made on the map as to the general location of French (blue ink) and Russian formations. 

The Central sector of the battlefield, again viewed from the West. The Fleches are visible, once again situated on a slight rise in the ground. 

The Southern sector of the Battlefield, viewed from the West. The town of Utitsa  dominates this sector. 

The Southern Sector from the East (Russian pespective). The town of Utitsa, which as an eye witness to the carnage of this great battle, I believe was actually closer to the Russian side than the French. GHowever the eyes are easily deceived, ne c'est pas? Holding it at the end of the game was worth 5 Victory Points to whichever side controlled it. 

The Central sector from the Russian perspective.  I believe each of the Fleches was worth 3 Victory Points. 

The Northern Sector, as viewed from the East. Tghe Great Redouibt was worth 5 Victory Points. Victory points were also scored each time an enemy unit becomes Shaken (irreversible), and another for each unit eliminated outright (the unit breaks in Black Powder terms).  

The combined sketch maps. 

Gentle readers, allow me to take you upon a tour of this famous battlefield, before the respective combatants begin their day of carnage. We will start with the French, proceeding from North to South. Two cavalry divisions are situated on the far French Left. 

Another view of same. 

Polish (Grand Duchy of Warsaw) Infantry of Prince Poniatowski. 

Guns and some French Infantry.

Lots more French Infantry of ? Davout's Corps. 

More French infantry.

A grand battery and Light cavalry support.

French and Italian infantry. 

Westfalian (near) and Wurttemburg (far) infantry, and another grand battery. 

French off table reserves, less the Imperial Guard (still escaping from their boxes, perhaps?).

    Your faithful correspondent was able to obtain the French Order of battle, as follows. As the battle is now over this should not compromise the Emperor's maneuvers. 

FRENCH ORDER OF BATTLE

Command 1 1^st Division/1^st Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 2 2^nd Division/1^st Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 3 3^rd Division/1^st Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 4 1^st Cavalry Division/1^st Corps LD 8

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 5 Corps Artillery/1^st Corps LD 8

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 6 4^th Division/2^nd Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 7 5^th Division/2^nd Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 8 6^th Division/2^nd Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 9 2^nd Cavalry Division/2^nd Corps LD 8

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Lancer Melee 7 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Special Rules:

Lancer +2 on Charge

Command 10 Corps Artillery/2^nd Corps LD 8

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 11 7^th Division/3^rd Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 12 8^th Division/3^rd Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 13 9^th Division/3^rd Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 14 3^rd Cavalry Division/3rd Corps LD 8

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 15 Corps Artillery/3^rd Corps LD 8

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 16 10^th Division/4^th Corps LD 8

Italian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 17 11^th Division/4^th Corps LD 7

Italian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Light Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 18 12^th Division/4^th Corps LD 8

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Legere Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 19 4^th Cavalry Division/4^th Corps LD 8

Italian Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Italian Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Special Rules:

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Command 20 Corps Artillery/4^th Corps LD 8

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 21 13^th Division/5^th Corps LD 8

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 22 14^th Division/5^th Corps LD 8

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 23 5^th Cavalry Division/5^th Corps LD 8

Polish Lancer Melee 7 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Polish Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Special Rules:

Lancer +2 on Charge

Command 24 Corps Artillery/5^th Corps LD 8

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 25 1^st Division/Imperial Guard LD 10

Old Guard Melee 9 Fire 4 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Old Guard Melee 9 Fire 4 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Old Guard Melee 9 Fire 4 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Old Guard Melee 9 Fire 4 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Old Guard Melee 9 Fire 4 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Command 25 2^nd Division/Imperial Guard LD 9

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Command 26 3^rd Division/Imperial Guard LD 9

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Young Guard Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 27 4^th Division/Imperial Guard LD 9

Vistula Legion Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Vistula Legion Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

Vistula Legion Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Crack)

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 28 Guard Artillery/Imperial Guard LD 9

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2 (Elite)

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2 (Elite)

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2 (Elite)

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2 (Elite)

Command 29 Guard Cavalry Division/Imperial Guard LD 9

Guard Lancer Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Guard Lancer Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Guard Chasseur Melee 7 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Guard Grenadier Melee 9 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Guard Dragoons Melee 9 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

French Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2 (Elite)

French Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2 (Elite)

Special Rules:

Lancer +2 on Charge

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Command 30 15^th Division/6^th Corps LD 8

Westphalian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Westphalian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Westphalian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Westphalian Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Westphalian Light Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Westphalian Light Melee 6 Fire 4 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 31 16^th Division/6^th Corps LD 8

Wurtemberg Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Wurtemberg Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Wurtemberg Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Wurtemberg Line Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 32 6^th Cavalry Division/6^th Corps LD 8

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Chasseur Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 33 Corps Artillery/6^th Corps LD 8

French L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

French H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 34 1^st Cavalry Division/1^st Cavalry Corps LD 8

French Carabinier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Carabinier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Special Rule:

Heavy Cavalry Shock (D3)

Command 35 2^nd Cavalry Division/1^st Cavalry Corps LD 8

Polish Lancer Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Polish Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Saxon Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Special Rule:

Heavy Cavalry Shock (D3)

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Command 36 3^rd Cavalry Division/2^nd Cavalry Corps LD 8

French Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

French Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Special Rule:

Heavy Cavalry Shock (D3)

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Command 37 3^rd Cavalry Division/2^nd Cavalry Corps LD 8

French Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

French Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Special Rule:

Heavy Cavalry Shock (D3)

TOTALS
87 infantry
36 cavalry
27 artillery

= 150 units total.

With the indulgence of my esteemed readers, we will now resume our battlefield tour with the Russians, starting on the Southern end of the field and heading North. Russian Infantry, cavalry, and artillery under the command of General Kapsevich. The town of Utitsa is seen in the far ground. 

The brave Russian defenders of Utitsa and their supports. 

Russian infantry and cavalry in and around the woods North of Utitsa.

Two of the three Fleches are seen in the distance, each occupied by a battery. 

Russian infantry supporting the Fleches.

The Northernmost of the Fleches, with its supports. 

Russian Infantry North of the Fleches. 

the Great Redoubt - bristling with Russian batteries, and supported by both infantry and a large cavalry contingent. 

Another view from north of the Great Redoubt. 

A thin line of Russian infantry lines the edges of the North Woods. 

A further Russian Infantry Division  tenuously holds the far Russian right flank. 

Russian Off table reserves...

and some more Russian reserves (a substantial portion of the Russian reserves is low quality militia and Cossacks). 

By way of some well placed contacts in the entourage of the Tsarina, I was able to obtain the following accounting of the Russian forces as well, for the edification and education of my readers...    

RUSSIAN ORDER OF BATTLE

Command 1 1^st Division/1^st Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 2 2^nd Division/1^st Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 3 3^rd Division/2^nd Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 4 4^th Division/2^nd Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 5 5^th Division/3^rd Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 6 6^th Division/3^rd Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 7 7^th Division/4^th Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 8 8^th Division/4^th Corps LD 7

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 9 9^th Division/5^th Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Command 10 10^th Division/5^th Corps LD 8

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 11 11^th Division/6^th Corps LD 7

Russian Militia Melee 5 Fire 2 Save 5+ Stamina 2

Russian Militia Melee 5 Fire 2 Save 5+ Stamina 2

Russian Militia Melee 5 Fire 2 Save 5+ Stamina 2

Russian Militia Melee 5 Fire 2 Save 5+ Stamina 2

Russian Militia Melee 5 Fire 2 Save 5+ Stamina 2

Russian Militia Melee 5 Fire 2 Save 5+ Stamina 2

Command 12 12^th Division/6^th Corps LD 7

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Line Melee 7 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Jager Melee 6 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Command 13 Imperial Guard 1^st Division LD 9

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard Melee 9 Fire 2 Save 3+ Stamina 4 (Elite)

Russian Guard H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Command 14 Imperial Guard 2^nd Division LD 9

Russian Guard Cuirassier Melee 10 Save 3+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Cuirassier Melee 10 Save 3+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Cuirassier Melee 10 Save 3+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Cuirassier Melee 10 Save 3+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Cuirassier Melee 10 Save 3+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Special Rule: Heavy Cavalry Shock (D3)

Command 15 13^th Division/7^th Corps LD 8

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4 (Crack)

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 16 14^th Division/7^th Corps LD 7

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Russian Converged Grenadier Melee 8 Fire 2 Save 4+ Stamina 4

Command 17 1^st Division/1^st Cavalry Corps LD 9

Russian Guard Uhlan Melee 8 Save 3+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Dragoon Melee 9 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Cossack Melee 6 Save 5+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Russian Guard Hussar Melee 7 Save 4+ Stamina 3 (Elite)

Special Rules:

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Lancer +2 on Charge

Command 18 2^nd Division/1^st Cavalry Corps LD 7

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 19 3^rd Division/2^nd Cavalry Corps LD 7

Russian Peasant Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Peasant Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Peasant Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Peasant Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Command 20 4^th Division/2^nd Cavalry Corps LD 7

Russian Don Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Don Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Don Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Russian Don Cossack Melee 5 Save 5+ Stamina 3

Special Rules:

Lancer +2 on Charge

Command 21 5^th Division/3^rd Cavalry Corps LD 9

Russian Uhlan Melee 7 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Special Rules:

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Lancer +2 on Charge

Command 22 6^th Division/3^rd Cavalry Corps LD 7

Russian Uhlan Melee 7 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Special Rules:

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Lancer +2 on Charge

Command 23 7^th Division /4^th Cavalry Corps LD 8

Russian Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Russian Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Russian Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Russian Cuirassier Melee 9 Save 3+ Stamina 3

Special Rule: Heavy Cavalry Shock (D3)

Command 24 8^th Division/4^th Cavalry Corps LD 7

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Hussar Melee 6 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Dragoon Melee 8 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian Ho.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 2

Special Rules:

Dragoon Shock (D1)

Command 25 1^st Reserve Artillery LD 7

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Command 26 2^nd Reserve Artillery LD 7

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian H.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

Russian L.Art Melee 2 Fire 3 Save 4+ Stamina 3

GRAND TOTALS:

Russian Imperial Guard

7 Infantry Corps

4 Cavalry Corps

2 Reserve Artillery

Infantry:

38 Line

16 Jager

6 Militia

10 Grenadier

9 Converged Grenadier

7 Guard

Cavalry:

6 peasant Cossack

4 lancer Cossack

2 uhlan

6 dragoon

6 cuirassier

11 hussar

4 guard cav (mixed)

6 guard cuirassier (in IG command)

86 Infantry

32 Cavalry

25 Artillery

= 143 units

    In the hopes that it might assist my readers in following the narrative of this great and bloody battle, I have prepared the following Diagram of the various generals and marshals involved in the battle for your study and consideration...

ARMY	C-in C:  Kutusov                Chief of Staff: Bennigsen
Seniors	Bagration		Uvarov		Barclay
Juniors	Dyatkov	Chailkov	Voronzov	Neverovsky	Lavarov	Kapsevitcvh
ZONE	North	North	Center	Center	South	South
Juniors	Ledru	Dessaix	Friant	Razout	Bruyere	Ochs
Seniors	Davout		Ney, Poniatowski		Junot
ARMY	C-in-C:  Napoleon               Chief of Staff:   Berthier

Hail, mighty Master Player! 

The stage is set at last, 

And through the playhouse echo 

The footsteps, thronging fast. 

Clear! Ready for the curtain' 

The orchestra now plays 

The signal for its rising.

Be ready! No delays!

The great "1812 Overture", by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

This was the second recording I ever purchased.

My love of both history and classical music go way back, it seems!

And they're off!  The French have the first Move. Here Ledru and Dessaix get their troops moving forward on the northern (Great Redoubt) table. 

General Ochs contemplates his options on the extreme South of the battlefield (Utitsa Table). 

General Ledru moves her troops forward cautiously (they only rolled up a basic 1 segment move... 6" for Infantry and 9 " for Cavalry with these 15mm figures). 

French and Allied troops start to advance towards the Fleches on the Center table. 

Back to the Southern (Utitsa) table, where Generals Bruyere and Ochs move towards their objective, the village itself. 

Back at Utitsa again, where generals Kapsevitch and Lavarov watch the enemy maneuvers stoically, as a good Russian should, and John points out some rules issues.

"Speak softly and carry a big stick!" seems to apply to Jared, even if that was uttered nearly 100 tears after Borodino!

Napoleon confers with Ney, Jared coaches Friant and Razout on the Center table, while Junot, as wing commander, provides direction and assistance to Bruyere and Ochs on the Southern table. 

The French grand battery on the Center table gets lucky, inflicting enough losses on the guns in the Southernmost Fleche to cause them to become Shaken (Black marker, permanent), as well as Disordered (Red marker, removed at the end of the RUSSIAN move). 

SCORE:  French 1, Russians 0 at the end of French Move 1.  Since firing, aside from units that are charged, takes place only only during the Turn of the active side, this is not surprising. 

O the Russian Southern table, General Kapsevitch moves forward with alacrity (having rolled well for Move segments). French general Bruyere seems  to be shouting something to General Ochs. We will assume he was repeating one of the Emperor's favorite sayings, 

perhaps "L'audace, tojours l'audace!"

Checking the range to the advancing French near the Fleches. 

This overview of the Utitsa table shows the extent of the Russian advance. "I thought they were supposed be DEFENDING, muses Napoleon. 

The Russians advance North of the great Redoubt as well. he best defense, and all that...

Grand overview of the battle from the North as the Russian finish up their movement.

The situation around Utitsa; the black and red markers indicate where the Russian artillery caused an enemy infantry unit to become Shaken, and then additional casualties resulted in a failed Break test, removing the unit from play altogether,. 

Russian view from behind the Fleches

SCORE:  French 1, Russians 2 at the end of Russian Move 1.  Defending is always an advantage to start, as your artillery maintain good lanes of fire, and  also become more effective as the range to the enemy closes. 

To be continued....