Dave Boe - May 9, 2006 3:46 pm (#416 Total: 420) Monaco Air Duluth Airshow coming July 8-9 2006! Not that I have anything else better to do, I went ahead an compiled all my AAR posts for the game I just finished. I hope folks find it interesting. This is complete playing of the Cactus Throne Campaign Game, played from April into May, 2006. Finally able to get back into my game of CT, and finished up the 1862 campaign season. As the French I kept my offensive conservative, taking Pueblo, Oaxaca, Tampaulasis, San Luis Potasi, and Nuevo Leon. An early strike against Mexico City, before the beefy reinforcements of turn 4 arrived, was repulsed, and Guerrero, after a couple turns of occupation, was retaken by Diaz’s Army of the East. However, on Turn 5, the Imperial forces grabbed several more provinces. Once the French got the Conservative cavalry and Contras they pushed into the Yucatan I haven’t made much use of raiding yet. Tried doing siege combat, but no one has yet rolled their PR to retreat into the cities! Still learning the system. And figuring out how best to employ the respective forces. Things are now going swimmingly for the French. They've just about evened up the province count and actually defeated the Mexican force defending Mexico City. They got initiative, forced the Mexicans to attack ands they rolled bad. Most retreated to an adjacent province, but I withdrew a few units into the city to keep the French occupied. I'm seeing the French gradually get thinned out as they collect more and more provinces and keeping garrisons. I think there will be a point where they will have a hard time defending their newly-one territory against a still strong Mexican adversary, especially after turn 15. This probably mirrors history. Another point I forgot to mention is that I find myself almost always forcing whoever fails initiative to attack against rough terrain, which is usually found in the province. There have been a few instances where higher PRs among leaders and "lead" units carried the day despite attacking at low odds, but for the most part this tactic of forcing the enemy to attack under bad conditions has worked for the side who wins initiative. I think I'm entering into Phase II of the game, so to speak. The French have pretty much consolidated their positions, and now need to continue to gather up a few more provinces, bring the enemy to decisive battle, while holding onto what they got. The better they do now will decide how well they can hang toward the end. To be continued ... Dave Boe - May 9, 2006 3:47 pm (#417 Total: 420) Monaco Air Duluth Airshow coming July 8-9 2006! Part II Wow! The end of 1863 saw the French take several provinces, storm and capture Mexico City, AND trap both Mexican armies and various other troops in Colima. Granted, the two armies combined can do some damage to the still spread out Imperialists, but it's looking grim. This situation came out of the blue. game might be over even before Max arrives! But I doubt it. Another thing I have found is that it behooves the French to support any major thrust with a few smaller attacks to keep the Mexicans from sending large reinforcements to the point of danger. Any losses can be quickly replaced, and the dividends can be big in pinning down several forces of Mexicans. One thing I may be missing is taking advantage of more raids by the Mexicans. My methodical, broad approach by the French has probably helped in that matter, but I perhaps haven't looked hard enough at opportunities. I think I was expecting a tougher going of it by the French. The Mexicans have made their move. An attack by a force lead by Trevino booted the French forces of Almonte from Durango, while a smaller force destroyed the French garrison in Nuevo Leon. At the same time, the combined armies of Diaz and Juarez marched north to hit the Expeditionary Corps and several other French units. Fortunately, Douay and the 1st Division reacted quickly and came to the rescue. The largest battle of the war has ensued and both sides have taken huge losses; the Mexicans determined to break out and the French determined to keep them cornered. I'm at that stage in battle where I need to start deciding if the Mexicans should call it quits and try to get back to their original province or stick it out, because the French are almost out of small, expendable units to shoulder the brunt for the larger units. The French have the definite edge right now, but if they lose initiative a couple more times, they could be the ones retreating. However, it won't be as disastrous as a Mexican retreat. The French may lose the battle, but so weaken the Mexicans they may ultimately win later. After a lull, the French have moved everyone in place for what is hopefully a final push into Colima, but the Mexicans are also trying to break out north. Dave Boe - May 9, 2006 3:48 pm (#418 Total: 420) Monaco Air Duluth Airshow coming July 8-9 2006! Part III Well that's about it. The two Mexican armies got the initiative, blunted the French assaults, then slipped into the Zacatecas province where they met up with Trevino's victorious soldiers. It's now Turn 12 and I'm locating all the French units slated for removal next turn so I can plan accordingly. In the end it worked out perfectly for the Mexicans, despite their seemingly dire predicament a couple turns before. If Trevino hadn't pushed his way south, the Mexican armies would not have had friendly provinces to retreat to. As the French I think I failed to appreciate the Trevino (he's a kick ass commander!) effect as I focused troop concentration against the main armies. Funny how that works out in solo play. The moment to end the Mexican resistance is over. Now it's hang for dear life for the French. For the Mexicans, it's take back the country! I'm only half way through this thing! Turns 12 and 13 were more consolidation for both sides, as the French division left and some token French and Imperial Mexican units came in. Enough, I believe to still allow the French some offensive action. Indeed, I don't think they can afford to just sit back and react to the Mexicans. Trevino provided the only offensive, taking yet another province. While the two Mexican armies have scampered about trying to stay alive, Trevino and his men have performed admirably in driving into the French lines from the north. Turn 13. The French division leaves, but more Imperial Mexican units fall in. The French 1st Division attempts to oust the combined Mexican army in Zacatecas, but makes no headway and falls back. Trevino continues his winning streak by taking Tamaulipus. This guy rocks! The French hold the south and the Mexicans the north. After Turn 14 where both sides consolidate, the French launch new attacks north. Bazaine takes on the main Mexican army in Zacateces and easily kicks it out (French 118 strength points to the Mexican 78, and Bazaine wins initiative, forcing the Mexicans to attack into rough terrain). Meanwhile, a French raiding cavalry army pops up in San Luis Potasi and also deals a heavy blow to the enemy garrison there. A good turn for Max, but the new replacement rules for the Mexicans doesn't bode well for Imperial fortunes. Still, a flock of Mexicans have rallied under the French banner and bolstered The Cause for the time being. Turn 16 combats are resolved and the Mexicans get dope slapped by a revived Imperial offensive. Almonte strikes into Nayarit and kicks out the Mexican garrison there. After a few rounds, Diaz retreats from Durango after getting the worst from Bazaine. Mirandol's cavalry force overruns Corona's mixed force in Nuevo Leon, sending it packing into the province capital. And finally, Trevino's victory march is put to a stop by Miramon in a hard fought battle in Tamaulipas. Neither side was willing to yield, but luck was truly on the side of the Imperial force, and, after a grueling match, Trevino grudgingly retreated into the province capital, instead of risking a retreat into Coahila's deadly desert province. This leads to a question: I have two forces in cities, but they cannot be besieged by the French because of no 3-1 odds. Who controls the province? I know if there are besieged units no one controls, but what if a force is in a city, but cannot be besieged? Overall, this turn is a godsend for Max. The broad-front offensive worked in pushing the Mexicans farther away from Mexico City and recapturing several provinces. Going into turn 17 the French lead 18 to 11 in controlled provinces. Dave Boe - May 9, 2006 3:49 pm (#419 Total: 420) Monaco Air Duluth Airshow coming July 8-9 2006! Part IV Turn 17 saw renewed battles in the Tamaulipas and Neovo Leon provinces, with both Mexican forces thrown back into the desert province of Cauhuilo. Many Mexicans perished in that sad trek, including the valiant Trevino and the other Mexican commander, Corono. A huge blow for the Mexican cause. Max was sitting pretty good at that point ... until ... Napoleon III gets the jitters from Bismarck and orders an early withdrawal of all French forces on Turn 18. The game once again heads into another direction. Twighlight of the Hapsburg is upon us ... or is it? The next couple of turns sees the French leaving town, with the Mexicans nipping at their heals. The main Mexican army, under Diaz, hits the main Imperial force, under Thun and mainly manned by the Austrians. The Mexicans get the better of the deal and force Thun and MAx back to Michaucan. There, Salm Salm takes over and Thun heads to Mexico City to form a defense there, if needed. Meanwhile, the ineffectual Mexican leader, Alvarez, has had a hard time attacking along the pacific coast regions, and Escobedo replaces him. He gets results and pushes into Jalisco. Mexican leadership has been strung out the last few turns and this is shown too well when an Imperial raiding force hits Zacateces and takes it. A Mexican counterattack fails to dislodge the Imperials. It's turn 21 and Diaz is a province away from the prize, Mexico City. However, he still has a potent enemy to fight. This turn will determine if he has the strength to carry the fight to Mexico City ... and win. French have a slight lead in provinces -- 16 to Mexican's 13. I have doubts Mexico City can be taken, so it most likely the game will be decided by province control, and it can go either way at this point. The final battle could be to the death! The bulk of the Mexican forces are to the west, so I'm not sure if I can seriously threaten the land link. However, once I resolve to last two battles of Turn 21, I'll have to see what options each side has. If the Mexican can win these two battles, that will put them over the top and it will be difficult (not impossible) for the Imperials to counterattack without weakening themselves else where. Sheesh, talk about down to the wire! Dave Boe - May 9, 2006 3:49 pm (#420 Total: 420) Monaco Air Duluth Airshow coming July 8-9 2006! Part V END Finished up Turn 21, and now the Mexicans lead in provinces, 15-14. They don't have the strength to take Mexico City, so it will come down to province control. Not really sure how things will go in the last turn. However, the Imperials, interestingly, are in a good position to retake a few provinces. An earlier counterattack into a central province has provided them a central jump off point to attack several provinces of their choosing. That force was beefed up by the appearance of Alverado's defeated force, so they have some serious striking power (if not leadership power). The province just north of Veracruz is also ripe for the taking, if I feel comfortable enough committing units from Veracruz for the mission. The Mexicans, I believe, are not in the best position right now, so I think they have the burden of reacting to Imperial attacks while trying to grab a few provinces themselves. On the flip side, the Imperials HAVE to attack, which means weakening provinces. Each has opportunities and each has worries. End of game Max holds off the Mexicans! The Imperials launch a broad offensive and a raid, forcing the Mexicans to spread their men around. The resulting whirlwind of battles pay dividends to Max’s forces. The final battle, which I thought was the key to either side winning, was a tough contest between the Mexican General Alvarez and the Imperial General Marquez, in Jalisco. Alvarez continued his typical losing streak and was ultimately executed. Then I realized a blunder I had made. I forgot to change two provinces to Imperial control that they had taken early in the game! The end result was a 17-11 win for Max, with one province contested. Still, a well-fought campaign, full of surprises and drama. I think it hurt the Mexicans when they lost two good leaders in one turn about ¾ way through. This left few good leaders to bring tactical advantage to some key battles. They were sorely missed. As the Imperials, I advanced as quickly as I could while keeping strong garrisons to ward off potential raids. While sooner-than-expected withdrawal of the French was unanticipated, the Mexicans were not in the best position to take advantage of it. Overall, an enjoyable experience. A simple game, but with a number hard decisions to make each turn by both sides.