002 - First Bull Run (Historical)
More About This Scenario
The Battle of First Bull Run. The mere mention of the battle should perk up the spirits of any southerner and conjure up images of Stonewall Jackson, Henry House Hill, and a fleeing Union army. This scenario is a classic which has long been one of the favorites of Club Members both North and South. Ironic, since the Federals will often are often fighting at a known disadvantage. Maybe, because of this, it has dipped in popularity over the years.
Let’s look into the statistics of the battle and find out why the Confederates seem to do better in this scenario.
Analyzing the Numbers
The Federals have an entire division around Centreville which remains FIXED throughout the entire battle. Their numbers are not included in these charts. Unless you really want to battle 5,000 additional Federals, there is no reason to go near Centreville.
As you can see the Confederates have a major advantage in infantry. We have 15 extra regiments to move and 3 additional brigades than do the Federals. While our overall quality is not significantly higher, it is still a little better.
The Federals have just one high-quality unit on the field while we have eight such units (mostly Jackson's Brigade). We also have more units armed with Rifles than do the Federals.
Did you know?
A scenario design error frees up Holmes' brigade earlier than they should be released. The game releases all Confederate units at 11 AM, but then has an extra scheduled release for Holmes at 11:20 AM with a 50% probability. Because of this, we undoubtedly get to use Holmes at least one or more turns earlier.
Jackson's Brigade
Jackson's Brigade at First Bull Run is, in my opinion, the most dominating brigade in any of the WDS scenarios. They stand head and shoulders above the average enemy units in terms of quality. Their mere presence on any part of the field is enough to throw enemy plans in disarray. They should be used very wisely and should be at the heart of all your plans. Do not use them as flank guards or let them sit under a prolonged enemy artillery fire. Use them like the elite units they are and remember that they are the most feared units on the field.
Muskets vs. Rifles
Both armies have units armed with Muskets and Rifles. Knowing which weapon is preferable in any situation will benefit you as you fight the Yankees.
Muskets have a Firepower of 4 at a Range of 1, and just a Firepower of 1 at a Range of 2. These weapons are meant to be used at close range. Never engage at a Range greater than 1 because the Firepower will not make the result worth it in the end. Get right up against your opponent and pour it into them. Units armed with Muskets are ideal for wooded areas.
Rifles have a Firepower of 4 at a Range of 1, and 3 at a Range of 2, and 2 at a Range of 3. Beyond that they are not worth firing. These units are ideal for any situation on the battlefield. If your opponent is armed with Muskets (which is likelier here at First Bull Run than it is anywhere else), then you may strike them first and from farther away by utilizing your units armed with Rifles.
Did you know?
Three of the Union brigade commanders in this scenario would go on to lead armies later in the war: William Sherman, Ambrose Burnside, and Oliver Howard. Two Confederate brigade commanders would go on to lead armies as well: Thomas Jackson and Jubal Early.
Guns and Ammo
The Confederates have, for a change, more cannon on the field than do the Yankees. This superiority in numbers is usual for us. But do remember than although we have more guns, the enemy has far more effective pieces. Their firepower is significantly better than ours and they have longer range guns.
Both sides also lack much small arms ammunition. You need to protect your Supply Wagons at all times. Losing one of the three you have could be a disaster the longer the game lasts. Use your own cavalry, of which you have plenty, to try and capture the enemy wagons.
Did you know?
Why does Col. Arnold Elzey lead Smith's Brigade? He doesn't. Actually Elzey is commanding his own brigade. Why is it labeled at "Smith's"? According to author Edward Longacre, "Apparently due to the breakdown of a locomotive on the Manassas Gap line, Smith’s Fifth Brigade had been unable to reach the battlefield; it remained at Piedmont Station awaiting engine repairs. Smith, however, had not been willing to share his men’s inertia—to ensure participation in the imminent fight, the brigadier had pulled rank on Elzey and appropriated his command for the duration of the campaign."
The Scenario Setup
The battle take place along the banks of the Bull Run Creek as it runs through northern Virginia. Cub Run is another important geographic feature as it chops the battlefield into another section behind the Federal lines. There are not many crossing points over the Bull Run so you can easily watch them all once the sun comes up.
Both sides start the battle fully on the map. Their locations and release times are listed on the map below.
Below is a very detailed outline of the release times and numbers of the two armies.
Numerous things can be learned by studying the chart above.
1) During the first dozen turns, the Federals will have more movable men and units then the Confederates will. This will allow them to reach places sooner and in greater numbers then we can at the start.
2) The first half of the scenario features two armies of like size with the Federals generally having more men and units to move. Only in the second half does our army fully join the battle and with greater numbers.
3) The second half of the battle will likely be very difficult for the Federals given their smaller numbers and lower quality.
Note:
If you want to disturb your opponent while playing this scenario, simply note the time and use this sheet for reference. Then subtract their casualties from the numbers above and tell them EXACTLY how many men they have on the field. Be sure to subtract 25 men for every cannon destroyed. This will surely puzzle them and may give you a bit of a psychological edge.
The graphs below will give you more information on the numbers involved in the scenario.
Personal Conclusion
Heavy Rebel Advantage
This battle should be an easy Confederate victory given all the advantages that we have. With 8,800 additional movable men, far superior cavalry, 11 additional guns, and better leadership, the cards are stacked in our favor for sure.
Despite that (according to the Department of Records in 2022), our winning percentage is just 44% while the Federals manage a victory in 35% of the games (21% ending in Draws).
Why is that?
In my opinion it all has to do with the Setup of the scenario. The Federals hold the initiative at the start and have the ability to go in one of three ways. The most commonly used strategy, and maybe still the best, is to follow McDowell's original plan and attack towards the Stone Bridge while also outflanking the Rebels using Sudley Springs and/or Poplar Ford. This keeps the Union army massed together while putting extreme pressure on the Confederate left. With only Evans's small brigade there we must inevitably buckle under the pressure and fall back.
The Federals might also backtrack with Hunter and Heintzelman to move directly on the Stone Bridge while Tyler moves for Ball's Ford. This move seeks to make any Confederate reinforcements from the east get bogged down before reaching Henry Hill or the Stone Bridge.
Another common move is to move all of Tyler's division towards Mitchell's Ford and attempt to tie a large number of Confederates in place while Hunter and Heintzelman attack the Confederate left flank.
Whichever strategy the Federals use, the real question for the Confederates is whether or not to take the offensive with their own massed forces south of Bull Run, or to move only to counter whatever moves the Yankees are making (which is what Beauregard and Johnston did).
One of the reasons so many Draws occur at First Bull Run is that both sides, after some initial action, will often go into defensive mode and little occurs for the remainder of the day. The Yankee players know that time is against them and the Rebel players are (to be honest) not used to having the manpower advantage. Remember that the Yankees are far more afraid of you, then you are of them.
Each game is different. The fun part about First Bull Run is the inevitable game of chess that occurs as each side is well aware of their opponent's strengths, weaknesses, positions, and abilities. When a scenario has been played as much as this one has, you must expect that. But it is still a fun scenario that seldom disappoints.
Tactical Tips
1) Where Are the Federals Going?
Figuring this out is key at the start. The first turns occur at night and then during dawn and this limits your visibility. Are the Federals following McDowell's historical plan, or are they trying something more unique and coming at you somewhere else? Once the sun is fully up you need to gather as much intel as you can as quickly as you can. Then make your plans.
2) Jackson's Brigade is the Ace.
Whenever you commit Jackson's Brigade it should be at the pivotal moment of the game. His brigade is the strongest on the board and can change the battles momentum in a hurry. Don't waste these high-quality troops.
3) Cavalry!
You will likely never have a better opportunity in a large battle to so completely dominate with cavalry as you do here. The open fields and numerous paths are perfect for cavalry usage. Using your mounted arm to sweep around enemy flanks, in order to isolate them and allow the infantry to charge in and bag them, is a great idea here. You can also use them more traditionally for scouting and raiding for enemy wagons and guns. Be a bully with your cavalry in this battle! Make the Yankees pay.
Final Thoughts
A classic scenario! Arguably one of the most played in the Club's history. This is a short, fun, battle which you can play numerous times and still enjoy it.