062 - The Chase v.1
Why Should You Play This Scenario?
This battle is epic in size and scope. Utilizing one of the largest WDS maps, this scenario is almost overwhelming at first glance. The huge map makes using the overhead jump map more difficult and you need to slow down to make sure you are moving in the right directions.
Beyond that though, it is fun! Two large armies racing across Georgia towards a collision somewhere around Kennesaw Mountain. If you want something a little more unique and something that hasn't been played to death, try this one.
Two large infantry forces are featured in this scenario. With 382 total infantry units between the two armies... the turns will not be short. The Yankee infantry is solid in numbers and quality. Don't take them lightly.
Notice the ridiculously high number of units with under 200 men for both sides.
Infantry Summary
With 28,485 additional men, solid overall quality, and three regiments armed with repeating rifles, the Union infantry here is very dangerous. While the Confederate army is also dangerous, they are outnumbered big time.
Advantage
The Union cavalry appears to be dominated on paper. But don't be fooled. Take them very seriously.
Did you know?
Six of the Union "regiments" are actually cavalry detachments totaling just 232 men. This means the ten "real" regiments average 461 per unit.
With seven regiments armed with upgraded weapons (actually ALL of them if you include Carbines in that category), the Federal cavalry is an overpowering force if fighting dismounted.
Cavalry Summary
This is a tough one. The Rebel force is larger with far more movable units, but the Yankees have far better weaponry. But the point of cavalry is to stay mounted. The Confederates have more men and better quality. They get the slight edge.
Advantage
Yes, the numbers here are correct. The Rebels do have 158 guns to the Federal 94. Shocking!
Artillery Summary
Well, thank goodness for this! With a large advantage in artillery, we have the ability to shut down the Yankee offensive even before it fully starts. It is unlikely your opponent will know they have fewer guns - take full advantage of it!
Advantage
Both sides have plenty of ammo. But the Confederates just simply have more than enough. Small advantage but a notable one.
Advantage
Overall, the two sides are close enough that there is no advantage here for either side.
No Advantage
Setup
THIS MAP IS HUGE!
I could only do so much with a map this large before it got to be "too much." But what I have done is really helpful (in my humble opinion). Below you can see the general combat area that most action will occur in. The Federals are coming from the north over the Etowah River as the Confederates fall back for Marietta and Kennesaw Mountain. Of EXTREME importance are the many rivers and creeks you see. Take note. Remember, click on the map to expand it.
The Confederates stretch as far south as Atlanta and will be marching north to eventually join Johnston's force.
Setup Summary
The Federals have to cross a major river, numerous creeks, and use a limited number of roads to approach a very strong defensive position around Kennesaw Mountain. I'd much rather be in our shoes here than theirs.
Advantage
This gigantic scenario seems to favor the Confederates in nearly every way... except for those 28,485 additional Yankee infantrymen of course. With such a huge advantage in total numbers, this scenario, despite the Confederate advantages, can easily still be lost to the Yanks.
I believe the key is to use the terrain, roads, and creeks to your advantage. Slow the Yankees down as much as you can.
You then have two options. You can go full defensive mode and start to occupy the miles of embankments around Kennesaw Mountain and Marietta, or you can try and counterattack the Federals and keep them away from the objective points at Marietta. If you are going to counterattack, be sure to anchor a flank (or two) on the creeks in some fashion. Keep a clear road back to the rear available and know when you have done enough damage to the Yanks - then retreat. Don't get caught out in an open field fight with a Union army which begins to rapidly concentrate to overwhelm you.
Three Tips
1) Terrain.
Use every terrain feature and hexside modifier you can here. You have mountains, rivers, creeks, and forests in abundance. Make the Yankees wish they had never set foot in Georgia!
2) Pay Attention to the Map.
With maps this large you need to be extra careful you don't forget to move units or move them in the wrong direction. Take the extra time necessary and be sure you are on the right roads to where you want to go. You may have many miles to travel to reach your destination. You may have more if you take a wrong turn somewhere.
3) Watch your western flank.
Most of the best roads the Yankees can use to reach Kennesaw Mountain swing around to the west. Picket these roads well with cavalry and give yourself plenty of advance warning if they begin to move along those roads towards your flank.
Final Thoughts
This is a fun setup and good battle to play for either side. With lots of room to maneuver, large armies, and an interesting map, this scenario is a one that you should want to play at least once.