Good afternoon Mark,

I have a question about the chemical warfare change to Gulf Strike..what would be the best way for me to send the question to you?

We did play Issus, a Macedonian blow-out.

On the Macedonian side were John, probably the best player of the group and this game's annointed gamemaster (he chose it) and he was elected Alexander. He's also a good offensive player so we played to strengths. Solid Marty was solid Craterus in the center, and I chose to be Parmenion, to hopefully atone for a previous ass-whooping there several years ago. The Persians were commanded by Maurice, who rarely ventures outside of the 20th century, Steve on their left who was familiar with the rules, Dennis, Marty's counterpart in size if not ability was on the river line, and their best player, Elwyn, was opposed to me.

Well, we planned the strategy of hit their left and defend against their right, small surprise. I don't know if he was right or not, but Elwyn took his time to get all his forces across the river so when he did hit, it was going to be in bulk. I was afraid he'd come straight across and smack my left flank light cavarly with his cataphracts right off. He didn't, so the tactic on that wing became one of trumping him every time he went for momentum so as to limit how many units he was moving each time. This worked well--trumped him every time. And subsequently failed my own momentum rolls big time, getting the Die Roll of Doom twice--and rolling withdrawal twice! Luckily for me, I think, Elwyn had "Dad duties" on our second night of playing (seven players, explain rules, lengthens the game but we enjoy the comraderie and taunting), and so Dennis took over his wing. He saw that I was in some disarray thanks to the first withdrawal, so launched and took out a phalanx and a skirmisher. My counterattack took out a three HCs, and then I failed the second Die Roll of Doom and was now at board edge. Fortunately, Marty/Craterus brought his commander over and helped recover hits and move away from the board edge. So the Macedonian right was a bit dishelved, but the HC threat was considerably lessened. We felt ourselves fortunate in that the Persians had not moved more leaders that way to hustle more cavalry upon me.

Other than Marty's moving some hoplites my way, the centers remained quiet. Steve chose not to do anyting with the force in the woods on the Macedonian right; he may have been able to cause some trouble, once Alexander moved out of command range and Craterus was near me.

And on the right, of course, Alexander smashed his way across the river, and over, around, and through all resistance. He never failed a momentum roll and so whatever the Persians sent his way got gobbled up. When the trip towards rout looked like Macedonians 15 and Persians 76, they tipped their king. I'm not sure of Maurice, but the others either were okay with the game or liked it. John and I are going to do some Diadochoi or Tyrant this weekend.

Better late than never: we start a game of Issus (GBofAl, 4th ed) this Tuesday. The game's up and horses are chomping at the bit, cardaces not....

I am so pleased at the way GMT supports my efforts to assist our troops down range with games. It speaks well of GMT's care and concern above its superior games.

Mark,
I have seen some posts on various boards about a new Pacific War game, similar or to even a second edition of the Pacific War game you did with Victory Games. I have done some looking, but I am new to the forum. Is there any posted information about this upcoming release? Or perhaps a pre-release list to sign up for. I am a big fan of Pacific War and EotS for that matter.

Thanks,
Dave

We Tuesday Night Regulars of Richmond Area Gaming Enthusiasts will be playing The Great Battles of Alexander: Issus early in '09.

Mark,

I've already posted these questions under the "Gulf/Aegean Strike" discussion in the "Victory Games" social networking group. Is this the "topic" area you're referring to? (Forgive me: I'm relatively new to CSW)

Thanks,
Mark D