Sell me Brigade de General
Salutations, I have decided to venture into the maze that is Napoleonic wargames, my eye has fallen on several rulesets including General de Brigade. I have a hard time making the decision.. My wargaming history isn't really impressive, I started maybe 5 years ago and nowadays I play Flames of War, Warhammer 40k & Battlefleet Gothic. What I like about General de Brigade is the smaller scope it has compared to other Napoleonic games. Pushing around bases that represent companies I think feels better then the more abstract higher scope wargames. But besides that I am not sure why I should choose GdB, what would be a better way finding out then asking the GdB guys themselves! Also I am a little worried about buying (and painting) millions of miniatures, as I am a student and my wargaming funds are limited. Anyways I would like your imput on GdB, what would be a good way to start? What should I avoid, how to prevent mistakes? etc. Thanks!

Wecome Edzard. Firstly, if throwing hundreds of dice is your thing, this isn't the game for you. There are many Napoleonic rules sets out there and all have their adherents, but certainly GdB seems one of the most popular. I started gaming because of my interest in history and therefore wanted a game that approximated what happened in real battles as much as possible. Also, all the local gamers were using GdB. Generally I have found it to give very good results which feel "authentic". Usually the ganme mechanics are fast, although multiple melees can slow down the game a little. As other threads here have stated, it is important to keep the scale of the game right. Bigger games are not necessarily better games. Fewer units will allow for a faster game. There are a few grey areas in the rules but there is a new edition coming out , so this shouldn't be a problem. As you will see from this site, GdB is well supported with help and advice from experienced players as well as the author of the rules, DCR Brown, himself. Players have also been given a lot of input to the new rules. There is on old poll on The Miniatures Page where GdB did well. This is some years old and Grande Armee which was the most popular certainly seems to be on the wane. Also, those rules are for corps level games, rather than the brigade level of GdB. Get the rules. Start with just enough figures for 1-2 infantry brigades (perhaps 4-8 battalions), a battery and perhaps a couple of light cavalry units or dragoons. Perhaps less than 200-350 figures all up. Oh, and the most important thing, make sure that there are people who use GdB near you to play against. Anthony

My favourite rules in GdB that most (any?) other rulesets don't have is the national characteristics affecting affecting intiative. It gives the advantage most of the time to the elan or well led armies - British/French and late Prussians. Add in better or worse Generals and that gets turned on its head. Its an I go/U go ruleset usinga modified dice role to gain the initiative, so no having to fudge simultaneous movement. Speeds up play and gives it that slight lack of control that I now like in rulesets.