Sharp Practice: Wargame Rules for Large Skirmishes in the Era of Black Powder, 1700 to 1865 (2008) Board Game

Sharp Practice is a set of wargame rules designed by Too Fat Lardies, known for their focus on historical accuracy and detail. The game is set in the era of Black Powder, spanning from 1700 to 1865, and allows players to recreate large skirmishes from historical battles such as the American Civil War, American Revolutionary War, and Napoleonic Wars.

Game Components of Sharp Practice: Wargame Rules for Large Skirmishes in the Era of Black Powder, 1700 to 1865

Rulebook

Army lists for various historical periods (e.g., French Indian Wars, American War of Independence, Peninsula War, American Civil War, Indian Mutiny)

Cards or chips for initiative and command

Miniature figures (typically 30-120 per side)

Terrain and scenery

Dice (six-sided dice for movement and firing)

Army lists available online for expanded periods and scenarios

How To Setup Sharp Practice: Wargame Rules for Large Skirmishes in the Era of Black Powder, 1700 to 1865

Setting up Sharp Practice involves preparing the battlefield, deploying forces, and determining the scenario objectives. Players start by selecting their forces, which can range from 30 to 120 figures per side, and setting up the terrain. Army lists are used to ensure balanced and historically accurate forces. Each unit typically consists of 8 men, but this can be adjusted to represent larger or smaller groups. The game also involves creating characters for the leaders, which includes rolling for their background, skills, and charisma.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initiative System: Leaders are activated via cards or chips, with each leader having a Command Initiative (CI) value determining their actions.

Leader Actions: Leaders can activate groups, guide fire, form formations, split off figures, and perform scenario-specific tasks.

Movement: Rolled using a six-sided die, with movement ranges determined by the roll.

Firing: Rolled using a six-sided die, with target numbers adjusted by range and modifiers.

Effect Rolls: Determine the impact of hits, resulting in kills or shock points.

Random Events and Minor Characters: The game includes narrative elements with random events and non-combatant characters.

Game Objective: Typically involves achieving scenario-specific objectives, such as holding positions, escorting characters, or eliminating enemy forces.

Player Experience

Sharp Practice is designed to deliver a dynamic and narrative-rich gaming experience. Players take on the roles of heroic leaders, guiding their troops through historical battles with a strong focus on character development and random events. The game rewards asymmetric forces and strategic thinking, making each battle unique and engaging. The emphasis on leaders and their character traits adds a personal touch to the game, allowing players to tell the stories of their characters as the game unfolds.

Pros

Narrative Focus: Strong emphasis on storytelling and character development.

Historical Accuracy: Covers a wide range of historical periods with detailed army lists.

Dynamic Gameplay: Fast-paced game system with random events and initiative cards.

Asymmetric Forces: Encourages playing with diverse and historically accurate forces.

Flexibility: Allows scaling of forces to represent larger or smaller units.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the detailed rules and character creation.

Cavalry and Artillery: These elements can be difficult to integrate effectively due to the skirmish scale.

Not Tournament-Friendly: Designed more for narrative and historical accuracy rather than competitive play.

Personal Thoughts on Sharp Practice: Wargame Rules for Large Skirmishes in the Era of Black Powder, 1700 to 1865

Sharp Practice is ideal for players who enjoy historical miniatures wargaming with a strong narrative focus. It is particularly suited for those interested in the black powder era and who appreciate the tactical and strategic challenges of skirmish battles. While it may not be the best fit for tournament players, it excels in providing a rich and immersive gaming experience for those who value storytelling and historical detail. New players may find the rules complex, but the game’s depth and flexibility make it a rewarding investment for those willing to dive in.

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