La Bataille d' Heilsberg 1807

Players’ Notes For La Bataille d'Heilsberg 1807

 As always, La Bataille games feature national armies against national armies and as such each player should understand the strengths and weaknesses of their respective forces. In some cases, there may be two different sets of forces within one army. For example, there is a Saxon Division with Lannes' Reserve corps. Their doctrine is very close to the Prussian doctrines of 1806--especially the use of infantry lines. Playing to the differences will provide an edge.  French infantry is generally excellent. Most of the time infantry should be in battalion formation due to the size of regiments and their worsened fire defenses against the Russian batteries.  Russian infantry regiments usually have a strength of 4 increments, so it may be hazardous to keep them in battalions---but sometimes that is the best option...the art will be knowing when a regiment should be broken down. Russians will have a difficult time taking on French regiments in one-on-one fight...so the Russians should learn to support infantry with both cavalry and artillery. Cossacks are best used in the woods-- especially in tirailleur a cheval order if available.  Speaking of tirailleur a cheval, both sides should use this function generously...in fact, in playtests, we were able to use able to use this function when assaulting fortified positions to great effect. The Light Cavalry Division of LaSalle can be very effective...French Corps cavalry is also able to use this function.  Russians have more artillery, but French artillery can be effective...especially when used with leaders with the artillery bonus...French marshals generally have this bonus. Used with horse batteries, the French can be effective enough. Russian artillery will tend to funnel the French assault to the north end of the map, but that thrust will be muffled due to the extensive forests.

 Remember, Heilsberg will necessarily expose both armies to heavy casualties, so watch the morale levels...

Scenario One is an excellent primer for La Bataille--especially for the tirailleur à cheval rules. It plays quickly and it is just on the West map.

Good luck citizens!

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