Thanks so much for this! Me and my 9 year old (he’s smart) are learning the La Bataille system for use with Auerstadt, and this was very helpful. We’re going with the Marie-Louise rules, based on your explanation. Naturally, he’s going to stick me with the Prussians ;)
Thanks for clarifying the differences between all of these rules. I have always enjoyed the 3rd Edition Marshal Enterprises rule set. (I started with La Bataille de la Moskowa produced by GDW in 1977).
Your welcome! I also played 3rd Edition for most of my La Bataille games. it is still one of my favorites. The Premier rules from Marshal Enterprise are most similar to 3rd. The 5th Edition is very much like the 3rd, but with the command control features added.
When it comes to command and control rules (and wargames rules in general), at this stage of my life, I'm all in favor of quick and easy. It seems that most command and control rules exist just to tie the players' hands so they won't do something 'gamey' in order to maintain some sort of "fairness" or "realism" (whatever that means.) Of the rules shown in the video, the only version I don't have is the 5th Edition. I printed out the most recent version of the Premiere rules a while ago and I must say that they do have a certain appeal with their relative simplicity especially since I do almost all of my wargaming solo these days. I really enjoy your videos, Eric. They really give me the itch to play the La Batt. games. Thanks.
Patrick MCMLVI I agree. The first time I recall command rules were in the QB1, Ligny 1, and Mont St Jean exclusive rules. They were exactly attempting to prevent the players from using their armies in an "ahistorical " manner. I think it was necessary in those games in order to provide game balance. I prefer the ME Premier rules for a fast and fun game. The 5th edition rules look very much like the set from Dresden. I liked those. However, I don't bother playing with artillery ammunition wagons or rules.
I'm attempting to get going with Quatra Bras. I've decided to use the M-L rules I play solo mostly. This video has been helpful. I assume that the game specific rules found on the LaBat.us override the M-L rules if a conflict exists. Please continue your series. Examples of play and tutorial videos would be great and go a long way to expanding the player base. There are some AARs posted but nothing that would really help new players.
Thanks Brad. I plan on making some "how to play" videos next. Regarding QB, you can download the adjusted rules for using M-L or Reg XXX rules set at the labataille.us website.
Thanks for clarifying the differences between the many La Bat rule sets. I feel much better about my decision to start with Marie Louise with an eventual transition to Regs XXX.
dubarnik The M-L rules are a good start and great for solitaire play. The assault procedures take some getting used to. I think you might be able to find a flow chart on the www.labataille.us website.
All of the rules are fairly similar, some have more chrome, some are better for solitaire play, some are good for beginners, and some are better for team play. In that regard, the situation is not unlike many wargames which include beginning, advanced and solitaire rules with the game. The La Bataille games are some of the best for tactical Napoleonic game play. I suggest anyone new to the series should start with the Marie Louis rules. They work well for solo and face-to-face gaming.
Thanks for this. I do generally use the rules in the box as in my view this is how the designer intended the game to play. As a new player the Dresden rules are incredibly challenging, I am new to LaBatille but played wargames since I was 12! I probably need about 20 more years just to get used to LaBatille! I wish they included simpler rules in the new box sets actually, this would encourage new players to join in. As it is I think they are making games for the established market, ignoring potential for new players to be eased into the system. I don't mind a bit of complexity if it serves a purpose, but some rules seem complex for complex sake, and if it means my early games grind to a halt I'm not encouraged to continue the system. LaBatille in my view needs a more playable ruleset, especially for solo gamers v tournament gamers. this video is useful. If possible could you show examples of combat with Dresden rules as I am learning this but struggling. Thanks!
Lord General You're welcome. The Dresden rules were a hybrid of several previous rules sets and were geared more for team play. All of the rules have a certain amount of complexity because they are trying to simulate the combined arms nature of Napoleonic warfare. The Martial Enterprise Premier rules are probably the easiest to learn and play. I used them for a scenario in Dresden, and it went fine.
Those rules are the very first iteration of the Premier rule set. I have never seen that old set from the 70's, but I imagine they would work. Of course, many years of play and play testing have passed since those rules were crafted. You may find the newer rule sets play better.
Can you provide a summary list of what you said verbally? With only a voice telling the differences, it is not so easy to catch all the differences and trade-offs and advantages/disadvantages. This sort of verbal information is not so good for a video, unless bullet points and listings are added somewhere. Thanks.
I am not familiar with the Tactiques Napoléon system. I suppose if someone doesn't want to use the MU mechanism, they could play the CoA 3rd Edition rules or ME Premier rules.
I'm thinking of buying my first Labat game. Quatre Bras has been recommended and the one map size suits well. An online friend likes the Quare Bras rules and plays all his LaBat games with a slightly modified version of those rules. He suggested that I buy QB and use the rule in the box. However I am more inclined to use the Marie Louise rules as they can be used with any game, and I want to avoid learning two different rule sets. Re the QB rules: are they similar to the Regs? Generally, what wound you recommend I do? Thanks
Brendan Marsh Hi, it depends on which edition of QB you purchase. The 1st edition contains the 3rd edition rules. The 2nd edition of QB contains a rule set that is very much like the Marie Louise rules. Both editions of QB have special rules for various British actions, going prone, British Huzzah counter attack, etc. If you want to use the ML rules with either edition, you should visit the labataille.us website and download the special rules there for QB. That should help you with the various command information you will need to play. QB is one of the most popular and frequently played of all the LaBat. series. The battle has lots of drama and lots of options for the commanders. Good luck and have fun.
Thanks so much for this! Me and my 9 year old (he’s smart) are learning the La Bataille system for use with Auerstadt, and this was very helpful. We’re going with the Marie-Louise rules, based on your explanation. Naturally, he’s going to stick me with the Prussians ;)
Thanks for clarifying the differences between all of these rules. I have always enjoyed the 3rd Edition Marshal Enterprises rule set. (I started with La Bataille de la Moskowa produced by GDW in 1977).
Your welcome! I also played 3rd Edition for most of my La Bataille games. it is still one of my favorites. The Premier rules from Marshal Enterprise are most similar to 3rd. The 5th Edition is very much like the 3rd, but with the command control features added.
@@EricsTableNapoleonicBattles I may give the 5th a try. Can it be purchased separately (or downloaded for free)? If so, do you have a link?
When it comes to command and control rules (and wargames rules in general), at this stage of my life, I'm all in favor of quick and easy. It seems that most command and control rules exist just to tie the players' hands so they won't do something 'gamey' in order to maintain some sort of "fairness" or "realism" (whatever that means.) Of the rules shown in the video, the only version I don't have is the 5th Edition. I printed out the most recent version of the Premiere rules a while ago and I must say that they do have a certain appeal with their relative simplicity especially since I do almost all of my wargaming solo these days. I really enjoy your videos, Eric. They really give me the itch to play the La Batt. games. Thanks.
Patrick MCMLVI I agree. The first time I recall command rules were in the QB1, Ligny 1, and Mont St Jean exclusive rules. They were exactly attempting to prevent the players from using their armies in an "ahistorical " manner. I think it was necessary in those games in order to provide game balance. I prefer the ME Premier rules for a fast and fun game. The 5th edition rules look very much like the set from Dresden. I liked those. However, I don't bother playing with artillery ammunition wagons or rules.
I'm attempting to get going with Quatra Bras. I've decided to use the M-L rules I play solo mostly. This video has been helpful. I assume that the game specific rules found on the LaBat.us override the M-L rules if a conflict exists.
Please continue your series. Examples of play and tutorial videos would be great and go a long way to expanding the player base. There are some AARs posted but nothing that would really help new players.
Thanks Brad. I plan on making some "how to play" videos next. Regarding QB, you can download the adjusted rules for using M-L or Reg XXX rules set at the labataille.us website.
Thanks for clarifying the differences between the many La Bat rule sets. I feel much better about my decision to start with Marie Louise with an eventual transition to Regs XXX.
dubarnik The M-L rules are a good start and great for solitaire play. The assault procedures take some getting used to. I think you might be able to find a flow chart on the www.labataille.us website.
Multiple sets of rules was the reason I never played these games it's just so confusing.
All of the rules are fairly similar, some have more chrome, some are better for solitaire play, some are good for beginners, and some are better for team play. In that regard, the situation is not unlike many wargames which include beginning, advanced and solitaire rules with the game. The La Bataille games are some of the best for tactical Napoleonic game play. I suggest anyone new to the series should start with the Marie Louis rules. They work well for solo and face-to-face gaming.
Thanks for this. I do generally use the rules in the box as in my view this is how the designer intended the game to play. As a new player the Dresden rules are incredibly challenging, I am new to LaBatille but played wargames since I was 12! I probably need about 20 more years just to get used to LaBatille! I wish they included simpler rules in the new box sets actually, this would encourage new players to join in. As it is I think they are making games for the established market, ignoring potential for new players to be eased into the system. I don't mind a bit of complexity if it serves a purpose, but some rules seem complex for complex sake, and if it means my early games grind to a halt I'm not encouraged to continue the system. LaBatille in my view needs a more playable ruleset, especially for solo gamers v tournament gamers. this video is useful. If possible could you show examples of combat with Dresden rules as I am learning this but struggling. Thanks!
Lord General You're welcome. The Dresden rules were a hybrid of several previous rules sets and were geared more for team play. All of the rules have a certain amount of complexity because they are trying to simulate the combined arms nature of Napoleonic warfare. The Martial Enterprise Premier rules are probably the easiest to learn and play. I used them for a scenario in Dresden, and it went fine.
There are some very simple scenarios in the Marshal Enterprises games. Some are free p &p on the ME website
What about the GDW "Moscowa" rules from the 1970s? Are these usable with current maps and counters?
Those rules are the very first iteration of the Premier rule set. I have never seen that old set from the 70's, but I imagine they would work.
Of course, many years of play and play testing have passed since those rules were crafted. You may find the newer rule sets play better.
Yes, that is what I still play with. So, yes, Eric, it IS possible to stay faithful to one.
Can you provide a summary list of what you said verbally? With only a voice telling the differences, it is not so easy to catch all the differences and trade-offs and advantages/disadvantages. This sort of verbal information is not so good for a video, unless bullet points and listings are added somewhere. Thanks.
Hi, great suggestion. I am putting a simple recap in the show notes.
Any commentary on the "Tactiques Napoléon" rules set? The system does away with the clumsy Maneuver Unit mechanism in favor of actual orders.
I am not familiar with the Tactiques Napoléon system. I suppose if someone doesn't want to use the MU mechanism, they could play the CoA 3rd Edition rules or ME Premier rules.
I'm thinking of buying my first Labat game. Quatre Bras has been recommended and the one map size suits well. An online friend likes the Quare Bras rules and plays all his LaBat games with a slightly modified version of those rules. He suggested that I buy QB and use the rule in the box. However I am more inclined to use the Marie Louise rules as they can be used with any game, and I want to avoid learning two different rule sets. Re the QB rules: are they similar to the Regs? Generally, what wound you recommend I do? Thanks
Brendan Marsh Hi, it depends on which edition of QB you purchase. The 1st edition contains the 3rd edition rules. The 2nd edition of QB contains a rule set that is very much like the Marie Louise rules. Both editions of QB have special rules for various British actions, going prone, British Huzzah counter attack, etc.
If you want to use the ML rules with either edition, you should visit the labataille.us website and download the special rules there for QB. That should help you with the various command information you will need to play.
QB is one of the most popular and frequently played of all the LaBat. series. The battle has lots of drama and lots of options for the commanders. Good luck and have fun.
And none of them handle skirmishers appropriately. Skirmishers need their own segment similar to cavalry charge combat. .
John. That is an interesting idea. Do you know of any other battalion level Napoleonic game that has such a game mechanic?
Eric, would you be interested in coming on my podcast and discussing La Bataille? I'd love to tap your knowledge.
Hi. that would be cool. let me know the details. you can email me at: eholmgren@sbcglobal.net
Still waiting on this episode!
Alguien debería doblar al español (alias castellano) estos videos de Eric.