Copyright © 2025, Philip Robinson. All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced, in whole or in part without prior permission of the creator

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Espana 1836

This week saw a return to the First Carlist War when we trialed the Black Powder revised turn sequence when firing comes first, see HERE
It certainly changes the game dynamic, I think we both tentatively gave it a thumbs up. We shall revisit it on Dave's bigger table and forces when we return from our respective breaks in June.
The game itself developed into an impasse by the designated usual twelve turns neither side having a clear advantage. 
Whether this is the effect of the sequence change or the fact neither side did a lot for the first three turns remains to be seen.
Here are the usual photos with comments where applicable.
Valencian volunteers take up position among the vines on the Carlist right.
Carlist artillery and a battalion of fresh volunteers anchor the right flank behind their revetment.
While their left is protected by an orange grove occupied by skirmishers.
A blunder sends one of the Carlist battalions charging forward routing the Isabelinos in the process.
They are subsequently charged by the Isabelino heavy cavalry but with their dander up they repulse the attack.
After a couple of dud rockets the next one explodes in the tube!
Having driven off the Carlist skirmishers the two right flank Isabelino battalions form square and keep the cavalry on the Carlist left at bay.
Thats all until next month in the meantime take care and KBO.

14 comments:

  1. Nice to see the First Carlist War get a run out, lovely looking figures, really nice to see them.

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  2. An interesting game though the move once and fire rule is my preferred adaption. Nice not to loose too!

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    1. I think the game lost a little of the cut and thrust although the game lasted longer than usual on my smaller table which was a plus even allowing for the first three turns😂

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  3. Lovely looking game Phil! It's always nice to see your Carlist war on the table.

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    1. Thank you Christopher it is a very colourful and interesting conflict. Suitably inspired I have cleaned up and primed a Isabelino battalion from the stock pile to paint.

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  4. Great stuff, it's a very visually attractive period.

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  5. I will be interested in hearing whether the revised BP turn sequencing continues to find favour over your next few plays. I would tend to take David’s position of Move once and fire as a solution that has worked well enough ….. but, I think I have that bias because I like to ‘calm’ the big movement rates in BP - but, between you this should get well thrashed out.

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  6. Yes I think we all favour the one move and fire method, the big advantage of the fire first method is that you can disorder squares and then charge them. Firing first does make you consider your orders more I thought and did find that it lessened the game dynamic in that respect.

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you Jon. More figures under the brush for the next outing.

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