The "All or Nothing" Charge Option for Horse

[Churchill]

Ray.

[flick40]

Ray
You can reform the regiment with all 3 squadrons one behind the other. You would not be allowed to use the 'All or Nothing" charge the rest of the game. Subsequent charges by the regiment are done by squadron with the additional squadrons used to reinforce a melee if the initial melee lasts more than one round.

Squadrons are truely one hit weapons when out riding alone. Squadrons moving and working together in a regimental formation are more survivable. The consolidation of squadrons rule also helps.

Hope that helps

Joe

[barr7430]

Joe is right Ray.

Also remember that a single squadron in BLB at the ratio of 1:40 is actually the equivalent of 2-3 real squadrons. English squadrons of the period were no stronger than 80-90 men so a 5 model squadron could be equivalent to 2 or 3. So, to reiterate for the avoidance of doubt.. single squadrons ARE regiments of Horse for the period in English or Dutch terms at least. When a '3 squadron' ie BLB 18 model unit charges ALL OR NOTHING it could actually be equivalent to a brigade of English Horse charging or a LARGE French or NORMAL sized Imperial regiment.

There is no reason why dragoons cannot use the All or Nothing charge. I don't think is says that anywhere in the rules..

[Churchill]

Ray.

[flick40]

I understand that in any subsequent charge I would only count the front squadron in the initial melee.

Just to be clear, additional charges are by squadron. Not as a regiment with just the front squadron fighting. The front squadron would test to charge and if passes does so. The second and third squadrons would enter the melee in each additional round of melee if they pass their test to charge. This of course is if the initial charge succeeds and additional rounds can be fought.

Joe

[Churchill]

Ray.

[flick40]

can no longer operate as a regiment and only the front squadron would charge.

Correct, in the sense they no longer charge as one. The front squadron now tests to charge. It passes and goes in. If the fight lasts into another bound (remember melee lasts until there is a winner) the second squadron now tests and passes and goes in giving the melee an additional bonus. If it goes to a third bound the third and final squadron would test, passes and goes in giving an increased melee bonus.

That is as I understand it and Barry can add his Design Notes reasoning as to why it is done this way.

Joe

[Churchill]

Ray.

[flick40]

Well this is just my thought on it, Barry can clarify. Think of the All or Nothing as fresh men and horse charging for the glory of their cause. It is wave after wave of squadrons hitting the enemy. They fought and were successful, have reformed ready for more. Now some other unlucky enemy unit has placed themselves in harms way. Your regiment can no longer produce the quick succession of wave after wave into the enemy due to losses, blown horses etc. Now its wave after wave in each bound of melee.

Lets reverse the outcome for a second and say you lost the All or Nothing melee. Thats three squadrons blown on a single charge. All or Nothing is a nice way to run thru the enemy when timed correctly. Ill timed and disaster ensues.

if the regiment formed up in line with each squadron in base contact, could they then charge as a regiment

Individually yes, not as a regiment. Not even as an All or Nothing charge. Interesting thought though.

Joe