Combat Infantry on the Beach

Thus began the game of Combat Infantry Western Front by Columbia Games. This was the second playing of the first scenario. The first time through, the Americans smote the Germans with a great smiting. The first reason for that was that the dice favored the GIs and disfavored the Germans. The other reason was that the latter had been mistakenly deprived of three of their assets. This time, the Germans had their full complement of blocks and the dice evenly mistreated both sides.
 

The Americans had limited placement options. The Germans have more options. In the first run through they crowded near the beach to try to prevent the Americans off the sand. This time, they spread out because the rules place limits on how many units can fire through a hexside.

Here they are at turn three. Although the American left and right were making progress, the center couldn't get any momentum.

 

 By the end of turn 4, the Germans have been forced back on the American right, and the GIs were making an end run on the left, but the Germans continued to dominate the line of scrimmage in the center. However, the Americans were about to add air support to their artillery power.

I didn't get any other pictures. The Americans drove around on the left to take the town behind the German right and did get contest a hex of St. Hilaire on the German left. The Americans made some desperate moves on the last turn in an attempt to drive the Germans out of some key positions but lost more than they gained. They were hampered by several failed rally attempts that continually delayed the planned thrust in the center, and the same problem then slowed the advance on the right. The objective victory points would've resulted in a tie, but the Americans took a two point victory for more enemy units destroyed--thanks to artillery and air support.

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The final edit to the Accidental Pirates sequel should wrap up this week and I can get it sent to the Raconteur Press for consideration. 

We had a visit from the Lawtwister and three of his small claims. The latter had a great time with their grandma, even getting in a Scooby doo game. They all helped us examine the potential new chateau--which will remain sans chat gris--and gave their respective verdicts on it as a place for future visits.

Meanwhile, Les Freres Corse are burning through their copy of Accidental Pirates. It can't be helped, it's a rip-roaring, dragon-flaming, swashbuckling tale.