Written by Glenn Pearce (Baccus 6mm: Polemos Series)
Polemos: Ruse de Guerre – Grand Tactical 18th Century Warfare
Introduction: Part of the renowned Polemos series from Baccus 6mm, Ruse de Guerre is a set of wargaming rules specifically designed to cover the "Horse and Musket" period in North America and Europe, from the 1740s through the American War of Independence. It offers a sophisticated command-driven system that perfectly captures the friction and "ruses" of 18th-century warfare.
The Tempo & Command System
The heart of Ruse de Guerre is the "Tempo" mechanic. Rather than a simple I-Go-You-Go system, players bid Tempo points to seize the initiative. For our overall commander bases, this makes leadership a resource to be managed. Do you spend your energy pushing a single brigade commander to execute a daring flanking manoeuvre, or do you maintain a steady, disciplined advance across the whole line?
The 6mm Connection
As these rules are published by Baccus, they are natively designed for the 60mm x 30mm basing standard we use. Our 24-figure infantry battalions and 9-figure cavalry stands fit the "Base as Unit" philosophy perfectly. This allows us to fight massive historical engagements from the Third Silesian War on a modest table without sacrificing the visual "mass" of the armies.
Army Lists & Tactical Flavour
The rules include comprehensive army lists for the Seven Years War, covering both the European and North American theatres. It provides specific rules for the Austrian Whitecoats and the iron discipline of the Prussians. The inclusion of "Ruse" cards adds a layer of period-accurate unpredictability, simulating the "stratagems" that commanders like Frederick the Great frequently employed.
Tactical Utility: While we often use Black Powder for our larger club games, Ruse de Guerre provides a tighter, more "6mm-centric" experience. It forces the player to think like an 18th-century general, where the struggle to get orders down the line is just as important as the musketry itself.
Conclusion: For anyone building a Baccus 6mm army, Ruse de Guerre is an essential addition to the library. It is a ruleset that truly understands the scale and the era, ensuring that our tiny soldiers are part of a deep, intellectual challenge.
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