Wargames Rules: Rank & File: Horse & Musket Rules 1740–1900
Written by Mark Sims and designed for large-scale operations across the linear warfare era, Rank & File offers an accessible, fast-playing grand-tactical framework for standard table spaces. Covering everything from the War of the Austrian Succession through to the late 19th century, the system focuses heavily on friction, command quality, and overall force attrition rather than overly intricate micro-mechanics.
The core mechanics rely on straightforward D6 rolls to resolve movement, firing, and hand-to-hand combat. Units track cohesion and morale levels from Good down to Unsteady and Routed, ensuring that formations degrade under fire before completely breaking. Base sizes are flexible and figure-count agnostic, making the set extraordinarily easy to adapt for 6mm miniatures based on multi-figure stands. The inclusion of army break points prevents tedious endgame pursuits, concluding multi-brigade actions within a single evening's gaming session.
While basic play provides a swift, fluid battle, period-specific module rules introduce essential 18th-century nuances—such as rigid line formations, tactical march columns, screening light infantry, and artillery limbering restrictions. The balance between playability and historical flavour makes it a strong contender for grand XVIII Century engagements.
Published by: Crusader Publishing / 2009
Wargames Rules: Rank & File: Horse & Musket Rules 1740–1900 (2nd Edition)
Written by Mark Sims, the expanded second edition of Rank & File refined the fast-playing, grand-tactical engine designed for handling large-scale linear battles across the 18th and 19th centuries. Aimed at resolving multi-brigade engagements on modest tabletop dimensions, the system prioritises high-level command decisions, friction, and formation cohesion over granular micro-management.
The core mechanics utilise simple D6 tests to resolve command checks, volley fire, and melee, making grand-tactical manoeuvres swift to process. Units track degradation through simple status steps, capturing the natural decline of a line under concentrated artillery or infantry fire before a total collapse occurs. The rules are entirely element-agnostic, making them particularly well suited to 6mm massed bases where visual representation takes precedence over individual figure counts.
The second edition introduces key clarifications to army morale break points, streamlining battle conclusions and preventing tedious endgame clean-ups. Combined with optional period modules covering rigid line tactics, light infantry screening, and cavalry charges, it provides a flexible framework that adapts beautifully to mid-18th-century battles without slowing down the tempo of play.
Published by: Crusader Publishing / 2014
What do you think?
I would love to hear your opinion on these rules! Do you use them for the Seven Years War? How do you find they handle the 6mm scale? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Related project hubs for this period:
[The Silesian Wars 1740–1763 Project Hub] |
[The Seven Years War 1756–1763 Project Hub]
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