As promised, a game using the Tunstill rules. Unlike the Taylor rules, dice are used to decide the results of shooting, mêlée and morale, the latter using ordinary dice, the two former using average dice. Ranges are in bands, with deductions according to distance and target, figures firing in groups. Losses were pretty hefty unless in open order and cover. The mêlées are based on points per figure with a die roll multiplier, then losses according to ratio of figures; they were less bloody then the Taylor rules. Morale rules were more realistic - these had +/- factors according to circumstances, but no account was taken of unit losses! Orders were written just like the Taylor rules for each unit for each turn. The rules are spread across various parts of the book, so I combed through it and wrote them down all together: they barely filled two sides of A4. Oddly, there were no rules for terrain reductions on movement! I decreed no deductions if in open order; half speed if formed, keeping it simple.

Anyway, I found it another fast and fun game, although I played it slightly differently from the first game. The opposing sides were the same, but I rolled a die to randomly place each sides regiments (in groups of two) along their table edge. The result was plenty of action in the woods, from which the Confederates emerged victorious, a bit of a see-saw fight in the centre, and the Confederates making an effective flank move around the farm. I called the game after nine turns in favour of the Rebels.

Here is a selection of photographs. I hope to carry on playing some games based on rules I used years ago, so watch this space!

The initial set up.

The artillery were less deadly in these rules than the Taylor set.

Not much left of the leading units on both sides within no times at all! I used the red counter to indicate a morale result - cannot advance for one turn, -1 to firing.

The Confederate battery got too close to Union infantry and was forced back by rifle fire.

By now, the Union had won the fight in the centre, but at some cost, and was now taking heavy flanking fire from the Confederates at the farm.

The Confederates pushed through the woods and then routed their opponents.

The Union only have one good regiment left and their battery,

which is about to be attacked from the woods.

Victory called for the Confederates at this point, with most of the Union force destroyed.