Second Battle of Breitenfeld

[TJD]

I'm still fairly new to the game but have played through all the historical scenarios on default settings and gained victory in all of them, with one exception: Second Breitenfeld. Historically this was a huge Swedish victory but I have lost twice and can't find the tactical edge I need to get even a narrow win, let alone a blowout like what actually occurred. The forces are quite evenly balanced, though the Imperial side overbalances me in cavalry. Any advice? I miss having Salvo units and always seem to lose the infantry shootout in the center.

Love the game!

[istari6]

I found Second Breitenfeld to be immensely challenging, yet was lucky to win on the first try. However it was very close fought. The two armies are symmetrical in capabilities, yet you're outnumbered.

The key for me was using the terrain to advantage. Retreat and anchor your defensive line on the left against the fortified village and the rough terrain. Put Commanded Shot behind the walls and create an angled line of P&S battalions to hold off the enemy cavalry on your left. Sweep all friendly cavalry from left wing to right wing and then combine to overpower the enemy horse on the right. Hold the center as best you can - this was where I had the greatest trouble.

If all goes well, your cavalry superiority on right side will eventually rout the enemy horse and allow flank and rear attacks on the enemy infantry in center. If your experience is like mine, it'll be a very close run affair, with friendly cavalry rolling up the enemy just in the nick of time as the center is crumbling.

Good luck!

Chris

[TJD]

Hey Chris thanks for the advice -- it worked! I followed your ideas and managed a narrow win, 5%. I didn't think I was going to make as once again I lost the battle in the center and the cavalry fight on the right, although it went my way, took such a long time to resolve. Very tense fight and a lot of fun.

Thanks again!

Tim

[istari6]

My pleasure! Sounds like we had almost identical experiences. I also won by only around 5%, and as you say, it was both tense and a huge amount of fun. Kudos to the scenario designer.