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In my opinion the Chancellorsville title is an average one at best. The lack of overall map variations hurts it greatly. Essentially you are fighting over and over again on the same base map. The title does have some good scenarios though which save it from being a subpar title altogether.

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CONTENT

32 Total Scenarios Recommended

   4 Rated "Excellent"

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NOTE: ALL NUMBERS HERE REFLECT THE ACTIVE STRENGTHS OF THE ARMIES. THESE NUMBERS DO NOT INCLUDE PERMANENTLY FIXED UNITS.

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86 Turns

002F - Nov 19 Meeting Engagement

 My Rating: Excellent 

111,068

98,345

5,273

7,450

298

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

81,168

68,626

5,192

7,350

294


Description - (MEETING ENGAGEMENT)  **All sectional artillery**   By late November, it had become clear to both armies that the town of Fredericksburg would soon become the focal point for a Union drive into Virginia. Both Lee and Burnside were determined to hold the town. If caught by surprise, Lee's army could be defeated in detail. But if Burnside acted too rashly, his army might also be defeated in detail. So skill of movement will need to be employed for either army to succeed. Though the Union will have superior numbers, they won't be fully engaged until the late morning of the second day. Until that time, both armies will be roughly equal. The first task for the Union army will be to build the pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock and establish a bridgehead. The minimum strength for infantry to cross is 225. Please read rules regarding bridges. 

Analysis - This is really the gem of the entire title I believe. This massive two-day scenario features two large armies engaged in a large meeting engagement style battle on either side of the Rappahannock River. 

 

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40 Turns

003F - Nov 21 6am

My Rating: Good

31,446

29,296

0

2,150

86

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

25,529

23,979

0

1,550

62


Description - (WHAT IF) **Rebs with Consolidated Batteries** Burnside's Right Grand Division arrived opposite the city of Fredericksburg but was not allowed to take the city. Burnside insisted on waiting for the Pontoon bridges. Lee was convinced that Burnside had already taken Fredericksburg and was moving toward Richmond. When he learned that Burnside was delayed, Lee immediately decided to move all forces to the defense of the city. This scenario will assume the pontoons have arrived and that Burnside will soon cross to engage Lee. The Union must cross the river, take the city and drive Lee off the heights before Hood's and Anderson's division arrive from Spotsylvania Court House. (Additional repairs to the pontoon bridges will be needed to allow leaders and artillery to cross- read user manual concerning bridges)

Analysis - This is an amusing scenario which probably favors the Rebs the longer it lasts. But an interesting setup and some creative strategies could turn this one into a wildcard game. 

 

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40 Turns

004F - Nov 21 6am v.1

 My Rating: Excellent 

31,446

29,296

0

2,150

86

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

25,529

23,979

0

1,550

62


Description - (WHAT IF) **All sectional artillery**  Burnside's Right Grand Division arrived opposite the city of Fredericksburg but was not allowed to take the city.  Burnside insisted on waiting for the Pontoon bridges. Lee was convinced that Burnside had already taken Fredericksburg and was moving toward Richmond. When he learned that Burnside was delayed, Lee immediately decided to move all forces to the defense of the city. This scenario will assume the pontoons have arrived and that Burnside will soon cross to engage Lee. The Union must cross the river, take the city and drive Lee off the heights before Hood's and Anderson's division arrive from Spotsylvania Court House. (This scenario includes additional bridge crossings, additional repairs to the pontoon bridges will be needed to allow leaders and artillery to cross- read user manual concerning bridges)

Analysis - This is built the same as scenario 003F except they added a few additional crossing places over the river north of town. This evens out the scenario greatly and makes it much more interesting to play. 

 

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36 Turns

008F - Dec 13th 6am

My Rating: Good

82,486

75,940

2,046

4,500

180

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

78,388

68,626

3,337

6,425

257


Description - (HISTORICAL) After a delay at the river bank, Burnside finally prepares his army for the attack against Lee's fortified position on Marye's Heights. Lee's outnumbered army stands ready to use his superior defensive position to make this day a costly one for the boys in blue.

Analysis - The historical Battle of Fredericksburg scenario won't really meet your expectations. But if you go into this and play it like any other random battle then you might find it amusing. But if you go into it expecting to refight the battle as it was historically in our memories (with the Yankees charging the stone wall), chances are you will be disappointed. 

 

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36 Turns

012F - Dec 13th 6am Small Map

My Rating: Good

82,486

75,940

2,046

4,500

180

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

78,388

68,626

3,337

6,425

257


Description - (HISTORICAL)   The variation of the Dec 13th 6am scenario uses a more compact map for easier map navigation.

Analysis - The same as scenario 008F except that the map is smaller. 

 

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12 Turns

013F - Meade and Gibbon Attack

My Rating: Good

18,331

17,281

0

1,050

42

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

15,411

14,861

0

550

22


Description - (HISTORICAL)  Meade continues his attack with Gibbon attacking Lane's position on and around Prospect Hill.

Analysis - If you are looking for chaos then here you go! Meade has busted through the line and driven back Gregg's Brigade of AP Hill's Division. The woods are alive with Yankees with more coming up behind them in support. For the Confederates there are thousands of additional FIXED units nearby which could be unlocked if the Yankees venture too far south or west. This one looks like a lot of violent fun and insanity. 

 

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12 Turns

016F - Meade's Assault Center and Right

 My Rating: Good

5,656

5,306

0

350

14

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

5,442

5,342

0

100

4


Description - (HISTORICAL)  Meade launches his attack on A.P. Hill's position across the R.F., & P. Railroad.

Analysis - This is just a good infantry battle in the thick woods. A good short scenario to play for fun. 

 

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46 Turns

020C - A Concentration of Confederates

 My Rating: Average

100,340

83,575

9,940

6,875

273

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

80,257

69,607

3,600

7,050

282


Description - (WHAT IF)  **Consolidated Artillery**  April Fool's day in Virginia.  Lee has ordered the concentration of his army to face the Union army.  This scenario will include both Pickett's and Hood's divisions, and JEB Stuart's cavalry.

Analysis - This scenario tries to be “epic,” but it just misses the mark. It has a number of flaws that make it less than ideal to play. For the Rebels, the main flaw is the ability of the Federal cavalry to attack and capture a number of their Horse Artillery pieces on turn one. But this can be “fixed” by a House Rule easily enough. More damaging is the total lack of interior Union lines. This will force them to launch their main attack north of Chancellorsville as it is the only place where the roads meet. Couple that with the short length of the scenario (for the numbers involved) and this scenario's flaws begin to show. If you want a straightforward bloody scenario with no room to maneuver nor time for any grand maneuvering then maybe this is for you. But if you want strategy and maneuvering – look elsewhere. 

 

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35 Turns

021C - April 29 Meeting Engagement

 My Rating: Excellent 

40,768

37,076

1,342

2,350

94

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

27,887

27,012

0

875

35


Description - (WHAT IF-MEETING ENGAGEMENT)  General Hooker continues his deployment of the Army of the Potomac near Chancellorsville.  General Lee responds by sending the Army of Northern Virginia to confront this new threat.  Early's Division will stay near Fredericksburg to guard the army's flank.

Analysis - This is an enjoyable medium-sized Meeting Engagement scenario of shorter length and scale. 

 

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46 Turns

022C - April 30 5am

My Rating: Good

109,806

100,192

789

8,825

353

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

57,128

51,728

225

5,175

207


Description - (HISTORICAL) **Rebels start unfixed with consolidated batteries, Union with variable release times**  Hooker's plan to trap Lee was well started, but by late evening April 29th, JEB Stuart's cavalry screen had at last determined that several Corps of Hooker's army was attempting a flanking rear attack against Lee's army at Fredericksburg.  Lee's most western located division was Anderson's division.  Lee ordered Anderson to block the Union advance from Chancellorsville to Fredericksburg.  Only three brigades were readily available to block Hooker's three advancing Corps.  However, Lee soon ordered the greater portion of his army to march toward Chancellorsville.  Speed will greatly determine victory in this fast approaching battle.  (1st Corps will start unfixed as well as that portion on 6th Corps on the west bank of the river) Various locations have unfinished pontoon birdges. 

Analysis - This is a peculiar scenario. To start, the Rebels are outnumbered nearly 2 to 1. The Federals have a massive force coming from both flanks and Lee is caught in the middle. The Federals have far more artillery and practically unlimited ammunition. But they need to gain a ton of points to achieve a victory here. The only way to do that, for them, is to inflict lopsided losses on Lee’s veterans. This could have been better with more turns. Still, it looks like fun. 

 

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133 Turns

026C - May 1st - May 3rd

 My Rating: Average

86,102

78,810

1,267

6,025

241

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

46,363

41,913

775

3,675

147


Description - (HISTORICAL) **Full 3-day battle with consolidated artillery** General Hooker continues his deployment of the Army of the Potomac near Chancellorsville. General Lee responds by sending the Army of Northern Virginia to confront this new threat.  Early's Division will stay near Fredericksburg to guard the army's flank.

Analysis - This
 recreation of the historical Battle of Chancellorsville will likely not turn out the same as the historical battle. Still, it can be an amusing scenario to play if you are just looking to refight the historical battles. 
 

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133 Turns

027C - May 1st - May 3rd v.1

 My Rating: Good

86,102

78,810

1,267

6,025

241

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

54,499

49,749

775

3,975

159


Description - (WHAT IF)  This variation includes the early arrival of Early's Division.

Analysis - The addition of Early's much needed division evens up the two sides some in this already tough battle. This is the preferable version of Chancellorsville you should be playing.

 

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25 Turns

029C - May 1st 11 AM

My Rating: Good

40,210

36,543

1,267

2,400

96

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

37,305

34,305

0

2,225

89


Description - (HISTORICAL) General Hooker continues his deployment of the Army of the Potomac near Chancellorsville. General Lee responds by sending the Army of Northern Virginia to confront this new threat. Early's Division will stay near Fredericksburg to guard the army's flank.

Analysis - This is, essentially, an even force fight. With just 25 turns there isn't much time to maneuver so you can expect a head-on collision in this one. It probably favors the Rebs a bit, but it likely depends on the skill of the players also. 

 

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9 Turns

034C - May 1 11am v.5

My Rating: Good

21,837

20,637

0

1,200

48

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

26,431

24,756

0

1,675

67


Description - (WHAT IF) This variant will start Candy's brigade to the right of Kane's brigade.  Candy's brigade will extend south and touch the unfinished railroad. Hancock's 1st division from 2nd Corps has been moved closer to fill the gap between 3rd Brigade 1st Division 12th Corps  and 3rd Brigade 2nd Division 6th Corps. Also, 5th New York has been moved into contact with brigade HQ.

Analysis - This is a relatively equal force battle since many of the Confederates won't be able to get into the fighting before time expires. If you are just looking for a quick and violent little scenario, here you go. 

 

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16 Turns

055C - May 2nd 3pm Small Map

My Rating: Good

20,570

18,253

1,267

1,050

42

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

24,718

22,645

698

1,375

55


Description - (HISTORICAL)  **Consolidated Rebel Batteries** May 1st caused Hooker to change his plan.  Late in the day, Meade's V Corps was recalled from it's plan to move east along the River road.  And the remaining Union army began to take up defensive positions.  As evening fell over the battlefield, Lee and Jackson pondered their next move.  A risky plan was devised to flank Hooker's army.  Jackson, with the help of local guides, devised a plan to flank the Union and drive them back across the river.  Outnumbered almost 2-1, Lee agreed with Jackson that a bold plan was needed.  Jackson would lead his entire Corps to launch a surprise attack on Howard's XI Corps.  Meanwhile, Lee with only McLaws' and Anderson's divisions would maintain the pressure on Hooker's main body of troops.

Analysis - This scenario really does not capture the "surprise" attack by Jackson very well. As a result, it feels much closer than it actually should. A decent battle overall with just 16 turns with which to battle it out. 

 

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46 Turns

071C - May 3rd 5am Small Map

My Rating: Good

38,599

35,517

757

2,325

93

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

42,224

38,749

0

3,475

139


Description - (HISTORICAL)   Following Jackson's flanking attack, Howard's 11th Corps was forced to retreat in disorder with heavy loses.  Had Jackson's attack come a couple hours earlier, the whole of the Union army would have been in severe difficulty.  With the dawning of a new day, Hooker was determined to stay and defend his captured southern territory.  But instead of Jackson leading the attack, JEB Stuart was forced to take command of 2nd Corps, as Jackson had been mortally wounded on the eve of his greatest victory against Howard's dazed 11th Corps.  Though still outnumbered nearly two to one, Lee was anxious to continue the attack, knowing that Hooker's army would be badly demoralized.  Nearly half of Hooker's army is caught in a salient.  It would be Stuart and Lee's task to cut it off from Hooker's path of retreat.  

Analysis - This one isn't as easy as you might think given the description. The Federals have interior lines and plenty of men. It shapes up to be a violent day of battle for both sides. 

 

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50 Turns

075C - Salem Church May 3 - 4

My Rating: Good

20,156

19,106

0

1,050

42

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

22,163

21,388

0

775

31


Description - (WHAT IF)  ** This variant continues the battle on the 4th of May.  Additional troops include the whole of 6th Corps, Early and Anderson will take the field. Sectional artillery used** The Union 6th Corps, moving along the Plank Road, encounters Wilcox's brigade.  Sedgwick has orders to move into Lee's rear following his advance from Fredericksburg.  But day light is running out.  Only a swift attack can dislodge Wilcox before nightfall.  With time running out, the Union's main objective will be to capture Salem Church and force Willcox to abandon the field before the remaining divisions of Sedgwick's 6th Corps arrives. 

Analysis - Looking for a battle where your opponent and you can't run and hide? Here you go! This small map features over 40,000 men coming together in a bloody confrontation on a small map. Not much strategy here. Just fight it out!

 

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30 Turns

076C - King of the Mountain

My Rating: Good

17,175

16,025

0

1,150

46

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

17,123

16,198

0

925

37


Description - (TURN OFF VICTORY POINTS FOR LEADER CASUALTIES BEFORE BEGINNING BATTLE)  ** All Sectional Artillery** This scenario is a fight of the 1st Corps of both armies. The winner will be determined by who can take and hold the mountain top. No VPs for troop losses. The Union will start the game with possession of the VP hex, but the Confederates will stop at nothing to capture it. As would be historical, the Union will start the game with a few more men, and a few more cannon. The Confederates will have better quality. But don't be fooled, the opposing forces are nearly equal in strength and the winner will be determined by skill alone. 

Analysis - A gimmick scenario. Nonetheless it is a fun one. Both sides will likely take off for the mountaintop at the start so be prepared for a brawl atop it.

 

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36 Turns

077C - River Crossing

My Rating: Good

10,962

10,412

0

550

22

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

10,824

10,624

0

200

8


Description - (TURN OFF VICTORY POINTS FOR LEADER CASUALTIES BEFORE BEGINNING BATTLE) This scenario is a battle for the Rapidan river crossing at Ely's Ford. Howard's 11th Corps must cross and capture the VP hex across the Rapidan. Whoever controls this VP hex, will win the game. No other VP points will be awarded. Jackson and A.P Hill's division were ordered to repulse the Union's crossing.   

Analysis - This is a gimmick scenario - but a fun one. The river divides the two forces and they must fight over the ford. The Yanks have about 3x the amount of artillery but inferior infantry. Whoever holds the ford at the end wins. 

 

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40 Turns

080C - May 1863 Equal Force

My Rating: Good

39,258

38,000

558

700

28

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

39,300

38,000

600

700

28


Description - (Equal forces fight for victory) Everything is equal. A unique OOB (Order of Battle) has been created so that every regiment starts with 500 men and a "B" quality rating. Every leader is equal and every cannon is the same. Also every cavalry regiment will start with 100 men. No objective hexes.  

Analysis - Another gimmicky game. Nonetheless, it offers a unique challenge and if you have an opponent who is always complaining he can't win because his men always run away - maybe offer him this as a scenario to play. 

 

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35 Turns

082C - Salem Church Equal Fight

My Rating: Good

18,500

18,000

0

500

20

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

18,500

18,000

0

500

20


Description - (WHAT IF)  Another equal fight scenario near Salem Church.  No VP Hexes.

Analysis - Just want to slug it out with an opponent? Here you go! Small map.

 

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35 Turns

083C - Salem Church Equal Fight v.1

My Rating: Good

18,500

18,000

0

500

20

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

18,500

18,000

0

500

20


Description - (TURN OFF VICTORY POINTS FOR LEADER CASUALTIES BEFORE BEGINNING BATTLE)   This variant of scn 82 requires the capture of the one VP hex.  

Analysis - If you like the "capture the flag" types of games then here is the closest you will find in the WDS series. 

 

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35 Turns

084C - Salem Church Equal Fight v.2

My Rating: Good

18,500

18,000

0

500

20

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

18,500

18,000

0

500

20


Description - (WHAT IF)  This variant of scn 82 is a meeting engagement (not blind).

Analysis - Another fun "equal force" scenario for you to play.

 

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21 Turns

085C - Banks Ford May 4

My Rating: Good

17,845

16,845

0

1,000

40

TOTAL

Infantrymen

Cavalrymen

Artillerymen

Cannons

23,139

22,164

0

975

39


Description - (HISTORICAL)  **All Sectional Artillery** After a slow day of fighting, many felt that the battle might be over. However, on this day, Confederate General Jubal Early's plan of attack had been approved by Army General Robert E Lee. Break the Union line and prevent their retreat across Banks's Ford. Defending the ford was Sedgwick's 6th Corps. Assisting in the attack will be Anderson's and McLaws' Division. Union troops in Fredericksburg will not be engaged during the battle.

Analysis - This one could be a violent little battle as Sedgwick's men have interior lines and are able to move around a bit easier at first. The Rebels will have superior quality though. 

 

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6 Turns

088F - French's Assault

My Rating: Good

5,027