I have been pondering what size grid to use on my new terrain board. The board measures 35" x 22", which translates into 88.9cm x 55.9cm.
If I select a grid square that is 11cm x 11cm (or 4.33" x 4.33"), I can create a gridded terrain board that is roughly 8 x 5 (and have 40 grid squares), ...
... but if I choose a grid square that is 8cm x 8cm (or 3.15" x 3.15"), the grid will be 11 x 7 (and have 77 grid squares).
As my Belle Époque collection is based on 4cm wide bases and cavalry and infantry units consist of two bases, it means that I can deploy individual units in line without them overhanging the edge of the grid squares.
I did consider making the grid squares 4cm x 4cm (or 1.6" x 1.6"), but this would mean that a two-base unit would occupy two grid squares if it is in line or – in the case of cavalry – column. The upside of this option would be that my grid would be 22 x 14 and have 308 grid squares.
At present I have not made a decision as to what size grid square I intend to choose. Each of the options has its pros and cons and I need to carefully look at them before making my final decision.
11 x 7 looks a good size grid to me - wide enough for flanking...
ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack Tar,
DeleteI must admit that it is the grid I will probably opt for, but if I put a dot or something in the middle of each grid square, I could easily turn it into a 22 x 14 grid should the need arise.
All the best,
Bob
Well, there is the option of going small (however you would like to define that), giving you the option of small elements and lots of grids, but when you want something larger scale, you count four squares as one. To help facilitate the system, you might put a dot in the center of each four squares, or perhaps have the borders of the larger squares more bold than the smaller. Just some ideas.
ReplyDeleteEd M,
DeleteI am thinking along similar lines to you. If I opt for the 7 x 11 grid with a small dot in the centre of each grid square, I have the option to use my terrain board as a 14 x 22 grid as well.
It’s something that I need to play around with but I think that it’s likely to be the option that I will choose.
All the best,
Bob
I find it really tricky, you know, working out play areas. I almost always have to do things trial and error
ReplyDeleteDemitri Ioannou,
DeleteWhen I started out developing my PORTABLE WARGAME rules I used a standard 8 x 8 chessboard with varying sizes of grid square. Since then I’ve used several different grids, ranging from 3 x 3 to 15 x 15.
I would say that my experience makes me favour grid squares that are 2” x 2” (5cm x 5cm), and if I applied this size of grid square to my board I would end up with a grid that is very roughly 18 x 11.
As you say, getting a solution that works is often down to trial and error rather than logic.
All the best,
Bob
I would go with the 11cm squares for less crowding with 2 stand units, a general and perhaps a building or tree. Smaller grids also make for faster games, but with less room for maneuver. Looking forward to the finished board, perhaps you could make a how to video for your Utube channel?
ReplyDeleteMark Cordone,
DeleteThe 11cm x 11cm squares would certainly work if one can deploy several units in one grid square as one can in FP3x3PW … and one can always put a dot in the centre of each square to turn it into a 16 x 10 grid,
I had not thought about producing a ‘How to …’ YouTube video, and that is an excellent idea.
All the best,
Bob
Bob -
ReplyDeleteFlexibility is a wonderful thing - the 11x7 with a dot sounds pretty ideal for your Belle Epoque. In effect you'd be splitting the difference between 77 and 308 grid areas. Call it 154. But how would it do with anything else you might want to field?
The multi-grid-area-units (MGAU) seem to me quite viable, judging by the 30YW game I played out several weeks ago. Come to think of it, I have probably now enough Swedish Horse in at least semi-finished state to give the thing another go.
Heads up: as I plan to adapt the Portable 30YW War game to my hex-board, I will write up my adaptations as an alternative rule set. It will involve MGAUs, but should be playable with SGAUs. It will also add an irregular 'Light Horse' troop type (Croats, Polish Cossacks and such).
Cheers,
Ion
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteYou make some excellent points in your comment ... and they reinforce my inclination top go with the 11 x 7 grid, but with a central dot in each square in case I want to use it as a 22 x 14 grid.
I have used what you term MGAU's in some of my PW games and have no problem with the concept. That said, I think that my natural inclination is towards using SGAUs.
I look forward to seeing your take on the P30YWW, and particularly how you integrate 'Light Horse' into the rules.
All the best,
Bob
Very interesting Bob, personally I would go with the 11 x 7 grid as well like many of your other bloggers already commented. Really no right or wrong but considering the scale you are using 4cm bases it should be perfect. Hope you will be happy with it
ReplyDeleteQuinn
Glory to Ruritania (Quinn),
DeleteAnother vote for the 11 x 7 grid! It’s certainly the one that seems to most closely fit my needs, and it’s probably the one I’ll choose.
All the best,
Bob