Four Battles at Cannae

After a hiatus that was far, far too long, I finally joined Scott (MacPhee's Miniature Men) in Coeur d'Alene for a midday session of face-to-face gaming.  Between dropping kids off to school in the morning and fetching them in the afternoon, we had the opportunity to enjoy about four hours of gaming.  Oh.  The four-hour block of time included lunch out too!

Commands & Colors: Ancients' Cannae

On the gaming table, Scott laid out the Cannae battlefield using his beautiful 28mm Roman and Carthaginian armies.  What a wonderful sight!  Unfortunately, I missed an opportunity to snap a few close-ups of these magnificent men.  Rules of play would be Commands & Colors: Ancients (CCA).  Cannae is probably the CCA scenario I have most played.  Probably just edging out Caralis by a nose.

Scott was all smiles before we began.

When we sat down to the gaming table, Scott was all smiles as he took up position behind the Roman battle line.  For this first game, I would command the Carthaginians.

In Game #1, I may have been a bit rusty on play.  In a hotly contested battle, Game #1 went to Scott and the Romans 7-6.

Hmm.  Thinking I could improve my play, I suggested we refight the battle maintaining the same sides.  Scott and his Romans defeated me and my Carthaginians 7-6.  Again.  The fight was brutal and closely contested.  So close!

Early maneuvers in Game #2.

Reinforced with a break for sushi at a nearby restaurant, we were back at the table.  Undaunted, I requested one more attempt with the Carthaginians.  Scott obliged.  This time, I got an early jump on the Romans with several successful breakthroughs.  Game #3 ended in a 7-2 pounding of the Romans.  Yes!  I was on the board!

With time for one more game, we switched sides with Scott taking the Carthaginians.  The banner count was tied at six apiece with Game #4 coming down to one final combat.  The winner of this clash would win the battle.  In a nail-biting game, Scott and his Carthaginians won the battle with a 7-6 victory.

Confident, Scott is ready to take on all comers.

Having won three of the four battles, I congratulated Scott on the wins.  Hold on, he said.  We need to tally all banners won.  Whoever has the largest banner count wins the day.  After counting banners, I came out on top 25 to 23!  Amazing.

Great fun to see an old friend again for an enjoyable half-day of gaming.  Next time, we will not wait so long.

That was Tuesday.  Wednesday saw a return to Ilipa on my Home Court in a remote game.  That is a tale for another time.