Did a full solo game of general d armee to learn the rules . Glad I did because there are lots of gaps in them : solved mainly with the FAQ the videos and the forum .
It was 1809 Austrians against Bavarians with a confederation of the Rhine brigade rushed to the battlefield in support .
Link played the Austrians for me and made some pretty crucial decisions and dice rolls acting as the main C in C.
Initially the Austrians suffered heavy casualties and were pushed out of the village to their right flank twice . Even the Grenadier unit could not hold that BUA . The Jägers of the advance guard brigade suffered badly and were wiped out in a hussar charge eventually .
In the centre the Bavarians advanced forwards and made good ground and inflicted heavy casualties .
However they over extended and were struck in the flank by the light cavalry of the left mixed brigade . Probably should have formed square earlier . Attack column is okay against cavalry but not from the flank .
Then the Austrians brought the cuirassier through the gaps in the centre when the Bavarians kept rolling low and becoming hesitant or faltering due to the destiny dice .
Finally the Bavarians started retreat or routs to the rear. This tied up their ADC allowing the Austrian heavy cavalry free rein to batter their cavalry.
Playing the game to learn the rules was vital . These are heavy rules with lots of things to track . Retreat is different to retire which is different to rout. DT can mean discipline test or destiny table . Who can attack and support whom and who can fire when a unit is charged are all important things that benefit from having the FAQ at hand .
I do like these rules though and have created better more sensible brigades for my next battle and am busy painting up skirmish figures .