Tcs Vassal

[CPRad]

Hey Guys

In case you haven't heard, Hans Kishel is now working on putting TCS games on VASSAL.

So far we have a total of 4 games completed - SEiH, SF, BRidge & GD'41. Next up, if Hans can get the proper map files, will be GD'40.

Apparently Lee has supplied Hans with all the files for each of the games except for the original three TCS games. Bloody 110, Obj Schmidt & Omaha.

Hopefully this will open up more opportunities for everyone ... players from around the world will be at your finger tips ....

So check out VASSAL.org and get downloading


Larry

[CPRad]

and now we have ARS on VASSAL.

Apparently we are going to have B110 & Obj Sch done as well.

Omaha is expecting a reprint, Omaha II so we'll see the newer version VASSALized ..

[JG53_Jaguar]

That's great news, I have GD42 on pre-order and I'm really hoping that MMP will support VASSAL mod as they did with The Devil's Cauldron.

[CPRad]

That's great news, I have GD42 on pre-order and I'm really hoping that MMP will support VASSAL mod as they did with The Devil's Cauldron.

Yeah .. GD'42 is looking great. I'm helping Lee do the finishing proofings of rules, maps counters .. this game is going to be one of the best!!

10 scenarios .... 3 campaign games 7 shorter games .. I believe 3 are one mappers ...

I think you'll like the new look for the maps & counters .. and a few changes to the rules including the armor rules they rock !!

Larry

[JG53_Jaguar]

Yeah .. GD'42 is looking great. I'm helping Lee do the finishing proofings of rules, maps counters .. this game is going to be one of the best!!

10 scenarios .... 3 campaign games 7 shorter games .. I believe 3 are one mappers ...

I think you'll like the new look for the maps & counters .. and a few changes to the rules including the armor rules they rock !!

Larry


I'm new to the TCS series, I decided to pre-order GD42 because of the subject for this particular module and as well as the quality of art. I'm really glad to hear that I will be able to play GD42 on VASSAL with original ART.

I wanted to say BIG thanks for everyone involved with that project, I really appreciate it!


For the most part I play solo I'm hoping that I will be able to play GD42 solo using VASSAL...that's my target.

[CPRad]

I'm new to the TCS series, I decided to pre-order GD42 because of the subject for this particular module and as well as the quality of art. I'm really glad to hear that I will be able to play GD42 on VASSAL with original ART.

I wanted to say BIG thanks for everyone involved with that project, I really appreciate it!


For the most part I play solo I'm hoping that I will be able to play GD42 solo using VASSAL...that's my target.

Hey Jaguar ...

yes you can or will be able to play solo but VASSAL opens up the opportunity to go on line and play with anyone, great feature, great system ...

Larry

[CPRad]

And Now .. Hans has finished HftS, BW, Leros and AFH ...

only three remaining Bloody 110, Obj Shc, & Matanikau ..

and as was announced Omaha II looks to be reprinted soon !!

Larry

[Kishel]

Bloody 110, Objective Schmidt, and Mantanikau are all done and up at VASSAL.

[CPRad]

Bloody 110, Objective Schmidt, and Mantanikau are all done and up at VASSAL.

Thanks Hans

and that completes the line of great TCS games. OMAHA II will be out sometime soon but first we'll see GD'42 hopefully before the end of the year (wiseful thinking : ) ) ...

[CPRad]

So has anyone used any of the VASSAL versions yet?

[Jay White]

I've looked at the VASSAL versions, and they were a major factor in me deciding to get into the TCS system.

I'll definitely use them. First question - where's the best place online to find TCS players?

[CPRad]

I've looked at the VASSAL versions, and they were a major factor in me deciding to get into the TCS system.

I'll definitely use them. First question - where's the best place online to find TCS players?

Hi Jay

I would try the CSW site under WW II game series, you'll see Tactical Combat Series -TCS(The Gamers) a lot of players post their views at that site, not necessarily looking for players but you might find someone. VASSAL is new to us TCS'ers so it might take a while before we get a fan base looking for a VASSAL game.

I'd offer but at the moment my playtime is full (maybe next month)..... what games were you thinking of playing?

Larry

[Keith Todd]

I've looked at the VASSAL versions, and they were a major factor in me deciding to get into the TCS system.

I'll definitely use them. First question - where's the best place online to find TCS players?

I agree with Larry. I sent you an e-mail though if you are still interested in playing.

Keith

[Jay White]

Thanks for the offers, guys.

Keith Todd and I are going to start on a small scenario in Bloody Ridge, then move on to the big'un in Bloody Ridge. Can't wait!

[Keith Todd]

Just finished two hours of playing Bloody Ridge (VASSAL) with Jay, I am having a blast. This is turning out to be a great gaming system to have in my knowledge system. Jay is also a great opponent to be playing.

Question, if you are in Prepared Defense OPs, you are allowed to take back area that you have lost. So from a dug-in hex, it would be in the spirit of the rules to counter-attack out?

Thanks,

Keith

[Jay White]

I'm with Keith - it's an awesome system, and a great opponent!

Keith, my impression is that you can move, relocate, and counterattack to defend your area in a prepared defence Op. Sheet. Maybe it would be a good idea to say what area(s) your units are defending? That might make it easier to know when to execute Failure Instructions as well. Just a thought.

Once we get past the initial scenario, I think I'll post an ongoing AAR of our Bloody Ridge Campaign here, complete with images.

Good times!

[Keith Todd]

.....

Keith, my impression is that you can move, relocate, and counterattack to defend your area in a prepared defence Op. Sheet. Maybe it would be a good idea to say what area(s) your units are defending? That might make it easier to know when to execute Failure Instructions as well. Just a thought.

.....

Good idea, maybe a TCS veteran could give us an example of when failure instructions kick in when they are defending a fixed area. In this case, I would just be counterattacking to take back just the hex I just lost.

Keith

[Keith Todd]

The AAR will be great especially if we could get feedback on the events.

Keith

[Jay White]

There doesn't seem to be much of a TCS presence on the internet, but yes, it would be great to get some feedback. It sounds like a lot of people have been waiting for the 4.15 rules to come out, so maybe GD '42 will bring back peoples' interest in this great game. An AAR might also help get people interested. :)

I ain't no TCS veteran, but from reading online, the decision to switch to failure instructions are solely yours. Thinking about reasons to invoke Failure Instructions:

If I pushed you 5-6 hexes, or more, from the position you were defending, I think it would be okay for you to try to take it back. In fact, i think you'd HAVE to try to take it back, since your units' orders are to defend that area.

But if you were getting mauled and didn't want further losses on your units, you might switch to Failure Instructions to get your troops out of there, and prevent them from counterattacking.

So if you noted the area you were defending, it would simplify things somewhat. Otherwise you could say "I've fallen back 6 hexes, but this is still the area I'm defending, so i don't have to fight to take back those hexes I lost."

Am I making sense?

Obviously, I don't know if this is how people play it, but it makes sense to me.

I also trust you to stay within the spirit of the Op Sheet, and units' orders, so it's not a biggie. But I could see how, in larger games, you could forget what area you were defending in the first place - so writing it down could help.

Who knows... :)

[Keith Todd]

I am using the 3 hex zone as mentioned in the OPs article on the Archive site. My failure instructions right now say that if I get pushed back further than 3 hexes from the Log Bridge or do not have enough forces to take it back, to bug out.

You are making sense to me and I am listening.:)

I know Larry frequents this forum sometimes, and he is a TCS vet.

Keith

PS Maybe ol' Fezzi could give some feedback too.

[CPRad]

I am using the 3 hex zone as mentioned in the OPs article on the Archive site. My failure instructions right now say that if I get pushed back further than 3 hexes from the Log Bridge or do not have enough forces to take it back, to bug out.

You are making sense to me and I am listening.:)

I know Larry frequents this forum sometimes, and he is a TCS vet.

Keith

PS Maybe ol' Fezzi could give some feedback too.

Hi Guys ..

Just finishing an article for the Operations Mag regarding the new TCS rules and another about GD'42.

So .. Ops Sheets, yes your ideas are pretty sound. Since I know I'm speaking to ASL players (l'm one too) .... the thing to remember is the scale of each hex is 125yds so a defensive posture back 3 hexes would be ok. Also once your units move out of the initial defensive hex either voluntarily or forced out you are no longer considered Dug-in and this only applies to the individual units that do move.

Now if you were my opponent I'd allow you to counter attack with your dislodged defenders and if you occupied the original hexes I'd consider you Dug-in again. But you'll find for so many other reasons that the best avenue for you to consider will be the failure instructions. The attacks can be very fluid similar to ASL but TCS games are meant to be played over a longer time span and holding on to objectives needlessly when you can run and fight another day could be costly.

Another consideration if the rules specific to the game will allow, you could have unit(s) (even one platoon) as reserves a few hexes back and activate them to come to the aid of the defenders ....

Timing is such an important part of TCS .. for example when attack Ops Sheet implements you have to think about when should the attack commence or on the defence how long and for what reason are you holding onto an objective ie are there other defensive positions in the rear that need to be set up and you are buying time or are there reinforcements coming to your aid .... so many options or variables that can come into play. That alone to me is one of the major reasons why TCS is such a great system.

Hope I've kind of answered your questions guys ....

Larry

[Keith Todd]

Larry,

A big thanks! Just the type of feedback I am looking for. :)

Keith

[Jay White]

Yes, thats great, thanks, Larry!

Keith and I have only played the teeniest bit of a single TCS scenario, but I'm already very VERY excited about the system.

[CPRad]

Yes, thats great, thanks, Larry!

Keith and I have only played the teeniest bit of a single TCS scenario, but I'm already very VERY excited about the system.

Hi Jay

well you and Keith have picked a good starter game. Bloody Ridge is a nice one for pure Infantry action. I loved playing that one.

I'll tell Lee to show up here occasionally so he can also answer any questions you may have.

So .. seems you are enjoying using VASSAL for TCS. Lee Forester and I are playing GD'41.


Larry

[Jay White]

Lee Forester and I are playing GD'41.

I'd love to see some screenshots of your game, Larry! I know it takes time to do that kind of thing, but it's always so cool to see how peoples' games are working out.

[CPRad]

I'd love to see some screenshots of your game, Larry! I know it takes time to do that kind of thing, but it's always so cool to see how peoples' games are working out.

Hi Jay

That sound good .... I'll see how to do that and post something tonight.

Larry

[Jay White]

If you have any questions about doing that kind of thing, Larry, let me know and I can guide you through it.

[CPRad]

Hi Guys

Well as promised .... a snap shot of our GD'41 Campaign Game scen 4.5.

The scenario starts at 0700hrs and we are about to begin 0920hrs. The area shown is where some of the fighting is currently going on. The fired markers are German units from the last turn (0900hrs). I rolled low so I get the option and will go first in this up coming 0920hr turn.

You can see a hugh gap is opened up from the orchard and my 3rd coy of the para Regt is bugging out and heading due East as per the failure instructions.

But I've activated a brigade of Soviet infantry back in turn 0800hrs I think and they are heading south down the road looking for a fight in the para unit's sector.

In this game I also have some tanks coming my way but they enter on a variable die roll so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will arrive soon : ( ....


Oooops Thanks for the offer Jay but I think I've figured it out.

[Jay White]

Thanks for the look, Larry! It must be satisfying when you see your opponent execute failure instructions....

-Jay

[Lehr]

Larry,

Thanks for posting your game with Lee.

Do you know if there is a way for others to watch your game directly with Vassal?

That would be great if it's possible.

[Jay White]

(Just chiming in to give the technical info about VASSAL):

It's really easy to watch people play in VASSAL. You just have to log on at the same time as they do, then "Synchronize" on their game.

If they're using Skype or some other voice software to speak, you won't be able to hear them talking, though - unless they want to invite you into their Skype chat. You'll just see their dice rolls and the movement of counters.

In VASL (same as VASSAL TCS but for ASL), I often watch peoples' games. Occasionally I'm invited into their Skype chats, as well, but Skype chats can lose audio quality sometimes with more than 2 users.

I'd also love to know when you guys play! I like to have the map window open in the background, just to see the ebb and flow of troops' movements as I work...

:)

[CPRad]

Hey Jay & Lehr

Lee and I use Skype when we play but I can certainly type as well .... : )

Seeing that both of you guys are west coast .. Lee is EST and I'm AST ... so we maybe a little early for you.

But I'll give you a heads up for our next meeting.

Also I just looked at the map I made in my last post of our GD'41 game .. can you see the counters clearly or should I attempt to make another ?

Our game is just starting to get interesting .... there is still more reinforcements on both sides to see action as the days unfold.

Larry

[Jay White]

Hi Larry,

The map you posted is a little small, I must admit. Did you downsize it to make a smaller image? Maybe next time, save a larger image, but save it as a .jpg, because they're nice and small.

Keith Todd and I are going to continue our run-through of the first scenario of Bloody Ridge in about 30 minutes. Maybe 1-2 more sessions of that, then we'll be on to the campaign!

[Keith Todd]

Hi Guys ..

Just finishing an article for the Operations Mag regarding the new TCS rules and another about GD'42.

.........

Larry

Will this be in the next Operations?

Keith

[Lehr]

Jay,

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a shot when I know when a game is being played.

[Lehr]

Larry,

Thanks for offering to let us know when your next session with Lee is.

Please don't bother to type on my account. I more just want to see the general ebb and flow of the game, and I like how I can zoom in and move around the map in Vassal.

[CPRad]

Will this be in the next Operations?

Keith

Hi Keith

I think the Rules article will be .... I'm still putting the final touches to the GD'42 article ...

[CPRad]

Larry,

Thanks for offering to let us know when your next session with Lee is.

Please don't bother to type on my account. I more just want to see the general ebb and flow of the game, and I like how I can zoom in and move around the map in Vassal.

Hey no problem ...... I could still do some typing answer any questions I think as we play ...

[CPRad]

Hi Larry,

The map you posted is a little small, I must admit. Did you downsize it to make a smaller image? Maybe next time, save a larger image, but save it as a .jpg, because they're nice and small.

Keith Todd and I are going to continue our run-through of the first scenario of Bloody Ridge in about 30 minutes. Maybe 1-2 more sessions of that, then we'll be on to the campaign!

Thanks Jay

I'll keep that in mind when we resume our play. Things should start to heat up and there maybe a chance for a better shot.

[JG53_Jaguar]

I got Screaming Eagles and in Holland and Raging Storm, I got the VASL modules as well. It would be nice to read expanded example of play with pictures that would walk me through a few turns...this would help a lot. Even though my primary focus is ASL I find TCS interesting because of the Ops sheets. I have GD'42 on pre-order so I'm looking forward to that one as well (I prefer Eastern Front)...

Since I'm not member of CSW I'm glad there is TCS traffic here on this board! :)

[Cherper]

Since I'm not member of CSW I'm glad there is TCS traffic here on this board! :)

You don't need to be a member to read or post on CSW.

[JG53_Jaguar]

You don't need to be a member to read or post on CSW.

I know, that's obvious I ment to actively participate in the TCS dicussion on CSW.