jmedeiros wrote:
House Rules are an agreement entered into by players prior to the start of a game. House Rules reflect a more realistic and historical way to play the game, but they are not written in the game manual. House Rules modify what is allowed at night and how melees are performed.
This is a controversial subject. It has been discussed before, but I never saw a consensus because most players will play by either set of rules. I have played many games abiding by either of these rules. The difference between the two is this.
Under House Rules, units are not allowed to melee in column, Napoleonic style. Melees in column are only allowed in towns and when crossing bridges and creeks. Melees are allowed in line by infantry. Cavalry are allowed to melee in column (charge) or in line. This reflects the more historical way that melees were conducted during the Civil War.
Nighttime has its own set of restrictions under House Rules. Units are not allowed to conduct offensive fire or melee during the night. The computer controls defensive fire. Units cannot advance beyond their own lines toward the enemy during the night. The reasons for this are many. Armies didn't dare risk a Pickett's Charge when it was pitch dark out. Friendly units could easily mistakenly fire on their own men. Units would easily get disoriented and lose cohesion. Men would get fatigued and be useless for any combat during the next day. Command control would be jeopardized. There are a few additional minor details. The manual has no such restrictions. I would like to hear your comments and opinions. Lt. Gen. Joe Medeiros, I corps
I have played many battles with many of the rules you described. I even made the bold attempt to come up with some myself.
All in all..........I think its a pain to have to remember this house rule and that house rule. There were times when I had quite a few games going with each with their own rules.
As of this post.........I prefer to play the game with the rules as designed by the designer. Its allot easier for me and if nothing else.........its consistent.