The Commander Series Forum

I have always played BKC at 1cm = 20metres, what is usually known as 'battalion' level, where a 'formation' is usually a battalion. I have decided to try a company level game where models of vehicles and guns represent 1 actual vehicle and gun, and a figure base represents a squad rather than a platoon.

Am I right in thinking that to play at this level, all game distances must be doubled? This doesn't seem to be made clear in the rules. The rules simply state that with a stat like 3/30, '30' is the range of the unit in centimetres. At battalion level, this would represent an infantry range of 600metres (including, of course, lmgs and light mortars). This can't suddenly become 300metres when you go to company level, can it?

Guidance wanted!

Cheers, Keith.

If it's a double range, that would have to include movement too.

I'd keep the distances as marked to keep the game mechanics working the same. 300m seems like a reasonable range for infantry in moderate terrain anyway. Might be an issue in the desert?

I certainly see what you mean Prophaniti. The only problem in my mind is that essentially you end up with the same game - there is no difference between the 'company' game and the 'battalion' game, despite a supposedly different ground scale.

The real problem is that a different ground scale is specified in the rules but further explanation is missing. I think I might not bother and go back to the scale of game I usually play.

Intend to picture playing BKC in my mind as one model is one model (so the 4-5 guys on an infantry base is 4-5 guys!), an assume the distances are the same. Although without significant clutter I think most of the ranges for gunney are probably optimistically long!

Sorry, that should be "I tend" not "Intend". Bloomin' auto correct!

Sorry, when I last posted, it was late and I wasn't thinking properly.

Now that my brain is working, I can see that altering the movement:firing ranges ratio would alter the game. You just need to be careful that moving doesn't become pointless compared to firing. Getting the right level of terrain should do the job.

I was remembering a Star Wars collectible miniatures game a few years ago, that was so badly designed that movement was pointless, so you just rolled dice at each other and whoever rolled them best, won. Don't do that!

With enough table clutter weapon range should become less important than manoeuvre - you may be able shoot the entire tables width, but if you never see anyone to shoot...

I've decided. BKC will continue to be rules of choice for bigger games. But if I fancy a small game, suitable for company level or even below, I'm going for the Battlegroup rules. Battlegroup Blitzkrieg is out in April and I reckon some Polish games with those will be fun.

But having had a game of Battlegroup Kursk recently, and having bought the core rules for a tenner, BG are just too detailed and 'granular' for battalion level and above, IMHO.