This weekend we had our first game with the by Fire and Sword rules. The rule set is designed to use the writers range of 15mm figures. However, I have a large collection (600 figures) of Poles, Cossacks and Tatars in 28mm. I also have about 300 Ottoman figures to paint in 28mm. I wanted to see if I could use By Fire and Sword with 28mm figures.
Changes for 28mm
We normally use Pike and Shotte rules for large games using my figures. For example, I ran the Battle of Berestechko at Historicon in 2021. I see the Pike and Shotte as more suited to large games with multiple players. However, I see that By Fire and Sword could be a very nice alternative for smaller scale skirmish games.
The only real changes that we made to the rules were that we doubled up all distances, including the movement and ranges. I then purchased custom bases from Litko that were double the frontage of the 15mm bases that By Fire and Sword sell. litho are excellent with custom orders.
Table size
The only real concern that I had was if my 5′ x 6′ table in my house would be large enough considering that the distances had been doubled. We played with 4 units per side – 13 Force Points for the Poles and 11 Force Points for the Cossacks. The table was sufficient for this sized game, but if I went any larger I would need a larger table at a club game’s day.
Data sheets and Quick Reference sheets.
I found that the rules take some getting used to. I had prepared unit data sheets in advance, which really helped. However, we kept needing to refer to 3 or 4 tables in the main rule book and I need to make a quick reference sheet for our next game. The quick reference sheet included in the book is just too complex.
How the rules worked out.
The main issues that we had were understanding some of the movement rules and understanding some of the details of using cossacks. This lack of understanding really put the cossacks at a disadvantage. We did not fully understand the rules advantage that the cossack pikes/spears had against cavalry. We also did not understand that cossack shot could fire (at a reduce effect) from the second row.
The Polish cavalry were a lot more forgiving of not understanding the rules. The Winged Hussars were dominant throughout the game, despite only being a unit of three bases.
Overall, the Poles easily won the game. Playing the game gave me many questions that I had to clarify in the rules the evening after the game. I think that we all have a better understanding of the rules now and the cossacks will be much more effective next time.
I liked the rule set, but I think that using them for small skirmish style games is the way forward for me. I just don’t see them replacing Pike and Shotte for large club games.
To conclude, there were no major issue in playing By Fire and Sword in 28mm.
Great to read your experience of By Fire and Sword. I’m in a similar position in that I have used Pike & Shotte in 28mm a lot, but also am intrigued by the BF&S ruleset.
At Fall In (November) I plan to do two Battles from the Cossack Uprising. The first will be a small game using by Fire and Sword, the second will be a larger game using Pike and Shotte. It will be interesting to compare them in a convention setting. I do like BFAS for smaller games.