How to Play Commands & Colors: Napoleonics Expansion #1 – The Spanish Army

1. Objetivo do Jogo

Commands & Colors: Napoleonics allows players to portray epic Napoleonic battles and smaller historical actions. In this expansion, the focus is on the Peninsular War (1808–1813), featuring the Spanish Army. Players command their respective forces to achieve victory by collecting a specific number of Victory Banners, as dictated by each individual scenario. These banners are earned primarily by eliminating enemy units and leaders, or by controlling specific terrain objectives defined in the scenario's Special Rules.

2. Preparação (Setup)

To set up the game, follow these steps:

• Sort Blocks: Separate the blocks by color (yellow for Spanish, dark blue for French).
• Apply Stickers: Apply the provided unit stickers to the front and back of the corresponding blocks as detailed in the manual.
• Scenario Setup: Consult the specific scenario booklet for the map layout, starting positions of units, and the number of Command cards each player receives.
• Components: Place the Infantry in Square track and counters, Victory Banner counters, and Spanish Guerrilla counters (if the scenario rules state the Spanish Guerrilla Action Rule is in effect) near the board.
• Reference Cards: Provide each player with the appropriate National Unit Reference Card (Allied or French) to track unit movement, battle dice, and morale.

3. Fluxo do Jogo

The game proceeds in turns. During a player's turn, the following sequence occurs:

1. Play a Command Card: The player selects and plays a Command card from their hand to issue orders to units on the battlefield.
2. Order Phase: The player issues orders to units or leaders based on the card played.
3. Movement: Ordered units move according to their movement allowance (in hexes) found on the National Unit Reference Card.
4. Combat: Ordered units may engage in Ranged Fire or Melee combat using Battle Dice.
5. Draw Phase: The player draws a new Command card to end their turn.

If the Spanish Guerrilla Action Rule is in effect, the Spanish player may attempt to intercept the French player's turn by spending a Guerrilla Action counter before the French order phase.

4. Ações e Como Jogar

Players use Command cards to drive movement and combat. Key mechanics include:

• Movement: Units move a specific number of hexes. Leaders move 3 hexes if alone, or move with the unit they are attached to.
• Combat: Combat is resolved using Battle Dice. Results depend on the unit type, whether the unit is standing or moving, and terrain modifiers.
• Spanish Guerrilla Action: When in effect, the Spanish player may spend a Guerrilla Action counter to nullify a French Command card. The French player may roll 1 die to attempt to stop this; a saber roll cancels the action. If successful, the French player discards their card and draws a new one, ending their turn immediately.
• Infantry in Square: Spanish infantry may form square to defend against cavalry. Use the Infantry in Square track and counters to manage this status.
• Scout Cards: The Spanish player may play a Scout card to draw only one card and acquire one Guerrilla Action counter instead of the standard draw.

5. Fim de Jogo e Pontuação

The game ends immediately when a player reaches the number of Victory Banners required by the scenario. Victory Banners are gained by:

• Eliminating an enemy unit (1 banner).
• Eliminating an enemy leader (1 banner).
• Occupying specific terrain objectives (e.g., Towns, Redoubts, or Hill Groups) as specified in the scenario's Special Rules.

Players must check the specific Victory condition listed for each scenario, as some may feature "sudden death" conditions or specific requirements for holding terrain at the start of a turn.

6. Dicas para Vencer

• Manage Guerrilla Counters: Use your Guerrilla Action counters strategically to disrupt the French player's most powerful Command cards, but remember that you cannot use them against a First Strike card played during your own turn.
• Combined Arms: Utilize the Combined Arms capability of your cavalry units to retire and reform when attacked by infantry, which can save your units from destruction and preserve your Victory Banners.
• Terrain Advantage: Always prioritize holding key terrain like Walled Farms or Redoubts, as these often provide defensive bonuses and are frequently tied to Victory Banner objectives.