Sunday, May 10, 2026

The Retreat Makes It To Big Table

Lee and Ray, after much preparation and long awaited anticipation, finally put on their first game with their Retreat from Moscow project for the Rejects.  They used Sharp Practice, which is new to all of us.

It was very much a "learn the rules" game for players and umpires.  As such, this not an after action report just a few photos of their lovely table and figures.






It ended in a close fought and fairly dramatic draw.

It was entertaining and quite a learning curve for all.  As players we have a better inkling of the mechanics. For the umpires it has given them valuable experience and even more valuable, a list of things to learn, double check, clarify and amend.  So, a really good and productive day in the shed.

Well done to Lee and Ray. They had to sweat and work hard for their supper.



26 comments:

  1. lovely table top terrain! the figures/units look great too!

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  2. Awesome looking minis and terrains!
    Love to see this project!

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  3. Great looking game and nice to see these chaps and terrain finally in action:). I tried the rules years ago, but found them too detailed for my liking, as you need to play them a lot to get the most out of them. If you have the time for this then they're very good. In the end Rebels & Patriots were just a much better fit for me.

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    1. I need to play more games, Steve. First impression is that they are not for me, but happy to be disabused of my first impression. I felt sorry for Lee and Ray umpiring - soooo many things to remember. Never played Rebels & Patriots, so will have to watch some games on YouTube.

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  4. That is a lovely table. I am guessing fewer units may have better for a learning game of SP?

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    1. I agree with you about the number of units, Norm. Perhaps Lee and Ray just got excited at getting the troops out.

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  5. A beautiful table Richard. We are currently just winding up our first game of Sharp Practice with quite a few missteps along the way. We are thoroughly enjoying it though so I'll be interested in your group's impressions. When I first saw the post I was sure this was going to be a write-up using the group's new Battle Chronicle rules.

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    1. Battle Chronicle is a project that only Lee and Ray are involved in.
      My first impression is that SP is not for me, but willing to be converted with more play.

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  6. Lovely looking game, the table and miniatures are really top notch. Not used these rules before but I may get them to see.

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    1. The table was gorgeous. Credit to Lee and Ray.

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  7. It's certainly been a labour of love for Ray and Lee, and the table looks fantastic Richard! How did you like Sharpe Practixe? We have played it a few times but generally forget one sub rule or other till we are halfway through the game! Personally, I usually enjoy the games but I think the rules would work just as well if a lot of the "fiddliness" was removed or ignored!

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    1. A visual treat, Keith. Like you, my first impression is that it has a lot of fiddliness and things for the umpires to remember.

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  8. That's a great looking game. Best snow terrain I have seen in ages. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks. Lee and Ray will be pleased to see your admiration.

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  9. Great pics, Rich. It was a tough game for everyone!!! Especially me and Lee !!! Haha!

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    1. Indeed it was, but next time will be even better.

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  10. A tough game indeed. I was exhausted by the time I got home.

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    1. You did well, but it was funny seeing you and Ray confused and sweating over the rulebook.

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  11. Lovely looking game,a big game to do with sharp practice!
    Best Iain

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    1. It was, perhaps, too big for learning the rules. I guess Lee and Ray got too excited about getting their minis on the table.

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  12. Delightful to see more photos of this one Richard (having seen Ray's already). It would have been especially great to see and to play in, getting ready for the big outing next month!
    Best wishes, James

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