Synopsis
Nine years in development, "Gone To See The Elephant" (GTSTE) is the definitive war game of the Mexican-American War. Based upon in-depth research using many contemporary and scholarly sources written since, virtually all military aspects of the war are represented. Besides details and differences between Mexican and US Army weaponry, organization, and tactics, the rules reflect many of the political and societal factors effecting the former, in particular.Because of an innovative application of a 1"=100' ground scale, war games miniatures of any size may be mounted on standardized bases without having to adjust movement distances and weapons ranges. Thus, collections of miniatures for the conflict from 5/6mm, 10mm, 15mm, 25/28mm, to 40mm are all immediately usable without issue.Players assume the roles of Brigade commanders, with 2 to perhaps 5 infantry battalions or cavalry regiments to direct in action. Artillery batteries may be attached or serve as independent commands. The emphasis in play is on devising a plan of action, offensive or defensive, by the player as General in Chief of his army. He then issues orders and objectives to his Brigadiers. Players representing the Brigadiers then issue their own specific orders to the units comprising their commands. As the action develops, the game system models the Clauswitzian "friction" that limits effectiveness and coordination between battalions/regiments, as well as Brigades with each other. No written record keeping is required at any level of play. Orders are delivered in the form of specific counters (placed behind the miniature units, or on a record sheet off table), and only revealed when the recipient is determined to be able to act. The number of orders a General can issue in a turn depends on his predetermined "Generalship" and the draw of an "Orders Card" which shows his result. Not all units may receive orders in a turn, and must check to see how they respond when out of touch.Even if a unit receives an order, just when and how well it will respond--or even if it will--depends on its "Resolve" and its immediate circumstances. As the Generals, players make decisions that can increase the "Resolve" of their troops, making them more reliable, or by error or bad luck see them lose the will and ability to fight.The small professional US Army was finely equipped and trained, with the latest weapons and doctrine, while the far larger Mexican Army labored under economic, political, and social burdens that frequently limited their potential effectiveness. Naturally brave in defense of their country by invaders, perhaps their greatest handicap was the generally poor quality of their Officer Corps, frequently motivated more by political or personal interests than military professionalism. Still, commonly overworked and underfed, the Mexican Soldier fought hard and often came within a hair's breadth of defeating their Nord Americano opponents. Modern players, finding all these factors built into the war game model, have the advantage of seeing how Mexican victories are there for the taking. US Army players command a remarkable weapon, but must also understand the importance of seizing and holding the initiative, or finding themselves being overwhelmed by their enemies.The game allows for such details of warfare in Mexico their as Military Bands, Field Hospitals, Soldaderas, and pre-battle Mass, as well as US Supply and Logistics in the field. Other factors include the possibilities of Night Fighting, effects of Weather, Stamina and Fatigue, Ammo supply, Skirmishers, defense of towns/buildings, and unpredictable terrain.Historical scenarios for Palo Alto, Resaca De Palma, and Buena Vista have 26 pages of detailed maps and OB's. The full color 164 page book includes Appendices full of information on both armies not found in a single source, with a wide range of Internet references, miniatures sources, and more.
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