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Russ Gifford's TSS/GBACW discussion pages
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Joe Beard's SPI Analysis pages
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here
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The Terrible Swift Sword / Great
Battles of the American Civil War is a great system. In use over 40
years, the original system still has its adherents, and I am one of them.
These visual tutorials can help you learn how to play
all of these great original SPI games. Originally these were audio
visual programs, but the basics are on the slides. Give these PDF
versions a try as a quick start to learning the GBACW system!
These are free downloads of the PDF versions of the training videos for "Learning
the Great Battles of the American Civil War." No audio or automation, but
... the notes are still solid.

Training Sessions -
 | 0. Introduction
Link
Overview of the Great Battles series of games. |
 | 1. Sequence of Play
Link
Step-by-step discussion of Sequence of Play. |
 |
2. Units & Formations
Link
Outlines the combat units
(Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery) and their different formations.
|
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3. Facing & Zones of Control
Link
Explains facing for different units and
formations, and their ZOCs.
|
 |
4. Command & Leadership
Link
Detailed review of the Leaders and the
structure of command in the GBACW.
|
 |
5. Movement
Link
A look at movement, formations and terrain in
TSS/GBACW.
|
 |
6. Line of Sight
Link
Terrain and sighting, plus a discussion of how
heights work.
|
 |
7. Fire Combat
Link
Arms, ranges and the effects of facing,
formation and terrain.
|
 |
8. Melee
Link
How it works, retreat before melee and the
results.
|
 |
9. Final Items
Link
Leader replacement, ammo supply and other
details.
|

Examples of Play, Using Cedar Mountain
 | 1. Cedar Mountain, Getting Started!
Link
(Link to Flash Version
here)
Step-by-step discussion of setting up Cedar Mountain. Exclusive
Rules, Victory Conditions |
 |
2. Cedar Mountain, Examples of Play!
Link
(Link to Flash Version
here)
Examples of movement and Formations.
|
 |
3. Cedar Mountain, Examples of Combat
Link (Link to Flash Version
here)
Examples of Firepower and Weapon Types, Arty, and Melee.
|
|

Other helpful GBACW tools - player aids, scenario cards,
and more Free GBACW Stuff!
Discussions of GBACW rules and tactics
Tactics Menu Page
Want to add your thoughts? Click here!
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