As the Union commander, your main advantages are time and overwhelming force. These two advantages should be utilized in two steps: 1. On the first day, you should stand firm and try to wear down the brunt of the Confederate first attack. Consolidate isolated units back into the main defense line and have your artillery units ready to beat back attacks against the Wilderness Tavern crossroad (hex 1315). With your superior numbers, you can force the Confederates to meet your expanding lines so as to deplete any sizable reserve the Confederates may accumulate. 2. On the second day, use your reinforcements which enter along the Germanna Plank Road with whatever reinforcing units have managed to fight their way up from hex 2326 for the big push toward your territorial objectives. Be sure to play a conservative game and prevent lead units from being isolated and surrounded by Confederate units moving through the woods.
When using the "Lethargic Union Army" Optional Rule (Case 19.3), speed is of the essence, especially in obtaining the crossings across the Rapidan River. Once fairly well established, advance cautiously during the first day on a wide front. Remember on the first day you can't move off the roads, so beware of concentrated Confederate attacks on parts of your advance line to isolate and surround the lead elements of your army. On the second day, use your strength to push back the Confederates. Again, switch reserves from one, major road to the next to keep the Confederate Player off balance and keep your artillery handy.
As the Confederate Player, you must gamble if you are to succeed. Your biggest advantage lies in speed and being able to move through the woods freely. Use this particularly on the first day. Select your targets carefully and use the bulk of your army to obtain your objectives. Your speed and mobility should enable you to isolate and destroy segments of the Union advance, particularly the lead elements. On the Second day, play conservatively. If you have not gained the majority of your objectives, defend tenaciously, but never pass up the opportunity to launch limited attacks to disrupt the Union advance. Always pay attention to terrain, especially forests where roads meet.
When using the "Lethargic Union Army" Rule (Case 19.3), your advantage of mobility becomes even more important. You must try to secure as many fords as quickly as possible to channel the Union advance. If you cannot stop the Union at the fords, use your superior movement capabilities to outflank and harass the Union columns. Make calculated withdrawals if necessary, but never overlook the possibility of surrounding and eliminating Union units. Fierce, well-coordinated attacks will keep the Union off balance.
It is strongly advised that Optional Rule 11.0 of the Blue & Gray Standard Rules (Attack Effectiveness) be used in this game. Play testing has proven that use of this rule allows for a more accurate simulation of the Battle of the Wilderness.
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