Guns Of August 2011 Report by David Robinson   In our third year now, Guns of August (GOA) has continued to grow both in popularity and quality. The 2011 edition offering something a little different. Yes, we did all the regular stuff like select the period (Late-war) and tweak the points (1650 points), but this year we decided to push the envelope and go for mission based tables but more on that later. Left: Set up begins for another battle.

Twenty seven players passed through the turnstiles this year, a record for GOA. The objective when we created GOA was to provide a friendly and relaxed tournament that catered to tournament newcomers. This year was no different with a few new faces and a fair few returning regulars. Right: Protecting the V2 Factory in Cauldron.

Prizes on offer were 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall, based on Generalship, as well as a separate award for Sportmanship and the newly named GOA Schmick (Best Presented Army) award. Left: Tigers attack across Steve Houghton sumptuous Eastern Front trench table.

Our eventual overall winner, Julian had the choice of either the German PaK36 or the British HMG team, selecting the Brits as his prize along with some vouchers from Hall of Heroes. Our wooden based historical miniatures were the prizes for the other four major winners, also gaining prize vouchers to boot. Our encouragement award saw young David taking away a nice Good Games voucher to spend on miniatures! Right: Goodies from the Prize horde!

Mission Based Tables Early on in the year we decided to shift from the standard format of five universal and synchronised missions on often unsuitable tables and opted at tailoring tables to specific missions. This meant not everyone played the same missions and more thought went into the tables and terrain placement. It also allowed us to play more unusual missions like Road Block and River Crossing. Left: Crouching Grenadier, Burning Tiger: Carnage between Sven and Haydyn and Steve’s trench table.

Case in point, Steve had created a stunning trench table that was unsuitable for standard play but revealed itself to be excellent for Fighting Withdrawal where the defender begins in prepared positions. Each table received a Mission Card with special rules, an explanation of the terrain and force deployments. Finding twelve different missions was a challenge but a bit of invention and use of Flames Of War website proved an invaluable resource. The feedback on the approach was positive and on at least four games it came down to the last dice roll to determine who won! Right: Hand-to-hand on the Street Fighting mission.

Once again we opted for a Win/Loss + Victory mechanism which encouraged more varied armies and provided an incentive to take a few more risk than normal. This year’s competition was the closest by far; with eight players going into the final round each having a chance to take the GOA championship. The leader going into the final round looked home free but a major loss was compounded by his pursuers achieving major victories meant we ended with a three-way tie with fourth place only one point back! Left: A downed Bf 109 from Steve’s table.

The count back on opponents wins meant Julian’s Soviet Infantry were our winners while second and third places remained tied. In true Flames Of War spirit we put it to a dice roll with Steve triumphant while Paul settled for the bronze. The top four armies this year featured combined arms with a balance of infantry and tanks. Tank companies, especially the small elite ones such as a Tiger company had a poor showing perhaps reflecting the focus on attacking  and the small margin for error afford to players in most if the scenarios. Right: Damian’s Winter Soviets.

Once again the quality of presentation on armies was excellent and the Schmick award hotly contested. A stand out amongst the painters this was Luke’s British Rifle Company. Attention to detail, highlighting and high quality basing meant he edged out some very tough competition. Left: Luke’s Schmick British Rifles advance with 25 pdrs and Wasps in support.

The quality of scenery and tables this year was top draw, it will be hard to top next year; Luke’s beach assault table, Sven’s Bocage table, Tom and Zels Street Fighting table and of course Steve Houghton’s Eastern Front trench ensemble. Right: Artillery on the winter table.

As always, our venue is worth a mention, being under a pub always has its advantages! It was a squeeze this year with a record numbers of players but there was still space for drinks, some brisk trade on the Bring and Buy table, and a lounge area to relax in. Left: A Bf 109 harasses the Allies.

Results 1st Place/Overall Best General: Julian fielding Soviet Infantry. 2nd place: Steve fielding US Infantry Company. 3rd Place: Paul fielding German Fallschirmjäger. Sportmanship: Hadyn fielding German Panzergrenadiers. Schmick Award (Best Presented Army): Luke fielding British Rifle Company. Right: Al’s Brits advance. Below: Spotters looking to bring in the heavy guns.

Thanks to following contributors: Steve, Damian R, Tom, Sven, Luke and Bryan; Organisers: Zels / David Robinson. Special thanks to our sponsors: Hall of Heroes – Major Prize Vouchers www.thehallofheroes.com.au; Peter Nathan Miniatures – 1st Prize of a British HMG team www.toysoldiers.com.au; Good Games – Prize Vouchers www.goodgames.com.au; Miniature World Maker – Scenery donation www.miniatureworldmaker.com.au Maroubra Junction Hotel for hosting the event and of course, Battlefront Miniatures.

Those interested in Flames Of War in Sydney East area contact  EMIRS who have a Yahoo user group to organise games (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EMIRS/). We meet every Tuesady night at the Maroubra Junction Hotel from 7pm till late. Right: One of Luke's 25 pdr guns ready for action. ~ David.