By Buck R.

Surdu

Solitaire Rules for Combat Patrol™

By Mike Wilson & Buck Surdu

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 Solitaire Rules for Combat Patrol™
By Mike Wilson & Buck Surdu
© 2020 Mike Wilson & Buck Surdu

Introduction:
Gaming is usually a hobby pursued with friends, but the reality is that many people might be isolated for periods of
time – alone on a desert island, stuck in an elevator, on a spacecraft heading to Mars, or even trapped in their own
houses by a viral epidemic (unlikely as that may seem). This rules expansion is aimed at making Combat Patrol™:
WWII accessible to those people! In designing it, I’ve tried to keep the simplicity and fun that makes Combat Patrol™
such a great game, while introducing a set of mechanisms to make the opposition unpredictable and realistic. To
that end, while this is specifically aimed at Combat Patrol, there’s no reason why you couldn’t adapt the mechanisms
to any other skirmish wargame.
The Combat Patrol mechanics assume a great deal of responsibility for what happens to the unit in combat while
enabling players to make interesting choices during the game. The combat sequence already involves card draws
that randomly decide things like hits, damage, and morale. This supplement adds mechanics determining the posture
and decisions that your opponent would normally provide. You can use the procedure and tables to simulate the
opponent’s decision making, providing a more challenging experience for the solitaire player.

Requirements:
To use these rules, you will need:
A copy of the rules for Combat Patrol™ .
A selection of WWII miniatures
A Combat Patrol™ Action Deck for each side you’re planning to play
A Combat Patrol™ Activation Deck
Model scenery
The usual gaming accessories – six-sided dice, rulers etc.
The basic rules and some play aids are all available for download from the Sally 4 th website, but for the best
experience, we recommend buying the full versions.

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Posture:
This supplement adds the concept of ‘posture’ to Combat Patrol that represents the opponent’s attitude toward the
game. Gameplay influences posture, and posture is reflected in the actions that units and individual soldiers take.
An aggressive opponent will have soldiers who shoot and move more than a defensive opponent. Real militaries are
often assessed in terms of ‘force posture’ – which usually refers to their preparedness for combat in terms of training
levels, funding, military capability and so forth. That is a strategic assessment, where this is much more tactical.
Posture is a numerical value that is evaluated every time the “reshuffle” card is drawn from the Activation Deck.
There are a range of postures, chosen to reflect the confidence of the opponent. More confident opponents are
more likely to be active, advancing and probing. Less confident opponents are more likely to be reactive, defending
objectives and returning fire. Normal opponents use a blended approach. The opponent’s posture is affected by
three things:
Winning,
Force Morale, and
Troop Losses.
All these factors can be reduced to a number and calculated to derive an overall force posture. Posture in turn
influences the actions of the opponent.

Winning:
People who think they are winning often play more aggressively and take greater risks than might otherwise be
prudent. In contrast, people who think they are losing naturally react by playing more cautiously. But most of the
time, you don’t really know how well you’re doing until the end of the game. The sense of winning is a visceral thing,
and because of that it’s hard to abstract in game terms.
To calculate the feeling of winning or losing, some book-keeping is required using the table provided on the last
page. You can copy this and reuse it as much as you like, and you need to keep track of data on each played turn.

Capturing that Winning Feeling:

The first thing to do is to make a tally mark in Row A every time the opponent:
misses a shot,
flubs a grenade throw,
chokes in a hand to hand attack,
fails to wound on a successful hit (e.g., the target was protected by cover), or
fails an attempt to React.
At the same time, make a tally in row B whenever you fail to do things.
At the end of the turn, subtract the number in row B from the number in row A and record it
in row X. If the number is positive, the enemy thinks that are doing better than you, and
vice versa.

Force Morale:
Force morale is a critical influence on the posture of an army. If soldiers think they are
losing, it makes the commander’s life harder.

Figure 1. Worksheet section -

showing the columns used for
Force Morale: tallying.
In row D, make a tally mark in the table provided for every morale and stun marker accrued
by the enemy during the turn. Make three tally marks for every pinned unit.
Do the same for yourself in row E.
At the end of the turn, subtract the number in row E from the number in row D and record it in row Y. If the number is
positive, that heightens the enemy’s mood, and vice versa.
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Troop Losses
Finally, count the number of soldiers that the opponent has lost due to kill or incapacitation. Record it in row F, and
record your losses in row G. At the end of the turn, subtract the number in row G from the number in row F and rec-
ord it in row Z. You can probably see where this is going. If the enemy has killed more soldiers then you, they feel
better about everything.

Scoring
Add the three results together, then add the result to the result of the previous turn (if any.) Apply the result to the
Posture Table.
Result Posture Description
31 and Overconfident Emboldened by success, the opponent is playing fast and loose,
above going in for the kill.
16 to 30 Aggressive Your opponent has a good feeling about the game and might take
a few risks in pursuit of the win.
-15 to 15 Normal Your opponent is playing a balanced game
-16 to -30 Defensive Your opponent is a bit worried about progress and will play to
reduce risk.
-31 and Hopeless The stench of failure is in the air, and your opponent is trying to
below cut their losses.

Due to the nature of the activation card system, posture can change quickly. For example, a short turn or defensive
play tends to negate the effects of the ‘winning’ and morale axes. A long, successful turn for the opponent can over-
come the results of successive failures to change their mood in an instant.
Optional Rule: If the opponent's posture reaches "Hopeless" and stays there for two consecutive terms, their force
breaks and leaves the table.

Optional Rule: If the opponent’s posture reaches "Overconfident" and stays there for two consecutive turns, your
force breaks and will leave the table.

Effects of Posture on Activation:

When an opponent’s unit activates, before conducting any actions, draw a card from the opponent’s Action Deck and
consult the d10 icon.
Use the number to determine the action based on the table below that matches the opponent’s posture.
For example: The opponent is “Overconfident” and the d10 indicates a five. Consulting Table 1 we can see that the
team being activated will fire at the nearest enemy if in range. If no enemy is in range, it will do nothing.

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Interpreting the results
Doing nothing
In all cases, when the result is “do nothing,” figures within the unit may still recover from stun or reload their weap-
ons as in the Combat Patrol™ rules.

Who is the nearest enemy?

Often results indicate that the unit should fire at the nearest enemy. This should be interpreted as the nearest appro-
priate enemy. For instance, a unit with no anti-tank weapons would not fire at a tank, if it was the closest enemy, it
would fire at the closest infantry unit. The result to move to go into Melee should again be toward an appropriate
unit. The unit may decide to Sprint to make contact, but like in the normal rules, this decision must be made before
drawing cards for movement.

Activating off board units

There is a result to activate an off-board unit. If there are no off-board units, this action can be used by the unit to call
for indirect fire from either off-board or on-board systems. Machine guns do not count as support weapons in this
context.

Table 1: Opposition Action -- Overconfident

d10 Unit Action

1-3 “Let them have it, men!” Fire at the nearest enemy unit if in range. If not in range,
move toward nearest enemy unit, and fire if it has weapons capable of moving fire.
If there are no visible enemy units, move toward the objective. The unit may Sprint.
4-5 “Fire at will.” Fire at nearest enemy unit, if in range; otherwise, do nothing. Figures
in the unit can React to enemy movement.
6-8 “Advance!” Move toward nearest enemy unit to engage in Melee. The unit may
Sprint to make contact.
8 “Call for support.” Activate and deploy one, off-board unit. If no off-board units are
available, do nothing.
9 “Move out.” Move directly toward the objective. The unit may sprint to get across
open ground.
0 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.

Table 2: Opposition Action -- Aggressive

d10 Unit Action

1-2 “Take Cover!” Move toward nearest enemy unit and take cover. The unit may
Sprint to reach cover.
3-4 “Advance.” Move toward nearest enemy unit, and fire if it has weapons capable of
moving fire.
5 “Let them have it, men!” Fire at the nearest enemy unit if in range. If not in range,
move toward nearest enemy unit, and fire if it has weapons capable of moving fire.
If there are no visible enemy units, move toward the objective. The unit may Sprint.
6-8 “Attack!” Move toward nearest enemy unit to engage in Melee. The unit may Sprint
to make contact.
9 “Call for support.” Activate and deploy one, off-board unit. If no off-board units are
available, do nothing. Off-board artillery can be called.
0 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.

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Table 3: Opposition Action -- Normal

d10 Unit Action

1 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.
2 “Advance.” Move toward nearest enemy unit and take cover. The unit may Sprint
to reach cover.
3-4 “Advance!” Move toward nearest enemy unit, and fire if it has weapons capable of
moving fire.
5 “Let them have it, men!” Fire at the nearest enemy unit if in range. If not in range,
move toward nearest enemy unit, and fire if it has weapons capable of moving fire.
If there are no visible enemy units, move toward the objective. The unit may not
Sprint.
6-7 “Attack!” Move toward nearest enemy unit to engage in Melee. The unit may Sprint
to make contact.
8 “Call for support.” Activate and deploy one, off-board unit. If no off-board units are
available, do nothing. Off-board artillery can be called.
9 “Regroup!” Move directly away from nearest armed critter, toward cover if available.
0 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.

Table 4: Opposition Action -- Defensive

d10 Unit Action

1 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.
2-3 “Advance.” Move toward nearest enemy unit and take cover. The unit may Sprint
to reach cover.
4-6 “Let them have it, men!” Fire at the nearest enemy unit if in range. If not in range,
move toward nearest enemy unit, and fire if it has weapons capable of moving fire.
If there are no visible enemy units, move toward the objective. The unit may not
Sprint.
7-8 “Call for support.” Activate and deploy one, off-board unit. If no off-board units are
available, do nothing. Off-board artillery can be called.
9 “Regroup!” Move directly away from nearest armed critter, toward cover if available.
0 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.

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Table 5: Opposition Action -- Hopeless

d10 Unit Action

1-3 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.
4-6 “Fire at will.” Fire at nearest enemy unit, if in range; otherwise, do nothing. Figures
in the unit can React to enemy movement.
7-8 “Call for support.” Activate and deploy one, off-board unit. If no off-board units are
available, do nothing. Off-board artillery can be called.
9 “Regroup!” Move directly away from nearest armed critter, toward cover if available.
0 “Take cover, men.” Unit does nothing this activation but may React to your actions.

Setting up the game

Another essential part of the opponent experience in gaming is the argument about what to play and how to set up
the terrain. These mechanisms are intended to allow a useful table setup while avoiding your natural tendency to set
up the board to favour your own force. (A side benefit of this approach is that it reduces the risk of arguing with your-
self and attracting unwanted attention.)

Method 1. Use a prepared scenario.

There are many WWII scenarios (or scenarios for other periods that can be easily adapted for WWII) online,
in gaming magazines, and in published scenario books. Choose one you like, set upt the terrain, and start playing.
There is a free Combat Patrol™ supplement for converting the excellent Skirmish Campaigns scenarios for Combat
Patrol™.

Method 2. Random scenario.

The basic premise of any wargame is that two opposing sides meet and fight. This section provides two ways of
generating simple ‘pick up’ games. This section can be used for pickup games between two real opponents or to
generate a scenario for a solo player..

Choosing Forces
The player should select two sides that really fought each other in WWII, the theatre, and the time period. It
doesn’t make much sense to pit a 1940 French infantry platoon against a 1944 US infantry platoon. The player
should also decide which side he will take in the upcoming battle.

Setting up the basic table

Players are constrained by what scenery they own. Choose your playing surface – you can play a satisfying small
game in a single building, but for anything above one squad per side, a space of at least 2 square feet is recom-
mended. Then generate the basic terrain for the table, rolling two six-sided dice as indicated below. If you do not
have the correct terrain pieces, then reroll.

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First Second
Die Die Roll
Roll
1 Dense woodland area 1 There is a small, fordable stream crosses the table.

2 There is a large stream that can only be crossed by vehicles

at a single bridge or ford.
3 A road runs across the table.

4 The area is dominated by a large hill in the center of the

table.
5 The area is dominated by two large clearings toward the
center of the table.
6 There is one abandoned shack near the center of the table.

2 Farmland 1-3 The area is divided into fields by low walls or fences. The
crops are low and do not block line of sight.
4 The area is divided into fields by dense hedges or high brick
walls. The crops are low and do not block line of sight.

5 The area is divided into fields by low walls or fences. The

crops are high and block line of sight.
6 The area is divided into fields by dense hedges or high brick
walls. The crops are high and block line of sight.
3 Small village or hamlet (2-3 1-3 There is a road intersection in the middle of the village.
buildings)
4-5 A road runs across the table through the village.

6 There is a large steam that can only be crossed by vehicles

at a single bridge or ford. The bridge is in the center of the
table, surrounded by the buildings of the village.
4 Large village with an im- 1-3 There is a road intersection in the middle of the village.
portant crossroads (4 -8
buildings with low brick 4-5 A road runs across the table through the village.
walls, fences, garages,
etc.) 6 There is a large steam that can only be crossed by vehicles
at a single bridge or ford. The bridge is in the center of the
table, surrounded by the buildings of the village.
5 Chateau or large manor 1-4 All edges of the table are wooded, but the center of the ta-
house ble is largely open, rolling terrain.
5-6 The area is surrounded by dense woods outside a high wall
with just two gates through the wall.
6 Factory (should have at 1-4 The factory is in the center of a dense wooded area.
least four rooms and at
least two floors. 5 The factor is on the outskirts of a small town.

6 All edges of the table are wooded, but the center of the ta-
ble is largely open, rolling terrain. The factory is in the cen-
ter of the table.

Types of Scenario

For purposes of these rules, we divide missions into three basic types: meeting engagements, attack/defense, or
raid. The most common military action is a meeting engagement, usually at the intersection of four map sheets. A
meeting engagement happens when forces from two sides meet unexpectedly and battle ensues. An attack/defense
scenario involves one side defending an objective (usually a location) while the other side attacks them to take con-
trol. In a raid, a small force conducts a surprise attack against an objective held by a larger force in order to accom-
plish a specific objective, such as destroying something or capturing something. There are two main differences be-
tween an attack and a raid. In an attack, the attacker generally outnumbers the defender and intends to retain the
ground after the attack. In a raid, the attacking force is usually much smaller than the defending force, relying on
superior training and surprise to win the day. Also, in a raid, the attacking force does not intend to retain the ground
captured but intends to depart as soon as the mission is accomplished. To determine the type of scenario, roll a six-
sided die and consult Table 6.
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Table 6: Random Determination of Scenario Missions

Roll Scenario Description

1 Prepared Draw a card from the Action Deck and consult the ten-sided die icon. If the “roll” is even, the
Defense human is the defender; otherwise, the human is the attacker.

The defender has a reinforced rifle squad. The reinforcement can be a heavy weapon that
exists at the platoon or company level as depicted in the order of battle information present-
ed on the Combat Patrol™ rules’ Web page or the Sally 4th site.

The attacker has a rifle company. This is a “pure” rifle company as depicted in the order of
battle information presented on the Combat Patrol™ rules’ Web page or the Sally 4th site.
The attacking side gets THREE extra cards in the Activation Deck as described in the Com-
bat Patrol™ rules.

The defender selects the board edge he will defend and then places his forces within the
third of the board closest to that edge. The defender may elect to defend either a narrow or
long edge, at his discretion. The defender may add up to six inches of prepared positions
that provide foxhole level of cover.

The attackers then deploy their forces on the third of the board farthest and directly opposite
the edge chose by the defender.

Each incapacitated defending figure is worth 1 point. Each incapacitated attacking figure is
worth ½ a point. The side with the most points wins.

2 Hasty Draw a card from the Action Deck and consult the ten-sided die icon. If the “roll” is
Defense even, the human is the defender; otherwise, the human is the attacker.

The defender has a reinforced rifle squad. The reinforcement can be a heavy weapon
that exists at the platoon or company level as depicted in the order of battle infor-
mation presented on the Combat Patrol™ rules’ Web page or the Sally 4th site.

The attacker has a rifle company. This is a “pure” rifle company as depicted in the
order of battle information presented on the Combat Patrol™ rules’ Web page or the
Sally 4th site. The attacking side gets TWO extra cards in the Activation Deck as de-
scribed in the Combat Patrol™ rules.

The defender selects the board edge he will defend and then places his forces within
the third of the board closest to that edge. The defender may elect to defend either a
narrow or long edge, at his discretion.

The attackers then deploy their forces on the third of the board farthest and directly
opposite the edge chose by the defender.

Each incapacitated defending figure is worth 1 point. Each incapacitated attacking

figure is worth ½ a point. The side with the most points wins.

3–4 Meeting Draw a card from the Action Deck and consult the ten-sided die icon. If the “roll” is
Engage- even, the human deploys first; otherwise, the human deploys second.
ment
Both sides have an “equal” force, such as a squad or platoon.

The side that deploys first selects the edge of the table on which they will deploy.
The other side will deploy on the opposite edge of the table.

The first side has five minutes to deploy its forces. Use a timer set for five minutes.
The second side also have five minutes. Any figures not placed within the time limit
are considered to have become lost. They will enter after the third turn from the cen-
tre of the side’s board edge.

Each incapacitated figure is worth a point. The side with the most points wins.

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5–6 Raid Draw a card from the Action Deck and consult the ten-sided die icon. If the
“roll” is even, the human is the raider first; otherwise, the human is the de-
fender. This scenario works best with the human as the raider.
The terrain for the raid should feature a number of structures near the center
of the table. This scenario can be made more or less difficult for the human
based on the amount of terrain placed on the table that provides the raiders
cover and concealment.
The raiding force should be about half the strength of the defending forces.
The raid is a special type of mission, in which the attacker’s aim is to meet
victory conditions and then exit the board with as much of their force intact
as possible.
The defender deploys his forces anywhere on the table and designates one
terrain feature to be the unit headquarters. All defending figures are
stunned at the start of the game to reflect the surprise of the raid.
The raiding force gets two extra cards in the Activation deck for the first
three turns of the game.
The raider then secretly determines his objective by rolling a six-sided die.
Capture two prisoners and return them to the start point alive. To become a
prisoner, a figure must be incapacitated in hand-to-hand combat. In this
case the figure is not killed by rendered incapable of defense. When drag-
ging a prisoner away, the figure doing so moves at half speed.
Kill the enemy commander.
Capture information. At least two raiders must occupy the defender’s head-
quarters for two activations. At that point, they are considered to have
the required information. To win, the raider must get that information off
the table. If the raider carrying the information is Incapacitated, place a
marker on the table so that either side may recover the information.
Demolish a building or structure. This is a randomly selected structure near
the centre of the table.
Destroy a key piece of equipment. A key piece of equipment like a communi-
cations device or sensor array is located near the centre of the table. The
raiders must get to it, spend two actions planning an explosive, move
away one action, and detonate the explosives to destroy the equipment.
Incapacitate 25% of the defenders’ figures.
It is recommended that raid scenarios take place at night, using the night
fighting rules and that the spotting rules are employed.
If the raiders accomplish their mission, they win. Otherwise the defenders
win.

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 Turn
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

A. Their Failures

B. Your Failures
Winning

X = B-A

D. Their Morale

E. Your Morale
Force
Morale

11
Y = E-D

F. Enemy Losses

G. Your Losses
Losses

Z = G-F

Posture Result
(X+Y+Z)
+ previous turn

Results: More than 31: “Overconfident”, 16 to 30: “Aggressive”, -15 to 15: “Normal”, -16 to -30: “Defensive”, Less than -31: ”Hopeless”.