On June 4th, 1859, during the Second War of Italian Independence, Napoleon III of France crossed the Ticino River to force the Austrian army under Gyulay to retreat. The Austrians had 68,000 men available and established defensive positions around the town of Magenta, securing four bridges.

The French, noticing the Austrian weakness, built a pontoon bridge to the south on the river, outflanking the entrenched Austrians and forcing their retreat.

The Wargame

RuleSet Blackpower or Other similar Game
Players 2
Austrians 12 Battalions, 2 Cavalry Squadrons, 2 Cannon Batteries, 2 Battalions Garrisoning the Town
French 16 Battalions, plus 1 new battalion every other turn, 2 dragoon squadrons
Set Up. See the map below.
Table Size: 8×4

Deployment:

The Austrians were surprised by the maneuver and were not in an adequate position. Most troops should be stationed in the field to the south of the road in the center of the map between the two sets of trees. The French should have half their units across the bridge, with the rest crossing. It takes one turn to cross the water. Only two units at a time can cross. Additional French units should arrive every other round or turn (however, your rules describe both forces getting to act as one turn). So total if the French never lose a unit, there would be 16 battalions, 2 dragoon squadrons, and an additional 12 French battalions.

Objectives:

The Austrians are fighting a rearguard action to hopefully prevent the complete destruction of their army. By nightfall, they must keep the French from reaching the town on the top left of the map. The attack took place at 2:00, so the French have six hours to reach that point. This amounts to approximately 24 turns for most games. The French want to get the town and surround the Austrians. The French must have forced back the Austrians; if the Austrians are fighting to the city at nightfall, it is still an Austrian victory. Losses do not matter here.

Special Rules;

The Austrians can garrison any building with half a battalion. The building becomes fortified and difficult for the French to move past.

The fastest route of travel should be the road. The area around the road is heavily wooded.

The trees to the left of the road are impassable.