Just wondering, what sort of rules are people using these days for this period. I last used Principles of war for my 15mms but now I need the game to be playable in about 2 1/2 hours.
I am looking at Lassalle and Shako as possibilities.
There seems to be so many out there and I can think of better uses for £25 than a duff rule set.

Lasalle's ok and can be played in the timescale you suggest, but its not everyone's cup of tea.

FoG:N is popular for an evening's game, still trying to get a game where daughters don't stop me getting to the club... 

Might be wrong as i dont own FOG:N but i think they have similar basing mechanics i.e a standard unit has 4 bases, large unit 6. Lasalle for divison, FOG:N for Corp. Shako, ive got the first edition and a unit is 3 bases or you can add another for large battalions. Then theres another scale where a base represents a battalion for big battles and you write orders on paper similar to Spearhead WW2.

Hello

I'm looking at DSLB ( Drums and Shakos Large Battles from www.ganeshagames.net)
I haven't time to paint (so I didn't order) figs. I've tried these rules with  my very old unpainted plastic minis. I think I'll love these rules.

FoG N is a good rule set but I haven't yet managed to get a game done in 2 and a half hours...

I wouldn't recommend it for the light hearted.

You could always try Black Powder although i'm not sure they work that well for naps

You might want to take a look at Field of Battle. I enjoyed the one game that I played with them. I just bought a set and I’m looking to try them with my ACW stuff soon.

Agreed, FOB2 is a good rule set.

Drums and Shakos Large Battles, by Ganesha Games, 20 units a side, game over in less than 2 hours. Bags of fun, best fiver I ever spent on rules, well 8 dollars so the price may vary. Give them a go, its better than spending £25 then finding that you think the rules are pants/play too slow/are way too detailed (delete as appropriate).

Too Fat Lardies "Le Feu Sacre" at 7 GBP and their 21 battle scenario supplement "alabaionetteIII" at 8 GBP are hard to go by.

Fun, decent timeframe, you dont need a lot of toys and its own dedicated website for more support

http://toofatlardies.co.uk/

Just remember at all times that Naps are downmarket SYW.

Yeah, I always think that sleep is better than naps.

Thanks for the repliies they do prove that there is a lot out there. Having enjoyed Maurice I'll give Lassalle a go for a while. I always like to give a rule set at least 3 games before discarding or tinkering with them.
I just need to finish a few more SYW French units before I can start undercoating their "grandsons".

I don't know if you have an aversion to Phil Barker rules  <some do...>, but the DBA based "DBN" by the KISR guys works very well.  Easily found via google.  A relatively cheap download, DBA mechanics and basing but with many period bells and whistles added and an attrition system to avoid multiple recoil results...... Good for a 2 to 2 1/2 hour game.  We've used them for many scenario games with 20-30 elements per side, so not overwhelming.  In fact, we'll be playing it tomorrow at a big HMGS convention here tomorrow in Lancaster, PA, USA...."Fall In".   John 

Quote from: OldenBUA on 02 November 2012, 09:34:46 AM
Yeah, I always think that sleep is better than naps.

Arrgh! Shoot that man.

Fierce: I've played Black Powder,LaSallle,Shako, and  FOG  I liked them all but prefered Shako I felt the game mechanic's good and quick to pick up. The group I game with are great guy's but Nappy rules is a point of contention we really can't seem to find a set we all agree on. I hope this help's rather than hinder's I really like Shako.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                  Sincerely
                                                                          Rougue

It depends on the level of command you want i.e. does a unit represent a battalion or a brigade and do you want to represent skirmish companies or abstract them. If you want a unit to be a battalion, not fanny around with skirmish companies and play with up to a corps a side I'd second LFS by TFL. I've played Black Powder for several periods but have found it works the least well for Naps and needs a major rewrite.

Quote from: Rougue on 02 November 2012, 04:48:22 PM
Fierce: I've played Black Powder,LaSallle,Shako, and  FOG  I liked them all but prefered Shako I felt the game mechanic's good and quick to pick up. The group I game with are great guy's but Nappy rules is a point of contention we really can't seem to find a set we all agree on. I hope this help's rather than hinder's I really like Shako.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                  Sincerely
                                                                          Rougue

Puzzled. Why are you telling me this? I haven't played Naps (on land anyway) in over a decade.

Quote from: Mike L on 02 November 2012, 01:57:23 PM
Thanks for the repliies they do prove that there is a lot out there. Having enjoyed Maurice I'll give Lassalle a go for a while. I always like to give a rule set at least 3 games before discarding or tinkering with them.
I just need to finish a few more SYW French units before I can start undercoating their "grandsons".

Lasalle is second rate compared to Maurice mate, I have both and Maurice is a far superior game