Bogadukhov - Mansteins Fire Brigades

[Gstockbridge]

Thanks. I am playing the Jerries against the AI and have 329 points after 9 turns - I understand the AI is not a great opponent. That includes the capture of Gurinovka. So I won't be gaining any more objectives I think. Just trying to hold on.

Will be interested in your thoughts about the Russian strategy. Thanks again.

Maybe we can try a game with me as Russian.  The game is definitely different after a blind match, given you know so much more about the opponent.  But could be fun.  I think there are a few strategies the Russians could use.  I will talk about them soon.

Here is the final turn.  I had to send it off for the actual final VP display which was very close to the results at the end of my turn.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dymrsrld39wu36...4.pdf?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n5k85qvf6zdroq...9.png?dl=0

[GerryM]

That's exciting. Cannot get much closer than that.

Thanks for the offer of a game. I am a bit of a newbie and this would be my first PB PBEM but I have played wargames before and my main game is chess). I could give you a turn a day and would be happy if you could do a turn every day or two.

It would be great if you could play the Russians. Let me know. I would prefer to start on the 30th if that is OK with you. Let me know.

Gerry

[Gstockbridge]

That's exciting. Cannot get much closer than that.

Thanks for the offer of a game. I am a bit of a newbie and this would be my first PB PBEM but I have played wargames before and my main game is chess). I could give you a turn a day and would be happy if you could do a turn every day or two.

It would be great if you could play the Russians. Let me know. I would prefer to start on the 30th if that is OK with you. Let me know.

Gerry

Sounds great.  Send me you contact info (email) and we can fire something up on the 30th. 
[email protected]

[ComradeP]

The most reliable way to win for the Soviets is probably concentration of force on a limited number of objectives, and keeping some distance from the PzG units as they have late war HA ratings.

The recon and pioneer units don't have late war HA ratings so they can only damage your tank units through assaults.

Moving the infantry into villages is a good Axis strategy, but there are hills overlooking the objectives here which means it's not as effective as it would normally be.

This looks like a scenario that's difficult to win against a Soviet opponent who knows what's on the board.

[Gstockbridge]

The most reliable way to win for the Soviets is probably concentration of force on a limited number of objectives, and keeping some distance from the PzG units as they have late war HA ratings.

The recon and pioneer units don't have late war HA ratings so they can only damage your tank units through assaults.

Moving the infantry into villages is a good Axis strategy, but there are hills overlooking the objectives here which means it's not as effective as it would normally be.

This looks like a scenario that's difficult to win against a Soviet opponent who knows what's on the board.

After playing against Gerry (with me as the soviets) I think you are correct.  A lot depends on the strategy your opponent takes.  Gerry played very aggressively as the Germans which required me to react to that versus holding to my plan.  The tanks used effectively are very hard for the German to defend against.  Gerry had the disadvantage in that I had already played and so I was not playing blind as the Soviets.  I think a draw is achievable as the Germans but a victory against someone that knows what is coming would be very difficult.

[GerryM]

Sorry for not replying sooner.

I was too aggressive early on going after Gurinovka. Should have been more patient like Gary was in his AAR game. Also spread too thin across the map. Big problem was I tied up or lost my armor going after Gurinovka. Thereafter his T-34s ran around with impunity. His armor count is impressive but without the German armor to oppose it of course it was more deadly.