Bogadukhov - Mansteins Fire Brigades

[Gstockbridge]

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Don't know if it is OK to ask questions here or start a new thread? Let me know if not OK.

How do you go about planning in a scenario with such a big map (for me it is big)? I assume the victory locations help so you know you have to move north and take and keep some of them. So the designer is helping you in that way? Also there is one Soviet-controlled location at Gurinovka so does that mean there are Soviets in the location now? Or the designer just gave them that location to start with?

I see all the Recon units are south of Maksimovka, rather than spread out over the map. If you split them and move them to different map sections you will incur command problems of some kind, right?

Any recommended books that cover a battle like this? I assume one of the reasons many people have little problems playing large scenarios in PzB and PzC games is they they know the place names, what happened, etc.

Thanks for any help.

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So from my perspective the planning revolves around a few things here.  First is the briefing given for the scenario.  So we know we likely have two avenues of attack given the briefing.  Second, as you mention, the objectives are a big help, especially the weight of the various objectives.  Third we have the terrain.  Looking for good roads and key bridges in this one are critical.  The Recon can be used as would be expected - to quickly spread across key areas and get a good line of sight on the likely approaches.  Because of the substantial amount of armor in my opponents breakthrough this battle closed quickly.  I do try and continue to use the recon on the flanks and even in the enemy rear during this scenario to harass his advance where possible.   I probably should have used it more.