Bogadukhov - Mansteins Fire Brigades

[Gstockbridge]

What can one use the PzPio Zug (mine clearing engineers, 57 men) for in a scenario such as this? Thanks.

There were no mine clearing activities needed in this scenario.  I ended up using them to dig in and defend what I perceived as a less at risk objective.  My hope was that if this objective was attacked it was later in the match and could hold out a few turns against whatever showed up.

[Gstockbridge]

So for this turn:

Concerns; Will my opponent extend his attack west to my very lightly defended objective?, Can I hold out at the main objective being attacked in the west? Will my opponent send units toward my 100 pt objective far south?

Opportunities; My recon in the west has yet to find any defenders to the north - maybe he can cause some disruption to my opponent's plans.  In the east an idea is shaping up regarding the northern objective lightly held by my opponent. 

Overall I need to keep delaying as much as possible to let the time run out - because time is not my friend on this scenario.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/igz754zj4xfz7h...6.pdf?dl=0

[Gstockbridge]

I am feeling cautiously optimistic.  In the west I have been able to slowly retreat and retain a good deal of strength.  Fatigue is creeping in but manageable.  Still nothing hitting my far western objective and I may take advantage of this by moving a unit north to harass the enemy rear.

In the east I am definitely starting to commit to an attack on his northeastern objective.  I am slowly maneuvering to close the trap without being too obvious.  Also being prepared to call it off if more enemy units are found.  This is the only way I see to maintain a victory as I expect to lose one or two objectives.

Two turns listed below

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kzax7ifl72nje3...7.pdf?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/id4moak7jci35n...8.pdf?dl=0

[Gstockbridge]

Attack in the East

So this is the turn I commit to attacking Gurinovka.  I feel I have no choice - he is sure to take one-three objectives from me and I have to try and offset this.  I have been slowly maneuvering for this, but now I am committed. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/06lkvcup35xfcy...9.pdf?dl=0

[Gstockbridge]

If last turn was committing to the attack, this turn is the launch.  Attacking from the north and south while establishing a blocking position at the bridge, complete with smoke screen to minimize losses on the approach.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/yraj6rbsnkp37z...0.pdf?dl=0

[Gstockbridge]

Gurinovka holds on...This town must fall to win on this, and I have to minimize the loss of my objectives.  One at best for victory.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j39uvu0qfx19o4...1.pdf?dl=0

[Gstockbridge]

Gurinovka falls!  Two turns to go and it is coming down to the wire.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jstcjxpdfu2nhl...2.pdf?dl=0

[GerryM]

Curious what is your VP total now?

Also what is the suggested strategy for a Russian player to win this? Someone must have won as the Russians in the playtests?

[Gstockbridge]

Curious what is your VP total now?

Also what is the suggested strategy for a Russian player to win this? Someone must have won as the Russians in the playtests?

Ask and you shall receive...  Attached shows the VPs for this turn.  Coming down to the wire...

As for Russian strategy I will give you my thoughts on that at the end.  Just a turn away.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zm2fz5vrddwdsk...3.pdf?dl=0

[GerryM]

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.