The Cauldron of Fire

Cole · 12-02-2010, 06:37 AM,

If anyone is interested in playing the Russians in Earlmann's excellent Cauldron of Fire please let me know.

I have never played as the Germans and would like to sharpen my skills in conducting an offense. I have played three times as the Russians and while each game was exciting (2 games were decided on the last turn - either draw or minor German victory) I personally think the Russians cannot do better than a draw if faced with a German player of equal or better experience.

The Russians have a lot of artillery that just decimates the advancing German infantry. The Germans have powerful assault guns that the Russian T-34's and single regiment of SU-152s cannot do much against. In fact the Germans will lose more armor to artillery fire than from the Russian tanks. I think of this game as a competition between an impenetrable shield of Russian artillery versus unstoppable German tanks.

Secutor · 12-03-2010, 03:32 AM,

Hi, I've a free slot for this game. I've never played it before, but it seems interesting. I can play one/two turns a week. I think it's better to play without EA rule, but with all others opt rules on. Should you are interested, please send me your first turn.
Cheers,
Stefano

Cole · 12-03-2010, 04:56 AM,

Thanks Stefano. I'll send my first turn soon which is just plotting artillery fire. I have to admit it is a hard game for the Russians but if you can preserve your tanks and a good portion of your infantry for the end game and the fight for the vital sectors then it will be close.

I still have a slot open for someone who wants to try this with EA on. I can't say which side it would benefit. The Russian artillery can disrupt the German infantry and make it easier to push them back but also makes the Russians harder to clear out of the bunkers.