0715_01 Encirclement of Smolensk - PzC 01 Smolensk '41

Still one of the best, and most enjoyable PzC scenarios ever.

From the start I tried to play an aggressive game. I saw that I was suffering a lot of losses but I realized that there was not too many time to develop a slow and careful offensive, so I had to bet all in... When the russian was able to destroy half my motorized division in Smolensk I realized that it will be a tough battle with an even result as it was... My troops got more and more fatigued and I was not able to break the russian lines... The russian was able to stop me at the outskirts of Smolensk!

Russians on the western side of Smolensk need to have a division pulled out and put near Smolensk. Russians are too strong on western side and can go on the offense.

Many options for both sides.

Many different operational options for both players to consider.

Very interesting situation. I can imagine numerous approaches for each side.

Played twice. One Major D; one Major V.

This is an "all or nothing" win proposition for the German player. The Smolensk victory hex is worth a whopping 1500 points and must be captured for the German to achieve any level of victory. Therefore, the German player must charge ahead, always teetering between caution and recklessness to maintain momentum between his widely separated forces that cannot mutually support each other. German forces are strong, but do not have enough units to effectively guard flanks, making these independently operating formations susceptible to Russian counterattacks and blocking actions. Especially vulnerable is the German northern flank to strong counterattacks by the Russian 134th and 144th Rifle Divisions. Playing the Encirclement of Smolensk as the German requires taking calculated risks and pushing hard to overcome Russian defensive lines quickly to garner enough time for the climatic battle of Smolensk that will decide the game. High replay with multiple offensive and defensive options available for each side. This scenario is a classic and ranks as one of the best PzC scenarios of all times! Highly recommended Smolensk 41 scenario!

It is unnerving fighting with open flanks all the time.
Russian infantry battalions pack a punch!

First PzC scenario I played, and I enjoyed it very much! Thanks to the help of a great opponent I also learned a lot. Thanks Jon!

Many options for attacking. Because of that, I had some trouble keeping my attacks together. Left to many holes in my lines for him to exploit and encircle my troops. Lost a tremendous amount of points there.

The Russian has to counter attack.

Great and intense scenario with plenty of surprises.

This scenario is excellent and offers both sides multiple areas to attack and defend. Highly recommended.

Lots of potential choices for each side. Having played from the Russian and German perspective, its safe to say this is one of the most interesting Scenarios in the PzC Series.

Very interesting battle, opportunities for both sides to attack.

Difficult for the Germans with the Soviets only having to defend Smolensk in order to win.

germans need to blitz all out from the start, but with only 2 objectives there are too many russians to overcome

I usually find short scenarios too small and dull. However, this one particular scenario was quite large in size and had enough going to keep it interesting.

Russians must run early and set traps for the chasing Germans. To stand and fight is to invite doom.

Good scenario on a short time table with intense fighting and maneuvering.