Quick play, small footprint. Unknown strength Soviet units help make it solitaire friendly and increase replayability.
The Germans have to be good and lucky to win. I didn’t make low odds attacks or try aggressive overruns, and wound up losing. Sums up the whole historical proposition.
Now, the Soviets have to play their part, too. Can’t just lay back on Leningrad. Some level of forward defense is needed and, necessary.
It’s nice for a game to live up to one’s memories.
Rainy cool weather, so I decided to finish this one off.
The Germans were able to push their way into the western suburbs of the city during Turn 9. However, they had to withdraw from Norvogrod.
Situation End Of Turn 9
During Turn 10, the Germans attempted to clear out Soviet units just south of Leningrad in order to open up the remaining fortified suburb south of the Neva River for an attack from three different hexes. This attack was only partially successful, with one Soviet armored unit (9-3-7) still blocking the southern approaches.
Situation End Of Turn 10
Desperate, German armor attempted a low odds overrun (also a 2-column shift), and was able to force the 9-3-7 to retreat. The following attack on the Southeast suburb only reduced, but did not destroy Soviet units.
Situation End Of Turn 11
In the 12th and final turn, the Germans mounted a forlorn hope attack across the Neva in an attempt to take one of the two victory hexes. The attack was unsuccessful. There was no change from the situation at the end of Turn 11.
Neither side had any victory points. The Soviets did not reduce or destroy any German armored/mechanized formations, and the Germans did not take the two northern suburbs of Leningrad. The result was a Soviet tactical victory.
The German advance continued during Turns 7 & 8, with successful attacks eliminating Soviet forces along the Luga River.
However, beginning Turn 7 Soviet reinforcements began applying pressure from the south. A German infantry corps was diverted to Novgorad. The Soviets used Turn 8 to bring up even more units for an attacks that reduced the Germans to an under strength division.
Looks like it will be a slugging match to take the city, and the Germans will have to divert forces to contain the Soviet pressure.
Germans Advance Turn 7. Attack On Luga Line Begins. South Flank Exposed.
Turn 8 Germans Clear Luga River Line, But Soviets Reinforcements Mass And Attack In The South
Hacking away and having fun with this little game.
Germans now approaching the city from the Northeast, but with some pressure in the South. Soviets feverishly building fortresses and feeding reinforcements in to delay the assault. Question is, are there enough and can they be massed for a concerted defense?
Situation End Turn 4Situation End Turn 5German Phase Turn 6Skewed View of Situation End Turn 6
Been lazy about posting up and following up on play.
Germans continued their advance during Turns 2 and 3, but Soviet opposition in and about Leningrad is beginning to take shape. Big question for Germans is to whether to continue their advance on a northeast axis, or divert resources to cut roads in the Peipus marshes.
A bad role during Turn 3’s combat phase left a stubborn Soviet unit deep in the German rear. This is similar to what happened during the actual campaign.
Here’s a photo recap.
German Situation Start Of Turn 3Situation End Of German Phase Turn 3Situation End Of Turn 3 With Soviet Reinforcements
After enveloping infantry units near the border, German units encountered unanticipated strong (note 10 strength unit) Soviet armor in the south. This is the beauty of the random/unknown unit picks at set-up.
Two over-extended German infantry units were eliminated by a Soviet counterattack. The other rules-mandated counterattacks in the north were defeated.
Don’t know if the Germans can create another Kesselschlacht in Turn 2 to eliminate the armored threat.
Here’s a impaired-photo summary of Turn 1.
German Opening MoveSoviet Mandated CounterattackSoviet Armored Counterattack Eliminates Overextended German Infantry
Decided to go with another small and quick game. Can remember several enjoyable solo sessions many years ago.
The full title of the game is Leningrad: The Advance of Army Group North Summer 1941. An excellent review of the newest edition can be found here. I’m playing the original 1979 game.
As the author points out, it’s a beginner’s version of the very successful Panzergroup Guderian series of games. These were a mainstay of late 70’s and early 80’s board gaming.
