Cranked out another couple of turns.

Axis was able to make good their deep penetration in the center, as well as develop a flanking attack northwest towards Kharkov. However, the Soviets have built up a defense to counter the panzers, as well as using the rules to “ZOC Up” Axis infantry attacks in the south.

This is the real challenge faced by the Axis Commander.  Soviet units buy time through engaging German units that are unable to exploit tactical success due to the Soviet ability to retreat, perhaps with a one-step loss, but maintain zones of control that limit Axis advances.  Even when there is the possibility for a “ZOC Kill”, a result of less than “2” steps, stops the Axis for an additional turn.  And, in the case of Soviet units with a defense strength greater than “6”, the placement of a step reinforcement.

Will develop Axis attack towards Kharkov.

But, for now, off to PDX for Drive On Stalingrad with Tim.

Charts, Errata and  a better understanding of the rules does make a difference.  Shocking!  Been learning and relearning this for decades.

While the actual CRT is somewhat bloodier, the Errata is crucial.  I caught the wrong lettering for the entry areas, but missed the difference in setup for four Soviet units.  Absolutely changes the game.  These units were in the vicinity of Stalino and “V” (see previous post), but now are in the front lines directly opposite the panzer divisions.  This makes a breakout just that much tougher. Here’s a link to the Errata.

Another big mistake on the first game was the assumption that the Germans could automatically withdraw from a ZOC.  Oh No. Soviets can using the withdrawal chart, but the Germans cannot.  This means they are “locked” in ZOCs.  Makes maneuver difficult. This was a topic of some discussion in blogs, but the consensus seemed to be that the system worked just fine with this apparent limitation.

The Germans opened the new game with another attack in the center.  It made limited gains, primarily due to the change in dispositions discussed above.  The panzer units are not that strong, even with the doubling of combat power due to unit integrity. With the center holding, the Soviets had the luxury of shipping their reinforcements to Stalino, with local units building a defense in depth against the immediate panzer threat.

The German used both infantry and armor units to continue the attack in the center during Turn 2, causing Soviet units to pull back. Their second movement phase was used to envelope exposed Soviet divisions.  The Soviets countered by minor shifts in units (their primary units were ZOC’s Up), and building a defensive line running Gorlovka-Stalino-Taganrog.

Played four turns of Rostov.  Won’t discuss the rules problems….well it was really a chart problem…..enough.

Here’s an abbreviated account.  Will do my customary re-set after butchering a first playing.

The Germans opened by blasting through the Soviet Center , racing eastward.   The Soviets responded by holding the shoulders of the salient, and rushing reinforcements to a defensive line forming in the vicinity of Voroshilovgrad (to be referred to as “V” from here on out).  The Soviets receive four randomly drawn units each of first few turns, then three.  Rail movement sped the reinforcements westward despite Axis aircraft interdiction.

Both panzers and their supply units continued eastward during Turn 2, with forward elements coming into contact with the Soviets.   A probing attack pushed back Soviet units defending “V”.  The supply units were able to maintain their “chain” of six hexes (roads count 1/2 hex).  Loss of supply halves movement and combat strength.

The Soviets continued to feed troops into the threatened area running from “V” to Rostov.  Attempts to withdraw from their  exposed salient west of Kharkov failed, though without loss.

During Turn 3, the full strength panzers maneuvered to envelope Soviet units, but the attacks failed to inflict any real damage. This was despite a doubling of attack strength for armor and mechanized units due to divisional integrity. Meanwhile, strong infantry units entered from the western map edge.

The Soviets continued to buildup their defenses, now extending their defensive line southeast to Rostov, itself.

The German infantry opened Turn 4 by penetrating the southern flank of the Soviets defending Kharkov.  However, the eastern advanced ground to a halt waiting for reinforcements.

A challenging game.  With the proper CRT and game unique charts covering disengagement of Soviet forces and weather, it should be even better.  Either way, the Axis has its work cut out!

Not quite, but damn near.  Eclipses, Family, Friends…..and about 4,000 auto miles.

New game on the table before I launch off again.  A relative of Panzergruppe Guderian – Rostov.  Part of the Army Group South quad game, also released as a single game, and then released much later in S&T,

Same untried Soviet units, but both sides can move armored/mech/cavalry units a second time during a turn.  Lots of exclusive rules.

Have it set up and will start this evening.  Here’s the initial deployment as prescribed by the rules.