cplkrotz vs. Panzer Lehr

The game was good. Despite the Axis victory, I think the scenario is pro-Russian.

The Russians clearly have superior numbers of tanks and infantry as well as transports. The Russian IS-22s are of equal quality to the Jagedpanthers in terms of range, caliber, and armor. The armor and range of the Jagedpanthers are cancelled out by the IS-22s and the geography in this scenario. They must be used carefully. There is also always a risk that your tanks will get stuck in the mud. I had four tanks immobilized due to the mud. Three of the immobilized tanks were destroyed.

A problem for the Germans is that the Germans are required to defend multiple axes of approach. Once the Germans are set up, the movement of troops is limited except by foot or on Jagedpanther. This gives the Russians an advantage because they can use speed and opportunity to exploit the German defenses. The battle is one of constant adjustment according to where the Russians will place pressure on the German units.

The German left flank is near impossible to defend in the open. The Russian control over the heights on the left and their numerous IS-22s which are equal (in terms of range, caliber, and armor) to the limited number of German Jagedpanzers. The Russians can bombard anything that presents an opposition on that flank. Moreover, the river does not carry across to the end of the map on the left flank. Therefore, it is the logical place for the Russians to make a breakthrough. I did not see the relationship between the heights and the rivers during the set up. The right side of the map is more difficult for the Russians. There is a road running through a narrow ravine where multiple ambushes can be set. My opponent did not try to attack along this line although there was a brief tank duel from the Russian heights to a German hill surrounded by woods (an immobilized tank was destroyed there).

During the early part of our battle my opponent attacked on the German left flank. I had to put up some kind of defense and engaged him with two of my Jagedpanzers. One became stuck in the mud and was pounded upon although it did claim a few victims. The other was moving hull down, got off a few shots and was destroyed. It became clear that it was best not to go toe to toe with the Russian IS-22s.

Once Russians got across the left flank, I did my best to try to disrupt them and delay them. My opponent exploited his breakthrough, but did not press me which allowed me to make adjustments. I was able to bring to more tanks up to the center of the battlefield and tried to delay him by flanking him there as well.

After this occurred, I believe my opponent made a mistake when he tried to attack me with his IS-22s in the center (where the house is located) but took a few losses. He then abandoned that line of attack to drive down into the middle of the valley in an attempt to push towards the VP locations. I was surprised that he did not use other approaches, but by that point of time, he was running against the clock.

As he moved up the center I was able to take out several of his tanks and use my available infantry units to disrupt his forces as he pushed forward.

Pushing up the center and with time running low, I thought he made another strange decision. He changed direction and tried to exploit the German right flank in order to capture the 800 VP location. By this point though, I was making some adjustments to my position which gave me enough fire power to slow him down. Nevertheless, he had superior numbers and I was still trying to make adjustments albeit he had few operational tanks left (three I think).

It was an enjoyable game. My opponent Panzer Lehr taught me a thing or two regarding tank assaults as well. Nevertheless, as I said before, despite my victory, I still think the scenario is pro-Russian. It's a real nail biter. If Lehr had done a few things differently, I think it would have been a major victory on his part. I wonder if he actually made a mistake, was being nice, or was distracted with other games. An officer never tells his secrets to the enemy though...