Poll: Stalemate late 1942 on.

[matt.buttsworth]

To determine if what Muzrub and I think is a problem or not, how many people have had games where the Germans can - using their strong forces, and in particular strong air power with interdiction - stop a Russian advance in late 1942 or thereafter and create a static line stalemate where neither side can win.

[Mikser]

Yes, whenever I fail to achieve decisive success in '41-42 I do indeed form a static defensive line which can hold all the way 'till the end of the game in '45.... It's nearly impossible to break, solitary local breakthroughs during the winters notwithstanding(since the rivers don't act as decisive barriers in winter).

[Montenegro]

I think there is a temptation as German, even with all the game and history knowledge to draw upon, to go for it with confidence. Conversely, a good Soviet player will know when and where to attack '42 on and will have some chance at success. I do agree that some Soviet factors such as readiness, fighting ability, and air experience need to be tweeked in their behalf, especially by late '42/early '43. Some would correctly say earlier.

Another factor in this game that I know I read in this forum once is that you can, as German, "avoid" Stalingrad and go full boar for Moscow in '42. I bring this up to highlight the fact that there are alternate courses one could take in this game that may or may not play out favorably. Anywho, I'm still learning but I look forward to some unconventional strategy applications at a later time...

Montenegro

[Jason629]

I too agree with the concept of forming a solid line of defense after/when the weather goes foul in 1942. However, it is so tempting, especially if you are very close to objectives, to keep going into the bad weather. This makes forming up a solid line of defense very difficult. Thats when "bad" things happen.

[Pirate]

To determine if what Muzrub and I think is a problem or not, how many people have had games where the Germans can - using their strong forces, and in particular strong air power with interdiction - stop a Russian advance in late 1942 or thereafter and create a static line stalemate where neither side can win.

I don't think it really a problem. Historically I think it's possible that the germans could cause a stalemate in 42-43. Instead of digging in and preparing for defence they went on with stupid gambles like Stalingrad and Kursk. They lost almost their entire armored strength in Kursk and an entire army in Stalingrad. And that's just two examples. Without these losses they might have been able to hold the line against the russians.
Then again maybe not.