TopEverest vs Admiral Kamikaze - the rematch

[topeverest]

I forgot to post turn 11, but it was more of the same themes.

Leningrad reduction begins
German pincers on Moscow and towards Stalino area (Still far off.)

Anyways 12 is done

[topeverest]

Being the inexperienced player that I am having played only once before through 1943 as Reds, I have struggled to learn concepts well known to seasoned players. Following are revelations I stumbled on this past turn
1. Many soviet units have TOE's set to 20% - <90% as they come in. Duh! I finally realized that and reset them to where they needed to go. It will cost me though. And no wonder some of my units weren't strengthening! Pretty bad on my part and limiting my ability to selectively counterattack
2. Built VVS airbase to cover the entire front - and built two transport squadrons. Partisans up to 28 units as a result without limiting the use of other airframes needed in the general war (I consider this a modest success)
3. As I continue to evacuate and relocate factories, I have stumbled on the differences between what I move and what is setup. Example, I moved the T34's from Kharkov in total to preserve them, and the next turn, that relocated factory was producing 20 more tanks. Huh? I moved one point of a few other AFV's and aircraft to save them from the onslaught - minor platforms that werent building much. many of htem went to 60 to 90 points when moved, and now wont be producing until spring. Huh? I moved Mig3 from Moscow, and the factory went from 30 to 90 and now is disabled during repair - DRADT!

I wonder what I will learn over the next few turns.

[topeverest]

The battle for Moscow begins!

Russians pour in reinforcements into Moscow sector.
More than 70% of Russian Airpower centered on Moscow
Russian counterattack around Moscow has surprising success.
Russian select counterattacks succeed further south on the plains
Russian Defense in depth in place except in far north
Leningrad / Vologdagrad sector is a Russian Disaster
Russia is building extensive fortifications around Moscow

Russia gets first three guard units - all airbases

[topeverest]

I'd have to say that the one thing in the war that seems to be progressing satisfactorily is soviet airpower. 3 guard airbases already as a result of the dedicated ground support and interdiction program - combined with refreshing low morale units (below national morale of 45) into the national reserve

[topeverest]

And here is a view of the most experienced and highest morale air units

[topeverest]

The news here can be summarized in one word - inevitable. german units cut the near Lake Ladoga ports, effectively isolating Leningrad. the mere fact of that cut all my units combat factors in half,, despite having more than 50K points of supply and still owning a distant port to resupply.

I clearly don't understand what that happened. It is disappointing as I would have used some of the stronger units in the defense of Moscow had I known that would be the result. Single german infantry divisions are clearing fortified regioins. It seems way to easy for the effort I put into it.

Further east of Ladoga, the Russians are in headlong retreat to avoid begin cut off and captured. defenses are being build up on the approaches to Vologdagrad, but I expect the enemy to make material progress.

[topeverest]

Here I attacked exposed enemy units. Below is an example of Russian tactics. This attack was merely opportunistic - but it successfully tested my ability to push back armor

[topeverest]

here are the defenses of the Sevastopol area - fortified regions, forts and about 1 bona fide army. Hopefully slows Germans down into the Winter

[topeverest]

The opening blows in the fight for Moscow have occurred. best to look at the picture, as I think it better explains than words

[topeverest]

Here is a view of enemy morale in their pincer as a result of the Russian counterattack

And a view of the recent Russian successes downing german bombers

[M60A3TTS]

Don't understand the point of forting cavalry at Sevastopol. Their inherent advantages of mobility are wasted there.

[topeverest]

appreciate the guidance -

Was using them only as the were available. Had planned to switch them out with infantry.

please don't hesitate to offer other good ideas. I am figuring it out as I go.

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

Don't understand the point of forting cavalry at Sevastopol. Their inherent advantages of mobility are wasted there.

[sillyflower]

You still have far too much in the south compared to Moscow area. Moscow and its flanks should be stuffed with inf divs digging. Cavalry units are useless in that role.

[topeverest]

Learning some hard lessons about the game here.
1. reduction of Leningrad continues. Might last another turn or two
2. Panzer ball pushes long distance and takes w Moscow, despite fortified regions reserve units woods and forts. I just don't know what to say about how I might have prevented such a thing from happening, but it has. I will have to plan to retake it in the winter counteroffensive. Only 2 more good weather turns,

In any event, bad Russian turn, and one that reveals my weakness as a player.

[topeverest]

I have serious issues with how the game works relative to fortified regions and forts and isolation - but I cant do anything about it.

here are the results.

[topeverest]

here is the picture. I will lose the entire city over the next two turns. I also will lose some of the industry. The enemy just exploded this past turn. Jokes on me.

[topeverest]

ON the dimly bright side, I was able to retake a dozen hexes across the MLR theaters including a number strongly held armored units. None were easy. I will take that as lessons for the upcoming winter counteroffensive.

[sillyflower]

ORIGINAL: topeverest

here is the picture. I will lose the entire city over the next two turns. I also will lose some of the industry. The enemy just exploded this past turn. Jokes on me.

You need(ed) your best units defending Moscow not 1 CV ones

[M60A3TTS]

Common new guy mistake. You have to respect the ability of the Axis player to do this sort of thing with a HQ buildup.

[Pionpion]

A 1-unit buffer line just can't hold in front of a strong german push, especially with 5-6 armor units