Paris in 1914 - is it possible?

[MarechalJoffre]

I've pushed really hard in the west, as you can see here. But couldn't make it to Paris before they got that sweet urban entrenchment bonus, so now it looks impregnable for the the remainder of 1914.

Has anyone achieved it before? Mind you this is on veteran difficulty, maybe on intermediate my luck would've gone better.

[Simulacra53]

Respect, I am not able to progress beyond the line Antwerp-Brussels and the fortress line in France.

[MarechalJoffre]

ORIGINAL: Simulacra53

Respect, I am not able to progress beyond the line Antwerp-Brussels and the fortress line in France.

I find that any meaningful advance in the west necessitate a very offensive stance to take. You should make good use of your cavalry, they are invaluable to your advance in early months of the war in the west. It is even possible to capture both Reims and Lille on turn 1 with your cavalry corps, you just need to make the right call.

[ivanov]

This is a pretty good achievement if you ask me. I usually stop at Lille and then move the forces to the East.

[Simulacra53]

I’ll try some opening rounds on the Western front, see if they run differently.

[Mithrilotter]

I have never advanced as far as Paris in 1914.It hasn't happened in either of the two multiplayer games that I have played either. Reims and Lille can be quickly taken by German Cavalry if they are placed close to the front and bypass Brussels. But I think that under normal circumstances, Reims and the river line Northeast of Amiens is about the best advance towards Paris that a German player can hope for in 1914.

[MarechalJoffre]

ORIGINAL: Mithrilotter
Reims and Lille can be quickly taken by German Cavalry if they are placed close to the front and bypass Brussels.

It is possible on turn one to take both Brussels and then advance on to Lille with your cavalry as well.

[ArtDen]

My earliest date - june 1915.

[MarechalJoffre]

Update.

After several bloody assaults and at the cost of sinking my entire MPP production to the West, I've taken Paris in November 1914. So it is indeed possible!

[ivanov]

What were Russians doing during that time? Getting drunk with vodka instead of helping their Western allies?

[MarechalJoffre]

ORIGINAL: ivanov

What were Russians doing during that time? Getting drunk with vodka instead of helping their Western allies?

Mostly being annoying in East Prussia and Galicia. When Hindenburg deploys, German corps have no trouble crushing their Russian counterparts. Galicia is a bit more tricky, but I handled it by remaining mostly passive against Serbia and transferring corps from there.

[kevini1000]

Hello,

I'm close after 3 turns, 1 hex away. I did also Take Rouen but Screened Antwerp and Ypres. Also took Epinal in Eastern France.

BEF and lot of French Corps destroyed + 1 French HQ.

I got nervous and sent 3 corps to the East on Turn 3. Some of the new corps that had just came on.

Eastern Front looks steady not.

Good progress in Serbia.

I won't get to play Turn 4 till Thursday or Friday.

Will update once Turn 4 is complete. I certain that Paris cannot be taken on Turn 4 however.

Kevin

[kevini1000]

Hello,

I will have to try the Cavalry thing. I set my Infantry corps close to Liege.


K

[Simulacra53]

That’s what I like about WW1, it is a game of choices.
You really have to choose where you put your effort, too much balance and you get nowhere either.

Operating units from one front to the other, placing your reinstated and new corps to prepare the next offensive or simply plug a gaping hole in your lines.
Love it.

Germany and Austro-Hungary each has its challenges,
The Ottomans are a whole other ballgame.

Cannot wait to continue my game. [:D]

[Simulacra53]

ORIGINAL: kevini1000

Hello,

I will have to try the Cavalry thing. I set my Infantry corps close to Liege.


K

Deep penetration is the key - you have to be very aggressive - you need room for your army.
IMHO your main enemy in the first one or two turns in the West is space.

Just bypass strongpoints.
My initial error was pacing and engaging all strongpoints.