My thoughts on German Strategy

[siRkid]

Here are some of my thoughts on German strategy.

1. Blow every bridge you do not need to keep your supply lines open.

2. Watch the weather very closely. The German player moves last and can use this to great advantage. If you see the next turn is going to be mud, you can safely withdraw to a new defensive line because the Soviets will not be able to catch up for a turn or two. If the next turn is going to be mud, look for soviet units that will be stranded on your side of the river and bring up reinforcements so you can kill them off next turn.

3. Pull back and rest any units that are within one turn of recovering a strength point. The Germans get so few replacements and this will help conserve them.

4. Never waist armor replacements on recon units.

5. The Germans have some very strong armor units that are capable of taking advantage of holes and lone units don't be afraid to use them.

6. There are a lot of Soviet units and sometimes they get bunched up. Look for stacks that do not have anywhere to retreat due to stacking limits and hit them hard. If you force a retreat, those units will take extra loses.

[hank]

Good advice. I'm new to this game and there are some real subtle tactics that's different from other games I play. Mud, replacement strategy, etc.

Tactical withdrawals are key for axis IMHO ... and using your armor to slam down on hot spots.

[Pawlock]

Here are some of my thoughts on German strategy.

1. Blow every bridge you do not need to keep your supply lines open.

2. Watch the weather very closely. The German player moves last and can use this to great advantage. If you see the next turn is going to be mud, you can safely withdraw to a new defensive line because the Soviets will not be able to catch up for a turn or two. If the next turn is going to be mud, look for soviet units that will be stranded on your side of the river and bring up reinforcements so you can kill them off next turn.

3. Pull back and rest any units that are within one turn of recovering a strength point. The Germans get so few replacements and this will help conserve them.

4. Never waist armor replacements on recon units.

5. The Germans have some very strong armor units that are capable of taking advantage of holes and lone units don't be afraid to use them.

6. There are a lot of Soviet units and sometimes they get bunched up. Look for stacks that do not have anywhere to retreat due to stacking limits and hit them hard. If you force a retreat, those units will take extra loses.

In my previous pbem game, I destroyed a whole Russian cavalry division because he had no retreat path. Easy mistake to make on offence. Always make sure you have somewhere for your units to retreat in the rear.

I still had my *** whooped though in the long run

[BrubakerII]

The germans have some terrific counterattack opportunities throught the game. But the catch is, if you are left stranded near the front the sheer weight of russian units and artillery will get you every time.

Counter attack by all means but make sure you do so on free (overrun) odds so that your units can retreat the required distance to survive!