Sapper222 vs Callistrid (no Sapper222 pls)

[Flaviusx]

Have to agree with Timmyab here. Sapper has been replaced by a pod person.

[carlkay58]

My impression is that Sapper has been playing a few games into 43 and later lately. This is his first game in several versions and many of his earlier strategies no longer work. His lack of experience in the latest versions is showing. The ability he showed in the past was based on a vast experience of the first 15 turns - few of his games lasted longer. Once he got involved with some games that did last longer, the previous experience was not maintained. Thus the mistakes.

[Callistrid]

T03 North-Center

This time the pocket was secured.
The 4th Panzer army was supplied by massive air drop (8-10 air operation, 40+ planes), so I decide to retreat from the river back to Pskov and swamps area. The threat of the 4th panzer army + elements of the 3rd PZ is dangerous, because my opponent can flank my center front, west from Smolensk. I want to know where those panzers will move.

The newly formed infantry divisions moves closer to the front line, prepearing to the future battles. Perhaps it's a bad idea, but I'm curious about how will work as second/third front line, if the german will try to break my lines.

[Callistrid]

T03 South

I woundering where are most of the german mot/pz divisions on south. The german start his first turn with 10, plus 5 in reserve, but now I can't identify all of them, only 7-10 division.
At least 4 or 5 divisions disappeared from south, but my recons in center and north don't cover them up. Where they could be?

But what's going on south? D-town still has his arm factories, making the city the most targetable area. But panzers without infantry support? Hmmm...
My odds, the city will fall just on T05.

[Callistrid]

T04 North and center

It's seems both side has enough time to play 2 full turn this day

The pocket north was eliminated, and the german infantry crossed the river. The german motorized troops heading against Pskov, but the defense is tough.
My army around Narva facing against the estonian german army, defending the northern wing of the Pskov line.

The center front is still quiet, but the german infantry arrives, and next turn they will cross the river. Hard battles will occour...

[Callistrid]

T04 South

The german crossed the river south, near the crimean peninsula. Well... he has a big chance to capture next turn Sevastopol, or to move Stalino. What will be an extreemly bad idea. Honestly I can't imagine why Sapper222 operate here? Nothing could be found there.
Other information, D-town is now an empty city. Next turn I will start evacuate Poltava and Kharkov/Stalino. Depends on situation.

And I still don't have any idea where could be 4-5 german pz/mot division. Refit near Berlin, hide somewhere south, or transport north to Moscow or Leningrad front... Who knows...

[Callistrid]

Pskov line

Well secured way to Leningrad.

[Callistrid]

T05 Full front

I'm still waiting the german general attack on north and center. In south the german flaking Stalino, and Kharkov.
D-town had been occupied.

[Callistrid]

T05 North

Pskov is a well fortified city, and the german abandon his land bridge near the river. My recons can't identify where they are, only a small number of armored group was discovered west from Velkie Luki.

And it's amazing to see 5 CV strong soviet units.

[Callistrid]

Center

The german forces crossed the river near Gomel. I hope my troops can delay ther efforts for one turn. Next round I must start to retreat.

[Callistrid]

My casualties list are higher than average, but sapper222 encircled a lot of SW front unit on T01.

[A game]

ORIGINAL: carlkay58

My impression is that Sapper has been playing a few games into 43 and later lately. This is his first game in several versions and many of his earlier strategies no longer work. His lack of experience in the latest versions is showing. The ability he showed in the past was based on a vast experience of the first 15 turns - few of his games lasted longer. Once he got involved with some games that did last longer, the previous experience was not maintained. Thus the mistakes.

I have to question whether the game has really changed that significantly? When has taking out Leningrad fast and decisively been a bad move? This odd meandering process in the north doesnt look like the Sapper I have seen previously.

Maybe he has some killer new strategy to throw at you.... ?

[Peltonx]

Leningrad can not be taken vs a good SHC player / The wall of steel in center can't be broken/ In the south because
of the HQBU nerfs SHC players simply have to with draw behind the river line and the GHC is stuck with -15 MP's until turn 12ish.

Not sure why anyone would waste 5 mins playing WitE under the current Middle Earth Rule sets?

Sure a good GHC player playing a newbie can win but vs an average+ SHC player the game is over by turn 7.

Sapper is simply hugging the coast line so he can get OK MP's from port supply and air lift fuel to the panzers off the coast line.

This strategy is a fail as pressure has to be on all 3 fronts.

I don't think sapper can get to the oil fields before winter.

[Oshawott]

Callistrid, this looks like a very interesting game. Could it be that Saper222 goes for an all out attack on Moscow and then wants to swing north to cut Leningrad off late in the game?

Your maps, your maps, how do you do it? I can barely put an arrow in my screenshots. [:)]

[M60A3TTS]

ORIGINAL: Pelton
Not sure why anyone would waste 5 mins playing WitE under the current Middle Earth Rule sets?

Yes, there are people who enjoy the game whether you do or not. Just a fact.

[charlie0311]

Pelton, I'm trying and trying, love doesn't need reasons

[hfarrish]

ORIGINAL: Pelton

Leningrad can not be taken vs a good SHC player / The wall of steel in center can't be broken/ In the south because
of the HQBU nerfs SHC players simply have to with draw behind the river line and the GHC is stuck with -15 MP's until turn 12ish.

Not sure why anyone would waste 5 mins playing WitE under the current Middle Earth Rule sets?

Sure a good GHC player playing a newbie can win but vs an average+ SHC player the game is over by turn 7.

Sapper is simply hugging the coast line so he can get OK MP's from port supply and air lift fuel to the panzers off the coast line.

This strategy is a fail as pressure has to be on all 3 fronts.

I don't think sapper can get to the oil fields before winter.

I do think if players agree for the Soviet to fight reasonably forward (including in West Ukraine) the game under current incarnation is interesting. I fully agree that if allowed to fall back and form a wall of steel, it isn't. Whether by hard hold SD hold dates for select cities or a gentlemen's agreement (I've generally played with the latter) it can be fun.

[Callistrid]

Before we blame the game, sapper222 made several errors during our game.

First: he managed badly the pocket on north, giving me two turn to build a forticication line around Pskov.

Second: using 10 division pocketing Lvov pocket was a bad idea. Concentrating 50 % of his mobile divisions without target, and weakening the central front.

Third: his expansion in Estonia, and capture Tallin was useless.

[A game]

ORIGINAL: Callistrid

Before we blame the game, sapper222 made several errors during our game.

First: he managed badly the pocket on north, giving me two turn to build a forticication line around Pskov.

Second: using 10 division pocketing Lvov pocket was a bad idea. Concentrating 50 % of his mobile divisions without target, and weakening the central front.

Third: his expansion in Estonia, and capture Tallin was useless.

Agreed, these all seem like very 'noobie' mistakes, at least the first and third point, quite surprising to see from an experienced player...

All this doom and gloom about the Axis, have many people actually tried playing with the new alternate first winter rules? I think it significantly changes how 42 plays out, therefore having an impact on the late game.

[Callistrid]

T06 North and Center

Sapper's attack from Estonia was a real supries. He encircled 6 of my tough divisions, but he faild to cross the river. Now I will build a strong fortification line, to defend Leningrad.
However, 8 divisions has 117 CV power, what is very tough, plus the infantry support behind, still powerful. But the good news, the german must fight in difficult and narrow terrain.

The Dnyepr line stil hold.