BrianG v JoeLweis

[BrianG]

just further south I've placed troops past the Dnieper in 2 spots

And i've cut off the major swamp.

[BrianG]

found a route and crossed the river near Kiev on turn 5.

Not bad.

rr repair not near screen

[BrianG]

over the river north of Nikoleav. Thats should result in retreat.

Started attacks on fortress Odessa

[BrianG]

2 losing attacks on Odessa. Fort level drops below 4.

Will make a strong attempt to take in turn 7

[BrianG]

Kiev gets surrounded.

[BrianG]

Infantry advance and tanks in the area rest

[BrianG]

Another pocket. Russians will break this one but damage is done.

the RR is upper left is not maximum distance forward. Everyone has their own favorite routes.

[BrianG]

This pocket was due to failure to retreat.

A productive German turn

[BrianG]

I push Odessa garrison to surrender spot. Otherwise, steady advance. Tanks over river were low on fuel.

[BrianG]

Over river but tanks low on fuel.

I will now move my light blue Panzer corp back north to reconnect with the blue panzer Army. One big happy family again.

[BrianG]

Russian retreat is not deep enough. Major risk next turn.

RR repair is not really close.

[BrianG]

For turn 7 I have not advanced far towards Leningrad. Here i am contained (low fuel). I do a HQ buildup so should get good results next turn.

Russians are too close to my lines. they need to retreat. at least 6 hexes back.

[BrianG]

I get a beachhead over near Kerson.

and advance up to the Russin lines.

[BrianG]

Just infantry advance.

This looks like standard middle board action.

[BrianG]

Smolensk surrounded and advanced up to Russian lines.

Leaving Russians room to retreat.

[BrianG]

Push thru Veliki and the first row of hill hexes. Fuel getting close. In good position for next turn.

[BrianG]

Very nice corridor set.

Next turn will be decisive and fun.

[BrianG]

There is no turn 9.

Lewis conceded the bitter end with kind words about my skill.

A few observations:

- Thought Lewis defense was a tad too forward - I had not really taken too many prisoners.
- Russians positions end of turn 8 still would allow for sizable retreat to save Army. The north pincer just meant that Leningrad was going to fall. But that happens in all the games.
- So i thought Russian position was not 'dead and over' and
- for new or not very experienced players, it is best to play a few tough games deep so you can actually see what you need to do early which you never learn by caving early. And mid game learning.

Anyhow - always fun.

Brian