Allied defense in depth (maps!)
Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 8:27 pm
I'd like to share an unusual game I enjoyed and ultimately lost against Jeff H. An experienced player usually kicks my Allies in the teeth. This time, an early open door allowed an aggressive Allied forward strategy. It nearly worked.
This first screen shows the situation late on Dec 18. Panzer divisions have penetrated deep into Allied lines. But wait - I had him cold, with my armor poised to dive away the weak German 3rd FJ. Then dismay! Axis commandos struck, sabotaging the US 7th Armored in Trois Ponts, spoiling the attack. Consequently, the 1st SS broke out north through Wanze as dawn broke the next day - a flood of victory points, a massive setback, but not yet decisive.
The second screen shot show the situation two days later. Axis forces have managed to displace most of the Allied units gumming up their rear areas, and seized Bastogne. Forward units which had been isolated in the wake of the 1st SS escape are on the brink of resuming supply on the 21st due to a successful German end run in the south to St Hubert. US 7th Armored was caught mid-march in Werbomont en route to Ouffet to join the 30th Inf in an attack that eliminated Pz Lehr.
At this point I took one risk too many. With the VP scale tilted in favor of the Axis, compelling desperate action, I sent the 3rd Armored into Manhay in the hopes of eliminating the German 3rd FJ. The attack stalled, and the US armor strength was in turn isolated. In hindsight the risk far outweighed the potential reward. The situation was irredeemable. Maybe next time.
What is the key to a successful Allied defense?
This first screen shows the situation late on Dec 18. Panzer divisions have penetrated deep into Allied lines. But wait - I had him cold, with my armor poised to dive away the weak German 3rd FJ. Then dismay! Axis commandos struck, sabotaging the US 7th Armored in Trois Ponts, spoiling the attack. Consequently, the 1st SS broke out north through Wanze as dawn broke the next day - a flood of victory points, a massive setback, but not yet decisive.
The second screen shot show the situation two days later. Axis forces have managed to displace most of the Allied units gumming up their rear areas, and seized Bastogne. Forward units which had been isolated in the wake of the 1st SS escape are on the brink of resuming supply on the 21st due to a successful German end run in the south to St Hubert. US 7th Armored was caught mid-march in Werbomont en route to Ouffet to join the 30th Inf in an attack that eliminated Pz Lehr.
At this point I took one risk too many. With the VP scale tilted in favor of the Axis, compelling desperate action, I sent the 3rd Armored into Manhay in the hopes of eliminating the German 3rd FJ. The attack stalled, and the US armor strength was in turn isolated. In hindsight the risk far outweighed the potential reward. The situation was irredeemable. Maybe next time.
What is the key to a successful Allied defense?