As a general rule, when heavily attacked by superior forces, retreat is the best advice for a number of reasons. Enemy artillery is less effective, as every turn, targets get out of range, and there is chance for flanking to re-conquer lost cities and you decide where to make a stand, as choice of battleground is always paramount. Here, our "wall" is Warta river. German units on open ground are unbeatable, instead if attacked while crossing a river they can easily be stopped, especially infantry. The following game has been played against advanced level a.i., no settings modification.
TURN ONE - AXIS
Kalisz - 10th Pz I A attacks 10th Cavalry (2-2)11th Pz 35(t) attacks same unit (0-4)
9th Pz II D attacks same unit (0-4). Unit destroyed
3rd Wehr attacks 3rd infantry in Kalisz (7-4)
TURN ONE - ALLIES
Polish infantry is quite useless, so I disband five units and deploy six TK3 tanks, two in Kalisz, one in Kutno and three in Lodz, as prestige for polish player is never an issue. Plan is to retreat artillery behind Warta river and prevent the enemy from crossing it.Lodz - 9th Cavalry attacks 1st 7.5 leFk artillery (2-6)
Kalisz - 11th AF 75mm fires on 3rd Wehr (0-3). Unit destroyed. Artillery recedes towards the bridge.
8th Cavalry attacks 4th Wehr mounted infantry (1-5). Cavalry falls back to protect artillery.
TURN TWO - AXIS
Kalisz - 13th PSW attacks 10th TK3 (0-2)11th Pz 35(t) attacks 2nd TK3 (0-3)
9th Pz II D attacks 8th Cavalry (1-4). Infantry reinforces.
Lodz - 10th Pz I A and two infantry units start crossing Warta towards Lodz. Artillery insist on crossing the river (really bad move).
TURN TWO - ALLIES
Plan is: continue retreating towards Kutno, prevent enemy from crossing river towards Lodz.Lodz: 5th TK3 attacks 10th Pz I A (0-4)
4th TK3 attacks 7th Wehr (2-6)
9th cavalry attacks 1st 7.5 leFk (1-4). Artillery destroyed.
6th TK3 attacks 6th Wehr (0-5). Four attacks, 19 points destroyed, only 3 lost, this could not have been possible without Warta river.
Kalisz: 11th AF 75mm fires on 2nd Wehr (0-2).
TURN THREE - AXIS
11th Pz 35(t) attacks 1st TK3 (0-5)
12th Pz III E attacks 10th TK3 (0-4)
9th Pz II D occupies Kalisz. 4th Wehr crosses Warta river through bridge near Posen and poses a serious threat.
Lodz: Panzer IA reinforces. Other units move or reinforce. Axis player gets a new recon unit.
TURN THREE - ALLIES
Situation now is hard. There is a third front and Kutno is in danger, as enemy infantry units are ideal for capturing objectives. Lodz front seems to be quite safe.Kutno: 8th cavalry attacks 4th Wehr (3-2)
2nd TK3 attacks same unit (0-2)
1st TK3 comes in support and attacks (0-3)
Artillery retreats on Warta without firing as only two ammo are left. Reduced TK3 and infantry follow as well. 7th TK3 comes to help. Next turn will be a tough one.
Lodz: 5th TK3 attacks 10th Pz I A (0-7) and reduces it to 1
4th TK3 attacks 8th Wehr (0-2)
6th TK3 attacks 6th Wehr (0-5) and wipes it out.
9th cavalry attacks 8th Wehr (2-1). Another 2-15 losses balance is turning the battle in our favour.
TURN FOUR - AXIS
Kutno: 13th PSW attacks 3rd Infantry on river (2-2)
11th Pz 35(t) attacks TK3 (1-4) and destroys it. Now artillery is unprotected, on river and without ammo. 12th Pz III E instead of mauling artillery unit, attacks 3rd infantry (0-3) and kills it. That's not an advanced strategy.
9th Pz II D now attacks artillery (0-4) but the chance to get rid of it has gone. 3-13 losses have been a heavy toll but things could have been worse.
The isolated 4th Wehr instead of reinforcing, which would be wise, attacks cavalry unit (1-1), exposing to next turn execution.
11th Pz 35(t) attacks TK3 (1-4) and destroys it. Now artillery is unprotected, on river and without ammo. 12th Pz III E instead of mauling artillery unit, attacks 3rd infantry (0-3) and kills it. That's not an advanced strategy.
9th Pz II D now attacks artillery (0-4) but the chance to get rid of it has gone. 3-13 losses have been a heavy toll but things could have been worse.
The isolated 4th Wehr instead of reinforcing, which would be wise, attacks cavalry unit (1-1), exposing to next turn execution.
Lodz: 7th Wehr attacks 9th cavalry but gets hammered (4-1)
8th Wehr follows (3-4) and manages to push the unit back and finally cross the river, but the move seems too bold.
8th Wehr follows (3-4) and manages to push the unit back and finally cross the river, but the move seems too bold.
TURN FOUR - ALLIES
Plan is to strenghten defense in Kutno area, and inflict a definitive blow to enemies in Lodz area.
Kutno: 7th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-1) and moves away.
8th cavalry performs a suicide attack (as per tradition)on 4th Wehr to be later replaced by a tank unit (1-0).
1st TK3 follows (1-2) and now the german unit is ready for butchering.
2nd TK3 delivers the final blow but the enemy unit retreats on the river (0-0) Situation is still in balance.
8th cavalry performs a suicide attack (as per tradition)on 4th Wehr to be later replaced by a tank unit (1-0).
1st TK3 follows (1-2) and now the german unit is ready for butchering.
2nd TK3 delivers the final blow but the enemy unit retreats on the river (0-0) Situation is still in balance.
Lodz: 5th TK3 attacks 8th Wehr (0-3) and push it back on the river.
4th TK3 (0-1) finishes it.
6th TK3 attacks 7th Wehr (0-3).
4th TK3 (0-1) finishes it.
6th TK3 attacks 7th Wehr (0-3).
To try and solve the danger in the north, I deploy three TK3's in Kutno. Remaining prestige would allow to deploy four other tanks, if there were available slots.
Turn four losses balance: Axis 21 (tot.92) - Allied 21 (tot. 65) Casualties: Axis 4 - Allied 3
TURN FIVE - AXIS
Kutno: 1st PSW crosses river at Posen and attacks 2nd TK3 with no effect (0-0).
12th Pz III E attacks artillery (0-1).
9th Pz II D attacks 1st TK3 with no effect (0-0). 4th Wehr reinforces.
12th Pz III E attacks artillery (0-1).
9th Pz II D attacks 1st TK3 with no effect (0-0). 4th Wehr reinforces.
Lodz: 11th Pz I A moves adjacent to 4th TK3 but does not attack. 7th Wehr reinforces.
TURN FIVE - ALLIES
Things are going better. Victory is now secure, as Lodz is impossible to take for the axis player, and enemy attack on Kutno has been stopped. But now it's time to turn the tables.
Kutno: Newly arrived 3rd TK3 attacks 12th Pz III E (3-0).
So does 7th TK3 (4-2).
1st TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D with no effect (0-0) then moves to stop recon
10th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (1-3).
2nd TK3 attacks 4th Wehr (0-2).
8th TK3 comes to support and attacks same unit destroying it (0-5).
So does 7th TK3 (4-2).
1st TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D with no effect (0-0) then moves to stop recon
10th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (1-3).
2nd TK3 attacks 4th Wehr (0-2).
8th TK3 comes to support and attacks same unit destroying it (0-5).
Lodz: 5th TK3 attacks 11th Pz I A (0-3).
So does 4th TK3 (0-4).
9th cavalry attacks 7th Wehr (0-5).
6th TK3 crosses river through bridge then attacks same unit on open ground (0-1). Now only 1 strenght point remains.
So does 4th TK3 (0-4).
9th cavalry attacks 7th Wehr (0-5).
6th TK3 crosses river through bridge then attacks same unit on open ground (0-1). Now only 1 strenght point remains.
Turn five losses balance: Axis 25 (tot.117) - Allied 9 (tot. 74) Casualties: Axis 5 - Allied 4
TURN SIX - AXIS
Kutno: 1st PSW attacks 1st TK3 (0-4) and destroys it then goes to occupy Posen as axis player is in need of prestige.
13th PSW crosses river and attacks 4th TK3 (0-3).
11th Pz 35(t) attacks as well (0-2) same unit.
12th Pz III E attacks 7th TK3 causing only one loss (0-1).
13th PSW crosses river and attacks 4th TK3 (0-3).
11th Pz 35(t) attacks as well (0-2) same unit.
12th Pz III E attacks 7th TK3 causing only one loss (0-1).
Lodz: 10th Pz I A moves along the river to the north without reinforcing. Bad move. 7th Wehr reinforces.
TURN SIX - ALLIES
At Kutno it's six versus six while in Lodz it's four versus two. If I close at Lodz, at Kutno things should improve.
Kutno - 8th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (1-4)
I disband 2nd TK3 which is surrounded, with only 2 strenght points and without ammo.
At last, I can reinforce 11th AF 75mm.
7th TK3 attacks 2nd Wehr (0-3)
4th TK3 from Lodz area attacks 2nd Wehr from behind (0-3)
10th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-1)
3rd TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-1)
Lodz - 6th TK3 attacks 7th Wehr (0-6)
9th Cavarly attacks same unit and destroys it (1-1)
5th TK3 attacks 10th Pz I A and kills (0-3) then takes enemy tanks from the rear. I get two new tanks. Now it's eleven versus six.
Turn six losses balance: Axis 22 (tot.139) - Allied 12 (tot. 86) Casualties: Axis 7 - Allied 5
13th PSW attacks same unit (0-1)
12th Pz III E crosses river and attacks 11th AF 75mm (0-5)
11th Pz 35(t) crosses river and attacks 8th TK3 (1-3)
9th Pz II attacks poor 5th TK3 but has no effect (0-0)
9th Cavalry attacks 2nd Wehr and kills it (1-4)
8th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (2-0)
10th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (1-1)
3rd TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-3) and destroys it.
6th TK3 reconquers Kalisz. Now it's 11 vs. 4.
Turn seven losses balance: Axis 9 (tot.148) - Allied 17 (tot. 103) Casualties: Axis 9 - Allied 5
13th PSW attacks 5th TK3 (2-1)
12th Pz III E attacks 9th Cavalry (0-4)
11th Pz 35(t) attacks 8th TK3 (1-0)
8th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
3rd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (2-0)
2nd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0) now enemy is out of ammo
7th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
1st TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-1)
10th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
Turn eight losses balance: Axis 4 (tot.152) - Allied 10 (tot. 113) Casualties: Axis 9 - Allied 5
13th PSW attacks 8th TK3 (0-0)
12th Pz III E attacks 7th TK3 (1-5)
1st TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-1). Enemy unit retreats on river.
3rd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
10th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0). Unit retreats again on river
11th AF 75mm fires on 12th Pz III E (0-1). A little revenge.
4th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-1) Unit destroyed.
Turn nine losses balance: Axis 6 (tot.158) - Allied 5 (tot. 118) Casualties: Axis 10 - Allied 5
1st PSW attacks 9th Cavalry (0-3)
12th Pz III E attacks 6th TK3 (0-3)
Kutno - 8th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (1-4)
I disband 2nd TK3 which is surrounded, with only 2 strenght points and without ammo.
At last, I can reinforce 11th AF 75mm.
7th TK3 attacks 2nd Wehr (0-3)
4th TK3 from Lodz area attacks 2nd Wehr from behind (0-3)
10th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-1)
3rd TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-1)
Lodz - 6th TK3 attacks 7th Wehr (0-6)
9th Cavarly attacks same unit and destroys it (1-1)
5th TK3 attacks 10th Pz I A and kills (0-3) then takes enemy tanks from the rear. I get two new tanks. Now it's eleven versus six.
TURN SEVEN - AXIS
1st PSW attacks 5th TK3 (0-2)13th PSW attacks same unit (0-1)
12th Pz III E crosses river and attacks 11th AF 75mm (0-5)
11th Pz 35(t) crosses river and attacks 8th TK3 (1-3)
9th Pz II attacks poor 5th TK3 but has no effect (0-0)
TURN SEVEN - ALLIES
2nd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (2-0)9th Cavalry attacks 2nd Wehr and kills it (1-4)
8th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (2-0)
10th TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (1-1)
3rd TK3 attacks 9th Pz II D (0-3) and destroys it.
6th TK3 reconquers Kalisz. Now it's 11 vs. 4.
TURN EIGHT - AXIS
1st PSW attacks 4th TK3 (0-3)13th PSW attacks 5th TK3 (2-1)
12th Pz III E attacks 9th Cavalry (0-4)
11th Pz 35(t) attacks 8th TK3 (1-0)
TURN EIGHT - ALLIES
It has been a mistake to let the enemy cross the river and to attack him from behind, now I have to deal with him on open ground and the river can't help me anymore. Anyway the battle is already won.8th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
3rd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (2-0)
2nd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0) now enemy is out of ammo
7th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
1st TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-1)
10th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
TURN NINE - AXIS
1st PSW attacks 5th TK3 (2-0)13th PSW attacks 8th TK3 (0-0)
12th Pz III E attacks 7th TK3 (1-5)
TURN NINE - ALLIES
Only the toughest enemy units are left, it will be blood, sweat and tears.1st TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-1). Enemy unit retreats on river.
3rd TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0)
10th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-0). Unit retreats again on river
11th AF 75mm fires on 12th Pz III E (0-1). A little revenge.
4th TK3 attacks 11th Pz 35(t) (0-1) Unit destroyed.
TURN TEN - FINAL TURN - AXIS
1st PSW attacks 9th Cavalry (0-3)1st PSW attacks 9th Cavalry (0-3)
12th Pz III E attacks 6th TK3 (0-3)
TURN TEN - FINAL TURN - ALLIES
11th AF 75mm fires on 12th Pz III E (0-1)
The other units reinforce and wait for the final whistle. Allied victory. Game over.
Turn ten losses balance: Axis 1 (tot.159) - Allied 9 (tot. 127) Casualties: Axis 10 - Allied 5
To win at beginning of the game, you can send a cavalry unit from the north to occupy Breslau, as the german infantry unit until eighth turn has stayed outside the town just behind the bridge on Oder river, leaving Breslau open. But it wouldn't have been fun.
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