Author	treadasaurusrex (United States)
Method	VASSAL
Victor	United States
Participants	ACav
Play Date	2023-03-19
Language	English
Scenario	BlDi002

A fun-filled, quick play-through of a small scale scenario with the dauntless, ACav, displaying his centerfield flexibility and calculated risk-taking as the Italian commander. This was a 2-session, fast-paced, play-through with me leading the semi-defending, American task force with Stuart tanks. Both sides had decent leader draws and this one was marred only by a combined 7 combat 7-die rolls. We used the excess initiative & extended assault optional rules, and ignored the FOW. We also experimented with the following 3 house rules: 1) Standardized Movement for Mechanized UnitsAll mechanized units may move through clear hexes at a movement cost of only 1 movement point (MP) per hex, instead of 1 1/2. Add one to this cost if moving up, across, or down slopes hexes, 2) Road Movement for Mechanized & Foot Units All FOOT & MECHANIZED units may move on roads at the rate of 1/2 a Movement Point (MP) per road hex, just like MOTORIZED units, and 3) Dug In Units on slopes are Automatically in Limiting Terrain in Desert Games Unless prohibited by special scenario rules, ALL units that are dug-in on hill, slope or wadi & gully hexes are considered to be in limiting terrain and are spotted by enemy units approaching to within 3 hexes, or 4 hexes for reconnaissance units – unless they are marked with a spotted marker, see 8.22.

Both sides split their forces, with the defending US-side deploying most of their infantry, supported by a single Stuart platoon in the town adjoining the south road. A second, combined arms task force set up guarding a pass on the northern road. In a risky approach, Mussolini's finest came down both roads simultaneously, with their MTC leading and an accompanying armored car. For once, Stuart tank firepower was formidable in both isolated fire fights and both of the surging Italian A/C units were dispatched by the end of game turn 7, while the American infantry mounted effective, though extended, counter attacks in both areas. With no OBA or tanks, the Italians were not able to soften up the small US blocking forces.

This was an interesting scenario that required a considerable amount of luck & tactical skill for the Italians to pull off a win with the available force. I give this slightly unbalanced effort a 4 as the American player, and recommend it for SOLO play. We learned that a veteran PG player should lead the attacking Italian side in SHARED play. It is a much tougher pull for the Axis commander with the Italians having to travel up the length of at least one road and observe all the hilltops in range. It was quite a bit easier for the Americans to stymie this recon effort than I think the scenario designer intended. All three of the experimental house rules worked well in this quick recon patrol mission.