Another river crossing required by the Soviets against an undermanned Slovak defense. Yet somehow the Slovaks get enough play from their artillery and direct fire to disrupt and then demoralize the enginners time and time again. Of the 11 step losses suffered by the Soviets 2 were engineers out of 4 available. They were targets from the word go.

One can only feel sorry for the poor engineers who had to work in the open, under the guns of the Slovaks and who, time after time, were chased from the river before they could get anyone across. The first troops to cross made it at the fourth hour of combat and were promptly demoralized and their leader deserted leaving them motionless and cowering by the riverbank. The remainder of the forces to cross didn't make it until the last 1 1/2 hours of the battle. As a coup de grace the engineers were again demoralized with an hour to go which effectively ended the battle.

Of some tactical note. There is a town on board 20 which is also a crossing point for the river. The Slovaks entered this hex and held it for 5 1/2 of the 7 hour scenario. This was critical as the protection provided by the town made it possible for the engineers, once they reached it, to resist the artillery and to recover from any morale losses they incurred.

In any event the game had a lot of waiting in it to see if the Soviets could cross. Ultimately they couldn't which led to a quick play and a ton of frustration for the Soviets. If the Soviets can cross in any significant numbers, it is hard to see if the Slovak reinforcements can make a difference. I give it a 2.