Author	triangular_cube
Method	Solo
Victor	Germany
Play Date	2023-02-03
Language	English
Scenario	TaBa034

This appeared to be another overload the defenses in one spot and rush off the map scenario at first glance but it actually played rather differently. Soviets have a bunch of tanks and a bit of supporting SMGs that need to cross the map and exit against a VERY thin German force, but the Germans have plenty of AT capability. It just has to be spread out.

Since the road is crucial to getting across the map for anything but the T-34s, the Germans anticipate a concentration there, and put their 88 in the middle of the 6 woods overlooking the road from the outcropping. They place one of their rare INF platoons with it to hopefully buy some time against an SMG assault. The northern approaches are protected by the 105s on the hill, and the 50s in the northern edge of the board 6 woods. The South has the Stugs, which are planning to displace to stalk the T-34s if they approach from another area. As this is the only other approach, they sit here until the onboard.

The Soviet plan followed German expectations as it is basically what the terrain dictates. Infantry and KVs with a smattering of T-60s push up the road planning on knocking out the 88 and moving on to the 20s beyond. The T-34s enter in mass in the south, themselves hunting the Stugs that are hunting them (Soviets must kill 5 steps before they can skeddadle). The rest of the T-60s try a poor flanking manuever to the north, really to prevent the few Germans there from repositioning south.

The North completely dissolves, 50s and 105s over the course of the game plink away at the mass of T-60s. The middle is overrun with infantry, but not before the 88 knocks out a step of KVs and the supporting 60s. The south ends up trading blows between the Stugs and T-34s, but the surviving Stug step ends up bugging out when approached by SMGs from the woods. The Soviets are spent, and so are the Germans, but the Soviets dont get anywhere close to achieving their VCs.

Had this just been a race of the board, overloading one approach would likely win out, as the Germans would still have to defend everywhere. But because an engagement has to be made, in order for Soviets to get enough kills, they have to attack at least 2/3 of the approaches, lest they not have enough kills for a win.

Dice may have favored the Germans a bit, but still a closer one.