Author	t1M0t8yk
Method	Solo
Victor	Germany
Play Date	2023-10-09
Language	English
Scenario	EFDx023

The Soviets used the first few turns to set up and dig in north to south on board 5 from just above the wheatfields to south of the hills behind the short minor river. The T-26s chose locations in the wheatfields and on the hills.

The Germans approached cautiously across a broad front using their superior range to take shots well in excess of the Reds. The mortars set up in the northern trees on board 8 and combined with the German OBA and occasional German aircraft started generating some dead Ivans. The Panzers, too, over time started knocking out some Red Army tanks. By around turn 15 the Germans exceeded their inflicted step loss objective, although they hadn't really advanced far.

However, it was also clear by around this time that it would be difficult for the Soviets to prevent Germans dashing off the board north of the wheat fields. So while the bulk of German infantry held their ground to tie up the southern and central Reds, a large number of mobile German combats steps first withdrew, then flanked to the north. By around turn 18 it was clear the Germans would soon meet their transit objective, so I called it in their favor.

Based on a reading of other AARs I expected this one to be imbalanced. It is imbalanced, but I think not as much as those AARs led me to believe. It would be interesting to play again but handicapping the Germans by removing their OBA or airstrikes.