AAR: Celles: The Ardennes (2012) G01

GAME: Celles -The Ardennes, December 23-27, 1944
DESIGNER: Roger Miller
ARTIST: Mark Mahaffey
PUBLISHER: Revolution Games
YEAR: 2012
OPPONENT: 2H-Solitaire

GAME/TURN: G01/T01, December 23rd, 1944 - Night

Chit, Supply, & Initiative

German has initiative by default

German AP1

• German pulls “Extra Move”
• German pulls 2nd Pzr Division.
• 2nd Pzr recon unit in 2612 ➔ 2009 Buissonville for 12MP
• 2nd Pzr bn in 2712 ➔ 2412 Jemelle for 11MP
• 2nd Pzr bn in 3316 ➔ 2911 for 7MP
• 2nd Pzr bn in 3316 ➔ 2811 for 9.5MP
• 2nd Pzr SP/AT in 3316 ➔ 2712 for 8.5MP

Allies AP1

• Allies pull 2nd Armored Division
• 2nd Arm bn in 1500 ➔ 2205 Haversin 6MP (T1 - reduced MPs)
• 2nd Arm bn in 1900 ➔ 1204 for 6MP (T1 - ditto)

German AP2

• German pulls “Combat Bonus”
• German pulls “German Night Replacement”
• German pulls Panzer Lehr Division
• Pzr. Lehr bn in 2216 ➔ 2114 for 2MP + 9MP (H.Atk) against 84th bn  in 2113 Rochefort.
  • 11A/7D, +1 DE night, +1 Hvy. -2 US town = 1-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=2(0) = D/-, Pzr. Lehr disrupted.
• Pzr. Recon 2216 ➔ 2213 for 3.5MP + 6MP (M.Atk) against 84th bn in 2113 Rochefort.
  • 7A/7D, +1 DE night, -2 US town = 1-1 CRT/-1 DRM, d10=8(7) = -/R, 84th retreats North to 2111, Pzr. Lehr advances into 2113 Rochefort.

THOUGHTS on TURN ONE

Messed up a lot on the terrain effects table at first. Redid several moves for German AP1, and referred to the rules a lot. Took me a bit to fully grasp differences between towns (fixed MP cost) versus villages (variable MP cost depending on terrain). Rivers also threw me.

Plus, motorized units have their own MP costs separate from infantry units.

Not seeing how I can maneuver to cut off supply lines as easy in this game. The ZOC requires a lot of linking up, and even then, you can “infiltrate” to break through the lines.

Forgot the US 2nd only has 6MP on turn one. So redid that move twice.

Nearly impossible for 84th to defend Rochefort if Panzer Lehr shows up. They rush North and assault from both sides. Well, I did as German player.

Also  (so many backtracks), I didn’t realize the Pzr. Lehr chit was a recon unit. I had put it under the Pzr. Lehr 2-step chit thinking it was a step loss. In an alternate timeline, the 84th held Rochefort and was reinforced by another battalion using trucks to get there fast.

GAME/TURN: G01/T02, December 24th, 1944 - Day

Chit, Supply, & Initiative

• Supply Phase - all fine
• Initiative Phase - Allies (+1 DRM as it’s day) d10=10(11), German d10=3. Allies chooses to go first.

Allies AP1

• Allies pull “Day Replacement”
• Allies pull 84th Infantry Division, “trucks marker” activated.
• 84th Inf bn in 2111 ➔ 2209 for 2MP
• 84th Inf bn in 2710 ➔ 2409 for 3MP
• 84th Inf bn in 2709 ➔ 2710 Marloie for 3MP
• 84th Inf bn in 2909 ➔ 2808 Marche for 1MP
• 84th Inf bn in 3107 ➔ 2710 Marloie for 5.5MP (trucks)

German AP1

• German pulls Panzer Lehr Division
• Pzr. Lehr Recon in 2113 Rochefort ➔ 1611 for 9MP
• Pzr. Lehr Bn in 2114 ➔ 1614 for 9MP
• Pzr. Lehr Bn in 2216 ➔ 2113 Rochefort for 3MP

Allies AP2

• Allies pull “combat chit”
• Allies pull “allied air”. Germany actions reduced by 1. Air Attack on 2nd Pzr. bn in 2911. d10=3, disrupted.
• Allies pull “Extra Move”.
• Allies pull 4th Cavalry Regiment
• Allies use “Extra Move” to activate 2nd Armored Division in 2205 ➔ 2008 for 4MP + 6MP (m.atk) against 2nd Pzr. recon in 2009.
  • 15A/5D = 3-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=10 = -/* RD. Eliminated! 2nd Arm advances into 2009
• 4th Cav Rgmt in 2506 ➔ 1709 for 12MP

German AP2

• German pulls 2nd Panzer Division
• 2nd Pzr bn in 2412 ➔ 2610 for 3.5MP
• 2nd Pzr SP/AT in 2712 ➔ 2711 for 3MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 2710 Marloie against 2x84th Inf bns, with 2nd Pzr. In 2610 helping
  • 13A/8D, -1 Village, -1 combat chit. 1-1 CRT/-2 DRM, d10=4(2) = D/ disrupted
• 2nd Pzr bn in 2811 ➔ 2810 for 2MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 2710 Marloie against 2x84th Inf bns, with 2nd Pzr. In 2610 supporting.
  • 17A/8D, -1 Village. 2-1 CRT/-1 DRM, d10=3(2) = no effect.

Thoughts on Turn Two

Don’t know why I took the initiative as Allies even though I knew they had only 2 action phases to the German’s 3 AP this turn. I think I just wanted to shore up my defenses and ZOCs. Turned out well for the Allies.

Allies pulled multiple tactical chits. The air attack was useful. The extra move allowed the 2nd arm to destroy the 2nd Pzr. recon hanging near Buissonville.

I had two goals for the Germans. Send some units to the Meuse river, as that’s their objective for collecting VPs… but also start destroying the 84th, or at least break through their lines. Problem was, they (I) rolled terribly.

The Battle of Marloie was just absurd. Two waves from the 2nd Pzr. and effectively rolled “2” twice. I missed the fact that the second Pzr. unit I moved in was a SP/AT and not pure armor. But even so… the Germans are now positioned for a triple-wave attack at 29-14 (2-1 CRT). Still not the ratio I (as Germany) would’ve wanted though.

GAME/TURN: G01/T03, December 24th, 1944 - Night

Chit, Supply, & Initiative

• Supply Phase - all fine
• Initiative Phase - Allies d10=6, German d10=4(5). Allies choose to go second.

German AP1

• German pulls “Night Replacement”
• German 2nd Pzr. SP/AT in 2711 ➔ 2510 for 5MP, infiltrate into 2609 for 5MP, d10=5(8), success!
• German 2nd Pzr. in 2911 ➔ 2711 for 5MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 2710 Marloie 2x84th Inf. bns, with 2nd Pzr. in 2810, 2610, and SP/AT in 2607.
  • 36A/14D, -1 Village, +1 Night. 2-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=2, no effect
• German 2nd Pzr. in 2810 (h.atk) into 2710 Marloie as above, same buddies.
  • 31A/14D, -1 village, +1 night, +1 heavy. 2-1 CRT/+1 DRM, d10=3(4), 1SL both sides. 2nd Pzr. -1SL, 1x84th eliminated
• German 2nd Pzr. in 2610 (h.atk) into 2710 Marloie as above, same buddies.
  • 23A/7D, same DRMs, 3-1 CRT/+1 DRM, d10=10(11). 84th eliminated. 2nd Pzr. advances into 2710 Marloie

Allies AP1

• Allies pulls 84th Inf Div
• Allies 84th Inf bn in 2808 Marche ➔ 2910 for 2MP + 1MP (l.atk) into 2810 2nd Pzr.
  • 5A/2D, -2 light, 2-1 CRT/ -2 DRM, d10=8(6), 2nd Pzr. Disrupted.
• Allies 84th Inf bn in 2808 Marche ➔ 2910 for 2MP + 1MP (l.atk) into 2810 2md Pzr.
  • 7A/2D, -2 light, +2 disrupted, 3-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=1, no effect
• Allies 84th Inf bn in 2908 ➔ 2809 Marche
• Allies 84th Inf bn in 3206 ➔ 3107
• Allies 84th Inf bn in 2409 ➔ 2509 for 1MP, infiltrate into 2608, +2 night, +1 infantry, d10=5(8), success, move into 2708
• Allies 84th Inf bn 2209 ➔ 2409 for 2MP

German AP2

• German pulls Pzr. Lehr
• German uses replacement. 2nd Pzr. recon placed in 2611 Hargimont
• German Pzr. Lehr in 1614 ➔ 0814 for 12MP through Beauraing
• German Pzr. Lehr in 1611 ➔ 0906 for 12MP through Celles
• German Pzr. Lehr in 2113 Rochefort ➔ 1311 for 12 MP through Eprave
• German Pzr. Lehr in 2216 ➔ 1712 for 12MP through Rochefort and Eprave

Allies AP2

• Allies pull “Extra Move”
• Allies pull “Day Replacement”
• Allies pull “Combat Chit”
• Allies pull 4th Cav. Rgt.
• Allies use extra move with 2nd Armo in 2009 ➔ 1811 for 3MP + 6MP (m.atk)
  • 15A/5D, -1 woods, +1 combat chit, 3-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=9, Pzr. Lehr -1SL/RD ➔ 1813 in Eprave
• Allies 4th Cav. Rgt. in 1709 Mont Gauthier ➔ 1110

German AP3

• German pulls 116th Panzer
• German 116th Panzer in 3310 ➔ 3010 for 3MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 2910 where 84th inf. is
  • 11A/8D, -1 woods, +1 night, +1 heavy. 1-1 CRT/ +1 DRM, d10=4(5), no effect
• German 116th Panzer in 3011 ➔ 2911 for 0.5MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 2910 84th, with 116th Pzr. in 3010
  • 17A/8D, same mods as above. 2-1 CRT/ +1 DRM, d10=2(3), no effect
• German 116th Panzer recon in 3211 ➔ 3009 for 5MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 2910, with 116th Pzr. In 2911 and 3010
  • 19A/8D, same mods but medium. 2-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=9, 1SL/R. 1x84th eliminated, 1x84th retreats back to 2808 Marche, disrupted thru EZOC.

German AP4

• German pulls Pzr. Lehr again
• German Pzr. Lehr in 0814 ➔ 0508 in Falmignoul for 6MP
• German Pzr. Lehr in 0906 ➔ 0505 for 5MP
• German Pzr. Lehr in 1311 ➔ 0706 for 10MP through Celles
• German Pzr. Lehr in 1813 Eprave ➔ 1513 for 8MP

Recovery & Victory Points

• Germans score 3VP for 3 units next to Meuse

Thoughts on Turn Three

I made a huge mistake as allies by seeking vengeance after the German’s first action phase. They took Marloie, they were exhausted, and there was one 2nd Panzer unit with a step loss. Figured two 84th infantry units could take it down. Bad rolls ensued. (Also, missed the rule exception that only three 84th units can be activated. d’oh.)

Obviously, when the 116th Panzer came up… they had to chew up the 84th. Which is what they did, with one eliminated and one retreating back to Marche.

On the German side, Panzer Lehr made a speed run towards the river Meuse. We got three units there, so 3VPs! The Allies did activate an extra move using 2nd Armor to hunt down a Panzer Lehr, but it was not enough. Also - I forgot I could activate a separate unit versus the formation indicated when I pull an action chit. I wouldn’t have used the 4th Cavalry. They were useless.

It’s devastating seeing Germany’s 4APs vs Allie’s 2APs and how much they could do. Well, tomorrow is Christmas and the Allies have 5APs to fix this huge mess.

GAME/TURN: G01/T04, December 25th, 1944 - Day

Chit, Supply, & Initiative

• Supply Phase: Fine
• Initiative Phase: Allies d10=1(2), Axis d10=2.
• Reroll: Allies d10=7(8), Axis d10=6. Allies force Germans to go first and use up one of their turns.

Germans AP1

• Axis pulls FBB but not available until tonight.
• Axis activates Pzr Lehr in 1513 ➔ 0914 for 8MP

Allies AP1

• Allies pull Extra Move chit
• Allies pull 2nd Arm
• Allies 2nd Arm in 1204 ➔ 0805 for 6MP + 6MP (m.atk) on Pzr Lehr in 0706.
  • 15A/8D, -1 woods, +1 day, 1-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=10, /RD. Pzr Lehr retreats to 0807 disrupted.
• Allies 2nd Arm in 1900 ➔ 2608 for 12MP
• Allies 2nd Arm in 1500 ➔ 2508 for 12MP
• Allies 2nd Arm in 1811 ➔ 2509 for 9MP + 3MP (l.atk) into 2609 2nd Pzr SP/AT with 2nd Arm in 2609 for Assist
  • 23A/5D, -2 light, -1 woods, +1 day, 3-1 CRT/ -2 DRM, d10=9(7). /RD. 2nd Pzr retreats to 2511 disrupted.
• Allies 2nd Arm recon in 1300 ➔ 1006 for 12MP

German AP2

• German pulls Night Replacement chit
• German pulls Combat Chit
• German pulls 2nd Pzr
• German 2nd Pzr recon in 2611 ➔ 2212 for 7.5M
• German 2nd Pzr in 2711 ➔ 2610 for 0.5MP

Allies AP2

• Allies pull Day Replacement
• Allies pull 84th Inf
• Allies use replacement to place a 84th bn in 3206
• Allies use extra move to activate 2nd arm in 0805 ➔ 0806 for 1MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 0807 disrupted Pzr Lehr.
  • 15A/8D, +1 heavy, +2 disrupted, 1-1 CRT/ +3 DRM, d10=2(5), no effect
• Allies activate 2nd arm in 2509 instead ➔ 2410 for 3MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 2511 disrupted 2nd Pzr SP/AT.
  • 15A/5D, +2 disrupted, +1 heavy, 3-1 CRT/ +3 DRM, d10=1(4). /R, 2nd Pzr retreats to 2612

German AP3

• German pulls Pzr Lehr
• German Pzr Lehr in 0914 ➔ 0310 for 9MP
• German Pzr Lehr in 0807 ➔ 0512 for 9MP

Allies AP3

• Allies pull combat chit
• Allies pull 4th Cav Rgt
• Allies activate 2nd arm in 0806 instead ➔ 0606 for 2.5MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 0507 against Pzr Lehr recon
  • 15A/5D, -1 woods, +1 heavy, -1 river, +1 Allies combat chit, -1 German combat chit. 3-1 CRT/ -1 DRM, d10=9(8). /SL+R. Pzr Lehr recon eliminated. 2nd arm advance into 0507

Allies AP4

• Allies pull Allied Air
• Allies pull 2nd Arm
• Allies use Air Attack on Pzr Lehr in 0508 in Falmignoul. d10=6(4), disrupted.
• Allies 2nd Arm recon in 1006 ➔ 0607 for 6MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 0508 Falmignoul with Pzr Lehr defending.
  • 21A/8D, -2 town, +2 disrupted. 2-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=5. /R, retreats to 0510.
• Allies 2nd Arm in 2507 ➔ 2509 for 2.5MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 2510 disrupted Pzr Lehr
  • 15A/8D, +2 disrupted. 1-1 CRT/ +2 DRM, d10=3(5), no effect
• Allies 2nd Arm in 2410 ➔ 2511 for 1MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 2610 2nd Pzr
  • 15A/5D, +1 heavy, 3-1 CRT/ +1 DRM, d10=7(8). /SL+R, retreats to 2712
• Allies 2nd Arm in 2508 ➔ 2609 for 2MP + 9MP (h.atk) into 2710 Marloie against 2nd Pzr
  • 15A/8D, -1 village, +1 heavy, 1-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=2. 2nd Arm disrupted.
• Allies 2nd Arm in 2608 ➔ 2709 for 4MP + 6MP (m.atk) into Marloie against 2nd Pzr. Add disrupted 2nd Arm in 2609 for help.
  • 23A/8D, -1 village, -2 disrupted, 2-1 CRT/ -3 DRM, d10=7(4). SL both sides.

Allies AP5

• Allies pull UK 29th Arm
• 29th Arm in 0313 ➔ 0210 for 5MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 0310 against Pzr Lehr8A/2D, 0 mods. 3-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=8, SL/R. Pzr Lehr eliminated

Recovery & Victory Points

• 0VPs for Germany as US 2nd Arm chased them away from Meuse river

Thoughts on Turn Four

Well, that was a disappointing Christmas for the Allies. Yes, the 2nd Armor Division chased away all the Panzer Lehr units away from the Meuse river, denying them points. Yes, the 2nd Armor Division also fast-tracked to Marche and Marloie to reinforce the faltering 84th Infantry Division. And yes it was great when the 29th Armour (with a “u”) Division eliminated a Panzer Lehr unit.

This is all very good news. But so many rolls only resulted in disrupting the Germans and not more. I thought the five action phases for the Allies compared to the German’s three would create more devastating results. I’m learning that the CRT can be really rough if you don’t have superior firepower… but that’s a given too right? I mean, I took aggressive risks with 1-1 CRT rolls. I even took one with -3 DRM just so I could keep pressing forward.

And what is up with there being no 4-1 CRT? Lame.

It’s Christmas night next and the Germans have 4APs to the Allies 3AP. Let’s see what happens.

GAME/TURN: G01/T05, December 25th, 1944 - Night

Chit, Supply, & Initiative

• Supply Phase: Fine
• Initiative: Allies d10=7, Germans d10=8(9). Germans decide to go first.

Germans AP1

• Germans pull 2nd Pzr
• 2nd Pzr in 2212 ➔ 2113 Rochefort for 4MP
• 2nd Pzr in 2710 ➔ 2810 leaving Marloie for 3MP
• 2nd Pzr in 2712 ➔ 2612 for 3MP

Allies AP1

• Allies pull 29th Armour
• 29th Arm in 0210 ➔ 0409 for 3MP + 6MP (m.atk) into 0510 with 2nd Arm in 0509 as support against Pzr Lehr in 0510
  • 23A/8D, 0 mods, 2-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=5. /R, Pzr Lehr retreats to 0711

German AP2

• German pulls extra move
• German pulls 9th Pzr
• 9th Pzr in 3316 ➔ 2712 for 11.5MP
• 9th Pzr in 3316 ➔ 2812 for 9.5MP
• 9th Pzr recon in 3316 ➔ 2715 Nassogne for 11.5MP

Allies AP2

• Allies pull replacement
• Allies pull 2nd Arm
• 2nd Arm in 2709 ➔ 2809 for 3MP + 6MP for (m.atk) into 2810 against 2x 2nd Pzr
  • 8A/6D, no mods, 1-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=10. /RD 2nd Pzr retreats to 2611 disrupted.
• 2nd Arm in 2609 ➔ 2610 for 3MP + 6MP for (m.atk) into 2611, same Pzr units, but with help of 2nd Arm in 2511
  • 30A/6D, -1 river, -1 village, +2 disrupted, 5-1 CRT/ 0 DRM, d10=2(2), SL each. One 2nd Pzr eliminated.
• 2nd Arm in 2511 (h.atk) into 2611 for 9MP, same Pzr units, same help.
  • 19A/4D, +2 disrupted, -1 river, -1 village, 3-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=2(2). No effect.
• 2nd Arm in 1900 ➔ 2506 Hogne for 9MP
• 2nd Arm in 0509 ➔ 0510 for .5MP + 6MP (m.atk) against Pzr Lehr in 2511
  • 15A/8D, 0 mods, 1-1 CRT/0 DRM, d10=7. /R Pzr Legr retreats into 0612

German AP3

• German pulls combat chit
• German pulls Pzr Lehr
• German uses extra move to activate 9th Pzr in 2811 ➔ 2810 for 3MP + 9MP h.atk against 2nd Arm in 2809.
  • 12A/4D, +1 heavy, +1 combat chit, 3-1CRT/+2DRM, d10=7(9). 2nd Arm eliminated!
• Pzr Lehr in 0612 ➔ 0213 Givet for 6MP
• Pzr Lehr in 0712 ➔ 0212 for 8.5MP

Allies AP3

• Allies pull Allied Air
• Allies pull 4th Cav
• Allies use Air Attack to reduce German actions and attack 116th in 2911. d10=2, disrupted
• Allies 4th Cav in 1110 ➔ 0713 for 8.5MP

Recovery & Victory Points

• Germans score 2VP

Thoughts on Turn 5

This was a rough turn for the Germans despite having the night advantage. I felt like I was shoring up my defenses the entire time. The 9th Pzr was helpful in filling in gaps. The 2nd Pzr was simply retreating. I didn’t realize how devastating last turn actually was. It takes getting used to, but disruption actually matters a lot for destroying troops. The US 2nd Armor almost feels OP with 15-12-9 stats. Up against any Panzer unit, it hits on the CRT at 3-2.

GAME/TURN: G01/T06, December 26th, 1944 - Day

Chit, Supply, & Initiative

• Supply: Fine, but Pzr Lehr in Givet better watch out.
• Initiative: Allies d10=8(9), Germans d10=10. Germans choose to go first.

Germans AP1

• Germans pull replacement
• Germans pull FBB
• FBB in 3311 ➔ 3307 for 7MP
• FBB in 3322 ➔ 3108 Verdenne for 9MP

Allies AP1

• Allies pull 2nd Arm
• 2nd Armin 0510 ➔ 0312 for 5.5MP + 6MP m.atk against Pzr Lehr in 0212
  • 15A/8D, +1 day, 1-1CRT/+1DRM, d10=10(11, /SL+R. Retreat to 0413.
• 2nd Arm recon in 0607 ➔ 0511 for 3.5MP potentially putting both Pzr Lehr OOS
• 2nd Arm in 2506 ➔ 2909 for 4MP + 6MP m.atk at 116th in 3009
  • 15A/5D, -1 woods, +1 day. 3-1CRT/0DRM, d10=5. Disrupted.
• 2nd Arm in 2610 h.atk at 2nd Panzer in 2612 with 2nd Arm in 2511.
  • 23A/4D, +1 day, +1 heavy, -1 village, -1 river. 5-1CRT/0DRM, d10=8. 2nd Pzr eliminated

German AP2

• German pulls 2nd Pzr
• 2nd Pzr Recon in 2113 Rochefort ➔ 1512
• 2nd Pzr + SP/AT in 2612 ➔ 2315

Allies AP2

• Allies pull 4th Cav
• Allies activate 2nd Arm in 2909 instead, h.atk at 116th in 3009
  • 15A/5D, +1 day, +1 heavy, +2 disrupted, -1 woods. 3-1CRT/+3DRM, d10=5(8). 116th recon eliminated.

German AP3

• German pulls Pzr Lehr
• German activates FBB instead in 3307, h.atk at both 3rd Arm in 3306 Hotton and 84th in 3206.
  • 12A/11D, -2 town, +1 heavy, 1-1CRT/-1DRM, d10=5(4). No effect.

Allies AP3

• Allies pull replacement
• Allies pull 29th Arm
• Allies replace 2nd Arm in 2610
• Allies activate 2nd Arm in 0312 instead ➔ 0412 for 3MP + 9MP h.atk @Pzr Lehr in 0415.
  • 15A/4D, +1 heavy, +2 disrupted, -1 woods, 3-1CRT/+2DRM, d10=6(8). Pzr Lehr eliminated.

Allies AP4

• Allies pull 2nd Arm
• 2nd Arm in 2909 ➔ 2809 for 3MP + 9MP h.atk @9th Pzr in 2810
  • 15A/9D, +1 heavy, +1 day. 3-2CRT/+2DRM, d10=7(9). Retreat into 2812 disrupted.
• 2nd Arm in 2610 ➔ 2711 for 4MP + 6MP m.atk @9th Pzr in 2712
  • 15A/9D, +1 day, 3-2CRT/0DRM, d10=9. Retreat to 2813 disrupted.
• 2nd Arm in 2511 ➔ 2712 for 7MP + 3MP l.atk @9th Pzr in 2812.
  • 15A/9D, -1 light, +1 day, +2 disrupted, 3-2CRT/+2DRM, d10=6(8). SL
• 2nd Arm in 0412 ➔ 0313 for 3MP h.atk @Pzr Lehr in 0213 Givet.
  • 15A/8D, +1 day, +1 heavy, -1 river, -2 town. 3-2CRT/-1DRM, d10=1(0). 2nd Arm SL!

Allies AP5

• Allies pull 84th Inf.
• Allies activate 2nd Arm in 2712 instead, h.atk @9th Pzr in 2812
  • 15A/5D, +1 day, +2 disrupted, +1 heavy. 3-1CRT/+4DRM, d10=1(5). Disrupted already.

Recovery & Victory Points

• German scores 1VP. Panzer Lehr in Givet.

Thoughts on Turn Six

Man, 4th Cav, British 29th Armour, and even 84th Infantry are all useless when you’re on the attack. They’re good for maneuvering and defending, but it’s clear I would activate the US 2nd Armor over and over again in order to affect the board. That Allies AP4 sucked though. Givet is across the river and a town, so that’s -3DRM straight off. That attack was probably why I ended up with a tie maybe. With that said, the 2nd Armor sure killed a lot Nazis (Panzer Lehr and 9th Panzer).

GAME/TURN: G01/T07, December 26th, 1944 - Night

• Chit, Supply, & Initiative
• Supply: Panz Lehr in 0213 Givet is OOS
• Initiative: Allies d10=6, Germans d10=6(7). Germans will act first.

German AP1

• Germans pull 9th Pzr
• 9th Pzr in 2715 Nassogne ➔ 2209 for 12MP
• 9th Pzr in 2813 ➔ 2713 for 2MP + 9MP h.atk @2nd Arm in 2712 with help from 9th Pzr in 2812
  • 18A/12D, +1 night, +1 heavy. 3-2CRT/+2DRM, d10=6(8). SL for 2nd Arm.
• 9th Pzr in 2812 h.atk @2nd Arm with 9th Pzr in 2713z
  • 13A/6D, +1 night, +1 heavy. 2-1CRT/+2DRM, d10=9(11). 2nd Arm eliminated.9th Pzr in 3316 ➔ 2912 for 6.5MP

Allies AP1

• Allies pull 4th Cav
• Allies activate 2nd Arm in 2711 instead ➔ 2810 for 3MP + 6MP m.atk @116th
  • 15A/8D, 0mods, 3-2CRT/0DRM, d10=8. SL for 116th.

German AP2

• German pulls extra move
• German pulls 2nd Pzr
• German uses extra move with 116th Pzr in 3309 ➔ 3207 for 5MP + 6MP m.atk @ 84th in 3107 and 3206… with help from FBB in 3307 and 3208.
  • 35A/14D, +1 night, 2-1 CRT/+1DRM, d10=6(7). SL, 84th eliminated.
• German activates 116th again in 3206 now, h.atk into 3306 Hotton with FBB’s help
  • 35A/11D, +1 heavy, +1 night, -2 town. 3-1CRT/0DRM, d10=9. SLRD. 84th eliminated, 3rd armor can’t retreat, also eliminated. 116th advances into Hotton.

Allies AP2

• Allies pull 84th inf
• 84th in 2409 ➔ 2312 for 3MP
• 84th in 2708 ➔ 2409 for 3MP

Germans AP3

• Germans pull replacement
• Germans pull FBB, withdraws
• Germans replace 116th in 2911

Recovery & Victory Points

• Germans score 1VP

Thoughts on Turn 7

The Germans had to stop running scared from the US 2nd Armored, so the 9th Panzer coordinated a good attack and eliminated a unit. The 116th Panzer also did a great job of enlisting the Führerbegleitbrigade to lay siege in Hotton and destroy two 84th infantry units and the 3rd Armored.

Good turn for the Germans.

GAME/TURN: G01/T08, December 27th, 1944 - Day

• Chit, Supply, & Initiative
• Supply: Pzr Lehr in 0213 isolated
• Initiative: Allies d10=3(4), Germans d10=7. Germans will go first

German AP1

• Germans pull FBB. Fuck.
• Germans activate 2nd Pzr SP/AT in 2315 ➔ 2113 Rochefort for 4MP

Allies AP1

• Allies pull Air Strike
• Allies pull Extra Move
• Allies pull 84th
• Air Strike in Givet at isolated Pzr Lehr. d10=1 no effect.
• Allies activate 29th in 0409 ➔ 0212 for 5MP + 6MP for m.atk into 0213 Givet on Pzr Lehr, with help from 2nd Arm in 0313
  • 16A/8D, +2 isolated, -1 river, -2 town, 2-1CRT/-1DRM, d10=6(5). Retreat into 0315. 29th advances into Givet

Allies AP2

• Allies pull replacement
• Allies pull 29th
• Allies uses extra move 2nd Arm in 2810 instead ➔ 2412 for 11.5MP
• Allies activate 2nd Arm in 2810 again ➔ 2210 for 3MP + 9MP h.atk into 2113 Rochefort against 2nd Pzr SP/AT
  • 15A/3D, +1 heavy, +1 day, -1 river, -2 town. 5-1CRT/-1DRM, d10=9(8). 2nd Pzr eliminated. 2nd Arm advance into Rochefort.

Allies AP3

• Allies pull 2nd Arm
• Allies replace 2nd Arm at 0313
• 2nd Arm in 0313 ➔ 0314 for 4MP + 6MP m.atk @ Pzr Lehr in 0315
  • 15A/8D, +2 isolated, +1 day, -1 wood, 3-2CRT/+2DRM, d10=4(6). Retreat to 0516 Winenne
• 2nd Arm in 2809 ➔ 3206 for 4MP + 6MP @ 116th Pzr in 3306 Hotton.
  • 15A/8D, -2 town, +1 day. 3-2CRT/-1DRM, d10=3(2). 2nd retreats to 3105.

Final Scoring

• Germans at Meuse during game 6VP
• Allies hold Marche & Rochefort 4VP
• Germans hold Hotton 2VP
• Germans do not hold Ciney, Beauraing, Givet, or Dinant 0VP
• Germans eliminated 9 steps: 9VP
• Allies eliminated 13 steps: 13VP
  • GERMANS: 17VP
  • ALLIES: 17VP

Thoughts on Turn Eight

Germans pulling FBB in the last turn and then getting airstruck is the worst of luck. It reduced the final turn to one measly move. Taking Rochefort made the most sense. But they couldn’t defend it. Not with the Allies action economy.

Looking back the last few turns, I really needed the 116th Panzer to be activated more. They didn’t do much after showing up.