Played four turns of Rostov.  Won’t discuss the rules problems….well it was really a chart problem…..enough.

Here’s an abbreviated account.  Will do my customary re-set after butchering a first playing.

The Germans opened by blasting through the Soviet Center , racing eastward.   The Soviets responded by holding the shoulders of the salient, and rushing reinforcements to a defensive line forming in the vicinity of Voroshilovgrad (to be referred to as “V” from here on out).  The Soviets receive four randomly drawn units each of first few turns, then three.  Rail movement sped the reinforcements westward despite Axis aircraft interdiction.

Both panzers and their supply units continued eastward during Turn 2, with forward elements coming into contact with the Soviets.   A probing attack pushed back Soviet units defending “V”.  The supply units were able to maintain their “chain” of six hexes (roads count 1/2 hex).  Loss of supply halves movement and combat strength.

The Soviets continued to feed troops into the threatened area running from “V” to Rostov.  Attempts to withdraw from their  exposed salient west of Kharkov failed, though without loss.

During Turn 3, the full strength panzers maneuvered to envelope Soviet units, but the attacks failed to inflict any real damage. This was despite a doubling of attack strength for armor and mechanized units due to divisional integrity. Meanwhile, strong infantry units entered from the western map edge.

The Soviets continued to buildup their defenses, now extending their defensive line southeast to Rostov, itself.

The German infantry opened Turn 4 by penetrating the southern flank of the Soviets defending Kharkov.  However, the eastern advanced ground to a halt waiting for reinforcements.

A challenging game.  With the proper CRT and game unique charts covering disengagement of Soviet forces and weather, it should be even better.  Either way, the Axis has its work cut out!