This month's ladder match is a rematch against Eric Pearson. We previously faced off in a ladder competition last October, giving me an opportunity for payback since Eric convincingly defeated me on that occasion. The current scenario centers around the battle for Dolgyi Gully in Stalingrad. The odds seem stacked against the Russians in this scenario, with minimal cover available and the Germans possessing considerable firepower. The infantry gun was positioned by the SSR. German troops were dispatched to protect the wooden bridge over the ravine. Unbeknownst to the German unit, Russian forces were also utilizing the bridge to transport an infantry gun to the ongoing battle in Krutoy Gully. With strict instructions not to retreat from the front line, the Russians engaged in the Showdown at Dolgyi Gully During the game, I assumed the role of the Axis forces and positioned my troops according to the guidelines provided for the level 4 hill. My strategy involved concentrating a significant firepower in the center to launch an immediate attack on the gun, while ensuring the protection of both flanks with additional units. It was crucial for the VP4 hex to be under German control, and I believed that if the Russians were not vigilant, we could exploit the opportunity to gain victory points by moving off the board. With both sides positioned on the hills, there was ample line of sight, leaving no room for concealment and resulting in a fierce start to the assault. Below is the initial setup for the game.
The Russians suffered heavy losses on Turn 1, losing 3 rifle squads, a weapons team, a 2 rated leader, and an infantry gun. Despite starting with a lead on the Victory Points chart, they ended the turn tied at 0. The Germans seemed to have the upper hand, but as is often the case in Combat Commander, fortunes can quickly shift. The game remains unpredictable until the final card is played, making it an exciting and dynamic experience.
The Axis gained their first lead of the game at the conclusion of the second turn. At this juncture, the situation appeared grim for the Russians since Eric was unable to draw a card for recovery. I needed to advance towards objective #5, which was crucial for the outcome of the game. The Axis forces were reinforced with a Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) and a weapons crew to help secure the flank. Additionally, the Germans advanced towards the wooden bridge. Fortunately, the Russians are currently unable to respond due to being low on resources, but once they have the opportunity to regroup, the situation will escalate with shells flying.
A quick time trigger was not what the Russians wanted. They still did not have any recover cards and the time was swiftly ticking away.
What?? another time trigger occurs within a few minutes. The Germans have taken a little fire, but the time triggers are really putting some pressure on the Russians.
In turn 6, the Russians caused significant harm. The southern fire group effectively and consistently provided firepower, resulting in the elimination of a German squad. The Axis strategy involved sending reinforcements to the bridge and encouraging German squads to advance towards the board's edge.
As we began turn 7, the Russian fortune quickly faded after a promising start. I made a strategic move by taking cover in a foxhole, which turned out to be crucial for the Axis forces. Dislodging the Germans from the bridge would require significant firepower. To make matters worse for the Russians, a German hero joined the defenders on the bridge, spelling trouble for the Allies.
During Turn 7, both Axis HMGs were initially silenced by suppression fire, but a recovery card allowed them to rejoin the battle. One of the HMGs was eliminated, reducing the Axis victory point total to 2. The outcome of the game was becoming increasingly uncertain. Meanwhile, the Russian forces in the south fortified their position effectively. The turn ended and the game looked like it would end as well, but rolling an 11 allowed for the Russians to maintain some hope for a late victory.
Time waits for no one, and that proved to be the downfall of the Russians in this match. With objective 4 carrying a value of 5 points, the Axis secured a hard-earned victory. Initially, it seemed like the Russians might gain some points by getting a squad off the board, but the Axis swiftly responded by having having an even larger group making their way to the boards edge.
As always, Combat Commander delivered an exciting game, and Eric displayed true sportsmanship, even in the face of challenging circumstances for him and the Allies.
On another note, Eric and I are currently tied at 1-2 in ladder play, and I eagerly anticipate our next match to determine the ultimate winner.
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