Opening move

[steel32]

Playing my 1st game on PBEM on call to arms and with the new rules to deploy units I developed a unique strategy that is not fully tested but off hand not sure it can be beat (which my opponent is patient enough to try to stop). Units can be deployed right next to Belfort with artillery in support with 5 shots, along with a cavalry behind can move right into Belfort. This alone might not be a end all Strategy, however with this move another pincer can move into western France thru the crack in the line at Sedan and by so doing then fast march 3 cavalry blocking Amiens and a line a of infantry linking the chain. So in effect eastern France is in turmoil with Belort and the gate open in the east and the west falls apart without an invasion of Belgium or entry of war with England for 3-5 turns. France can not go both ways and in the process with lose either the eastern border forts/town/cities or lose all ports down to St. Malo in less than 2-3 turns. Sorry I am not experienced to take pictures.

1. More I think of this is I feel very gamey with this strategy (but wanted an out of the box game), and again my opponent is being a sport in waiting to see where this ends as I have offered to restart.

2. Should this be possible? Argument could be that this was a possible course if all the forces north waiting to invade Belgium were moved south and towards the ardennes as was done in WWII. Similar strategy fix them down and move around.

Looking for community feedback

[Hyazinth von Strachwitz]

Honestly: I don´t think this is gamey. When you take Belfort early in the game, you have a big advantage. I haven´t played it that way, but I think you might not be able to hold it... the French have gathered their forces down there. Your drive into northern France will be less powerfull, and the Arty will be missing around Brussels and Antwerpen. You can still grab Amiens, but you will not take Belgium out of the war in the 5th turn as usual.

I would suggest: just try it and see what comes out. If your strategy works, someone else might find a strategy to counter it .

[steel32]

You are correct on your assesment if war declared on Belgium, however this I avoided allowing the French left wing empty of any Belgiums or British for (3-5 turns). I am in Caen w/Amiens and the entire western france down to Caen in my hands in 2 turns. There are no Brits or Belgiums to balance. France can attack Belfort but if so doing then Germans could be in Paris in 2 turns. The entire western theatre is wide open with Amiens able to be blocked turn 1. I am much further into France then if attacking Belgium.

[Hyazinth von Strachwitz]

I still like your strategy.. it is not gamey. It shows what would have happened if Germany would not have relied on the Schlieffen Plan. If you conquer Paris with that strategy, you deserve it. But please keep in mind: the game does not end then. French NM will take a severe hit, but sooner or later the UK will be in the war as well. This would bring you in a bad strategic position... in the middle between UK forces in the north and the remainder of France in the south... and the US will be in the war much sooner.

If you succeed will depend on Russia and the micro management... why don´t try? You have less income (Belgium brings a lot MPP), but you have an advantage in terms of NM... sounds good to me.

[Bill101]

Hi Steel32

We did test this strategy out a bit during beta, and surprisingly it didn't always work out well for the Germans. Partly because the concentration on France and the lie of the land around Belfort meant that a) the Russians could mobilize in strength and that Belfort could be retaken.

It's good to have a chance for something like this to succeed, but not if it's a game breaker, so I'll be very interested to hear more on this, and if we do have a gamey strategy here, then some further tweaks can be introduced.

[lettowvorbeck]

Bill,

I seem to recall something like that!

The Germans pressing way out beyond the French left while Belgium is still neutral makes me wonder how they are supplied.

[steel32]

Well on turn 3 and have Cherbourg and all towns north except Calais with a french marine surrounded and down to 3. France has decided not to attack Belfourt but push west but I believe I am in good position with 1 HQ in place and another entering the box turn 4. 2 more French corps destroyed in front of Belfourt. Down to 21 units but I know a couple reinforcements deploy his turn 3. This is countered by 5 more german corps deployed last turn and moved into the 2nd lines and waiting to pounce or fill.

Russia has gone all out on germany taking Frankfurt by surprise with a cavalry. This kind of benefits the germans as another detachment deploys in Berlin. East prussia is on an edge yet all cities are at 10. But I have the moral and all cities filled in western germany that russia could hit. Russia however does not scare me enough to move reinforcements from Germany as supply is a long way from Berlin and the cavalry is for the most part surrounded by other cities entrenched. But they do scare me enough for Austria filling in quite a few entrenchments and cities as the reinforcements. I am hoping this is the key to keep the pressure on France and not pull reserves as was done in WW1.

Tempo is fast so far in this game and Britain will enter the following turn as they are at 93.

Lettowvorbeck I believe this would be somewhat possible in reality but Sedan and surrounding territory need to be held at all cost. Germany did do this in WW2 with a slim gap in the French lines for a period of time too. However the German army of 1914 was completely non-motorized and completely different strategies involved as in 1914 the French had a larger force in western france as they were not adhering to the Dyle Plan then but the opposite.

[Catacol Highlander]

Not gamey in my opinion, and as an afterthought every game I have played of CtoA where the German player goes hard at France in 1914 has resulted in ultimate German defeat. Food for thought. All opponents of a decent level of course, and not beginners (myself included. :-) )

[Sapare]

Not gamey in my opinion, and as an afterthought every game I have played of CtoA where the German player goes hard at France in 1914 has resulted in ultimate German defeat. Food for thought. All opponents of a decent level of course, and not beginners (myself included. :-) )

I would almost agree. Nearly all cases of France first does not work well. But I am playing a match against the guy who got 2nd place in tournament atm(I want my self respect back!) and we are now in 1917 and I did a (terribly wasteful) full on german offensive against France. I probably got somewhat lucky but considering how wastefull it was I could also have done it better. Point is, I captured all the way up to 1 field away from french arms factory in the first year of war and now in 1917 it really shows the difference on French strengh, their income and moral drained while the German moral is spiking on french territory.

Point is, even against good players it isnt always a certain defeat, it is just a very daring thing with little chance to save yourself if it goes badly.

[steel32]

Good point Sapare as I have understood from the beginning it is a go for all strategy and the russian steamroll would be coming.

Eastern Prussia is virtually lost but will take a few turns to finish off. I am hoping to patch work enough defense in western germany to buy time as I am holding back on sending as many reserves as can to keep the pressure up on France.

France is on the verge of disintegration with 37 land units vs I believe 21 as I am not sure if I killed 2 or 3 last turn. I have cracked thru epinal with units on the sides along with units cracking thru Verdun/Nancy sides with corps right next to Toul. It is inevitable that either Epinal or Nancy or both will fall next turn as I am also 2 spots away from Paris with no units at this time in Paris and a hole 2 hexes open. My opponent has decided to take on the eastern france push and by so doing as I expected then open up the western portion as I am taking either that this is given as both can not be Frances decision as forces are spread from Belfourt to Paris to St. malo. At same time knocked 2 HQ's to critical levels of 2 and 7.

Britain has entered the war however if no Britain units were landed in france last turn I have a huge opportunity to crush western france, or perhaps down towards Paris as I do have enough units in this area to throw the dice. Also Britain will have a delay as units must land in St. Malo or below.

Question is who falls apart 1st. I am not worried about E. Prussia in the short-term and expected to this lose this.

Fast moving game with a lot of money on both sides being spent on railroading troops in position. Not sure the long-term effects of lack of investment early but am betting it will hurt France worse as they can only be buying replacements or strenghtening units at this time.

[steel32]

Got it mixed up as he is taking on the western push by so doing leaving the east ripe in France.

[steel32]

The soviet juggernaut is starting to look unstoppable so Germans are starting to fill in. 7 Cp units fell last turn from being overly stretched. 3 were replaced last turn along with all other losses but need to wait until they arrive.

Rain in France did not help my advance, however Nancy has fallen and more pressure will be applied next turn. German troops in western france are falling back slightly to apply pressure where needed now to make a difference for the long-term strategy to be saved. Britain has also landed at least 3 units as of last turn.

Not looking good as I beleive I stretched too thin early and my opponent is even more aggressive then my strategy. Next few turns will tell the story as I need to gain enough of France before fully turning back.

[Bill101]

Thanks for keeping us informed on your game, I love reading things like this.

[steel32]

Epinal has fallen and more territority in this area is open as France has committed their main attack to containing the Paris and western push. Britain has landed at least 5 and expected around 6-8 units at this point and made a minor showing last turn.

Russia continues to push in western germany and northern austria. Over the last few turns the Silesian mines and Breslau have fallen. Serbia also has decided to push out and taken Sarajevo as I have not attacked to hard in this area as the need to pull Austrians out to help the Germans.

All this is making me take another radical approach. Russia has decided for the most part to pass E. Prussia and in order to put the troops where needed they will be pulled out of port and relocated, if they all can. Austria also decided to stop any form of attack in Serbia and will allow the Serbians to come to us in order to consolidate lines.

On the Middle Eastern Front there is none at this point as Britain decided not to confiscate Turkeys ship, allowing Russia to focus in their west. I also noticed troops dedicated to the Middle East pulled into France which when the time comes will give more options for Turkey.

However overall looking somewhat bleak unless yet enough pressure can be put on France enough to yet turn around and take Russia gains back.

[Catacol Highlander]

If I read this right then, the tactic of hitting France hard early doors has come unstuck. This tends to be what happens.

[steel32]

Catacol I agree with your earlier statement that it is possible but limited depending on some luck, strategy, and quality of opponent. I never really tested this strategy before this game and in hindsight believe some better preparation for Russia and different movement in the East things could be somewhat different. But again a go for all strategy that puts the Central Powers in a hole if things go wrong.

[steel32]

France resurgent as they take back Epinal. I could of re-took as I had the French cavalry down to 1 or 2 but decided to knock the corps out next to it instead. Strange looking front now as French keep up pressure west of Paris and British filling in positions along the future Maginot Line. Germans pull back to the Seine as it has been a massacre in this area with no reward.

Rain last turn on Russian front allows 2 corp to naval transport back thru Danzig and fill the lines. 2 more left yet for a hopeful next turn evacuation. This front has somewhat stabilized as Russians running out of some steam but still dangerous.

Italians have begun to itch for war. A decision will have to be made and I am quite sure what that decision will be.

[steel32]

Units are being swapped left and right with a whopping 23 Central units and 21 Allied down before the end of the year. Strategy as was put in place was a failure and now am continuing to adapt and take desperate action as Italy has been given Trieste and Trento, big hit to morale.

In France I am a little unclear yet what to do to save the situation and continue to fall back as I have to the Somme now. In Eastern France Nancy has exchanged hands and Epinal was close to following.

Serbian Front not much action as the fact is there is not enough Serbs to have an extremely strong offensive. Still need to be vigilante though and contain.

A minor counter attack against Russia as units from E. Prussia make their showing in E. Germany. A new front also being formed around Berlin to contain the Russian thrust.

When will snow ever arrive? Geesshh!

[steel32]

Nancy flips hands again in the west and my movement can no longer hide my new intention in France. And that is to get out of the box in western France now when I can save the remnants of this army for better service elsewhere.

On Russia front some luck finally comes as it was snowing their turn, and no snow on the Central Power turn. I took advantage to launch 2 minor offensives to hit the over extended Russians as 2 units fell and Germany is poised to start evicting Russians from around Berlin. This is aided by an offensive into northern austria from the Russians. Which I am not sure if this is good or not as Austria has taken a beating aiding their allies.

The Ottomans have entered and are also trying to take pressure off their allies with 4 corps in place to attack in the Caucasus next turn.

My opponent has graciously offered to allow me to surrender which I have left up to him as it is honorable to lie in the bed you make or at this point grave. We have decided to see where it goes and continue as long as interesting.

And it is interesting with 50+ units destroyed over the first few months, unfortunately about even which does not equate to a winning strategy in the end for the Central Powers. Next few turns shall show if there is yet a chance to turn the tide.

[Hyazinth von Strachwitz]

I like to read about experiences with these unusual strategies. Most of my matches go down the standard path, and a bit of alternation is nice. To me SC is a lot of mathematics, and I always try to maximize my MPP basis with minimum effort.. and reach a good position that is easy to defend.

[steel32]

I am glad others are enjoying my misery..

Seriously it is fun to try something out of the box and that was my intention to get more for less but ended up with less for a lot more.

[steel32]

Not much to report.

Almost all corp have escaped out of the pocket in France allowing some more options open.

In russia the Germans continue gentle probing as Russia has taken Krakow. Hoping I can hold here in Austria as I am still in control of the fortifications.

Ottomans continue the spirit of rapid movement and are trying their best to help their allies. They have taken Ardahan and Erivan by sneak attack along with blocking rail line behind Kars.

A few bright spots for the Central Powers if we can weather the storm. Italy is out of the war. US still at 0 with no invasion of Belgium. And I am aware that Russians and allies took forces away early from the Middle East leaving breathing room for the Ottomans to try bold strategies to help save the day that normally would not be taken but are out of desperation and the opportunity for another gamble.

[steel32]

As fast as they ran to St. Malo they have returned from where they came and the end of the line now is in Sedan. Situation here is stable for the moment as a wall of full entrenched corps await.

Glagau has fallen and Breslau is under siege. In the north the germans consolidate gains and rest.

Austria continues to rebuild from the disaster of Trento/Trieste and helping germany putting a Serbia corp in Mostar. Can not get enough morale yet to attack in this sector but building strength for the push in this area.

Ottomans have done their job for now as at least 1 corp has railroaded into the Caucasus, perhaps more who knows. So time to attempt to reach Ottoman main lines and siege Sarakamish and Batum. In Middle East knowing temporary weakness the Ottomans have isolated the Suez with rapid movement.

Russian bear has temporary gone into hiding with a rebuilding effort ongoing. Alot of Central units fallen but this must of also hurt the Russians somewhat in the process with attrition.

Overall outlook somewhat bleak yet as Ottomans are outgaining the Austrians for the moment. However not much fighting punch in the Entente beyond Russia at this time with France still in the low 20's. Miracles can happen, just need to keep gambling to throw the situation in reverse and win all the gambles.

[Catacol Highlander]

What impresses me most is the number of turns you and your opponent are getting in! Fast pace. :-)

[steel32]

Well can not take all the credit as my partner is also returning fast, not expected though but I appreciate more. Every situation has its benefits and negatives. Living working in China places me in front of my computer 18 hours a day a long with not too many hobbies to keep me busy. So for anyone wanting more turns quicker take note as my hours allow.