Playtest: Reconnaissance at Korocha (SASL Tactical Discussion)

[Double Deuce]

IF, it would be easier we can start ALL the Axis forces on the map. Say all units must be deployed on board 17 and in any hexes numbered 9 or 10 (i.e. the bottom 2 hex rows).

Comments?

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by Pirate-Drakk

We already know where the Russians are located. Figure on about 2/3 of those "?" counters being enemy troops.

Also, while the HQ platoons are techncially, "platoons" they lack the ability to move and fire so they are limited.

Hmmmm, I had no idea the HQ's were this limited. That can change things.


To all, my opinion at the moment is, we ARE all just planning out ideas of how to proceed. We will all have our preferred tactics and preconceptions, which translates the HQ's having the tough job of keeping us all focused in the same battleplan.

I'm definitely with TRDG, in that I don't think it wise to run the gauntlet immediately out of the gate

And I'm definitely with PD in that we know where the ?s are, and agree that 2/3 of them will probably develope into something (hence to the need to hang back a bit and gain cover for the most part, out of the gate, ala TRDG's plan).

I'd be curious to know what Miss Saigon would think of using the Italian forces to poke at the center, carefully, to activate some of the ?s, as a bit of a feint attack, and then peel off to our main forces on the flanks to head toward our respective flanks' forrest araes? Just a thought.

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by Double Deuce

IF, it would be easier we can start ALL the Axis forces on the map. Say all units must be deployed on board 17 and in any hexes numbered 9 or 10 (i.e. the bottom 2 hex rows).

Comments?

I believe that's what Co A was thinking...of starting out in the bottom two hex rows to start. Give us a chance to get on the board and feel out moving, and any small scale battling any ?s that see us move activating. I do like the idea of the latitude to not necessarily bring all your forces onto the map on turn one, though I suggested to my Company HQ of bringing my 3rd Platoon all onboard first play (though, after re-reading the rules posted thusfar, neglected to put my LMG with a crew, and not just the Platoon Leader...ooops!).

Also, I couldn't tell from you post if you meant a predetermined placing of all Axis combatants prior to play......not sure I agree (my first gut reaction), but not sure I oppose, either(my thinking it through a little)....pre placement by the AI/GM, in this first game, could eleviate some of the learning curve for us newbies, and keep quabbling down to a minimum at jumpoff.

I for one am a complete newbie to SASL...I've played Squad Leader, but a few years ago being the last. I suspect that, other than our Company HQ's the rest of us can be clearly defined as newbies? Maybe I have the wrong impression. Just want to share my thoughts here. Hey, this is a game for fun, so if the popular vote results in going in and slapping the ?s senseless right off the bat, so be it...I'll have fun regardless, but the results may not be pretty in Orders form the newbies (well,me anyway )

Thoughts?

[Miss Saigon]

OK, I have had a communique from Rome and received orders from I'll Duce. I have discussed the situation with my staff and this is what we believe we should do


The Best thing to do is place the squad with the LMG assigned in a good position in the rightnmost woods. Best way to do that is to first send a normal squad to test enemy reaction then the LMG squad. I hope that the Russians haven't a lot of troops on our flank. Then swing the two other light (because they don't have support weapons) squads on the right using the orchard to provide some cover toward the other patch of wood. when safe do the same thing with the LMG squad always using the non LMG squad as "bait". The hope is that moving in bounds and with some unit in place to provide fire....

Next. I want to do that again using terrain cover trying to use the "wooded" (small patch of dark green woods) approach toward the city and hope my german allies will draw the majority of russian attention. Keeping safe and letting the germans pull off the big action until we are safe and can start pouring on fire

[TRDG]

The HQ Platoon is not that limited, all German MGs can be moved AND FIRED, if broken down, as a LMG. Yes, you lose some of the punch, but it gives you a better covering fire than a rifle squad.

Company A, I would like all of your heavy weapons to be broken down, or at least half of them, we may have to move quickly, once the ? are known to what they contain.

Both my MGs for the HQ will be broken down, by the way......

With DDs permission, I would like to post here where Co teams starting positions will be in the 2 hex deployment limit area, or we can try out the order form as well, before going to the 1st turns for the form......

Tom

Pat has joined us, so Co A is almost set to go, deployment mostly done for Co A teams., Unless they see something from the new posts here that change their minds a bit........

[PatBC]

I think I read all the discussion on the game so far.

Ok I am ready

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by Miss Saigon

OK, I have had a communique from Rome and received orders from I'll Duce. I have discussed the situation with my staff and this is what we believe we should do


The Best thing to do is place the squad with the LMG assigned in a good position in the rightnmost woods. Best way to do that is to first send a normal squad to test enemy reaction then the LMG squad. I hope that the Russians haven't a lot of troops on our flank. Then swing the two other light (because they don't have support weapons) squads on the right using the orchard to provide some cover toward the other patch of wood. when safe do the same thing with the LMG squad always using the non LMG squad as "bait". The hope is that moving in bounds and with some unit in place to provide fire....

Next. I want to do that again using terrain cover trying to use the "wooded" (small patch of dark green woods) approach toward the city and hope my german allies will draw the majority of russian attention. Keeping safe and letting the germans pull off the big action until we are safe and can start pouring on fire

That's a nice plan.....use of the LMG in cover. The Italian units can be picked off quick, given that their stats aren't as strong as our counterparts. Nice!

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by PatBC

I think I read all the discussion on the game so far.

Ok I am ready

Welcome aboard the SASL game, Pat!

[Whiterook]

Originally Posted by TRDG

The HQ Platoon is not that limited, all German MGs can be moved AND FIRED, if broken down, as a LMG. Yes, you lose some of the punch, but it gives you a better covering fire than a rifle squad.

Company A, I would like all of your heavy weapons to be broken down, or at least half of them, we may have to move quickly, once the ? are known to what they contain.

Both my MGs for the HQ will be broken down, by the way......

With DDs permission, I would like to post here where Co teams starting positions will be in the 2 hex deployment limit area, or we can try out the order form as well, before going to the 1st turns for the form......

Tom

Pat has joined us, so Co A is almost set to go, deployment mostly done for Co A teams., Unless they see something from the new posts here that change their minds a bit........

Hmmmm, good point on the breaking down of equipment for fast moving....I didn't think the LMG needed to be broke down to move and fight, as it's a lighter weapon???

[PatBC]

Originally Posted by Whiterook

Hmmmm, good point on the breaking down of equipment for fast moving....I didn't think the LMG needed to be broke down to move and fight, as it's a lighter weapon???

Correct any support weapon with a PP (portage point cost) of less than 4 does not break down. LMG is 1PP