Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads)

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Campaign Series: Middle East 1948-1985 >> After Action Reports >> Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) Page: [1]
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/20/2015 8:14:20 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
[SPOILER ALERT! AND NO CROSSROADS ALLOWED. NO PEEKING! ]

Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads)

Given all the programming and other tasks I have to do, I don't get to, you know, play this game as often as I would like. And when I do play, it's invariably vs. the A/I. (I am a dedicated solo vs. A/I player. I have my reasons.) But for a change, and in honor of the occasion -- the imminent public release of The Campaign Series: Middle East, I have decided to play a PBEM game vs. fellow Dev Team member Crossroads. Also -- a rarity for me, playing vs. the A/I as I invariably do -- I have opted to play defense for a change.

For our PBEM game, Crossroads and I have selected Adventures in Yemen, aka Harib_1963.scn. From the Scenario Description:

quote:

[Harib, 150km E of San'aa, Yemen: [H2H][HIS][CSL]: Crucial to
the second phase of the Ramada offensive, Egyptian columns moved
out from San'aa to begin opening and securing roads from San'aa
to Sadah in the north and San'aa to Marib in the east. The eastern
task force advanced and captured Marib from the Royalist forces
by February 25th. The Task Force continued the advance east to
Harib, a small hamlet on the outskirts of the frontier and staging
area for Royalist forces. [ALL: NOVV][NONE][1.00]

For more context, visit the Wikipedia article, North Yemen Civil War.

From the in-game Scenario Information, it says the scenario is 12 day turns long (1-12[d]), Visibility is 5, the Weather is Heavy Rain.

Here is the situation, just after Side B's/Egypt's/Crossroads' opening moves:



The yellow force, Side B, are Crossroads' Egyptians coming down the road from the northwest. As you can see, he's loaded with armor.

As the Royalists, the gray force, I have tribal militia along his flanks, available to take potshots at his advancing column, and to make mischief in his rear. These units are hidden from his initial view, I believe.

Ahead of his force, clustered in and about the town of Harib, are a mix of Royalist Yemeni infantry, MGs, some RCLRs (recoilless rifles), a couple of mortars, militia, and a few other units. No armored units for me!

< Message edited by berto -- 9/21/2015 6:18:06 AM >

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com
Post #: 1
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/20/2015 8:27:32 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
In this Harib_1963 scenario, there are two Objective hexes (boxed in blue), each worth 50 points, at the town of Harib:



But that's not the whole story. Hidden away, off to the side, are two "Supplies" units (boxed in magenta), at 8 SPs each, each worth 200 VPs! I have to hope that Crossroads barrels straight forward towards Harib, and never discovers those supply units. If he does, they will be easy pickings, and I will lose the scenario for sure!

This scenario is one of Jason Petho's clever creations. When playing a JP scenario, filled with surprises as they are, in order to win, you often have to think outside the box. Here's hoping Crossroads doesn't do so!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 2
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/20/2015 8:41:24 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
As you can see in the screenshot following, the Yemenis have placed several minefields at various places in the enemy's approach.

My Royalist Yemenis are mainly infantry and militia. I have two mortar units (boxed in green), several MG platoons, and four RCLR platoons (boxed in magenta). I must be careful to protect these units, and to deploy my special assets wisely.



Note how I am using the Alternate counters, rather than the Standard counters. At counter bottom, the green bars -- unit type bars are a special feature of the Alternate counters -- indicate to me that I have a mortar unit within that stack lying underneath that one Objective marker.

In the screenshot, I have pressed the F3 hot key to summon Arkady's splendid Unit Viewer. I want to read up on those B-10 82mm RCLRs of mine.

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 3
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/20/2015 8:59:08 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
Here is the situation after my Side A moves (second in the turn sequence), at the end of Turn 1:



To the Egyptians' rear, I have moved forward my tribal militia, and gotten in a few hits against his soft targets. I might have kept them hidden, to surprise the enemy later. But anyway, I didn't. Into the fray they charge!

I have toggled on Options > Graphical Unit Icons, because it is not always clear to me what the NATO icons signify. Is that a lightweight, unarmored reconnaissance vehicle, or what? Ah, yes, now I see it! I'll see if my rearward militia units can pick off a few of those, trucks too.

In the screenshot, I have spread out my forces along the base of Hill 1412. My forward RCLR unit took a SP hit, and is now Disrupted. I have moved it back one hex, up the slope, in an effort to get it out of harm's way, to allow it the opportunity to undisrupt. It may have been a mistake to leave that TRench.

The enemy is still a bit distant, at the far edges of my units' hard and soft ranges. So far, I am generally holding my fire. I have learned the hard way, once you go Low Ammo or Out of Ammo, you seldom resupply back up. When I take my shots, I want them to count!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 4
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/21/2015 11:57:37 AM   
Hexagon


Posts: 1133
Joined: 6/14/2009
Status: offline 		Nice, a 2nd DAR.

Well, enemy armor using T-34/85 is a less bad notice

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 5
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/21/2015 9:44:15 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #2

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 2:



In the Side B (first side) phase, seeing that he had walked into somewhat of a trap, Crossroads retreated all of his transports (trucks) and one or two of his recon units units backtracking up the road to the northwest whence they came. If you compare the above screenshot with the preceding screenshot, you won't see any of the counter-bottom white unit type bars. They went thataway!

Advancing forward more armored units from the rear of his column, Crossroads' Egyptians leveled their guns at the Royalist infantry at the southern base of Hill 1412, but directed their strongest fire at the disrupted RCLR platoon I had retreated up the hill on Turn 1. Fortunately, against that RCLR, he scored no hits.

With tribal militia reinforcing from the far side of Harib, I continue to spread out my forces at the base of Hill 1412. I can't hope to win the matchup there, but maybe I can keep the Egyptians preoccupied, delaying their advance towards the east, and more importantly, the southeast.

Hmm, I'm a bit concerned about that BRDM-1 armored car reconnoitering in the scrub to the southwest of Harib. What's he up to? I mustn't let him discover my Supplies units! In response to that move, I am reinforcing my position around the village 1/2 kilometer south of Harib.

Oh, and my 82mm mortars are set to indirect fire at his units massed before Hill 1412.

Looking at the Victory Dialog, I can see that I am giving more than I am getting -- so far. But my "gives" have been easy pickings -- mainly his recon SPs. I now face tougher, harder foes.

The fight is on!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to Hexagon)
Post #: 6
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/22/2015 9:42:59 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #3

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 3:



Quoting Crossroads, in the PBEM hand-off e-mail (and with apologies to Julie Andrews):

quote:

The hills are alive with sound of ... incoming fire!




The battle lines are drawn, up and down the lines, forces are firing away at each other. Where available, my Yemeni Royalists are mostly in covered positions (village, TRench, rubble). Crossroads is careful to keep his units at a distance. His weaponry is longer range than mine.

Casualties are fairly low, both sides, and about in equal proportion to what I showed the last turn (now: Side A SP Losses 7, Side B SP Losses 11).

Using a green highlight, I have toggled on highlight of Low Ammo or Out-of-Ammo units. Especially Disrupted units, such as the ones circled in magenta, I need to fire purposely, with reasonable chance of success, make my shots count. Again, once Low Ammo or Out-of-Ammo, units are not likely to resupply back up.

Those tribal militia in the Egyptian's rear (circled in cyan): I have positioned them in the wadis, alongside the main road, in case Crossroads thinks of bringing forward again his transports. If he does, I will ambush them!

The Civilian Car far to the north of Harib (circled in yellow). I can't think of any other purpose for it, so I've sent it northward to reconnoiter, just in case Crossroads has an idea to sneak recon units around my right.

To the south, I am keeping quiet. Hoping he won't notice. That armored car recon unit I was worrying about in the previous turn -- I'm still worrying. Lost track of it. Where did it go?

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 7
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/23/2015 8:43:12 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #4

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 4:



Forget the sideshow, Crossroads decides to push straight ahead. Intense crossfire ensues (pun intended). I come out equal, even better in the exchange (now: Side A SP Losses 12, Side B SP Losses 16, the Point Loss difference is widening in my favor). For now, the Egyptians are repulsed.

< Message edited by berto -- 9/24/2015 6:53:05 AM >

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 8
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/24/2015 5:47:59 AM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
I have a good chance at stopping Crossroads cold in his direct approach to Harib. I am waiting in suspense: At what point will Crossroads figure out he needs to swing around to my left? If he does that, maybe he discovers, and destroys, those 200VP Supplies units (supply depots). Instant Victory for him (Major Victory if he destroys both), sure Defeat for me. Note: Those Supplies units are immobile; I can't move them out of harm's way. Still a nail biter, this.

< Message edited by berto -- 9/24/2015 6:51:09 AM >

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 9
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/24/2015 9:28:08 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #5

Crossroads' BRDM-1 (circled in blue) took some potshots at my units in the village to the south:



His tanks (circled in cyan) are disengaging and appear to be swinging around to my left. Uh oh. I think he's figured it out!

Perhaps too late, I am shifting my forces leftward. I can probably save the one near supply depot, but the supply depot at the map's southernmost edge -- it's in a Village (BK) hex, so maybe it can survive attack, maybe not.

In the screenshot following, I have selected the Royalist RCLR unit in that southernmost village, and toggled on both its range (red hard, blue soft) and visibility (yellow highlights). I believe his tanks might have longer ranges than that RCLR. If he wants to score hits against that Village (BK), he will have to draw close. His best bet is to approach from the far left, along the map's south edge. If I'm lucky, he will head straight for the village, for then I can hit him with my main force from his rear. If I'm really lucky, he somehow hasn't figured it out, and will leave that southernmost village alone. But I'm sure he's far too good a player for that. I suspect he now knows!

That pesky Egyptian BRDM-1? Fired on and destroyed by my one active mortar unit nearby. WR marks the spot.

The Point Losses are still in my favor. But once he gets one or the other supply depot -- likely -- the score will dramatically and irrevocably shift in his favor. I'm probably destined to suffer a Minor Defeat at best (i.e., he gets at least a Minor Victory).

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 5:



The tension mounts...

< Message edited by berto -- 9/24/2015 10:45:48 PM >

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 10
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/25/2015 8:35:36 AM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
One thing you might have noticed: Compare the elevation contour lines in the previous screenshot with the earlier 2D screenshots. In the previous screenshot, contour lines are dark. In the previous shots, they are lighter.

That's a feature, not a bug.

It's something you can set in Options > Hex Contours Colors > Light/Medium/Dark.

Sometimes, it helps clarify things to use one Contours Colors setting vs. another. Like in the earlier 3D screenshots, I find it helpful for discerning the elevation changes to use a darker contour color.

At other times, it's an aesthetic thing. In 2D especially, I tend to prefer lighter, less obtrusive contours.

But it also depends on the general scenario elevations. At low elevations, the 2D hexes are lighter shades of yellow/tan. At higher elevations, the hexes tend more and more towards brown. You have to play around with the different Contours Colors settings to see what works best for you in each scenario.

Anyway, back to the play action...

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 11
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/25/2015 12:54:41 PM   
Lysimaque

 

Posts: 11
Joined: 9/25/2015
Status: offline 		Awesome AAR.

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 12
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/25/2015 7:58:06 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #6

To my astonishment and relief, Crossroads is not going for the supply depot at the map's south edge (boxed in magenta):



I am guessing it remains hidden to him; he doesn't see it. He wouldn't of course see the other supply depot (also boxed in magenta) below and just behind the central ridge.

No, the Egyptians seem focused on the Objective hexes, also killing my units. That tank unit NW of Harib (circled in blue) -- he's using it to fire away at my militia to his rear. A much better use would be to check out that village to the south. The cherry -- the VP-rich supply depot -- is there for the picking, if only he perceives it.

In the center, I continue to shift Royalist forces leftward. I'm practically inviting him to plunge straight ahead for the Objectives. Pray that he does so, and never goes for the supply depots.

In the screenshot following, I've still got three RCLRs remaining (circled in blue). The northernmost one, at Harib, is the selected unit, with the Range toggle (hot key G) toggled ON. His tanks are lined up just outside my Hard range (red hex outline). The central RCLR I am surreptitiously moving up behind the central ridge to the BK bunker where the one supply depot is. If he does stumble upon that depot, I will have a RLCR ready and waiting to fire at his tanks close range.

To the south, I have checked the opfire dialog to ensure that the other RCLR (circled in blue), also the other mortar unit (circled in green), remain quiet, are set to opportunity fire at Shortest range only. I am of course not Direct Firing them. I want Crossroads to ignore my weak and vulnerable far left!

Point Losses are still in my favor, with me holding on to a Minor Victory (i.e., his Side B Minor Defeat).

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 6:



With the scenario now half over, I am thinking those two supply depots maybe have a good chance to survive!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 13
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/25/2015 8:10:01 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
Of course, with Visibility set to 5 only (what with the heavy rain), it is quite possible that I am the one in for a nasty surprise. It is entirely possible that Crossroads has forces, not visible to me, sneaking up on that southern village from the northwestward central plain. FOW -- gotta love it!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 14
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/26/2015 10:08:18 AM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #7

From e-mail banter, and from his moves, it seems clear to me now that Crossroads is blind to the supply depots, is oblivious to the VP harvest of taking them out. The situation after his turn 7, Side B phase moves:



In the above screenshot, I have toggled on elevation display (. hot key), so you can maybe see better the lay of the land, and better understand the visibilities, and LOS.

With the hot spot hex being the near Objective hex, and with the Visible Hexes (hot key V) display toggled ON, you can see where the Vineyard just in front of that Objective hex obscures sight lines to the Egyptian forces massed across the valley beyond.

As a reminder, magenta boxes mark my RCLRs, and blue boxes mark my VP-rich supply depots.

You can see where he is totally blind to the existence of those Royalist assets lying just below and behind the central ridge.

I am taking a risk here. Do I trust that he will never figure it out; never discover that the easiest path to victory in this scenario is to go for the supply depots? Remember: they are worth 200 VPs each. Should I now instead be more concerned about reinforcing my thinned out defenders in and around Harib?

I decide in favor of the latter. In the screenshot following, I have beefed up my defenses at Harib.

I scored some good hits against the Egyptian infantry, forcing them back in retreat.

What to do about that one RCLR? I decided against moving it back to Harib. Too much backing and forthing. I need to resume taking out some of his tanks. So I have moved it up the ridge to that one Village (TR) hex, where I can hit him on his right flank. The act of moving consumes so many APs that I have no APs left for firing this turn. Oh well. By now, I know he favors targeting my RCLRs. I hope it will survive his next firing round, so I can dish it back to him in turn.

The RCLR and mortar units to the far south? For them, I have turned off all opportunity fire. The previous turn, I had set the RCLR hard-target opfire to Short range. Not good enough. Yes, the RCLR took out his BRDM-1 through opportunity fire. But it reminded him of my southern force. I want him entirely to forget about it! Maybe I'll blast away from the south, but not until the last two or three turns, when it would be too late for him to rush the supply depot there.

As my Royalist Yemeni turn ends, I have selected units down in the valley just below Harib. You can see how tricky the Visibility and LOS are. There is significant fire power in that hex. But the terrain impedes my ability to make good use of it.

Point Losses are still in my favor, with me holding on to a Minor Victory (i.e., his Side B Minor Defeat).

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 7:



This is a simple scenario, but cleverly designed. There are some interesting choices here, and not a little amount of tension. Fun times!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 15
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/26/2015 9:35:46 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #8

To my dismay, Crossroads finally made his move. The Egyptians have swung around to attack my left!



Along the way, he has fired at and destroyed my third RCLR unit, in that one central village. Crossroads has shot at my RCLRs at every opportunity. I am now down to just that one southern RCLR remaining (magenta box).

To my horror, Crossroads has stumbled upon my near supply depot (blue box).

And stumbled right into a level 2 minefield! One tank platoon disrupted! Opportunity fire from my surprise, hidden defensive position has managed to disrupt the second of his two tank platoons (cyan box).

Is my goose now cooked?

On the other hand, he still seems not to perceive the import of his find. He has sent two of his tank platoons northward, to attack units on Hill 1412 to my right. Wrong direction!

Over to my turn...

To my astonishment, my intrepid Yemeni infantry and militia repulsed his tanks! The WReck (cyan circle) marks the spot. See below.

Time to fire that southernmost mortar platoon for the very first time (maybe a mistake). My other mortar unit (at Harib) is Out of Ammo and cannot fire. For now, my one remaining RCLR platoon stays quiet.

Point Losses are still in my favor, with me holding on to a Minor Victory (i.e., his Side B Minor Defeat). Will it remain that way?

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 8:



Is it possible I might still save one or both of those supply depots? Is it still possible I might deny him his victory? Minor Victory is nearly within his grasp, if only he knows to reach out for it!

< Message edited by berto -- 9/26/2015 11:12:29 PM >

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 16
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/27/2015 2:29:28 PM   
John B.


Posts: 3909
Joined: 9/25/2011
From: Virginia
Status: offline 		I am generally not a fan of tactical games but I appreciate the effort you're putting into your AAR and I really like the idea of the hidden supply depots as unknown victory conditions. Very interesting. Thanks for your effort!

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 17
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/27/2015 5:16:16 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #9

Ignoring the center, Crossroads attacks on both flanks:



On my left, he scored some hits, and forced the Yemeni militia to retreat.

On my right, the Egyptians fired and fired at the LMG in the village at the southern base of Hill 1412. The LMG fell back, enabling his tank platoon (cyan box) to advance into that village (cyan circle). From there, he spotted my Battalion HQ, fired, and missed. The HQ retreated to safety (yellow box). Rather than hold on to that village, the tank platoon then inexplicably withdrew.

Next screenshot (see below).

I retook the village with whatever forces I had in the vicinity.

On my left, the Yemeni HMG at that bunker (BK) hex pinged the Egyptian tanks, forcing one platoon to retreat.

The Yemeni mortar platoon (green box) nearby? Perfectly positioned to pound the tanks, it cannot do so: it is Out of Ammo! (I knew it was a mistake to fire those mortars in the previous turn!)

Point Losses are still in my favor, with me holding on to a Minor Victory (i.e., his Side B Minor Defeat).

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 9:



Crossroads might yet figure out he needs to target those supply depots, but I'm thinking not. I think time is running out on his getting a Minor Victory. More likely, I get the Minor Victory, else a Draw. It could go either way.

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 18
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/27/2015 5:20:57 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: John B.

I am generally not a fan of tactical games but I appreciate the effort you're putting into your AAR and I really like the idea of the hidden supply depots as unknown victory conditions. Very interesting. Thanks for your effort!

You're welcome!

Yes, we have a very good and clever scenario designer in Jason Petho. The man is a master at scenario design.

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to John B.)
Post #: 19
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/27/2015 6:14:25 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #10

Maybe too late, Crossroads is abandoning the effort against Harib, and -- finally! -- turning his near full attention southward:



He took some shots at that southern village, but as far as I can determine scored no hits. He did however hit that mortar unit, in the village to the east, compelling it to retreat.

Next screenshot (see below).

With his tanks just within Hard Range (red outline), my RCLR took aim, fired, and missed. Twice. Even so, both of those near tank platoons are now disrupted.

To the east, I withdrew the mortar unit. Not so far away for him to lose interest in it, still close enough for him to "waste" shots trying to take it out -- I hope. I would much rather that Crossroads target that mortar unit than to direct his fire against the supply depot. Remember: 25 VPs per SP!

Total Points, -7, are still in my favor, with me holding on to a Minor Victory (i.e., his Side B Minor Defeat).

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 10:



With just two turns remaining, and with that supply depot located within the protecting confines of a village (BK), I think he won't get in many hits against it, if any. He would be extremely lucky to score 4 or more hits against my Supplies. This is heading towards a Draw, I reckon.

< Message edited by berto -- 9/27/2015 7:16:21 PM >

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 20
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/28/2015 1:29:35 PM   
berto


Posts: 20708
Joined: 3/13/2002
From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
Status: offline
TURN #11

Crossroads draws nearer:



But he's running out of steam.

Despite repeated shots against that southern Village (BK), he scores no hits! That mortar unit? Yes! He took the bait, blasting away at it, rather than redirecting that one tank platoon westward to fire on the VP-rich supply depot.

He stays on the attack on his left, but with what? His forces there are enfeebled.

Next screenshot (see below).

Maybe Crossroads sensed that his tank fire was having no effect, so he had advanced two platoons within two hexes of that village (BK). (The other two tank platoons remain disrupted, so can't move any closer.)

Finally, I get to fire a RCLR to good effect. BAM! Strike one tank platoon.

On my right, I shore up my defenses around Harib, just in case.

Both of my mortar units remain Out of Ammo, so they play no factor.

Total Points, -15, have widened in my favor, with me holding on to a Minor Victory (i.e., his Side B Minor Defeat).

After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 11:



I can hardly believe it. I'm on the verge of winning this thing!

_____________________________

Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 21
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/28/2015 4:30:24 PM   
Crossroads


Posts: 17372
Joined: 7/5/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: berto
[SPOILER ALERT! AND NO CROSSROADS ALLOWED. NO PEEKING! ]


My final turn #12 sent to Berto. Finally able to read this DAR !!!


_____________________________

Visit us at: Campaign Series Legion
---
CS: Vietnam 1948-1967 <-- Jan 20th, 2022! --
CS: Middle East 1948-1985 2.0

(in reply to berto)
Post #: 22
RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/28/2015 4:44:34 PM   
Crossroads


Posts: 17372
Joined: 7/5/2009
Status: offline 		Ha. Playing this blind I had no idea of the Supply depots. My recon unit spotted the Supply Depot at the bunker by the map edge, but sice we're playing with EFOW, I did not see its strength. Furthermore, I relied on my memory and thought Supply Depot is like 9VP per SP. Never assume!

What a fun fight!

Here's my strategy:

  • Confident on my T-35/85s, I approached the village, targeting his RCLR assets as a priority target.
  • I was confident with them in close support, my infantry could push their way into village. They were repelled instead!
  • I never spotted the Supply closer to the village, even when next to it. I did not stay around to see them I think... Or was properly shell shocked.
  • Then, decided to annihilate the Supply bunker as a way to sneak closer to a draw. There, tried to neutralise the RCLR first but to no effect.
  • Come final turn, fired at the Supply finally. Was mighty amazed when studied the Victory Dialog, realising this should be a Draw with some margin to go.

    Thank you Berto for a good fight, thank you Jason for a cunning design!



    _____________________________

    Visit us at: Campaign Series Legion
    ---
    CS: Vietnam 1948-1967 <-- Jan 20th, 2022! --
    CS: Middle East 1948-1985 2.0

    (in reply to Crossroads)
    • Post #: 23
    RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/28/2015 6:09:52 PM   
    berto


    Posts: 20708
    Joined: 3/13/2002
    From: metro Chicago, Illinois, USA
    Status: offline
    TURN #12

    Crossroads closed in for the kill, and ... got his kills, three of them!



    Drat!

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: Crossroads

  • Come final turn, fired at the Supply finally. Was mighty amazed when studied the Victory Dialog, realising this should be a Draw with some margin to go.

    • Crossroads is such a good player that he then knows enough to withdraw his T-35/85s just beyond range of my RCLR.

    Crossroads is such a good player that he knew to target my RCLRs at every opportunity. They got in very few shots. I lost 3 out of 4 of my RCLRs, with little to show for them.

    I fire back on my right, to little effect. Then ... nothing more to do.

    After my Side A move (Side A is this scenario's second side), the situation at the end of Turn 12, GAME'S END:



    So, in the end, it is a Draw after all!

    The key thing to take away from this scenario:



    quote:

    ORIGINAL: Crossroads

    Thank you Berto for a good fight, thank you Jason for a cunning design!

    +1

    And thank you also, Crossroads, for being such a worthy opponent. Yes, a very good fight!

    _____________________________

    Campaign Series Legion https://cslegion.com/
    Campaign Series Lead Coder https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tt.asp?forumid=1515
    Panzer Campaigns, Panzer Battles, Civil War Battles Lead Coder https://wargameds.com

    (in reply to berto)
    Post #: 24
    RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 9/30/2015 3:31:21 AM   
    Jason Petho


    Posts: 15009
    Joined: 6/22/2004
    From: Terrace, BC, Canada
    Status: offline     		Glad you both enjoyed the fight!

    Something different, something fun!

    Egypt in Yemen? What? Really!

    Jason Petho

    _____________________________


    CS Vietnam

    More info: Facebook & CS Legion

    (in reply to berto)
    Post #: 25
    RE: Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) - 10/12/2015 7:29:23 AM   
    zakblood


    Posts: 22687
    Joined: 10/4/2012
    Status: offline     		thanks for the AAR, enjoyed it and also like the single player as well berto
    quote:

    (I am a dedicated solo vs. A/I player. I have my reasons.)

    (in reply to Jason Petho)
    Post #: 26
    Page:   [1]
    All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Campaign Series: Middle East 1948-1985 >> After Action Reports >> Adventures in Yemen - 3/7/63 - DAR (no Crossroads) Page: [1]
    Jump to:





    New Messages No New Messages
    Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
    Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
     Post New Thread
     Reply to Message
     Post New Poll
     Submit Vote
     Delete My Own Post
     Delete My Own Thread
     Rate Posts


    Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

    4.891