THE GENERAL

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The Avalon Hill Philompby - Part 4

In Philosophy - P a r t 4, we s h a l l attempt to b e t t e r understand the "nature of the w a r g a m e beast. ' I F o r those of you who will be working up your own ad campaign f o r u s (cover s t o r y ) , the following info m a y be e x t r e m e l y helpful. To o t h e r s the c o m m e n t s below, a s exp r e s s e d by game f a n a t i c s t h e m s e l v e s , will c e r t a i n l y provide a n insight into the motivational a s p e c t s of the typical w a r g a m e r . Much about the a v e r a g e game player w a s l e a r n e d f r o m the o v e r whelming number of r e s p o n s e s to o u r March-April questionnaire which a s k e d for reader-comments onpersonalquestions. the m o s t introspective of which follow: Question: What convinces you to obtain a c e r t a i n battle game o v e r a n o t h e r ? Answers: "The h i s t o r i c a l situation" "action, f a s t movement". "hist o r i c a l a c c u r a c y in combination with "friends r e number of variables". "I m u s t have them commendation". all, your stuff i s w o r s e than n a r c o t i c s " "the title - I like to identify with the game I play". ."the appeal of the battle "like Bridge, to m e a s an individual". no two c o n t e s t s within any one game "involvement, like when I a r e alike". looked f o r w a r d to the speling bees."

.. . a losing venture published bi-monthly, pretty close to the first day of January, arch, May, July, September and November.
The General is edited and published by The Avalon Hill Company almost solely for the cultural edification of adult gaming. (It also helps to sell Avalon Hill products, tool) Articles from subscribers are considered for publication on a gratis contributory basis. Such articles must be typewritten and not exceed 700 words. Examples and diagrams that accompany such articles must he drawn in black ink, ready for reproduction. N o notice can be given regarding acceptance of articles for publication. All back issues, except Vol. 1, Nos. 1 & 4, which are out of stock, are available at $1.00 per issue. Full-year subscriptions B $4.98.
01967 The Avalon Hill Company, Baltimore,

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Maryland. printed in U.S.A.

COVER STORY:
P l a n s a r e underway t o c e l e b r a t e Avalon Hill's 10th a n n i v e r s a r y with a gigantic national a d v e r t i s i n g campaign. Many AH f a n a t i c s have l i t e r a l l y grown u p with Avalon Hill, f r o m a n inauspicious beginning of a 1 - s t o r y g a r a g e i n 1958 to a 5 - s t o r y b r i c k edifice in 1967. (of c o u r s e we still only occupy 1 s t o r y ) While growth in t h e s e nine y e a r s can b e a t t r i b u t e d t o printed a d v e r t i s e m e n t s , by f a r the m o s t p e r s u a s i v e a n d enthusiastic a d v e r t i s i n g h a s come f r o m the game p l a y e r s t h e m s e l v e s , meaning - you a l l . We have often a s k e d o u r s e l v e s , "what do the g a m e f a n a t i c s s a y to the uninitiated. .what w o r d s do they u s e t o convince t h e m of the m e r i t s of adult gaming ? "

Do- It-Your self F o r the f i r s t t i m e - e v e r - Avalon Hill i s giving you the opportunity t o w r i t e t h e i r a d s for them. All you have t o do i s t o p r e p a r e layouts showing where the copy and photos o r drawings, if any, should a p p e a r . The copy, i t self, should b e typed on a s e p a r a t e sheet a n d keyed t o f i t the a d layout. The copy you w r i t e should b e exciting - the way you think a n a d should look-and unusual enough t o c a p t u r e the r e a d e r ' s imaginative fancy. Gift C e r t i f i c a t e s f o r B e s t A d s S u b s c r i b e r s who submit the b e s t a d s will r e c e i v e gift c e r t i f i c a t e s ranging f r o m $5.00 on up. Layout s i z e s should follow: a ) 2 1 / 4 " x 5"; b ) 4 5/8" x 5"; c ) 4 5/8" x 10". P r e f e r a b l y , each s e p a r a t e a d should c e n t e r on one game only of the line. Deadline f o r r e c e i v i n g m a t e r i a l i s August 31. 1967. Now you can show M e s s e r s P. ,-M., and S. that you could r u n a s u c c e s s f u l a d v e r t i s i n g campaign if given the chance.

Question: How did you f i r s t become i n t e r e s t e d in Avalon H i l l ? Answers: . a 1958 ad in Model Railroader". .happened to notice T a c tics I1 and n e v e r having h e a r d of T a c t i c s I became intrigued, bought the g a m e and have been hooked on kriegspieling e v e r since". "looking f o r a g a m e competitive and challenging a s c h e s s with enough r e a l i s m to make h i s t o r i c conf l i c t m o r e interesting". Question: What do battle g a m e s m e a n to y o u ? Answers: "A chance to e x e r c i s e the mind, r e l a x and completely f o r g e t a l l "they c a p t u r e m y a t o t h e r subjects". tention to s u c h a d e g r e e that I become revitalized and able to f o r g e t the m e n t a l burden of c a r r y i n g a probation c a s e load in e x c e s s of 400". "I a m s u r e if p a r e n t s would encourage m o r e g a m e s of t h i s c a l i b r e to be played by their teena g e r s we wouldn't have to w o r r y much about delinquency". "1 enjoy secondguessing the g r e a t captains, a f o r m of pure escapism". "they provide a c t u a l insight into why one s i d e actually won "a f r e e r u n of m y imaginao r lost". " a view of a battle that i s not tion". clouded by a n a u t h o r ' s bias". "because I ' m a h i s t o r y nut".

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In a nutshell we can s u m m a r i z e the whole b i t by stating that AH provides a "Walter Mitty" approach to life w h e r e one c a n duplicate events of r e a l life v i c a r i o u s l y and a s one a r m y offic e r r e c e n t l y added - without the c o r responding responsibility of human lives.

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International Federation of Wargaming Convention

The International F e d e r a t i o n of W a r gamings convention will be held on July 15th a t G e n e r a l Wayne Junior High School Malvern, Pennsylvania. The convention will open a t 9:00 AM-Admission $. 50. Lunch will c o s t $1. 00 and the Dinner a t a v e r y good l o c a l r e s t a u r a n t will c o s t $4.00. All clubs a r e invited to send a r e p r e sentative to the convention. Some v e r y i m p o r t a n t r e s o l u t i o n s will be drafted a t the convention which, we hope, will change wargaming f o r the better. If possible, we would like the w a r g a r n e r s coming f r o m long distance s to s t a y a t a l o c a l motel. If this i s impossible r o o m s will be provided. The motel r o o m s r u n f r o m $6.00 to $28 f o r one night. F i l m s will be shown on the Korean War i n the afternoon. Displays will be s e t up by many clubs. D i s t r i b u t o r s of AH g a m e s , m i n i a t u r e s , and invented g a m e s will have t h e i r products on sale. Two Jutland g a m e s will be given away and a n a w a r d will b e p r e s e n t e d to the club with the m o s t m e m b e r s in attendance. A p r i z e will a l s o be given to the w a r g a m e r t h a t h a s come the f u r t h e s t to be a t the convention. A m a p i s available upon r e q u e s t , d i r e c t i o n s will a l s o be provided. P l e a s e send money and any ques tions to William Speer-103 Spring Road, Malvern, Pa. 19355.

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Question: What i m p r o v e m e n t s do you feel a r e necessary design-wise? Answers: " m o r e in the a r e a of logistics". " m o r e d u r a b l e f r o m a manu"simple and fac turing standpoint". exciting1':. "the m o r e complex the bett e r I enjoy them". " s t a r t advertising" "add multiplayer rules". "either l a r g e r troop c o u n t e r s o r provide a m a g n i f y ing glass". ."quicker set-up time". need a n e l e m e n t of s u r p r i s e , a m o r e equitable hidden movement f e a t u r e f ' . " g r e a t e r h i s t o r i c a l accuracy". "more efficient handling of conditions of v i c t o r y when g a m e s a r e un-balanced". "a wider r a n g e of optional rules". " m o r e graphic explanations of r u l e s , need additional d i a g r a m s and e x a m ples".

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THE GENERAL

A True AH Club???
by G r e g K o e r p e r The E m p i r e of Avalon, 8 1 m e m b e r s strong l a s t F e b r u a r y , h a s floundered because of o v e r - c e n t r a l i z a t i o n and l a c k of printing f a c i l i t i e s , but not b e c a u s e of l a c k of e n t h u s i a s m . After a p e r i o d of uncertainty, i t i s about to a r i s e f r o m i t s a s h e s and s t a r t anew. What i t bec o m e s depends upon you. Clubs such a s S p e c t r e , Dusk, and many o t h e r s have only the d e s t r u c t i o n of e a c h o t h e r i n m i n d and offer the PBM fan l i t t l e opportunity to play a s he wishes. The e r a of t h e s e c l u b s is c o m ing to a n end. The t r e n d now i s t o w a r d s a n organization t h a t p l a y s within itself, offering i t s m e m b e r s chanc'es to m e e t new opponents and prove t h e i r w o r t h a s i n d i v i d u a l p l a y e r s , o r a s p a r t of a t e a m ; to play s e r i o u s l y o r f o r fun. In September of 1966, M a r s h a l l A. M a s s e y initiated the E m p i r e of Avalon, a n a s s o c i a t i o n in which m e m b e r s gained " v a s s a l s " by defeating opponents i n wargaming c o n t e s t s . If a m e m b e r continued to r e i g n v i c t o r i o u s , he soon e s tablished a l a r g e s t a t e of viscounts, b a r o n s , and knights with r a n k s being d e t e r m i n e d by the type and n u m b e r of v a s s a l s controlled. However, S i r M a s s e y alone c o u l d n o t g o v e r n t h e s e m a t t e r s due to the t r e m e n d o u s growth of the E m p i r e , the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a n e w s l e t t e r , monthly P e e r a g e s ( l i s t s of m e m b e r s and t h e i r r a n k s ) , and g r e a t amounts of c o r r e s p o n d e n c e . The E m p i r e c r u m bled; and y e t i t s c o l l a p s e w a s not the fault of M a s s e y o r the m e m b e r s , but r a t h e r that of the g e n e r a l o r g a n i z a t i o n a l set-up. And s o the t i m e h a s c o m e f o r r e o r ganizing the E m p i r e . We believe t h a t the E m p i r e is the s t r o n g e s t b a s e f o r the i d e a l w a r g a m i n g s o c i e t y mentioned above, a t r u l y u n i v e r s a l club f o r AH enthusiasts. However, we don't want to r e p e a t M a r s h a l l M a s s e y ' s m i s t a k e . The a d m i n i s t r a t i v e d u t i e s f r o m the s t a r t m u s t be well divided among the m e m b e r s , s o a s not to o v e r b u r d e n anyone, and s o the l o s s of one p e r s o n will have no s e r i o u s effect. T h e r e a r e five of u s in C h a g r i n willing to work, b u t i t w i l l take m a n y m o r e . Some of the jobs t h a t will have to be done by v o l u n t e e r s a r e m e m b e r s h i p r e g i s t r a t i o n , publication of the n e w s l e t t e r and many o t h e r i t e m s ; writing articles, t r e a s u r e r , recording of g a m e r e s u l t s , and anything e l s e you might think of. We a r e not a s k i n g f o r a l o t f r o m you, but a l i t t l e e f f o r t to m a k e this i d e a workable. If the r e a c t i o n is a s g r e a t a s i t w a s to M a s s e y t s o r i g i n a l a r t i c l e , we will be well o n o u r way to c r e a t i n g the i d e a l type of club s e t f o r t h e a r l i e r i n this a r t i c l e . If you a r e i n the l e a s t i n t e r -

e s t e d in participating, p l e a s e a n s w e r the following questions and indicate which division of play you would l i k e to e n t e r . This d o e s not obligate you to r e m a i n i n the p r o g r a m , n o r d o e s p a r ticipation r e q u i r e you to help r u n i t i n any way. Your involvement m a y be a s deep o r a s s h a l l o w a s you wish. 1. About how m u c h would you cons i d e r contributing to o p e r a t i n g c o s t s a $lo? y e a r ? $ l ? $ 3 ? $5' 2. Would you be willing to pay d u e s ? P a y a little e x t r a f o r a quality p e r i o d i c a l r a t h e r than a m i m e o g r a p h e d s h e e t ? 3. P l e a s e indicate ways in which you would like to help. Who e l s e t h a t you know would be i n t e r e s t e d i n joining? Divisions of P l a y National I. SERIOUS A. B. C. F o r point r a t i n g s . F o r r a n k i n the P e e r a g e ( a s w a s previously done in the E m p i r e ) . T e a m play (four o r m o r e living r e a s o n a b l y c l o s e together).

11. FUN

A. B. C.

T r y out new ideas. Tolkien-oriented. Bet-settling o r honor-defending Local

Responsibility of l o c a l m e m b e r s All r e p l i e s and r e a c t i o n s to: G r e g K o e r p e r , Holbrook Rd., C h a g r i n F a l l s , Ohio 44022 or R i c h a r d M e r c e r , 115 Mapleridge Road, C h a g r i n F a l l s , Ohio 44022.

Where Are W e Going?

by Dana Lombardy
I a m a p p a l l e d b y the a c t i o n s taken by Avalon Hill w a r g a m i n g clubs. No a p p a r e n t organized a c t i o n s s e e m t o b e undertaken by any, a n d a l l a p p e a r cont e n t t o have it " e v e r y man f o r h i m s e l f . " T h i s i s f u r t h e r e m p h a s i z e d by the f a c t t h a t suggestions t o a l l e v i a t e the situation, published in t h e G e n e r a l , a r e completely ignored. And b e c a u s e things have p r o g r e s s e d t o t h i s point, i t ' s t i m e f o r e x t r e m e a c t i o n s t o b e taken to c o r r e c t t h i s situation. Many of the clubs t h e m s e l v e s a r e not r e a l l y o r g a n i z e d and c o n s i s t only of individuals i n s e v e r a l s t a t e s using the s a m e n a m e f o r t h e i r club. And i t seems a t times, from advertisements t h a t a p p e a r , that s o m e of t h e s e clubs do not even know what i s happening

within t h e i r own s t a t e . F o r example, i n the J a n u a r y - F e b r u a r y i s s u e , a club gave out a g e n e r a l challenge completely oblivious t o a n o t h e r c l u b ' s c l a i m t o have subdued t h e m . T h i s s o r t of thing m u s t stop, and i t r e q u i r e s a n a g r e e m e n t b e tween a l l of the clubs concerned. I would a l s o l i k e t o point out incons i s t e n c i e s i n t e r r i t o r i a l c l a i m s . It a p p e a r s a s if i t ' s open s e a s o n on s t a t e s in which t h e r e a r e no clubs o r Avalon Hill g a m e p l a y e r s who s u b s c r i b e t o the G e n e r a l . At l e a s t one club h a s given itself away a s t o why i t ' s the " l a r g e s t . " It c l a i m s , a s c a p t u r e d t e r r i t o r y , anything t h a t d o e s not a c c e p t i t s challenges. That m a y b e a l l r i g h t f o r those s t a t e s w h e r e t h e r e a r e o t h e r clubs, but if I w e r e t o challenge t h e u n i v e r s e , and obviously not r e c e i v e a n a n s w e r , I could c l a i m i t a s m y t e r r i t o r y . T h e r e by, using the i d e a a c c e p t e d by t h i s club, becoming t h e new " l a r g e s t " war-gaming club. T h i s i s not only unfair, i t ' s r i d i c ulous.Do you want t o continue with the unorganized conditions you now have, n e v e r knowing what i s happening that c o n c e r n s y o u ? O r , would you r a t h e r have a n a g r e e m e n t with the o t h e r clubs stating your autonomy, and a t the s a m e t i m e providing f o r e v e r y club's right to l e g a l c l a i m s of v i c t o r y and d e f e a t ? I find the choice s i m p l e . Only clubs which m a y profit f r o m t h e now existing confusion will r e f u s e such a n a g r e e m e n t . However, I know t h a t the m a j o r i t y wants t o do something about i t , but a t p r e s e n t been unable t o decide what. T h e r e f o r e , a l l clubs i n t e r e s t e d i n the f u t u r e of w a r - g a m i n g contact m e stating s i m p l y whether you a g r e e of d i s a g r e e with the suggestion f o r a pact t o b e f o r m e d by a l l of the clubs. T h i s pact would c r e a t e b a s i c t e r m s f o r v i c t o r y , defeat, and t e r r i t o r i a l c l a i m s . It would a c t a s a n authority f o r t h e s e t t l e m e n t of d i s p u t e s . It would a l s o control new clubs, challenging everyone and flaunting t h e i r " s u p e r i o r i t y , " so t h a t t h e situation d o e s not get out of hand again. T h i s i s not a n a t t e m p t to encroach upon t h e r i g h t s of a n individual club, o r to o r g a n i z e a monopoly of w a r - g a m i n g c l u b s which dictate what m u s t be done a n d how. It i s , r a t h e r , a n important suggestion t o o r g a n i z e the now existing confusion. However, the p r o b l e m of the situation now d e m a n d s the attention of e v e r y club. T h e r e f o r e , I r e i t e r a t e , please send m e a l e t t e r o r p o s t c a r d stating if you a g r e e o r d i s a g r e e with f o r m i n g a pact. I have d r a f t e d a war-gaming pact and a n y club, o r individual, that cont a c t s m e will r e c e i v e full d e t a i l s on it. But, p l e a s e contact m e now. Write: Dana ~ o m b a r d y ,954 Kittiwake L a . , Chula Vista, Calif. 92011.

THE GENERAL

PAGE 4
1. I p r e f e r m u l t i - p l a y e r w a r g a m e s (meaning m o r e than two s i d e s , not t e a m g a m e s ) to two- -player g a m e s F a l s e - 68%.

Johnson Survey #4
by J a r e d Johnson (who e l s e ? ) AH NOTE: Once again, J a r e d Johnson h a s gone to c o n s i d e r a b l e t i m e and e x pense to e x t r a c t v a r i o u s d a t a we believe .to be of i n t e r e s t to a l l w a r g a m e r s . S e v e r a l s u r p r i s e s developed; notably t h a t 8 ' S t a r T r e k " r e c e i v e d a s m a n y votes a s the n e x t t h r e e h i g h e s t TV shows c o m bined. Also significant i s the f a c t t h a t Bulge c a m e out " f a r out in front. " M r . Johnson a l s o s t a t e s t h a t C h e s s w a s found to b e the 11th m o s t popular g a m e and that Guadalcanal w a s voted " m o s t r e a l i s t i c . " The d i f f e r e n c e s we found between o u r own r e g i s t r a t i o n c a r d a n a l y s i s and that of the following s u r v e y e x i s t s i n the TV shows: A s a group, the news p r o g r a m s , Huntley B r i n k l e y i n p a r t i c u l a r , w e r e m o s t popular. "Get S m a r t " , a l though on the wane a t this m o m e n t , o u t pulls "Star T r e k . " Otherwise. Johnson's sampling c o n s t i t u t e s a s a c c u r a t e a p o r t r a y a l of the AH p i c t u r e a s one c a n g e t f r o m a l i m i t e d s u r v e y of this nature. FIVE FAVORITE TV PROGRAMS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Star Trek. The Avengers. The I n v a d e r s . Combat. T i m e Tunnel.

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2. C h e s s is not a s i n t e r e s t i n g a s most war games. T r u e - 8070.

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3 . I s o m e t i m e s give a l e s s e x p e r i enckd p l a y e r a chance j u s t to m a k e the g a m e m o r e interesting.. T r u e - 74%.

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FAVORITE CARD GAME: 1. 2. 3. Bridge: Poker: Rummy:

4. M o s t of AH'S non-war g a m e s a r e j u s t a s good a s t h e i r w a r g a m e s . . False 73%. 5. I dislike a r t i c l e s in the G e n e r a l suggesting c h a n g e s i n the o r i g i n a l r u l e s . 59%. False 6. I often t r y o u t t h e v a r i a n t v e r s i o n s of AH g a m e s suggested in the G e n e r a l . F a l s e - 6670. 7. S o m e t i m e s I t r y o u t the v a r i a n t v e r s i o n s of AH g a m e s suggested i n the General T r u e - 79%. 8. A s f a r a s I a m c o n c e r n e d playability c o m e s b e f o r e h i s t o r i c a l accuracy. F a l s e - 6070. 9. A l o t of AH'S r u l e s a r e vague and ambiguous. True 6470. 10. I s u b s c r i b e to Strategy and T a c tics. T r u e - 63%. 11. I belong to a P B M organization True 73%. 12. I would r a t h e r have someone explain the r u l e s to a new g a m e to m e f i r s t and r e a d the r u l e s l a t e r , than r e a d the r u l e s f i r s t . . F a l s e - 89%. 13. The G e n e r a l should go monthly.. T r u e - 83%.

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TEN FAVORITE GAMES IN ORDER: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Battle of the Bulge. Blitzkrieg. Stalingrad. Waterloo. Afrika Korps. D-Day. Midway. Guadalcanal. Diplomacy. 1 . Tactics 1

1. The g a m e b e s t suited to play-bym a i l i s : 1. A f r i k a K o r p s - 46%. 2. Stalingrad 2570. 2. 1. Guadalcanal 30%. 2. Blitzk r i e g - 21%: i s AvalonHill's m o s t r e a l i s t i c game. 3. The r u l e s to: (1. B l i t z k r i e g - 33%. 2. Bulge 18%) a r e the m o s t v a g u e and ambiguous of AH'S r u l e s .

Median a g e of AH w a r g a m e r s : 17. Median n u m b e r of AH g a m e s owned: 12. B e s t Movies in P a s t Y e a r : 1. 2. 3. Doctor Zhivago. Battle of the Bulge. The Blue Max.

KRIEG, this new dimension in the g a m e h a s not been fully exploited. Rather than having these m / c f o r c e s becoming addenda to the ~ e d / B l u e a r m i e s , why not institute commanders-in-chief f o r e a c h country, and c r e a t e a seven-handed game ? T h e r e a r e 2 m a i n difficulties with this plan: Where do you get 7 p l a y e r s o r s t a f f s ? How do you coordinate 7 m o v e m e n t t u r n s ? F i r s t , a s the title s u g g e s t s , t h e s e i d e a s a r e a i m e d a t the l a r g e r w a r gaming clubs. Second, e i t h e r u s e the simultaneous-movement r u l e s of Mr. F r e d e r i c k R. G u e s t in the May-June 1967 G e n e r a l , o r u s e the following s y s tem: 1. Position troops p r i o r to t u r n #1. 2. , P l a y e r s c u t c a r d s to find out t h e i r o r d e r of m o v e m e n t , u n l e s s they p r e - a r r a n g e the o r d e r by mutual a g r e e ment. 3. Country # 1 m o v e s f i r s t , along with any a l l i e d t r o o p s that e n t e r the fight a t this stage. In c a s e of dual cont r o l , the a l l i e s a g r e e on soak-off o p e r , o r appoint a n allied c o m ations, m a n d e r . Resolve combat. 4. R e p e a t s t e p 3 f o r c o u n t r i e s #2-7. T h i s c o m p l e t e s turn# 1. 5. R e p e a t s t e p s 3 and 4 f o r e a c h succeeding turn. Note: E x c e p t f o r a f t e r - t h e - b a t t l e movement, e a c h unit m a y only move once p e r turn. E a c h country g e t s to move during the t u r n . This s y s t e m p e r m i t s the making o r breaking of a l l i a n c e s throughout the g a m e , in the m a n n e r of Diplomacy. H e r e a r e s o m e suggestions f o r conditions of victory. 1. Total domination, which r e q u i r e s a n i n c r e a s e in the supply and manpower capacity of m / c ' s . O t h e r w i s e they would be e l i m i n a t e d in two o r t h r e e turns. 2. Conquer a s m a n y c i t y s q u a r e s a s you have in your homeland, while controlling a l l home c i t i e s . 3. Make p e a c e t r e a t i e s with willing e n e m i e s . To s a v e a r g u m e n t s , the playe r s d e t e r m i n e the inviolability of such t r e a t i e s before the game. A w o r d of caution: play only with even-minded people whom you c a n s t a b in the back, without losing t h e m a s f r i e n d s . A s i n politics and f o r e i g n r e lations, do unto o t h e r s a s they would do unto you, but do i t f i r s t .

&.

P R E F E R R E D OPPONENT: 1. 2. 3. Equal: Superior: Inferior: TRUE AND FALSE QUESTIONS: Some people did not a n s w e r q u e s t i o n s 4 , 7 , and 8. The p e r c e n t a g e s given a r e just for true o r false answers, excluding "no c o m m e n t s . "

Hidding U. 5. Strength
by Steve T o r k e l s o n When playing t h e s t a n d a r d game of Guadalcanal, the Japanese player i s a l w a y s a w a r e of t h e e x a c t s t r e n g t h of t h e U. S. t r o o p s on t h e island. In the a c t u a l battle, t h i s w a s not t h e c a s e . During the whole campaign, e s p e c i a l l y during t h e beginning, t h e Japanese s t r e n g t h

Multi - Player Blitzkrieg

By E r i c R. S h i m e r E v e r s i n c e AH c a m e up with the u s e of m i n o r - c o u n t r y a r m i e s f o r B L I T Z -

PAGE 5
e s t i m a t e of the U.S. t r o o p s w a s poor. E s t i m a t e s w e r e a s low a s 2 , 0 0 0 c r a c k t r o o p s when t h e r e w a s actually about 8, 000 troops. I have t r i e d t o duplicate the J a p a n e s e l i m i t e d intelligence with the following r u l e s . 1. U. S. t r o o p s in the jungle s q u a r e s do not have t o show t h e i r identification. The U. S. player m u s t only inform the J a p player what s q u a r e the u n i t s a r e positioned in. 2. If U. S. u n i t s in jungle s q u a r e s a r e attacked, the U. S. player m u s t inf o r m the Japanese player the identification of the u n i t ( s ) being attacked. After the J a p player h a s been informed, h e ( J a p ) m a y b r i n g up m o r e units t o support the a t t a c k . 3. If a n unidentified unit i s just a r t i l l e r y bombarded, the U. S. p l a y e r does not have t o d i s c l o s e the idpntification of the unit until the bombardment has ceased. 4. Hidden Movement R u l e s (OptionalTournament G a m e ) 2 , 10, l a s t p a r t of 11, 12, and 13, a l s o apply t o U.S. movement. Comments: Steve Torkelson, 619 Leo Drive, Santa R o s a , California 95401. you to do." His basic Maxims w e r e : move rapidly; unite your f o r c e s and s t r i k e immediately. He m a n e u v e r e d with a view toward inducing h i s e n e m i e s to divide f o r c e s s o that he could f a l l upon and defeat the f r a c t i o n s s u c c e s s i v e ly. F r o m this and f r o m the a r g u m e n t s E r f u r t h p r o p o s e s in his book, i t can be seen that s u r p r i s e i s nothing but a n a p plication of Economy of F o r c e . I t i s c e r t a i n l y m o r e economical to s t r i k e when your opponent i s not p r e p a r e d f o r the blow than when he h a s taken a l l p r e cautions to ? a r r y it. The A m e r i c a n A r m y officer i s t r a i n e d to constantly s t r i v e f o r s u r p r i s e , but n e v e r to expect t h a t he will be able to s u r p r i s e the enemy. Thus trained, he develops h i s plan s o that he could achieve the objective without the e l e m e n t of s u r p r i s e . To the extent that he would be able to gain s o m e s u r p r i s e . the objective c o m e s that much e a s i e r . The p r e s e n t g u e r r i l l a struggle in Vietnam provides n u m e r o u s e x a m p l e s of s u r p r i s e , such a s ambush; since this principle i s one of p r i m e i m p o r t ance a s a weapon of g u e r r i l l a s . I believe one a r e a where o u r side gained a g r e a t m e a s u r e of s u r p r i s e w a s in the firepower of A m e r i c a n units when the enemy f i r s t encountered t h e m in '65 and '66. The Viet Cong had been u s e to engaging o u r Vietnamese units of the e a r l i e r w a r variety. Our companies and battalions of that t i m e had v e r y l i t tle m o r e f i r e p o w e r than the e n e m y , with a few machine guns, virtually no i n d i r e c t f i r e s u p p o r t o r a i r support. I t was a s m a l l a r m s w a r , mostly. The A m e r i c a n units c a m e in with s e v e r a l t i m e s the f i r e p o w e r of their Vietnamese c o u n t e r p a r t s . One U. S. rifle company had 18 grenade l a u n c h e r s , 3-81mm m o r t a r s , 2-106mm r e c o i l e s s r i f l e s , 18 automatic r i f l e s , 6 machine guns and no telling how many f l a m e t h r o w e r s and what e l s e . A South Vietnamese battalion might be able to g e t into action with 6 machine guns, 18 auto r i f l e s and 3-60mm m o r t a r s . When the Cong m a d e t h e i r f i r s t a t tacks against U. S. units, they a p p e a r e d to have p r e p a r e d t h e m s e l v e s in t e r m s of engaging c o m p a r a b l e s i z e d Viet units. In addition to the v a s t differences of firepower the A m e r i c a n units could usually c a l l on battalions of a r t i l l e r y , and n u m e r o u s a i r s o r t i e s , and s o m e t i m e s a r m o r support. The enemy w a s thoroughly and unpleasantly s u r p r i s e d o n r e p e a t e d o c c a s i o n s in these e a r l y e n c o u n t e r s with t h i s kind of A m e r i c a n firepower. In Avalon Hill g a m e s S u r p r i s e i s s o m e t i m e s difficult to obtain because the situation i s t h e r e f o r both a d v e r s a r i e s to s e e o n the gameboard. Nevert h e l e s s s u r p r i s e can be obtained in s e v e r a l ways.

THE GENERAL
If your opponent f a i l s to take ~ n t o account the (A) Time-Distance F a c t o r d i s c u s s e d in p r e v i o u s a r t i c l e s , s o that he i s unable to r e a c t on a timely b a s i s to what you have i n mind, i t i s evidence that you c a n s u r p r i s e him. This i s one of the m o s t common ways in AH g a m e s to achieve s u r p r i s e . (B) C i r c u m s t a n c e s m a y change i n the g a m e and you m a y s e e i t before your opponent. This m a y give you an opportunity f o r m o r e p r e paration f o r s u r p r i s e . (C) Secrecy. considered one of the m a j o r e l e m e n t s of s u r p r i s e , often looks v e r y difficult to achieve o n a n AH gameboard where so much i s l a i d o u t f o r both you and your opponent to s e e . Ah, but i s i t r e a l l y that h a r d to c o m e b y ? S e c r e c y o n the gameboard c a n be achieved by deception o r confusion. P u m p your opponent full of bad information one way o r another. We showed in the Mobile Def e n s e of a p r e v i o u s i s s u e how you can withdraw f r o m your opponent to d r a w him into h i s destruction by o v e r extension of his f o r c e s . In a r e c e n t GUADALCANAL game, the J a p didn't bring a unit on until 11 Sept. All he did was flee into the jungle. The U. S. player became r a t h e r drawn o u t trying to hold what he had and s t i l l pursue. The J a p a c t e d panic s t r i c k e n about getting away. c u r s e d the imbalance of the game, c u r s e d Avalon Hill, threatened to s u r r e n d e r and give up the ridiculous situation. The i d e a w a s to s p r e a d out the U. S. player so that the J a p could bring on h i s boys "unite and s t r i k e quickly." I t was working until about 4 Sept. when the U. S. guy said. "Hey, wait a minute h e r e ; l e m m e s e e your O r d e r of Appearance Table!" After one look he beat i t back into an enclave around Henderson field. On 11 Sept. the J a p brought on a sizeable f o r c e in the vicinity of Matanikau, but held back a good r e s e r v e , slyly moving the OA Table a s f a r out of sight a s w a s honorable. At the s a m e time he began rolling h i s eyeballs. ohhing and ahhing, and making v a r i o u s o r i e n t a l noises. He made a definite point of landing a l l units and moving them s e v e r a l s q u a r e s towards Henderson muttering "Banzai". The U.S. guy rocked back in h i s c h a i r , i m p r e s s e d by this sudden exhibition and thought the Jap was shooting h i s bolt. When his t u r n c a m e , he s t a r t e d moving units out of h i s enclave to p r e v e n t a J a p c r o s s i n g of the MatanikauRiver. The Jap watched silently, and when the U. S. guy opened himself up f o r a n envelopment by moving too many of his units f o r w a r d the J a p began to look glum and disappointed, not saying a word. The U. S. guy p r e tended not to notice, but he m i s s e d his own weak flank and that was the end. Lesson: Keep your eye o n the g a m e board but t r y to get your opponent to watch you if you want to throw him off.

The Principles of War:

by Capt. Mike F r a n k w i c z edited by Myron Brundage Maxim 95: "War i s composed of nothing but s u r p r i s e s . While a g e n e r a l should a d h e r e to g e n e r a l principles, he should n e v e r l o s e the opportunity to profit by t h e s e s u r p r i s e s . I t i s the e s sence of genius. In w a r t h e r e i s only one favorable moment. Genius seize's it. " Napoleon By s u r p r i s e , you c a n achieve s u c c e s s o u t of p r o p o r t i o n to the e f f o r t e x pended. S u r p r i s e r e s u l t s f r o m s t r i k i n g your opponent a t a time, place, and in a m a n n e r f o r which he i s not p r e p a r e d . It i s not e s s e n t i a l that your opponent be taken unaware, but THAT HE BECOMES AWARE TOO LATE TO REACT E F F E C TIVELY. The G e r m a n G e n e r a l , Waldemar E r furth, who w r o t e a m i l i t a r y c l a s s i c SURPRISE between the world w a r s f e l t that the two m a j o r e l e m e n t s of s u r p r i s e w e r e s e c r e c y and speed. Col. C. H. L a n z a w r o t e that s u r p r i s e might take the f o r m of time, place, direction, f o r c e , t a c t i c s , o r weapons. He f e l t s e c r e c y , rapidity and p r e p a r a tion w e r e the m a i n f a c t o r s . If you w i s h to s u r p r i s e your opponent you should know what h e intends to do and how he i s likely to do it. He undoubtedly will have in mind s o m e things he would like to s e e you do. Napoleon said, "Never do what the e n e m y wished

THE GENERAL
Confusion i n your opponent's mind can give you the opportunity to s u r p r i s e him. To be m e r c e n a r y about it: if he i s not s o used to handling s o many pieces and c o n s i d e r i n g s o many f a c t o r s a s one m u s t in AH g a m e s , o r if he g e t s confused on the r u l e s , well, w a r i s hell (e. g. e v e r g e t clipped o n thatAutom a t i c Victory r u l e ?). There a r e s o m e g a m e r u l e s that a i d you in achieving S u r p r i s e . The hidden c o r p s r u l e i n T a c t i c s I1 i s a good one. I will never f o r g e t about 8 o r 9 y e a r s ago I w a s playing a fellow o f f i c e r a r o u s e r of a T a c t i c s I1 g a m e before a n i n t e r e s t e d g a l l e r y of o u r f r i e n d s . I was Red and w a s drawing h i m back toward the i s l a n d f o r the kill where I had a hiddeq c o r p s . He thought he had m e in a Dunkirk. I w a s one move f r o m unleashing the big punch. All the guys w e r e buzzing, i t looked like I had i t , when bump, m y knee h i t the table and the whole w o r k s f e l l on the floor. Bedl a m broke l o o s e ; s u c h weeping and gnashing of the teeth you n e v e r did s e e . He was f i t to be tied, and when things got c o h e r e n t I found out that the r e s t of them thought I did i t to avoid defeat. I was n e a r l y thrown o u t of m y own q u a r t e r s until I could prove it. That should have been i t then and t h e r e , but then . they c a m e o u t with D-Day.. In GUADALCANAL the optional Hidden Movement Rule c a n c e r t a i n l y be used to achieve s u r p r i s e . Another a r e a w h e r e s u r p r i s e c a n be achieved a r e the v a r i o u s weather r u l e s , which can change time-distance in a m a t t e r of moves. Don't get caught on these yourself. Watch your opponent on these. S o m e t i m e s i t i s obvious that he h a s failed to take weather r u l e s into consideration. Exploit that. supply capability in the nick of time to take c a r e of the many units brought on. How do you cope with s u r p r i s e if you a r e the one s u r p r i s e d ? The b e s t antidote f o r s u r p r i s e i s the preventive m e a s u r e , Security, another principle of war. that we will c o v e r in a s u b s e quent issue. But if you should be s u r p r i s e d , the f i r s t thing to do i s to r e t a i n control o v e r your own situation. That i s paramount. Then a t t e m p t to deny the opponent his objective. See if he h a s c a u s e d himself any weak s p o t s b e c a u s e of h i s activities. In closing, r e m e m b e r a s E r f u r t h s a i d ; the g r e a t e s t s u r p r i s e f o r the e n e m y i s a l o s t battle. Myron Brundage, 2437 Sunnyside, Chicago, Ill.

PAGE 6
s t a l l n g r a d , a 2-3-6). This fearsome unit, along with i t ' s s i n i s t e r s i s t e r s - the 2nd and 15th A r m o r e d Corps--had ~epeatedly and single-handedly held up G e r m a n f o r c e s 20 t i m e s a s s t r o n g f o r an e n t i r e month before finally yielding. These c o r p s should have beenno trouble f o r the G e r m a n s , a s they w e r e a r m e d with the obsolete T-26 paper mache tanks and had a complement of only 35 m e n and 2 R u s s i a n wolfhounds (these l a t t e r w e r e thought to be e x t r e m e l y fine officer m a t e r i a l by Russian s t a n d a r d s and had r e c e n t l y been given c o m m i s sions). T r y a s i t would, however, the h a p l e s s F i r s t P a n z e r A r m y was unable to even budge i t s miniscule opponent. Helpless Helmuth von Blunder, r e m e m bering his f a t h e r ' s fate, now took to schnapps and soon w a s suffering f r o m the D e l e r i u m T r e m o r s , during which time he had halucinations of pink firing squads and purple F u h r e r s . Meanwhile, back in Rastenburg, the F u h r e r s p e n t long h o u r s pouring o v e r the m a p s of the Kharhop Campaign and each day h i s e y e s c a m e to the point on the m a p where the F i r s t P a n z e r A r m y was fighting. E a c h day, to his f u r y , the F u h r e r found i t fighting in exactly the s a m e place a s i t had been the day before. E a c h day, predictably, there was a brand new, f i s t - s i z e d hole in the table where the m a p lay. By the end of the month the table w a s kaputt; the F u h r e r ' s f i s t was kaputt; and, needless to say, Helmuth von Blunder was a l s o kaputt. A s F r a u Hilda von Blunder v i s i t s the twin g r a v e s of h e r husband Ludwig and h e r s o n Helmuth, she r e a d s with s o r row the twin epitaphs on the twin gravestones: "Avalon Hill g a m e s I did play. I fought i n r e a l life the v e r y s a m e way. I forgot what I l e a r n e d in m i l i t a r y schools and fought the w a r under Stalingrad r u l e s R. I. P. " Hilda, with t e a r s of r e g r e t in h e r e y e s , silently vows to e n t r e a t AvalonHill to c r e a t e a r e a l i s t i c tournament v e r s i o n of Stalingrad. Comm e n t s to: J a m e s J. Stein, 311 W. 104th P l a c e , Chicago, Illinois 606 28. COMING SOON: The C u r s e of Gene r a l von Blunder and The Sonof G e n e r a l von Blunder Meets the Clay People! J u s t kidding about that. Thanks to a l l who wrote about The P y r r h i c Victory and the unexpdctedly favorable response i s what prompted another such travesty. In z e m e a n t i m e , AH continues i t s t e s t ing and application of the Automatic Victory r u l e to Stalingrad.

Son of General von Blunder

by J a m e s J. Stein Immediately following the t r a g i c e x ecution of G e n e r a l Ludwig von Blunder, (Mar-April-pg. 6) the c l a n i s h P r u s s i a n High Command succeeded in winning the promotion of von Blunder's e l d e s t son, Helmuth, to the command of the r e f o r m e d and reinforced F i r s t P a n z e r Army. Helmuth, a r a b i d Avalon Hill game player who l o s t with r e g u l a r i t y to h i s l a t e f a t h e r , anxiously awaited o p e r a tional o r d e r s f r o m A r m y Group HQ a t R e t r o g r a d ( a n ominously portentous n a m e ) where the F u h r e r ' s f a v o r i t e F i e l d M a r s h a l , Walther Muddel, had r e c e n t l y taken o v e r f r o m the ailing von Blunder. Muddel, a Nazi G e n e r a l with boundl e s s energy, but a not s o boundless s t r a t e g i c intellect, began issuing o r d e r s to a l l of h i s a r m i e s (including F i r s t P a n z e r ) r e g a r d i n g the i m p o r t a n t new s u m m e r offensive. The objectives f o r this offensive w e r e the e n c i r c l e m e n t and annihilation of the s t r o n g R u s s i a n a r m i e s defending the key r o a d and r a i l junction of Kharhop, under the command of the jolly but dull-witted l u s h , M a r s h a l Rodion Rumdumsky. Rumdumsky s a w to i t that, of the 120,000 daily tons of supplies s e n t to his a r m i e s , 119, 000 tons w e r e devoted to vodka. I t was s a i d a t Stavka HQ ( G e n e r a l Staff) that, while Rumdumsky's troops might not be the m o s t efficient, they w e r e unquestionably the happiest in the R u s s i a n Army. M o r a l e w a s e x t r e m e l y "high". The F u h r e r had s e t a one month timetable f o r the completion of the Kharhop Offensive and the F u h r e r , not being the m o s t patient psycho in h i s t o r y , became m o s t i r r i t a t e d whenever h i s timetables went awry. At f i r s t e v e r y thing went according to plan but, then, a l a s , the e n t i r e F i r s t P a n z e r A r m y r a n afoul of the m o s t f e a r e d R u s s i a n unit of the e n t i r e war--the deadly 7th A r m o r e o C o r p s (to those not acquainted with

. ..

O r d e r of Appearance and Reinforce ment Rules and the time and place these units a r e brought on c a n achieve s u r p r i s e . BLITZKRIEG o f f e r s a combination of r u l e s well suited to s u r p r i s e . F o r example, you c a n save your r e i n f o r c e m e n t s and bring them on any f r i e n d ly city any time f r o m the t u r n they a r e scheduled. On one occasion, Big Red deliberately l e t a l l r e i n f o r c e m e n t s s i t on the O r d e r of Appearance C a r d s e v e r a l m o v e s p a s t t h e i r time. He a l s o gave away to G r e a t Blues advancing f o r c e s , the t e r r a i n he would have needed to supply them. G r e a t Blue thought he had Big Red in a position w h e r e Red couldn't bring on his units except a s piecemeal r e p l a c e m e n t s . Blue conc e n t r a t e d h i s s t r e n g t h f o r w a r d to pin Red in f r o m getting any supply c a p a bility. He a l s o c o n c e n t r a t e d o n s e c u r ing his homeland since Red did have a respectable f o r c e a t s e a , plus available airborne. Blue overextended himself while moving forward. Red saw h i s chance, completed a turning movement, c o s t Blue heavy l o s s e s and gained enough

P. 0.W. Tournament $4
P. 0. W. , that p e r e n i a l tournament s p o n s o r e r i s a t i t again. T h e i r F o u r t h

THE GENERAL
Annual P B M t o u r n a m e n t i s s c h e d ~ l e d to kick-off July 30, 1967, and t h i s one a p p e a r s t o be t h e b i g g e s t b y f a r . P.O.W. h a s contracted with two wargaming clubs: I11 A r m y a n d A g g r e s s o r Homeland t o co- s p o n s o r t h e i r 4th tournament s o a s t o provide a t r e m e n d o u s p r i z e list. P l a y t h i s y e a r will b e in the f o r m of a singles division tournament. E a c h contestant will b e r e p r e s e n t e d in two divisions meaning that he will b e playing two s e p a r a t e e n t r i e s . In o t h e r w o r d s a g a m e r m a y win in the E a s t e r n Division but b e eliminated in the West. In t h i s c a s e he s t i l l continues play in the E a s t compiling points until the contest exp i r e s on July 1, 1968. It i s possible one e n t r e e m a y win in both divisions, if t h i s happens h e will b e a w a r d e d double p r i z e s . T h e r e i s a duplicate p r i z e l i s t f o r each division. All e n t r i e s must own a t l e a s t 3 A. H. land battle g a m e s and send P.O. W. #1 e n t r e e f e e and a stamped, s e l f - a d d r e s s e d envelope before contest t i m e . Everybody wins. Just by entering everyonewho sends u s a stamped, s e l f a d d r e s s e d envelope will r e c e i v e f r e e of c h a r g e R i c h a r d Gutenkunst's special play balance c o u n t e r s f o r Stalingrad. These a r e of excellent quality a n d p a s s able f o r r e a l AH c o u n t e r s . A l i s t i n g of the duplicate p r i z e l i s t s follows; c o m plete with t h e i r s p o n s o r s . 1. T r o p h y . . . . . . . . . .P. 0. W . 2. F r e e AH g a m e . . . . . . . . . P. 0. W . 3 . Iwo J i m a game. . . . . . A g g r e s s o r Homeland 4. P a n z e r f a u u s t subscription P.O.W. 5. A m e r i c a n Lg. BB c o u n t e r s . . . . . I11 A r m y 6 . Bulge C o r r e c t i o n Sets. A g g r e s s o r Homeland 7. Stalingrad A i r p o w e r s e t s . . Agg r e s s o r Homeland 8. S F L Football g a m e s . . .I11 A r m y We suggest that you patronize t h e s e fine wargaming clubs which have m a d e such a fine p r i z e l i s t possible. Winners n a m e s will b e publicized in 3 gaming magazines b e s i d e s the General. E n t e r now. Send your e n t r i e s t o P . 0. W. HQ C / O Donald Greenwood, Box 280, RD # 2 , Sayre, P e n n a . 18840. i s that units fighting four o r five t u r n s i n a row a r e a s strong a s units who haven't even fought yet. To r e m e d y t h i s I would like t o suggest the following r u l e s f o r a tournament game. 1. Use Blitz. Attrition table. 2. Reduce the strength of by 116 of i t s standing strength (original strength minus f a c t o r s l o s t ) f o r each consecutive move i t i s engaged. F o r each move i t i s .not engaged i t gains back 116 of i t s standing strength until i t g e t s back t o i t s standing strength. Only 15 f a c t o r s standing s t r e n g t h m a y occupy 1 s q u a r e no m a t t e r how weak a unit i s b e c a u s e it h a s been engaged. A unit attacked a t 1 - 3 o r w o r s e i s not consideredengaged. 3 . A unit d r i v e n back in battle l o s s e s 113 of i t s strength instead of 116. 4 . A unit engaged during the l a s t two moves h a s i t s c r o s s - c o u n t r y and r o a d movement cut in half. A unit that h a s been engaged a s such m a y move i t s full allowance during a r e t r e a t ; but i t i s considered routed and if a n enemy unit c o m e adjacent i t i s considered i m mediately d e s t r o y e d . A routed unit t a k e s two t u r n s of r e s t before i t can take the field a t which point i t i s considered back up t o standing s t r e n g t h . Optional Rules: 1. If a r t i l l e r y i s routed i t l o s e s 112 i t s strength due t o the f a c t i t wouldhave to abandon i t s guns. 2. Make the following units un r o u t a b l e a n d when f o r c e d t o r e t r e a t l o s e only 116 instead of 1/ 3 of t h e i r strength. French-Imp. Gd. i n f . , B r i t i s h - C o o k e ' s Inf. Inf. (Gds. ), P r u s s i a n - S t e i n m e t z ' s Example of the r u l e s . Two 6-3 units a t t a c k a t 12- 1 a 1-6. They advance 4 s p a c e s , l o s e no f a c t o r s and l o s e 116 of t h e i r strength. They now have 12 standing and 10 effective f a c t o r s . They a r e attacked by 30 f a c t o r s a t 3 - 1 . They a r e r e t r e a t e d , l o s e 2 f a c t o r s and 1/ 3 m o r e of t h e i r standing strength. They now have 10 f a c t o r s standing and having l o s t 112 of t h i s have 5 f a c t o r s effective. If they a r e r e s t e d f o r 3 m o v e s they will be back up to t h e i r full standing s t r e n g t h with 10 effective f a c t o r s . TACTICS-Always have a r e s e r v e of a t l e a s t 15 fully effective infantry and 2 o r 3 c a l v a r y to c o v e r a r e t r e a t , launch a final breakthrough o r to follow up a r e t r e a t and t u r n i t into a r o u t e . C o m m e n t s to P e t e r R e e s e , 5916 S a r a h C t . C h a r m i chael, Calif. 95608. hadn't noticed), the I m p e r i a l J a p a n e s e Navy a l l but c a n ' t lose. I propose s e v e r a 1 changes in a n e f f o r t to i n c r e a s e play balance and r e a l i s m . The only change in the p r e s e n t o r d e r of battle i s the addition of a J a p a n e s e CL: JINTSU, which e n t e r s a t 0900 June 3. RULES The f i r s t change i s in a n effort to c o r r e c t a p r o b l e m pointed out by P e t e r H a r l e m i n the M a r c h '66 General: "Yam a t o with eight hits s t i l l h a s a s u r f a c e f a c t o r of 18. " His solution, however, was not compatible with a i r - s e a combat. So instead, a s y s t e m of p r o p o r L tional reduction should be used. F o r example: CHIKUMA with no h i t s i s a 6-3. As i t r e c e i v e s r e p e a t e d hits, i t s firepower i s reduced. With one hit i t ' s a 4-2, with two h i t s a 2-1, with t h r e e h i t s sunk. YAMATO with five hits bec o m e s a 9-5. F o r those s h i p s which don't r e d u c e evenly: a ) a s h i p always r e t a i n s a s c r e e n i n g of a t l e a s t one. b) the s u r f a c e - t o - s c r e e n i n g ratio should be kept a s c l o s e a s possible to the' o r i g i n a l r a t i o . c ) reduction i s in proportion to the total number of h i t s i t c a n sustain. Attacks m a y , of c o u r s e , be made in waves. A ship h i t o n the f i r s t wave i s reduced, a s h a s been stated, to a l e s s e r s c r e e n i n g f o r the second wave. Aft e r the f i r s t wave and e a c h succeeding wave, a l l ships m a y move one space on the battle b o a r d in any direction before the next wave. This allows f o r minor r e a d j u s t m e n t s to p r o t e c t those ships now vulnerable, and a l s o p e r m i t s compensation f o r a ship sunk in the f i r s t wave (which i s r e m o v e d a s explained below). An unlimited number of wave a t t a c k s m a y be launched p e r turn. If a ship i s sunk in the middle of a s e r i e s of wave a t t a c k s , i t i s important to r e c o r d how many hits w e r e r e q u i r e d to s i n k it. If t h r e e h i t s w e r e required, and f o u r o r m o r e ( o r a 5-1 automatic) w e r e s c o r e d , than the s h i p i s removed. If, however, i t i s sunk by exactly the number n e c e s s a r y , then i t i s not r e moved. I t i s turned o v e r to indicate i t i s sinking and i s no longer a target. I t cannot, of c o u r s e , s c r e e n , and a l l ships m u s t s t i l l keep p r o p e r spacing f r o m it. Screening values m a y be s p l i t and applied anywhere within two s p a c e s . (i. e. the YAMATO c a n s p l i t up i t s ten s c r e e n i n g and apply the different p a r t s anyway d e s i r e d ) . Aircraft may attack from three torpedo zones and one dive zone on e a c h ship. Torpedo a t t a c k s m a y not be made f r o m the s t e r n . All ships m u s t be f a c ing in the s a m e direction. If a c a r r i e r h a s r e a d i e d o r readying planes on i t s deck, i t sinks with one l e s s hit. In addition, e v e r y dive-bomb-

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Tournament Waterloo
BY P e t e r R e e s e Anyone who h a s e v e r r e a d about Napoleonic w a r f a r e will note that i t w a s a l m o s t invariably the committing of the f r e s h r e s e r v e a g a i n s t t i r e d a n d d i s organized t r o o p s t h a t c a r r i e d the field. Two b a t t l e s l i k e t h i s a r e Waterloo and Ligny. Yet in the p r e s e n t Waterloo t h e r e i s no advantage t o holding b a c k a r e s e r v e ; on the c o n t r a r y i t i s b e s t t o a t t a c k with everything a p e r s o n h a s . Another thing

Midway Unstereotyped
by M a r k Saviet Midway, like a l m o s t a l l of Avalon Hill's g a m e s , h a s the capability of becoming m o r e than just a stereotyped contest of good luck. I t i s to this end that this a r t i c l e i s directed. In i t s p r e s e n t f o r m (in c a s e you

THE GENERAL
e r h i t d e s t r o y s two of the r e a d i e d , o r readying, s q u a d r o n s ( s h i p ' s choice of type). In s u r f a c e c o m b a t , f a c t o r s m a y be s p l i t i n any m a n n e r ( a t t a c k f a c t o r s only). Battleships m a y not f i r e into a d j a c e n t s p a c e s . At f o u r s q u a r e ( b a t t l e s h i p ) range, the b a t t l e s h i p ' s f i r e i s halved (i.e. e i g h t f a c t o r s a r e w o r t h f o u r and eleven f a c t o r s a r e w o r t h five). PLAY PROCEDURE B o t h p l a y e r s w r i t e , i n s e c r e t , whethe r o r not they a r e readying (be specific a s to s h i p s , types, and n u m b e r s ) . The J a p m u s t s t a t e , b e f o r e U. S. s e a r c h , t h a t s h i p s (being s p e c i f i c ) a r e on MIDWAY. S e a r c h p r o c e d u r e i s the s a m e . If a f l e e t i s spotted, that p e r s o n m u s t s t a t e whether o r not h i s p l a n s a r e r e a d y ing o r r e a d i e d ( c a n f l y that turn). F o r example: "The CVL is r e a d y i n g and one CV i s readied." I t i s not n e c e s s a r y to specify f u r t h e r . I n s t a t i n g the condition of the a i r c r a f t , readying o v e r r i d e s r e a d i e d which o v e r r i d e s not r e a d i e d . In o t h e r words: if a s h i p i s readying any a i r c r a f t a t all, the condition, a s s t a t e d to the s e a r c h e r , i s "readying." This i s s o w h e t h e r o r not the o t h e r a i r c r a f t a r e readied. If s o m e a i r c r a f t a r e r e a d i e d , and none a r e readying, then the condition i s "readied. I' O p e r a t i o n s f o r both s i d e s a r e w r i t t e n e v e r y t u r n r e g a r d l e s s of whether o r not anyone w a s sighted. All a i r o p e r a t i o n s o t h e r than a t t a c k should a l s o be w r i t t e n should your opponent question your c l a i m s . All o p e r ations should be m a r k e d a s to t i m e and date: 0900 JUNE 4: a l l ENTERPRISE and HORNET f i g h t e r s e s c o r t a l l c a r r i e r a i r c r a f t to a t t a c k D-4g. YORKTOWN and MIDWAY f i g h t e r s o n C A P o v e r MIDWAY., F l y o t h e r MIDWAY a i r c r a f t to c a r r i e r s . Any o p e r a t i o n s the e n e m y d o e s n o t o b s e r v e a r e not told to him. If you put up C A P expecting a n attack, your opponent is n o t told u n l e s s he had a i r c r a f t o r s h i p s i n the s a m e zone. When an a t t a c k a r r i v e s , the a t t a c k e r m u s t be told by n a m e , which s h i p s have r e a d i e d o r r e a d y i n g p l a n e s on deck. Ships m a y b e kept off the b o a r d and brought o n a t a l a t e r hour than t h a t a t which they a r e l i s t e d . MISCELLANEOUS The A m e r i c a n m a y launch B-17 a t tacks f r o m MIDWAY to any s p o t o n the board. B-17s m u s t b e r e a d i e d f o r t h r e e t u r n s before they m a y fly. One s h i p i n a d i s c o v e r e d f l e e t i s s e l e c t e d , and a die r o l l of five i s t h r e e h i t s ; a d i e r o l l of s i x i s five hits. F i g h t e r s have no effect o n B-17s. They m a y a t t a c k a t night. Attack m a y be m a d e before, aft e r , o r between waves of a n o r d i n a r y a i r s t r i k e . After MIDWAY i s r e d u c e d to ten o r l o w e r , fueling r e q u i r e s five turns. An a t t a c k d o e s n o t have to be made i n the m i d s t of a r e g u l a r s t r i k e , and no m o r e a t t a c k s m a y be m a d e a f t e r MIDWAY i s completely reduced. T h e r e a r e 8 P T boats a t MIDWAY and 2 a t KURE. They m a y a l l be b a s e d a t e i t h e r MIDWAY o r KURE o r any combination. Aside f r o m l o s s in c o m bat, they m a y be taken only by occupying t h e i r b a s e s while they a r e i n them. P T boats m u s t be r e a d i e d f o r one t u r n like a i r c r a f t . The J a p h a s no way of knowing if they a r e o r a r e not r e a d ied. This is a l s o t r u e of MIDWAYb a s e d a i r . P T b o a t s have a r a n g e of ten s p a c e s (five o u t and five back). They m a y o p e r a t e a t night. E a c h boat i s the equivalent of one torpedo-plane squadron, and they function (and a r e l o s t ) the s a m e with the following r e s t r i c t i o n s : A Jap ship (for P T ) p l a c e m e n t p u r p o s e s only) c o n t r o l s i t s a d j a c e n t s q u a r e s e x c e p t f o r those placed diagonally f r o m it. P T s m a y move into a controlled s q u a r e but m u s t then stop. Thus they cannot p e n e t r a t e the o u t e r p e r i m e t e r of a fleet. P T s do not p a r t i c i p a t e i n s e a - t o - s e a battles. They m a y be u s e d in conjunction with a r e g u l a r a i r attack. They a r e l o s t i n the s a m e m a n n e r a s a i r c r a f t . .The J a p m u s t s t a t e h i s p r e s e n c e on KURE the s a m e a s if i t w e r e MIDWAY. Of c o u r s e , f o r e i t h e r island, he no l o n g e r m u s t do s o once he h a s taken i t (in t h a t c a s e the A m e r i c a n m u s t s t a t e h i s p r e s e n c e ) . KURE i s taken like MIDWAY. T h e r e i s no softening up r e quired. I t i s w o r t h two points to the J a p only if MIDWAY i s not taken. O t h e r w i s e , i t s only value i s in d e s t r o y i n g the P T s . The f l a g s h i p of the KURE landing f o r c e i s JINTSU. I t m u s t r e m a i n on KURE f o r two t u r n s . If i t i s sunk, KURE c a n only be taken by the ATAGO which, to do so, m u s t : a ) take KURE b e f o r e MIDWAY (two t u r n s ) and if MIDWAY i s a l s o to be taken. b) r e m a i n o n MIDWAY f o r five turns. JINTSU cannot take MIDWAY. If MIDWAY i s taken, butKURE i s n ' t , i t i s w o r t h two points to the A m e r i c a n . B A T T L E PROCEDURE After s h i p s about to be attacked a r e positioned, the a t t a c k e r p l a c e s a l l h i s a i r c r a f t i n the a t t a c k positions he w i s h e s . The defender now w r i t e s down the numb e r of f i g h t e r s with which he will i n t e r cept. T h e s e f i g h t e r s m u s t be o n e s d e s ignated a s C A P o v e r those p a r t i c u l a r ships. The a t t a c k e r a l s o w r i t e s down the n u m b e r of h i s e s c o r t i n g f i g h t e r s t h a t will c o v e r this wave. Combat odds f o r the f i g h t e r s a r e then s e t up (the o n e s with the s h i p s a r e the defenders). The d e f e n d e r c a n of c o u r s e s t r i p off a s many a s he i s allowed according to s t a n d a r d p r o c e d u r e (if he h a s a n equal n u m b e r of f i g h t e r s he m u s t u s e t h e m a l l ; if he h a s m o r e they m a y be applied to s h i p s , etc. ). The die i s thrown and a l l surviving f i g h t e r s m a y not be u s e d a g a i n t h a t t u r n . All a i r - s e a b a t t l e s a r e r e s o l v e d and the next wave a t t a c k s i n the s a m e m a n n e r . Neither the n u m b e r of a t t a c k planes n o r the total number of f i g h t e r s i s r e v e a l e d by e i t h e r side. The a t t a c k e r i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r s t a t i n g the number of waves. The a t t a c k e r m a y a b o r t f u t u r e waves a t any t i m e but m u s t do s o according to a b o r t p r o c e d u r e (See below). F i g h t e r fighter odds a r e rounded off to those n e a r e s t , not i n f a v o r of the defender. If a n e n e m y h a s f i g h t e r s o v e r h i s f l e e t , you cannot a b o r t the a t t a c k without a fight. If you s t a t e you a r e a b o r t ing, the a i r i s handled the s a m e a s i n a MIDWAY attack. If you have no fighte r s , than a n u m b e r of aii-craft equal to the n u m b e r of your opponents f i g h t e r s m u s t be lost. O t h e r w i s e , you have a r e g u l a r fighter-fighter battle with the defender allowed to strip-off and go a f t e r the b o m b e r s . A p e r s o n m a y , upon seeing h i s op~ o n e n t s dispositions f o r one f l e e t of ships, a b o r t t h a t p a r t i c u l a r a t t a c k and h i t a different fleet, within r a n g e , in the s a m e turn. A b o r t m u s t be c a r r i e d out a c c o r d i n g to the r u l e s previously stated. However, the a b o r t e r m a y , in this situation only, m e e t the defender with only a n e q u a l n u m b e r of f i g h t e r s so a s to p r e s e r v e the r e s t f o r h i s a t t a c k o n the o t h e r fleet. You m a y not h i t both f l e e t s u n l e s s i t is s o l i s t e d in your o p e r a t i o n s and youhave designated two s e p a r a t e flights (one flight m a y a b o r t and join the o t h e r flight in hitting one fleet). F i g h t e r s which w e r e engaged a g a i n s t e n e m y f i g h t e r s i n the a b o r t cannot be used a s e s c o r t a g a i n s t the second fleet. When the J a p i s readying h i s a i r c r a f t , he m u s t be a b l e to prove whether o r not h i s t o r p e d o - b o m b e r s a r e a r m e d with bombs (i.e. the J a p m u s t specifically r e a d y V T s f o r a MIDWAY attack). He c a n of c o u r s e d e - r e a d y i n one turn, and r e - r e a d y ' w i t h different a r m a m e n t on the next. If a s u r f a c e c o m b a t a t t a c k take place while the J a p i s bombarding (by s e a ) a n d / o r invading MIDWAY, that t u r n does not count t o w a r d s e i t h e r . COMMENTS I t i s obvious t h a t these new r u l e s add a g r e a t e r d e g r e e of s k i l l , r e a l i s m , and c o n c e n t r a t e d thought to the game. This i s ~ a r t i c u l a r l y t r u e if b o t h p l a y e r s a r e c o u r a g e o u s enough to s p l i t up t h e i r f l e e t s , the A m e r i c a n into two; the J a p

THE GENERAL
into t h r e e o r m o r e . The B-17s enable the A m e r i c a n to g e t the e x t r a points he needs, and t h e r e b y f o r c e the J a p to do m o r e than j u s t take MIDWAY. The P T s give the A m e r i c a n the equivalent of 10 d e s p e r a t e l y needed t o r p e d o - b o m b e r s (in a l i m i t e d fashion to be s u r e ) . The J a p m a y find i t n e c e s s a r y to r e d u c e MIDWAY f a s t , e v e n a t the r i s k of bringing his vulnerable f i r s t f l e e t into U. S. r a n g e , s o a s to p r e v e n t the ATAGO f r o m being s l a u g h t e r e d by B-17s. Should the p o s s i b i l i t y of a suicide attack f r o m m o r e than s e v e n s q u a r e s become annoying, you c a n avoid i t by employing a technique u s e d by o u r club. Instead of moving two s p a c e s e v e r y turn a s i s done now, you move one s p a c e a t a time. I t w o r k s out to: move (one s p a c e ) s e a r c h - move - a t t a c k - move s e a r c h - move - attack. T h i s allows f o r the t i m e l a p s e between d i s c o v e r y and s t r i k e . When the s t r i k e f o r c e a r r i v e s , i t c a n "attack" t h r e e of the nine p o s s i ble locations of the enemy. T h u s t h e r e i s only a 113 chance of hitting h i m with any single attack. V e r y few people a r e willing to throw-away a l l t h e i r a i r c r a f t with those odds. Any questions o r c l a r i f i c a t i o n s o n these r u l e s will be a n s w e r e d , and any r e m a r k s and c r i t i c i s m s o n t h e s e changes would be a p p r e c i a t e d . A d d r e s s a l l shtick to: M a r k Saviet, c / o South Vietminh, 9 Reynolds D r i v e , Long Beach, New York 11561. T H E U. S. ORDER O F A P P E A R ANCE CHART R o a d s - The r o a d s a r e pivotal i n t h e outcome of the g a m e ; if t h e U. S. p l a y e r d e n i e s you the u s e of the r o a d s you will probably l o s e , of c o u r s e the r e v e r s e i s t r u e if you deny h i m t h e u s e of t h e r o a d s . T h e one r o a d you m u s t s e i z e control 04, a s soon a s p o s s i b l e , i s t h e r o a d running n o r t h south f r o m T T 2 to C l e a r v a u x which g o e s through E l s e n b o r n and St. Vith. Control of t h i s r o a d e n a b l e s you t o shift your u n i t s f r o m one-half of t h e b o a r d t o the o t h e r i n one t u r n . T h i s h e l p s t o keep t h e U.S. player off balance and p r e c l u d e s h i s m a s s i n g h i s d e f e n s e s i n any one a r e a . T e r r a i n - A f t e r studying t h e b o a r d f o r a l i t t l e while i t b e c o m e s a p p a r e n t t h a t the e a s t e r n half of the b o a r d i s m u c h e a s i e r t o defend than the w e s t e r n half. Actually t h e r e a r e about 160 m o r e c l e a r t e r r a i n s q u a r e s i n the w e s t e r n half of the board. T h i s m e a n s we m u s t m a k e e v e r y effort possible t o push the U.S. player into t h e w e s t e r n half b e f o r e h i s Dec. 22 A . M . t u r n , if you a r e s u c c e s s ful i n t h i s h i s f a t e i s p r a c t i c a l l y s e a l e d f o r t h e w e s t e r n half of t h e b o a r d f a v o r s t h e a g g r e s s o r . U s e the t e r r a i n f e a t u r e s t o your advantage a s much a s p o s s i b l e , a l w a y s deploy your units on mountains and behind r i v e r s to p r e v e n t c o u n t e r a t t a c k s . I believe t h a t the b e s t defense of your r e a r a r e a i s to occupy the b o a r d edge s q u a r e s . T h e r u l e s s t a t e t h a t new u n i t s m a y not b e placed on b o a r d i n s q u a r e s d i r e c t l y i n e n e m y zones of cont r o l , so to deny the U. S. player a c c e s s t o your r e a r a r e a on the south side of t h e b o a r d you need t o defend UU,RR, O O , L L , H H , E E , and BB. T h i s c o s t s 28 combat f a c t o r s but f o r c e s the e n e m y to bring his units in a t squares A thru M if he wants t o u s e t h e m immediately, a l s o i t i n s u r e s t h e safety of your supply l i n e s . The n o r t h side defense i s QQ, JJ, GG,BB, and Y13. R e m e m b e r t h i s d o e s not t a k e place a l l a t once but gradua l l y a s you advance, and that you a l w a y s have the option t o c o m m i t t h e s e f o r c e s t o d e f e n s e o r not depending on how things a r e going a t the f r o n t . I a l w a y s send t h r e e infantry r e g i m e n t s along t h e n o r t h edge a t t h e s t a r t of the g a m e t o t r y t o c a p t u r e V e r v i e r s and s q u a r e BB, you will not usually succeed, but you will f o r c e t h e U. S. player t o d i v e r t needed u n i t s away f r o m t h e f r o n t . U. S. DEFENSE - The U.S. p l a y e r m u s t maintain a line defense a c r o s s the b o a r d ; he h a s of c o u r s e t h e t e r r a i n t o a i d h i m , but t h e l i n e type defense h a s i n h e r e n t d r a w b a c k s . To be effective it m u s t be a s t r a i g h t line; if you c a n m a k e a bulge in i t you will f o r c e the U. S. p l a y e r t o withdraw a l l along the l i n e o r expose h i s f l a n k s . E i t h e r a l t e r n a t i v e i s to t h e G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r s advantage. If he withdraws you will gain ground in s o m e a r e a without having t o

5.

Key to German Victory in Bulge

By Joseph Pollock In writing t h i s a r t i c l e , I hope t o give some aid and comfort to the German field m a r s h a l l s e v e r y w h e r e who a r e involved i n a t o u r n a m e n t P. B. M. g a m e of Battle of t h e Bulge. F o r t h e p u r p o s e s of t h i s a r t i c l e a l l t h e t o u r n a m e n t and optional r u l e s apply except one way t r a f f i c , which I p e r s o n a l l y f e e l i s not r e a l i s t i c . In t r u t h I c a n m a k e no s p e c i f i c r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s about which s e t of conditions of v i c t o r y t o p u r s u e ; e a c h individual g a m e v a r i e s s o t h e r i g h t c o u r s e of a c t i o n t o follow m u s t v a r y also. The points I a m about t o c o v e r do not v a r y a n d t h e r e f o r e a r e applicable t o a l l situations. To enhance h i s c h a n c e s of v i c t o r y the G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r m u s t u n d e r s t a n d and e m p h a s i z e h i s u s e s of t h e following a r e a s , r u l e s a n d conditions. 1. ROADS 2. TERRAIN 3. T Y P E O F U. S. DEFENSE 4 . THE P. B.M. B A T T L E RESULTS TABLE

fight f o r i t , o r if he allows the bulge you will b e a b l e t o a t t a c k h i s flanks. which a l w a y s gives you the possibility of t r a p p i n g h i s f o r w a r d e l e m e n t s . In a n y c a s e a bulge will f o r c e h i m to s p r e a d h i s f o r c e s out t h i n n e r , a s he i s f o r c e d t o defend m o r e a r e a . P. B. M. Battle R e s u l t s Table - My own e x p e r i e n c e and that of o t h e r s shows t h a t m o s t G e r m a n l o s s e s in Bulge a r e a t t r i b u t e d t o exchanges and engagements. An examination of t h e t a b l e shows that exchanges o c c u r in t h e 3- 1 t o 7- 1 odds only. One might conclude f r o m t h i s t h a t t h i s i s just something the G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r m u s t l i v e with, well i t ' s not. I submit t h e following s i m p l e guide line to use. 1. Surround e n e m y units whenever p o s s i b l e ( u s e soak off t a c t i c s a g a i n s t adjacent units). 2. Attack whenever and w h e r e v e r possible a t 8- 1. 3. Attack a t 5-1, 6-1, and 7-1 only a g a i n s t units on c l e a r t e r r a i n s q u a r e s o r positions with a m a x i m u m defense f a c t o r of 8. 4. Avoid 3-1 a n d 4- 1 a t t a c k s b e c a u s e of t h e possibility of engagements. 5. In a l l o t h e r situations a t t a c k a t 2-1. T h e 2-1 a t t a c k can be the G e r m a n commanders greatest asset, a t first glance it shows 20% f o r a n A back 1, 3070 f o r a n engaged, 2070 f o r a contact, a n d 3070 f o r a D back, o r only a 30% chance of s u c c e s s ; t h i s is misleading and i t i s not a c t u a l l y t h e c a s e . The 20% chance of contact if it c o m e s up i s a t a c t i c a l v i c t o r y , i t f o r c e s t h e enemy t o e i t h e r a t t a c k o r withdraw, usually nece s s i t y d i c t a t e s t h e l a t t e r choice. But c o n t a c t s can b e u s e d t o e l i m i n a t e enemy u n i t s the p r e r e q u i s i t e being t o s u r r o u n d the e n e m y unit i n question. In t h i s c a s e h e cannot r e t r e a t a n d m u s t fight a t odds of a t l e a s t 1-4. By making t h e b e s t posible u s e of t h e t e r r a i n surrounding the e n e m y unit you can usually push t h e s e odds t o b e t t e r than 1-6 which a r e not allowed. (Note) Load up your 2-1 a t t a c k s s o that they a r e one o r two units beneath t h e 3- 1 f i g u r e . If you a s G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r u s e only P a n z e r units t o c o m p r i s e t h e f o r c e s of a 2- 1 a t t a c k the optional engagement r u l e allows you t o b r e a k off combat if i t c o m e s up. Although t h i s d o e s not g i v e u s a n i m m e d i a t e t a c t i c a l v i c t o r y it d o e s prevent t h e e n e m y f r o m moving h i s units during h i s t u r n . Depending o n the outcome of your o t h e r b a t t l e s t h i s can c a u s e a hole i n h i s d e f e n s e s a n d if not a t l e a s t s t r e t c h h i s u n i t s out a l i t t l e thinner. It a l s o g i v e s u s t h e option of attacking again o r moving o u r u n i t s t o a new a r e a . So i n r e a l i t y u n d e r t h e aforementioned conditions the 2- 1 a t t a c k gives the G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r a n 80% chance of s u c c e s s . Another of the t a b l e s g r e a t e s t a s s e t s i s t h e ability t o move a f t e r combat. P l a n

THE GENERAL
your b a t t l e s c a r e f u l l y then plan t h e i r sequence s o t h a t you c a n t a k e advantage of t h i s ability t o move t o cut off e n e m y r e t r e a t r o u t e s , of ensuing b a t t l e s . P r e p a r e a s e p a r a t e supplemental disposition a f t e r combat s h e e t , o n i t w r i t e out t h e m o v e m e n t s of your u n i t s and the e n e m i e s f o r e v e r y p o s s i b l e probability. T h i s gives you c o n t r o l of t h e d i r e c t i o n of b a t t l e , i t k e e p s t h e U. S. p l a y e r off b a l a n c e and f o r c e s h i m into t h e a r e a s you want t o fight on. U. S. O r d e r of A p p e a r a n c e C h a r t T h i s shows w h e r e a n d when h i s r e i n f o r c e m e n t s will e n t e r the g a m e and helps you e s t i m a t e what H r e a s they c a n r e a c h i n t h e i r t u r n . T h i s should help you i n planning your subsequent a t t a c k s . By p r o p e r applicationof a l l t h e a f o r e mentioned s t r a t e g i e s t h e G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r should b e a b l e t o push t h e U. S. p l a y e r s u n i t s into the w e s t e r n half of the b o a r d by t h e end of h i s 21 a m t u r n . Address a l l comments and arguments t o Joseph Pollock, 10 W i l s h i r e D r i v e , North Babylon, N. Y. 11703. t h r e a t e n d e s t r u c t i o n of your f o r c e s . H e r e i s how t o u s e f i s s i o n with f o r c e . Sneaky T r i c k #1: If you did your h o m e w o r k b e f o r e the g a m e you will s e e t h a t YY-43 i s exactly 20 s q u a r e s f r o m E E 25. When you s e t up your units a t the s t a r t , m a k e a big pile of units on YY 4 3 and s l i p a 1-20 i n the middle. G r e a t Blue n e a r l y a l w a y s a t t a c k s E E - 2 5 . On your t u r n you bomb the city out of e x i s t e n c e . You can c o v e r with your f i g h t e r s a t s e a . Warning--Note t h a t S-25 happens t o b e 12 s q u a r e s away f r o m E E - 2 5 ( d r a t i t ! ) If G r e a t Blue w a s s m a r t enough to put f i g h t e r s t h e r e then you'll have t o hold t h i s one off unt i l next g a m e . Common Sense Rule--Always u s e your n u c l e a r a t t a c k s on potential fighte r - b o m b e r b a s e s . A f t e r you have your f i g h t e r s i n 00-40 you c a n b l a s t EE-34. If your opponent i s a lunkhead he m a y give you a chance t o p l a s t e r BB-31. 1f so, t a k e advantage of it. If not, you will h a v e t o wait until you c a p t u r e NN 33 t o blow up BB-31. With E E - 2 5 , E E 34, and BB-31 gone G r e a t Blue won't have a s i n g l e decent a i r b a s e to h i s n a m e . If he puts h i s f i g h t e r s a t CC-39 just d i v e r t s o - m e f o r c e s t o the South and wipe out that city. Meanwhile you c a n d e s t r o y a l l h i s f o r c e s i n the North with your b o m b e r s since he will have no f i g h t e r protection. At B e s t , G r e a t Blue will only b e a b l e t o c o v e r h i s own f o r c e s . Since B l u e ' s f o r c e s will not b e a b l e to advance p a s t fighter r a n g e f o r f e a r of being c r e m a t e d and s i n c e you a r e constantly wiping out h i s m o s t f o r w a r d f i g h t e r b a s e s , your opponent will soon find himself r a t h e r c l o s e t o h i s own b o r d e r s . T h e r e i s nothing that can foul up t h i s s t r a t e g y UNLESS you pull a b o n e r l i k e l e t t i n g your opponent execute a 4 t o 1 p a r a t r o o p e r a t t a c k on one of your f i g h t e r b a s e s . If t h i s happens, while you a r e waiting f o r your r e p l a c e m e n t f a c t o r s t o a c c u m u l a t e , you can look f o r a n opportunity t o pull sneaky t r i c k #3. Your opponent h a s a fighter s u p e r i o r i t y and puts h i s ADC too c l o s e to the fighting. Once a g a i n you s l i p a 1-20 SAC into a city c l o s e t o the f r o n t . To do t h i s just s t a r t b r e a k i n g u p s o m e infantry into 1 - 4 ' s a n d s l i p the SAC among t h e m . If your opponent d o e s n ' t constantly check your positions and d o e s n ' t bomb y o u r city you a r e i n b u s i n e s s . S t a r t counting s q u a r e s a g a i n and find a city behind h i s l i n e s that i s beyond h i s fighte r r a n g e s a n d b l a s t it. A good example: Blue puts h i s f i g h t e r s i n B B - 3 1 . You s l i p a SAC into JJ-46. On the next t u r n you p u l v e r i z e h i s c a p i t a l ! Granted, I will a d m i t you c a n ' t u s e sneaky t r i c k s 1 and 2 e v e r y t i m e , but you should b e a b l e t o gain a i r s u p e r i o r i t y with Big R e d t h r e e out of f o u r t i m e s . Any c o m m e n t s o r c o m p l i m e n t s would b e a p p r e c i a t e d . T e r r y T h o m a s , 11559 C r o m well C i r c l e , Dallas, T e x a s 75229.

Artillery Being Cheated?

by P a u l P e r l a I think t h a t a r t i l l e r y u n i t s i n Blitzk r i e g a r e being short-changed. To m a k e f o r added r e a l i s m , I think s o m e new u s e s could b e given t o the a r t i l l e r y . A r t i l l e r y h a s a r a n g e of s i x s q u a r e s . They m a y , i n d i r e c t support of a n a t t a c k o r i n a softening up r o l e without a n y o t h e r attacking ground units, f i r e u p t o t h i s s i x s q u a r e range. The r e g u l a r tournament game attrition table i s used i n both c a s e s , but t h e a r t i l l e r y d o e s not l o s e any f a c t o r s u n l e s s i t i s adjacent t o the unit i t i s attacking. An exception t o t h i s r u l e i s . m a d e i n t h e c a s e of a n a r t i l l e r y duel (one a r t i l l e r y unit shelling a n o t h e r ) . In t h i s situation the a t tacking unit m u s t suffer the l o s s e s indicated on the table. A r t i l l e r y m a y a l s o be u s e d i n a d e f e n s i v e r o l e , applying i t s defense f a c t o r on a n y attacking unit i n the s i x s q u a r e range. A r t i l l e r y u n i t s m a y a l s o be u s e d i n a n i n t e r d i c t i o n r o l e , to p r e v e n t r e t r e a t s o r t o block a s q u a r e t o p r e v e n t supplies and r e i n f o r c e m e n t s f r o m being brought up. A r t i l l e r y m a y a l s o b e u s e d i n city b o m b a r d m e n t . If the city i s shelled by twelve f a c t o r s two t u r n s i n a row, i t l o s e s i t s supply capacity and i t s ability t o support a i r c r a f t , and a l s o l o s e s t h e power t o double up t h e defending u n i t s f o r the next t u r n and a l l t u r n s t h a t it i s unoccupies. In t h i s c a s e t h e r e i s no need t o soak off on defending units. All u n i t s in t h e city l o s e a total of two f a c tors. If a r t i l l e r y u n i t s a r e within t h e s i x s q u a r e r a n g e of a beach that i s undefended, the attacking u n i t s m u s t stop on t.he f i r s t b e a c h s q u a r e t h a t i s being shelled and m u s t t a k e t h e l o s s e s given t h e m . If they a r e f o r c e d t o r e t r e a t , they a r e moved b a c k t o the s e a zone, and l o s e one m o r e f a c t o r , if the beach i s defended by r e g u l a r ground f o r c e s a l s o , however, t h e s e u n i t s a r e eliminated. If the u n i t s a r e not f o r c e d back, and t h i s i s a n undefended beach, they m a y advance up t o t h e i r r e g u l a r BTA. F i n a l l y , t h e r e i s one m o r e u s e of a r t i l l e r y that m u s t b e mentioned. On a n y t u r n , a p l a y e r m a y m a k e one n u c l e a r a r t i l l e r y a t t a c k o v e r a n d above the nuc l e a r bombing capacity. T h i s a t t a c k m a y be m a d e by a n y a r t i l l e r y unit, subject t o the s i x s q u a r e r a n g e . The n u c l e a r bombing t a b l e i s u s e d t o decide t h e a t t a c k . A n u c l e a r a t t a c k m a y be m a d e a g a i n s t a n y unit and m a y be u s e d i n the b e a c h defense r o l e . All c o m m e n t s to: P a u l , P e r l a , 7205 Schley C o u r t , P i t t s b u r g h , P a . 15218.

Red's Megaton Mastery

By T e r r y T h o m a s It s e e m s t o m e t h a t too many people a r e s c a r e d of n u c l e a r power. They s a y that they c a n ' t c o n c e n t r a t e t h e i r f o r c e s without being annihilated. Keeping your f o r c e s s e p a r a t e d i s good b e c a u s e i t ena b l e s you to c r e a t e m o b i l e battle situations, shift your f o r c e s quickly a n d i t k e e p s t h e g a m e f r o m bogging down t o trench warfare. If you just l e a r n t h e s e c r e t s of a i r c r a f t deployment you will soon b e t h e m a s t e r of t h e b o a r d in a s few a s t h r e e t u r n s . The f i r s t s t e p i s to s t a r t counting s q u a r e s . F i n d out which c i t i e s a r e within SAC r a n g e of e a c h o t h e r and which a r e within f i g h t e r r a n g e . Having completed t h i s , you will s e e t h a t Big R e d h a s a s u p e r i o r position a f t e r t h e first turn. Since f i g h t e r s a r e the only protection a g a i n s t A Bomb a t t a c k s , we will study t h e m f i r s t . A f t e r t h e f i r s t t u r n Big R e d should have 00-40 and UU-37 in h i s control. Move your f i g h t e r s up t o t h e s e c i t i e s a s quickly a s possible. A s your legions m o v e onward you m a y b e a b l e to utilize J J - 3 8 a n d / o r NN-33 if i t i s n ' t too d a n g e r o u s . B e s u r e to a l ways keep f o u r f i g h t e r s q u a d r o n s i n Sea Zone C. F r o m t h e s e c e n t r a l l o c a t i o n s your f i g h t e r s should b e a b l e to c o v e r m o s t of your f o r w a r d u n i t s i n r a n g e of B l u e ' s SAC a n d you a r e a l s o in a position t o f l a t t e n a n y of h i s f i g h t e r b a s e s in the a r e a . T a k e p a r t i c u l a r notice that BB-31 i s 12 s q u a r e s away f r o m NN-33 and 13 s q u a r e s away f r o m 00-40. Now f o r your second p r o b l e m . You w a s t e your n u c l e a r a t t a c k s and t h e r e f o r e allow G r e a t Blue t o constantly

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Dorsetshire Ramillie s Force H F-6, c G-4, a H-5, d

THE GENERAL
a s the November r e i n f o r c e m e n t s a r r i v e the G e r m a n p l a y e r should advance tow a r d E l Alamein. If the B r i t i s h player p u l l s back j u s t enough to r e g r o u p and to f o r m another line a f t e r the G e r m a n s have punctured a line, you should continue to a t t a c k and move toward E l Alamein. When the G e r m a n s finally r e a c h E l Alamein, the B r i t i s h comm a n d e r using the s t r a t e g y d e s c r i b e d above will not have many units l e f t to defend E l Alamein. If the B r i t i s h player pulls back to, say, Matruh o r Sidi B a r r o n i and then f o r m s a line the G e r m a n player should a t t a c k furiously, soaking off, if n e c e s s a r y , until the B r i t i s h p l a y e r withdraws. Once the G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r r e a c h e s E l Alamein, keep attacking with the purpose of taking Alam Halfa and Ruweisat and with the pur'pose of giving the B r i t i s h p l a y e r l i t t l e t i m e to r e g r o u p and f o r m a n adequate defense. Once Alam Halfa and Ruweisat have been s e c u r e d , a t t a c k the B r i t i s h home base, annihilating any opposition that the Axis f o r c e s encounter. I n a month the Deutsche Afrika Korps will be cooling i t s h e e l s in Alexandria. All c o m m e n t s and c r i t i c i s m should be a d d r e s s e d to the c o m m a n d e r of the 15th P a n z e r Division of GHCGL. M a r k Rosenberg, 187 Kings P o i n t Road, E a s t Hampton, New York 11937.

Naval Search Pattern

by R i c h a r d Rubin In a l l B r i t i s h f i r s t t u r n s e a r c h patt e r n s that I have r e a d about a n d m o s t that I have s e e n u s e d , the B r i t i s h playe r s p r e a d s h i s s h i p s a r o u n d the space into which the B i s m a r c k m a y move. T h i s s y s t e m h a s the fault of being una b l e t o catch up to the B i s m a r c k if i t i s moved s t r a i g h t out away f r o m B e r g e n and then begins curving southward. It i s probable that in the c o u r s e of May 23-24 the G e r m a n player will b e a b l e t o u s e the chance t a b l e t h r e e o r f o u r t i m e s with 42% a n d 52% c h a n c e s of obtaining two points, r e s p e c t i v e l y . In c a s e of a n e a r l y encounter with one battleship, the G e r m a n h a s a 70% chance of excaping without f i r i n g a shot. Chances of a n e a r l y encounter with two b a t t l e s h i p s a r e m o s t nil. My idea of stopping t h i s type of m a neuver i s to concentrate the B r i t i s h forces a s close to six squares from B e r g e n a s i s possible. The f i r s t move i s a s follows: Norfolk Suffolk Birmingham Manche s t e r Arethusa P r i n c e of Wales Hood Rodney Dorsetshire Ramillies Edinburgh Force H Remainder Now, i f the B i s m a r c k i s located by s e a s e a r c h , the e n t i r e navy can b e i n the a r e a within a few t u r n s . The s a m e if i t i s located by a i r s e a r c h . The only p r o b l e m a r i s e s if n e i t h e r s e a r c h l o c a t e s the ~ i s m a r c k . The B i s m a r c k then i s in e i t h e r E-6 o r within the e n c i r c l e d a r e a . The next move should be: Norfolk Suffolk Birmingham Manche s t e r Aurora P r i n c e of Wales Hood Arethusa Repulse King George V Victorious Kenya Galatea Hermione Edinburgh

T h i s move, by covering the a r e a s surrounding E - 6 , will s e t t l e the i s s u e whether o r not the B i s m a r c k i s in E - 6 . Then the e n t i r e navy c a n b e headed toward the space w h e r e the B i s m a r c k actually i s . I p r e f e r t h i s method t o spreading out s h i p s b e c a u s e the B i s m a r c k will b e well surrounded within t h r e e o r four moves, r e g a r d l e s s of i t s s t a r t i n g move. Send c o m m e n t s , questions, o r c r i t i c i s m s to: R i c h a r d Rubin, 8580 N. Point D r . , Milwaukee, Wis. 53217.

German Strategy in Afrika Korps

by M a r k Rosenberg T h i s a r t i c l e i s about a s t r a t e g y I developed f o r the Axis Army. In the v e r y f i r s t t u r n the G e r m a n C o m m a n d e r should s u r r o u n d the unit in Bengasi so that i t will be unable to pull back into the n e a r b y e s c a r p m e n t s and delay the Italian advance toward Tobruch. T h i s can be done e i t h e r with a "recce" unit o r the A r i e t e unit and another Italian unit using R o m m e l ' s movement bonus. Also the G e r m a n units should be advancing a c r o s s the bulge of Cyrennaica, again with the help of R o m m e l ' s movem e n t bonus. If, o n the next turn, the B r i t i s h pull back to the e s c a r p m e n t s around Tobruch ( a foolish move), a t t a c k one of the positions at, a t l e a s t , 3-1. The G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r should always a t t a c k the position that h a s the m o s t concentrated strength. F o r instance, a t t a c k a 2-2-6 instead of two 1-1-6's. I a m saying this with the understanding that both positions have the s a m e s t r a t e g i c value. If the B r i t i s h f o r m a line o n the e s c a r p m e n t s south of Derna, the G e r m a n player should a t t a c k the unit blocking the C o a s t Road, provided that the G e r m a n s c a n g e t a t l e a s t a 3-1 a g a i n s t it. If not, a t t a c k one of the o t h e r positions that will i n s u r e a route to the e s c a r p m e n t s around Tobruch next turn. With the a r r i v a l of the 15th P a n z e r Division, the G e r m a n c o m m a n d e r should attack Tobruch and the surrounding heights. Tobruch should be taken bef o r e the B r i t i s h r e c e i v e t h e i r Novemb e r reinforcements. A s soon a s s o m e of the Italian units c a n be s p a r e d , they should be s e n t to hold positions guarding the C o a s t Road, thus hampering the B r i t i s h construction of a line there. The G e r m a n player should wait until h i s November r e i n f o r c e m e n t s a r r i v e , before advancing too f a r p a s t the Salum, Sidi O ' m a r , Maddalena line. A s soon

Normandy - the Way it Really Happened

by Hans Kruger The following i s not a l l s u p e r plan", s o m e s o r t of battle game s t r a t e g y , o r even connected with any s o r t o f "game1'. What I p r e s e n t h e r e i s the heretofore guarded s e c r e t of what actually took place i n the m a n y weeks in which the G e r m a n s held the Allies back and contained them i n Normandy. The only r e a s o n that I a m even presenting i t now i s because of the long span of y e a r s since the w a r , and that m o s t r e a d e r s of this magazine a r e i n t e r e s t e d in the t r u e situation. Long before the Allies e v e r invaded Normandy, t h e r e w e r e a few wise G e r m a n s who r e a l i z e d that any ground units would be i n a t e r r i b l e condition due to the Allied a i r s u p e r i o r i t y . At this time, one of them, G e n e r a l W e r n e r Radtke, w a s able to get c l e a r a n c e to f o r m a new SS Division. They w e r e to be called the "Black Guard". G e n e r a l Radtke personally s e l e c t e d them f r o m only the b e s t of men. Only the b r a v e s t , strong of body and will, and m o s t faithful to the F u h r e r w e r e picked - and then only if they volunteered. E a c h of these m e n w e r e u n m a r r i e d and had only contempt

THE GENERAL
for those that would t r y to s e i z e t h e i r homeland. After a l l the m e n w e r e finally chosen, they had t h e i r division r e a d y f o r t r a i n ing. This w a s to be the b e s t t r a i n e d formation i n F r a n c e . While the m e n being p r e p a r e d f o r what l a y ahead, the equipment w a s a l s o being p r e p a r e d . The m a i n s t a y w a s to be the T i g e r I1 o r . King Tiger (which the Allies l a t e r denied w e r e e v e r in Normandy). A s support, t h e r e was one Hunting T i g e r , c a r r y i n g a 128mm gun, f o r e v e r y t h r e e King T i g e r s . The r e m a i n d e r of the P a n z e r s w e r e the f e a r provoking P a n t h e r s . Bes i d e s the tanks, they had t h e i r own a r tillery, a n t i - a i r c r a f t , r o c k e t s , a r m o r e d half-track support vehicles, direction f i n d e r s , and sound d e t e c t o r s . In addition to t h i s , they had the newly p r o duced ultra-violet s e a r c h lights f o r night fighting. Little did anyone r e a l i z e that this l a s t a r t i c l e was to prove the m o s t i m p o r t a n t to the "night f i g h t e r s " a s they w e r e soon to be known. They had e v e r y l a s t vehicle and e a c h uniform c o l o r e d black, the traditional SS color. This m a d e them a l m o s t i m possible to s e e a t night - and in the a e r i a l recon. photos shot during the day. they would a p p e a r to be nothing m o r e than shadows a s "phantomsI1. I t m a d e one chuckle to think of the poor Engl a n d e r s looking in a m a z e m e n t a t the d a r k shadows a s f l a s h e s of light a p p e a r f r o m out of nowhere. And then finding out only too l a t e that i t w a s the enemy. i t would be a good fight. Indeed Now i t w a s May 1, just a month (approximately) before the invasion w a s planned. In s m a l l g r o u p s , they w e r e shipped to the f r o n t , w h e r e G e r m a n intelligence had told t h e m the invasion would come. A s this B l a c k G u a r d moved in, the o t h e r powerful units of the G e r m a n a r m y moved o u t - a l l a s s e c r e t l y a s humanly possible no, m a k e that m o r e than humanly possible, f o r this group of m e n w e r e m o r e than m e r e mortals. They w e r e a l l s u p e r men. the kind that the F u h r e r had s o often spoken of. The only o r i g i n a l f o r m a t i o n that r e m a i n e d , that w a s t h e r e b e f o r e , was the change in the 716th h o r s e d r a w n infantry, and they w e r e used to m a n the beach defenses. All vehicles w e r e d i s guised a s r o c k s and o t h e r v a r i o u s land formations, with those that w e r e m o r e conspicuous hidden underground. Even the s o l d i e r s wore the regulation unif o r m s o v e r t h e i r black watch ones. To e n s u r e that nothing would be s u s pected, they e a c h took o v e r a divisional HQ and pretended that they w e r e t h a t division. F o r example, the 374th Battalion w a s the 21 P a n z e r Division. By using this type of s t r a t e g y , they hoped and i t worked! to confuse the Allies After many weeks p a s t t h e invasion, one battalion would exchange b a n n e r s and recognition signals with another and the Allies would think a P a n z e r division had been moved many m i l e s a c r o s s the front. I t w a s due to the withdrawing of the o t h e r f o r c e s that the G e r m a n s w e r e able to hold back t h e i r e n e m i e s a s long a s they did, and could never have gotten enough f o r c e together to launch a counter-offensive a s they did in the Ardennes in D e c e m b e r - which, by the way, a l m o s t succeeded. However, i t w a s r e alized by the High Command that G e r many had l o s t the w a r and they worked f e v e r i s h l y to s a v e a s much a s they did. I t m a y o c c u r to you to a s k why this h a s n ' t come out before now. H e r e i s why - the B r i t i s h and A m e r i c a n s didn't want i t known that one G e r m a n Division had held back everything they could throw a t them f o r o v e r s i x weeks; and the G e r m a n s t h a t knew about i t w e r e shot to i n s u r e their silence. Only one m a n lived through it, a c o r p o r a l in one of the supply HQ's. Although he l i v e s in the United States. I a m honor bound to keep s e c r e t his identity and a d d r e s s a s the government might s t i l l execute him. However. the f a c t r e m a i n s . one G e r m a n Division held back a l l the c o x bined power of the a l l i e s f o r o v e r s i x weeks. Comments: Hans K r u g e r , 3551 Lynwood Rd. , Lynwood, Calif. 90262. a r m y . ( T h i s a p p l i e s to both R u s s i a n s and G e r m a n s . ) 5. In winter, a l l G e r m a n movement i s the s a m e a s in the r e g u l a r game. F o r the R u s s i a n s in winter; Cal. moves 4, A r m . moves 4, Inf. moves 3. and the railway bonus i s 7. T h i s t a k e s into account the g r e a t e r R u s s i a n mobility in winter. 6. Change your 5 blank R u s s i a n substitute c o u n t e r s into 8-8-6's. Introduce one of t h e s e new a r m o u r units into the game, in addition to r e g u l a r replacements, in: June 1942, Aug. 1942, Sept. 1942, Nov. 1942 and Dec. 1942. A f t e r t h e s e new a r m o u r e d units a r e eliminated, they m u s t be. brought on a s r e g u l a r r e p l a c e m e n t s . 7. A t the s t a r t of s u m m e r 1942, a l l R u s s i a n a t t a c k f a c t o r s (Cal, Inf, A r m , ) i n c r e a s e by one. The defense factor r e m a i n s the s a m e . Eg. A 4-6-6 bec o m e s a 5-6-6, a 5-7-4 b e c o m e s a 6-7-4 ( i n your mind only). A t the s t a r t of s u m m e r 1943, a l l the R u s s i a n a r m o u r ' s a t t a c k f a c t o r s become equal t o i t s d e f e n s e f a c t o r . Eg. A 4-6-6 bec o m e s equal t o a 6-6-6. The infantry and c a v a l r y r e m a i n the s a m e a s above. 8. Replacement r a t e r e m a i n s the s a m e except they a r e r e c e i v e d a t Archangel, Kuibishev, a n d Grozny o r the n e a r e s t s q u a r e not under G e r m a n control. 9. The r e p l a c e m e n t r a t e for both r e m a i n s the s a m e , computed a s usual, by the n u m b e r printed on the units. 10. C a p t u r e of Moscow o r Stalingrad c u t s the r e p l a c e m e n t r a t e by 3. Lening r a d by 2. Eg. If the r a t e i s 18 and Moscow i s captured, i t i s reduced t o 15, e t c . , f o r a s long a s Moscow r e m a i n s in G e r m a n hands. 11. Moscow, Stalingrad, Leningrad, Sevastapol, Kursk, Kiev, Odessa. Helsinkie, War saw, a n d B u c h a r e s t a r e f o r t r e s s e s . Units in t h e m have no zone of control, but a r e tripled. Units in f o r t r e s s e s can hold f o r four consecutive t u r n s of isolation. N. B. In o r d e r t o cut the r e p l a c e m e n t r a t e , Moscow, f o r example, m u s t b e captured, NOT m e r e l y surrounded. 12. N. B. When a back 2 i s called f o r , a unit can r e t r e a t throughanything, including zones of control. T o eliminate a unit f o r c e d back 2, i t m u s t b e s u r rounded on a l l s i x sides. When a unit in a f o r t r e s s i s f o r c e d back 2, it m e r e l y r e m a i n s in the f o r t r e s s . 13. In D e c e m b e r 1943. the R u s s i a n r e p l a c e m e n t r a t e i s reduced t o 6 d e f e n s e f a c t o r s p e r city p e r turn. 14. Everything e l s e i s the s a m e a s in the r e g u l a r game. (Supply e t c . ) T h a t ' s i t ! The G e r m a n m u s t keep h i s l o s s e s low enough s o he can eventually f o r m a defense line, but he m u s t a t t a c k viciously a t t h e s t a r t . The Russian should make good u s e of h i s f o r t r e s s e s a n d h i s f i r s t winter.

Rejuvinated Stalingrad
by Norman Zinkhan I have rejuvinated STALINGRAD t o m o r e r e a l i s t i c a l l y depict the a c t u a l campaign until the end of 1944, when the R u s s i a n a r m i e s c r o s s e d the p r e w a r R u s s o - G e r m a n b o r d e r . H e r e then, i s m y reconstruction. 1. F i r s t of a l l , change the victory conditions. The R u s s i a n player wins if he c r o s s e s the black boundry l i n e b e f o r e the end of 1944(Dec. ) and mainhas to t a i n s 10 C o r p s t h e r e . He c a p t u r e e i t h e r Warsaw o r B u c h a r e s t and have undisputed c o n t r o l of it. 2. Next, r e v i s e your zone-of-cont r o l movement. Make one z-of-c equal t o two r e g u l a r s q u a r e s of movement. Eg. Suppose a unit can move s i x s q u a r e s . It m o v e s 1 s q u a r e and then into a z-ofc . That counts a s 2-3. Then i t m o v e s through another z-of-c. That counts a s 4-5. If i t h a s t o go through another z-of-c, i t m u s t stop. If not, i t c a n move one m o r e open s q u a r e ( r e g u l a r movement). 3. A t the s t a r t of winter 1941, a l l G e r m a n Infantry combat f a c t o r s a r e cut by one. Eg. A 4-4-4 b e c o m e s a 3-3-4. All G e r m a n P a n z e r combat f a c t o r s a r e cut by two. Eg. A 8-8-6 b e c o m e s a 6-6-6 etc. T h i s r u l e a p plies only t o the 1941-42 winter 4. Only r a i l w a y s behind your own l i n e s can be u s e d by your a r m y . All r a i l w a y s in between the l i n e s o r behind enemy l i n e s cannot b e u s e d by your

PAGE 13

THE GENERAL

Winners - Contest No. 19

The following s u b s c r i b e r s c a m e c l o s e s t t o predicting the a t t a c k a g a i n s t Gamble a t Gettysburg. Heth and McIntosh w e r e found to be attacking i n a downhill f r o n t a l a t t a c k a t 12-1 odds. Many tie c o n t e s t e n t r i e s w e r e r e solving by s u b s c r i b e r s who had c o m p ~ t e dthe c o r r e c t odds in t h i s attack. Winners a r e : Steve G. Mann, Cheyenne, Wy. L a r r y Watts. Given, W. Va. B a r r y Kelchner, Clayton, N. J. Dave Newman, Williamston,Mich. Bill Hoyer, West Allis, Wisc. David Minke, W i l l m a r , Minn. P e t e r Finkle. Orange, Calif. C r a i g Allen, R o m e , Ga. Robin Heath, New York. N. Y. F e r d i e Bowman, Xenia, Ohio

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A f r e e Avalon game h a s been a w a r d ed to e a c h of t h e s e winners.

CONTEST NO. 20
A s A d m i r a l J. R . Jellicoe in JUTLAND you have o r d e r e d full s t e a m ahead t o engage the G e r m a n High S e a s F l e e t . The G e r m a n s a r e known t o b e s o m e w h e r e off the c o a s t of Norway. S u c c e s s of your o v e r a l l battle s t r a t e g y 'depends on w h e r e you think your t a s k f o r c e s will be when the f i r s t contact i s made with the G e r m a n f l e e t . T h u s you m u s t m a k e a n educated g u e s s on which s q u a r e s T F ' s 1, 2 & 3 will b e when contact o c Vote f o r B e s t 3 A r t i c l e s All e n t r a n t s m u s t l i s t what they p e r sonally f e e l a r e the t h r e e b e s t a r t i c l e s in this i s s u e . This selection h a s no bearing o n the c o n t e s t r e s u l t s , but e n t r i e s not containing this information will be voided.

Don't f o r g e t t o vote on what a r e the ret h r e e b e s t a r t i c l e s of t h i s i s s u e . c o r d your votes w h e r e provided on the Contest E n t r y blank.

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Subscriber Discount.. .
The Coupon shown below i s f o r the benef i t of the full-year s u b s c r i b e r . A s soon a s you have accumulated 4 such caupons, l e a c h f r o m t h i s and succeeding i s s u e s , you a r e entitled t o a $1.00 d i s count applied t o t h e p u r c h a s e of a n y Avalon Hill g a m e s , p a r t s , play-bym a i l equipment a n d the G e n e r a l . H e r e ' s how i t w o r k s Each coupon i s w o r t h 25C. But one coupon alone d o e s not entitle you to a 25C c r e d i t . You m u s t accumulate 4 different coupons before taking advanta g e of the $1.00 c r e d i t . When you have accumulated 4 coupons, then you clip t h e m a l l together a n d s e n d t h e m in with your o r d e r f o r a n Avalon Hill game. When o r d e r i n g in t h i s m a n n e r , you simply send u s a check o r m o n e y - o r d e r f o r $1.00 l e s s than the usual r e t a i l value of the g a m e .

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BATTLE PLAN
I.B. M. TF- 2 N2 2 N2 2 N2 2 ~ 2 3 N2 3 02 1 02 1 022 022 P21 02 1 02 1 02 1 022 022 022 P21 P21 P2 1 P21

-----U. S. Steel TF-3

N2 2 N22 N22 021 02 1 021 022 022 P2 1 P21

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On the Battle P l a n e n c i r c l e a s q u a r e designating the location of e a c h of the t h r e e t a s k f o r c e s (they m a y b e a l l on the s a m e s q u a r e o r ondifferent s q u a r e s . ) In addition, w r i t e in the hour contact w a s actually made historically. The exact locations will b e d e t e r m i n e d by the closing New York Stock Exchange t r a n s a c t i o n s of Monday. August 14, 1967 (consult morning paper of August 15. ) The l a s t digit in the s a l e s - i n hundreds column will b e consulted f o r each of the t h r e e v a r i a b l e s under t h e stock l i s t e d on t h e Battle Plan.

Goodyear TF- 1

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Headlines of 3 B e s t A r t i c l e s :

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GOOD TOWARD THE PURCHASE O F A L L AVALON HILL PRODUCTS

The f i r s t ten contestants t o submit p e r f e c t , o r n e a r p e r f e c t , Battle P l a n s will b e a w a r d e d a f r e e Avalon Hill g a m e of t h e i r choice. T i e s will b e broken in f a v o r of e n t r i e s l i s t i n g the c l o s e s t hour of h i s t o r i c a l contact. E n t r i e s m u s t b e p o s t m a r k e d no l a t e r than August 13, 1967. E n t r a n t s m a y submit copies o r photostats - one t o a contestant, only.

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Prize

PAGE 15

THE GENERAL
a r e Strategy & T a c t i c s a n d Kampf. S & T , devoted mainly t o a l l s o r t s of w a r gaming, i s f i r s t c l a s s a l l the way. To be "in" one simply m u s t have a t l e a s t one copy of t h i s s l i c k m a g a z i n e i n the den. S & T i s edited and published by p e r s o n s well v e r s e d i n the a r t of w a r gaming p e r s e . You can get m o r e info writing to: S & T , Eox 65, Adelphia, New J e r s e y 07710. An inquiry s e n t t o Kampf, 8512 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, will b r i n g you information on the m o s t a c c u r a t e l y r e s e a r c h e d h i s t o r i c a l d a t a available under one c o v e r - anyw h e r e . Kampf d e a l s with h i s t o r i c a l b a t t l e s i n a m o r e technical way - even t o t h e extent of pointing out i n a c c u r a c i e s found i n s o - called official h i s t o r i c a l a c c o u n t s . No w a r g a m e r ' s l i b r a r y c a n b e complete without a space r e l e g a t e d t o i s s u e s of Kampf. A l e s s o n i n Promotion: All of you f a n a t i c s who have clubs and m a g a z i n e s in circulation should take a page out of Douglas A m i s ' book. While h i s publication "The P a n z e r " i s n ' t going to put "Time" out of b u s i n e s s , a t l e a s t he h a s developed a f l a i r f o r publicizing h i s m a g a z i n e . H i s hometown n e w s p a p e r "The Independent" devoted a 114 page t o the whole w a r g a m e bit, including photos a n d c r e d i t l i n e s . T h i s type of publicity i s not difficult to get, r e a l l y fellows. All you have t o do i s to w r i t e o r c a l l your l o c a l n e w s p a p e r and m o s t of t h e m a r e r e a d y and willing to lend a n e a r t o unusual s t o r i e s such a s we a l l have to t e l l . In the m e a n t i m e , a congratulatory note t o Doug i s l i a b l e t o get you a subscription o r d e r f o r m t o "The P a n z e r t ' , 4137 Silver S t r e e t , P l e a s o n t o n , California 94566. R e c e n t s u b s c r i b e r s t a k e note: you a r e encouraged to submit a r t i c l e s f o r publication. A r t i c l e s t h a t a p p e a r i n f u t u r e i s s u e s will b e voted upon by o u r e d i t o r i a l staff t o r e c e i v e s p e c i a l y e a r end a w a r d s . F i v e - d o l l a r gift c e r t i f i c a t e s a r e a w a r d e d on a bi-monthly b a s i s f o r a r t i c l e s s e l e c t e d a s outstanding by s u b s c r i b e r s , t h e m s e l v e s . A r t i c l e s should b e a p p r o x i m a t e l y 500 t o 700 w o r d s i n length. D i a g r a m s that a c company a r t i c l e s should be d r a w n i n black ink. Acknowledgements of a c ceptance o r r e j e c t i o n s cannot b e m a d e . By f a r the m o s t popular a r t i c l e a p p e a r i n g in the M a r c h - A p r i l i s s u e , a s s e l e c t e d by you s u b s c r i b e r s , was " P r i n c i p l e s of War - M a s s & Movement," by Captain Mike F r a n k w i c z and Myron Brundage. O t h e r s r e c e i v i n g s p e c i a l r e a d e r k u d o s w e r e : Sgt. Lou Z o c c h i ' s "Alas R e a l i s m , 'I R i c h a r d A . S h a g r i n ' s ". . . H e a r t l e s s A m e r i c a n Win, " Donald Greenwood's t t B u y e r ' s Guide, " Hans K r u g e r 's "Operation Sea Dragon (Guadalc a n a l ) , " a n d J a m e s J. S t e i n ' s " P h y r r i c Victory. " A f i v e - d o l l a r gift c e r t i f i c a t e h a s been s e n t t o the above a u t h o r s . Congratulations. International A i r m a i l postage r a t e s have i n c r e a s e d a s of a few days ago. Since i t will now c o s t exactly $1. 00 to a i r m a i l the G e n e r a l o v e r s e a s , a l l c u r r e n t o v e r s e a s s u b s c r i p t i o n s will be sent surface mail. Requests for airmail s e r v i c e m u s t now b e accompanied by payment of $1 .OO e x t r a p e r i s s u e ; $6.00 p e r f u l l - y e a r subscription. A job opening will develop a t Avalon H i l l ' s Guilford Annex come September, a t which t i m e a f u l l - t i m e , 40 hour week, warehouse-shipping c l e r k will b e needed. S u b s c r i b e r s living in t h e B a l t i m o r e a r e a who would be i n t e r e s t e d i n light-laborinventory type of work, should d i r e c t t h e i r inquiry t o M r s . H. Marciano, a t t h e 4517 H a r f o r d Road a d d r e s s . High school g r a d u a t e o r b e t t e r - s t a t e a g e and s a l a r y d e s i r e d . T h e National P a p e r Box Manufacture r s A s s o c i a t i o n h a s profured AH the "Excellence A w a r d t ' t o t h e Guadalcanal Box. The citation f o r the box f e a d s , "The r o l e of packaging a s a s a l e s m a n on t h e shelf i s exemplified by the excellently conceived g r a p h i c s of t h i s durable, r i g i d box. " Thanx to S/Sgt. Louis Zocchi f o r the i d e a that i n s p i r e d o u r c o v e r story. You get a n e x t r a day extension on the deadline, S a r g e old boy.

9
The Infiltrator's Report
In t h e New York T i m e s , l a s t month, a r e p o r t on w a r g a m e s d i s c l o s e d that such play "has helped RAND s c h o l a r s u n d e r s t a n d t h e p r o b l e m s of defense decision-making m o r e p r e c i s e l y by simulating a c t u a l c r i s i s situations. " One RAND philosopher s a y s , "I c a m e to t e r m s with w a r g a m e s a long t i m e ago. You c a n ' t h u r t yourself by u n d e r standing what w a r i s a l l a b o ~ t " . So now, fellows, you've got a p e r f e c t r e buttal when your p e a c e - n i k f r i e n d s s t a r t b'agging you about your f a n a t i c i s m f o r wargames. A m o s t completely sophisticated n e w s l e t t e r on w a r g a m i n g i s , c u r i o u s l y enough, t h e " W a r g a m e r ' s N e w s l e t t e r . T o o b a d i t ' s published i n England. However, there a r e manyAmerican contrib u t o r s and it i s a v a i l a b l e a t $ 4 . 7 5 p e r y e a r f r o m 69 Hill L a n e , Southampton, England. If you h a v e y o u r own 4 engine jet, i t ' s a g r e a t n e w s l e t t e r f o r t h o s e who c a n m a k e the many w a r g a m e conventions t h a t a r e s e t up in G r e a t B r i t a i n a s r e p o r t e d by t h i s n e w s l e t t e r . T h e i r a r t i c l e s r u n the wide g a m u t of midieval wargaming t o m o d e r n day s k i r m i s h e s . Also, r u l e s t o t h e play of such m e l e e s a s the "battle of H a r r i s b u r g " can b e found in the text. It a l s o p r e s e n t s e x cellent bibliographies f o r t h e s e r i o u s devotee of the w a r g a m e . Excellent value, h e r e . P a n z e r f a u u s t n e w e s t e n t r y into t h e w a r g a m e magazine f i e l d , r e p o r t s that t h e f i r s t AH i n t e r - s e r v i c e t o u r n a m e n t i s under way. It p i t s t h e o f f i c e r s a n d m e n of the USS S h a n g r i - l a a g a i n s t C h r i s W a g n e r ' s 6988th a i r f o r c e squadron. Inside info on t h i s , a n d additional news, can b e obtained by writing: Box 280, RD #2, S a y r e , P e n n a . 18840. All h a i l t h e a r r i v a l of "The S t o r m t r o o p e r , " A g g r e s s o r ' s own n e w s l e t t e r . Starting i n June a t 20{ p e r copy ( 10- 12 p a g e s ) f o r A g g r e s s o r m e m b e r s , 25{ f o r n o n - m e m b e r s , a s u b s c r i p t i o n could put you i n on the ground f l o o r of one of the f a s t e s t growing b a t t l e g a m e c l u b s i n the country. Send i n q u i r i e s to: John Rancourt, 38 S a n g e r Avenue, W a t e r ville, Maine 04901. F o r a n o t h e r $5. 00 you can qualify f o r m e m b e r s h i p i n the Intercontinental Kriegspiel Society - f o r 25 y e a r o l d s and up. S t r i c t l y a d u l t competition of a m o s t f r i e n d l y s o r t . By-Mail g a m e s a r e r e s o l v e d by a s p e c i a l "AHIKS KEY" s y s t e m that p r e c l u d e s t h e u s e of Stock Market R e s u l t s . A s u b s c r i p t i o n t o "Kommandeur" a c c o m p a n i e s m e m b e r ship. Apply t o E d i t o r Hank M. G r e e n f e l t e r , 20 York, Hamilton, Ohio 45013. O t h e r publications highly r e c o m mended ( r e v i e w e d i n M a r - A p r 67 i s s u e )

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The world i s coming up with new w a r s q u i c k e r than A H c a n design g a m e s o n t h e m . Just when we thought we had caught up - with a Vietnam t h r i l l e r t h i s middle e a s t situation e r u p t e d . To p r o p e r l y r e s e a r c h what went on i t w a s n e c e s s a r y t o d e t e r m i n e why I s r a e l and Egypt w e r e a t odds. " D i d N a s s a r r e a l l y want w a r ? we a s k e d o u r s e l v e s . N a s s a r had h i s s t r e e t m o b s shouting. "We want War. " A s s u m i n g that A r a b s behave t h e s a m e way A m e r i c a n s do t h i s actually m e a n t t h a t N a s s a r wanted peace. T h e r e f o r e , i t m u s t b e the I s r a e l i s who wanted w a r - they had b e e n a n g r y a t the A r a b s e v e r since Wally M o s e s l e d the I s r a e l i s out of Egypt a n d , c r o s s i n g the Red Sea, t u r n e d l e f t i n s t e a d of right. Otherwise I s r a e l would have had the middle e a s t o i l a n d i t would have been the A r a b s who w e r e stuck with a l l that sand. Consequently AH i s stuck with a game wherei n both s i d e s a r e the "bad guys. B u s i n e s s Administration students a t the University of Ankra, Turkey, a r e being taught e c o n o m i c s with the aid of Avalon H i l l ' s Management Game. We hope they a r e n ' t using the f i r s t v e r s i o n of the g a m e which w a s $12,000 s h o r t of Capital on the opening balance sheet. Oh well, i t m a k e s nodifference.. . t h a t ' s what o u r g o v e r n m e n t c a l l s deficit financ ing