Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

The
BOARDGAMER

Dedicated To
The Competitive Play Of
Avalon Hill / Victory Games
Board, Sports and Card Games
Featuring: Battle of the Bulge ‘81, Auction, Victory In The Pacific,
War At Sea, Machiavelli, Starship Troopers, Fortress Europa and
AREA News & Ratings
 2 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Current Specific Game AREA Ratings

Afrika Korps Third Reich - 4th Ed. Panzerblitz
June 1, 1996 35 Active Players June 1, 1996 13 Active Players June 1, 1996 32 Active Players
1. Bruno Sinigaglio 2189 GIJA4 1. Charlie Corn 2017 DE—6 1. David Giordano 1964 FHIB5
2. Randy Heller 1975 GGLA6 2. Jerry Ingersoll 1927 DHF-4 2. John Hasay 1766 EE-A5
3. Vincent Meconi 1867 DHEA5 3. Michael Mitchell 1815 BDA-4 3. Oscar Kenneth Oates 1710 BCE-5
4. Michael Crowe 1812 BDCA5 4. Brian Sutton 1800 AC—4 4. Fred Wexler 1640 EGJ-5
5. Joseph Beard III 1719 BCDA5 5. G. Wilson 1640 AB—4 5. Stephen Andriakos 1570 AA—5
6. Phil Evans 1668 AC-A5 6. Tony Haney 1561 BB—6 6. Charles Leonard 1556 DEAA5
7. Thomas Delaney 1643 DFJA5 7. Roger Cox 1501 AC-A5 7. Steven Sheftic 1546 BD-B5
8. Gregory Smith 1629 BEBA5 8. Randy Cox 1488 AB-A5 8. Bruce MacConnell 1536 CC-A4
9. Scott Goehring 1628 BEAA4 9. Bobby Laboon 1488 AB-A5 9. Leslie Geraty 1535 AAA-5
10. Michael Reffue 1625 BCDA5 10. Ben Goldstein 1488 AB-A5 10. Angelo Valeri 1533 AB-A5
11. Barry Smith 1617 BDAA5 11. D. Lydick 1455 AAA-4 11. James Miller 1527 AB-A4
12. Roger Eastep 1600 ABEA4 12. John Rogers 1385 AAA-4 12. Michael West 1514 ABB-5
13. Frank Piercel 1600 AA—5 13. A. Libuszowski 1360 ABB-4 13. William Thomson 1504 CFFA4
14. John Grant Jr. 1599 ACC-4 14. Mark Roman 1500 AAA-5
15. Mark Gutfreund 1543 BCBA5 Turning Point: 15. Jeff Wise 1500 AAA-5
16. Michael Matthews 1538 AB-A5 16. William Scott 1496 AB-A5
17. Robert Hahn 1535 AA-A5 Stalingrad 17. Joe Sheftic 1481 BE-B5
18. Scott Sianno 1505 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 19 Active Players 18. Joseph Scott 1481 AC-B4
19. Dave Newport 1500 AB-A5 19. David Angus 1478 AB-A5
20. Shaun Filocanao 1489 AA-A5 1. James Doughan 1870 AC-A5 20. Neal Porter 1471 ABB-5
21. Thomas Oleson 1488 AAA-6 2. Ron Fedin 1775 AB-A5 21. John Laccone 1465 AAA-5
22. Chester Hendrix 1480 BBA-5 3. Marvin Birnbaum 1674 AA-A5 22. Jeffrey Lange, Jr. 1464 AC-A4
23. Fred Wexler 1480 BBD-5 4. Bryon Stingley 1673 AA-A5 23. Roger Kyle-Keith 1462 AB-A5
24. M Tiexaokie 1480 AAB-5 5. Henry Jones 1656 AB-A5 24. Richard Post 1450 AA—5
25. Henry Lowood 1476 AAB-6 6. Christopher Bodkin 1599 AC-A5 25. Martin Svensson 1428 AB-A5
26. Johnny Hasay 1470 AA-A5 7. Tom Johnston 1574 AA-A5 26. Jeffrey Lange, Sr. 1428 AB-A4
27. Mike Peters 1469 AA-A5 8. Thomas Oleson 1570 AB-A5 27. Steven Doyle 1427 AB-A5
28. John Poniske 1465 AB-A5 9. Hank Burkhalter 1535 AAA-5 28. Bruce Maxwell 1402 AB-A4
29. Steve Andriakos 1465 AA-A5 10. Michael Kaye 1533 AB-A5 29. Joseph Mele 1397 AAAA5
30. Robert Smith 1465 AA-A5 11. Rodney Robinson 1513 AA-A5 30. Michael Waller 1276 AAA-5
31. Steven Doyle 1465 AA-A5 12. Neil Fedin 1504 AB-A5 31. John Trosky 1258 ABC-5
32. William Voll 1440 ABB-5 13. David Newport 1466 AA-A5
33. Steven Lohr 1439 ABA-5 14. Dirk Naish
15. Anthony Daw
1466
1465
AA-A5
AAA-5
Battle of the Bulge ‘81
34. Bruce Maxwell 1437 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 15 Active Players
16. Walter Garman II 1465 AA-A5
17. Nick Frydas 1444 AB-A5 1. Randy Heller 1866 DHCC6
Stalingrad 18. Mark Bayliss 1430 AA-A5 2. John Grant, Jr. 1720 AB-A5
June 1, 1996 15 Active Players 19. Sean Finnery 1344 AA-A5 3. Daniel Tierney 1624 AB—6
4. Bruno Sinigaglio 1560 AC-A5
1. Scott Goehring 2007 IJR-5
2. Joseph Beard III 1630 BCE-5 Empires In Arms 5. Forest Pafenberg
6. Alan Libuszowski
1535
1535
AB-A5
AAA-6
3. John Grant, Jr. 1601 ABB-4 June 1, 1996 15 Active Players 7. Phillip Evans 1511 AB-A5
4. Ed Menzel 1598 ABB-4
1. James Chatham 1535 AD-A5 8. Marcel Carbonneau 1482 AAA-6
5. Johnny Hasay 1565 ABB-5
2. Ed Slusarek 1518 AD-A5 9. James Falling 1475 AA-A5
6. Gregory Smith 1535 ABC-4
3. Hwan Rhieu 1518 AD-A5 10. ? Liebientowski 1465 AB-A5
7. Thomas Delaney 1535 AAB-5
4. John Zahorsky, Jr. 1465 AD-A5 11. Albert Thomas 1465 AAA-6
8. Daniel Leader 1535 AAA-5
5. Michael Vogt 1465 AD-A5 12. ? O’Brien 1465 AA—5
9. Harlow Stevens 1490 AAA-5
6. James Tyne 1465 AD-A5 13. Charles Sebrell 1464 AA—6
10. Mark Gutfreund 1489 AAA-5
7. Robert Sullivan 1465 AD-A5 14. Brian Laskey 1441 CCD-5
11. Charles Synold 1470 AAA-4
12. John Ellsworth 1465 AAB-5 8. John Stevens 1465 AD-A5
13. David Krause 1465 AAA-5 9. Aaron Smith 1465 AD-A5 Peloponnesian Wars
14. Paul Selzer 1437 ABB-4 10. William Schoeller 1465 AD-A5 June 1, 1996 10 Active Players
15. Patrick McNevin 1402 ABC-5 11. Chris Nelson 1465 AD-A5
12. Steven List 1465 AD-A5 1. Frank Hamrick 1658 AC-A5
13. H. Todd Kauderer 1465 AD-A5 2. Mark Holley 1536 AB-A5
Midway ‘65 14. Wade Fowble 1465 AD-A5 3. Kevin McCarthy 1507 AB-A5
June 1, 1996 5 Active Players 15. Tom Carroll 1465 AD-A5 4. Michael Spinella 1501 AB-A5
5. John Ellsworth 1500 AB-A5
1. Glenn Petroski 1641 CC—5 6. Shaun Filocamo 1498 AB-A5
2. Bob Henry
3. Jack Henry
1512
1470
BC—5
BC—5
Advanced Civilization 7. Kevin Long 1465 AA-A5
June 1, 1996 1 Active Players 8. Kenneth Good 1465 AA-A5
4. Glenn Kruse 1443 BC—5 9. Edward Snarski II 1465 AA-A5
5. Deborah Petroski 1434 BC—5 1. William Lentz 1491 AA-A5 10. Dave Angus 1465 AA-A5
 The Boardgamer
Welcome to the 4th issue of the
BOARDGAMER. Whether you are a
subscriber or just checking the
magazine out for the first time, I hope
you will find this publication both
entertaining and maybe even a little
educational.
Here it is, the summer convention
season. For me, that usually means my
annual trip to Avaloncon and little else.
However, this year I am blessed in that
Origins is only two hours away, so I can
also attend that convention without
putting in a great deal of expense.
Unfortunately, my wife likes the
shopping in Columbus, OH, so that
weekend is going to cost me after all. I
will be found at Origins on Friday July
5th running a War At Sea double
elimination tournament for Avalon Hill.
Stop on by and say hello! (or better yet,
sign up and play).
In light of this being the summer
convention issue, the BOARDGAMER
has expanded to 36 pages for this
issue. I make no promises for the
future, in fact, the next issue is almost
guaranteed to go back to 32 pages. In
this issue, I wanted to give an even
fuller listing of the AREA ratings, but did
not want to cut back on the space for
the game related articles, so the four
page expansion was necessary.
I have r ec eiv ed a num ber of
suggestions over the past few months,
some of which are being implemented.
You will notice on page 12 that I will be
a c c e p t i n g c l a s s i fi ed a d s fr om
subscribers looking to buy, sell or trade
their old games or looking for
opponents. This was suggested by
three different people and seems to be
worth a shot, so expect to see these ads
in the October issue.
Another suggestion was to use a
smaller font on the AREA ratings. One
person wanted this done to squeeze in
more ratings, while another wanted it
done to make room for more articles.
You will notice that I have decreased
the font greatly this issue in order to
squeeze in more extensive ratings, and
I will look at it in more depth before next
issue.
Last year saw extensive coverage of
Avaloncon in the BOARDGAMER, most
of which was repeated in the
GENERAL. There is a chance that I
Volume 1, Issue 3
From The Editor
may not have access to that material
this year, so a different type of coverage
may be called for. I would like to handle
many of the individual tournaments
much like Glenn Petroski’s Midwest
Open Victory In the Pacific tournament
was handled in this issue. For those of
you GMing or just playing at Avaloncon
this year, there should be a form going
to all of the GMs to pass on to the event
winners. This form congratulates the
winner, gives him a copy of this issue of
the BOARDGAMER as part of his prize,
and requests that he pen a short article
detailing the tournam ent action.
Hopefully, this will provide some
interesting material. So, if you know the
winner of an event at Avaloncon,
encourage them to submit the details.
And this goes for all conventions, not
just Avaloncon.
Also, in this issue is the first half of the
BOARDGAMER’s first two part article,
an excellent Fortress Europa series
replay courtesy of John B. Grant, Jr. and
Randy Heller. Although I have tried to
avoid two part articles in the past, a
good series replay such as this one is
just too long to put in one issue as it
would reduce the overall variety of the
issue. Also, let me know what you think
of the mapboard photographs. This is
where having a color magazine would
really come in handy. If you think they
do not enhance your enjoyment and
understanding of the series replay, then
perhaps I should have fewer illustrations
in the future. If you liked the photos,
please let me know that also.
Finally, let me thank all of you who have
been subscribers of the BOARDGAMER
during this first year, especially those of
you kind enough to submit an article or
two. This magazine has been my
opportunity to create the type of
magazine that I have always felt the
hobby needed. Now that the magazine
has a solid base of past issues to point
to, I shall try to publicize the magazine
more to get a larger subscriber base.
After all, the more magazines I produce,
the more pages I can afford to include in
each issue (and hopefully the more
submissions of articles as well). Any
suggestions and/or help which anyone
can provide on how to spread the word
about the BOARDGAMER would be
greatly appreciated. Also, there is a one
free issue bonus for getting another
gamer to subscribe. Just have the
new subscriber mention your name.
July 1996 3
The BOARDGAMER
The BOARDGAMER is published by Bruce
Monnin. The BOARDGAMER is intended to
be a compilation of quality articles on the
strategy, tactics, and variants for a variety of
board, sports and card games.
Articles from contributors are considered for
publication at the discretion of the editor.
Rejected articles will be returned whenever
possible. Potential authors should be
advised that all outside submissions may not
have previously been submitted to other
publications unless permission has been
granted and The BOARDGAMER has been
notified. Articles may be reprinted
elsewhere, although the editor’s permission
is requested (and will usually be freely
given).
Unless otherwise mentioned, all game titles
mentioned are trademark names of The
Avalon Hill Game Company/Victory Games,
as is the GENERAL and Avaloncon.
EDITOR: Bruce A. Monnin
ADDRESS: 177 South Lincoln Street
Minster, OH 45865-1240
E-MAIL: MONNINB@BRIGHT.NET
PHONE: (419) 628-3332
Copyright 1996
Subscriptions
To The
BOARDGAMER
The BOARDGAMER is to be
published quarterly with mailings
near the beginnings of January,
April, July and October. Individual
issues are $3.50 each and a one
year (4 issue) subscription is $13.00
($12.00 for members of AHIKS).
Although the first few issues may be
sent by First Class mail, eventually
all domestic subscriptions will be
sent via bulk permit.
European deliveries require an extra
$2.00 per issue. Other overseas
and foreign deliveries require
a d d it io n a l p o sta g e c h ar g e s.
Contact the BOARDGAMER for
details:
The BOARDGAMER
177 South Lincoln Street
Minster, OH 45865-1240
(419) 628-3332
 4 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Inside This Issue

Race To Bastogne 5
A Battle of the Bulge ‘81 Tournament Scenario by Randy Heller

Winning At Auction 6
General Tips On Strategy by Bruce Reiff

1996 Midwest Open 8

Victory In The Pacific Tournament by Alan Applebaum

The Champion’s Perspective 9

The Victory In The Pacific Midwest Open by Timothy Protsch

Underwater Strategy 10
Use of U-Boats In War At Sea by Steve Packwood

How To Win In Multiplayer Play By E-Mail Games 11

Using Machiavelli As An Example by Alan Poulter

My First Multiplayer Play By E-Mail Game 13

My Experience With Machiavelli by Bryan Jackson

A New Starship Troopers 15

A Preview by Paul Bolduc

ASL AREA News 16

Chits And Bits by Russ Gifford

AREA News 18
AREA - One Year Later by Glenn Petroski

Fortress Europa Series Replay 20

Part 1 by John B. Grant, Jr. and Randy Heller

Richthofen’s War New World 1776

June 1, 1996 9 Active Players June 1, 1996 19 Active Players June 1, 1996 21 Active Players
1. Glenn Petroski 1722 IG-B6 1. John Quarto-vonTivada 1536 AB-A5 1. Steve Packwood 2034 DF-A5
2. Aaron Petroski 1546 GE—6 2. Frank Schmitt 1527 AD-A5 2. John Boisvert 1888 DE-A4
3. Amanda Petroski 1538 AA—5 3. Trevor Bender 1527 AD-A5 3. Michael Sincavage 1884 DE-A5
4. Philip Petroski 1531 EE—5 4. James Fuqua 1524 AD-A5 4. Mark Miklos 1841 DE-A5
5. Clarence Peterson 1442 EE—5 5. Kirk Woller 1524 AD-A5 5. Michael Newman 1593 BC-A4
6. Deborah Petroski 1437 GB—5 6. Vanessa Sanabria 1524 AC-A5 6. James McAden 1570 AAA-5
7. Bob Henry 1365 CB—5 7. Bret Mingo 1524 AC-A5 7. Robert Jamelli 1541 AB-A5
8. Glenn Kruse 1317 HE—6 8. Michael Anchors 1522 BB—6 8. Nathan Kilbert 1515 AB-A5
9. Robert Purnell 1491 AC-A5 9. ? Ryder 1500 AB-A5
10. David Davis 1491 AC-A5 10. Louis Giannobile 1495 AB-A5
Platoon 11. James Lorys 1491 AC-A5 11. Philip Rennert 1488 AA-A5
June 1, 1996 6 Active Players 12. Mark Giddings 1488 AB-A5 12. Kevin Welsh 1485 AA-A5
13. James Pei 1488 AB-A5 13. Lyndon Murillo 1465 AA-A5
1. Kevin McCarthy 1603 AB-A5
14. James Reynolds 1488 AB-A5 14. ? Nagel 1465 AA-A5
2. Roger Knowles 1502 AB-A5
15. Steve Chilcote 1479 AD-A5 15. William Sariego 1455 AA-A4
3. Josh Dunn 1500 AB-A5
16. David Gantt 1479 AD-A5 16. Bruce MacConnell 1451 AB-A4
4. Mark Holley 1465 AA-A5
17. Scott Pfeiffer 1479 AD-A5 17. James Hughto 1310 BC-A5
5. Mike Ellsworth 1465 AA-A5
18. John Wetherell 1476 AD-A5 18. Alan Libuszowski 1122 CC-A4
6. John Ellsworth 1465 AA-A5
19. Michael Scano 1476 AD-A5 19. Michael Reffue 1100 AAA-5
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 5

Race To Bastogne
A Battle of the Bulge ‘81 Tournament Scenario
Although out-of-print and no longer
available, TAHGC’s Battle of the Bulge
1981 version remains a popular game
among a strong cadre of traditional
board wargamers. Witness the dearth
of copies available on the used game
market. The last unpunched copy I saw
sold for $40.00. TAHGC’s most recent
The Battle of the Bulge is a divisional
level game of a different scale. It serves
more to complement than replace the
1981 version, which is a regimental level
game.
Game designer Bruno Sinigaglio did a
marvelous job of capturing the flavor of
the battle in a boardgame format. Bruno
literally spent weeks at the National
Archives researching the game.
Although, to this day, I still argue with
him over the composition of Panzer
Lehr, his order of battle remains very
accurate and has served as a
benchmark for other Bulge board
games.
by Randy Heller
example, the original version allowed
the German player to openly declare
either Trois Ponts or Stavelot as a
victory town. This later changed to
requiring the German player to secretly
write down one or the other. The latest
and final evolution allows the German
player to capture either town for a
victory point.
AHIKS member Dan Tierney, a Bulge
aficionado, volunteered to playtest the
most recent victory conditions. The
results of his 10 game solitaire play are
revealed in the following matrix. Dan
admits to being an aggressive and more
successful Yank player than German
player, so I am pleased with his 60/40
split in favor of the Allies. In fact, I have
been involved with the evolution of this
scenario since its conception and feel
that its play balance is as close as
conceivably possible. I liken it to Afrika
Korps; whoever has the edge depends
on individual opinion.
2.) The game ends at the conclusion of
the American 19 PM turn.
3.) The German player wins by
accomplishing four of the following:
a.) Capture Bastogne.
b.) Capture the Baraque de Fraiture
Crossroads (Hex AA17).
c.) Capture Stavelot.
d.) Capture Trois Ponts.
e.) Capture Spa.
f.) Capture Eupen.
g.) Capture a Fuel Dump.
h.) Capture Neufchateau.
i.) Create a bridgehead across the
Ourthe River by capturing one
of the following hexes: T26,
V23, X22. Note that, for this
victory condition to be realized,
Ba s t o g n e m u s t a l s o b e
captured.
j.) Eliminate 18 or more Allied
Combat Units.
k.) Have lost 3 or fewer Mechanized
or Artillery Class Units.

The game’s accompanying tournament
scenario has not proven useful for
convention tournament play due to its
length. A shorter scenario was needed
that could be completed in a 3 to 4 hour
time frame. To fill this void, an 8 turn
Race to Bastogne scenario was first
introduced at the major Los Angeles
conventions during the latter 1980’s.
Over time and continued play, it was
tweaked for play balance and brought to
the first Avaloncon back in 1991. For
If Battle of the Bulge 1981 is languishing
on your shelf and you’re looking for a
quick, closely fought battle, pull it down;
dust it off and give it a try. See you at
the next Avaloncon.
Scenario Rules
1.) The game to be played is TAHGC’s
Battle of the Bulge ‘81, second edition,
Advanced Game, with Optional Rule
36.0 in effect.
4.) Barring the above, should the
German player capture a Liege Hex or
exit 3 mechanized class units off of the
mapboard from any road hex containing
a German cross or road hex AA1 or
DD1, the game immediately ends with
an automatic German victory.
5.) Capture is defined as occupying the
hex at the end of the American 19 PM
turn, regardless of supply status.

Results Of 10 Solitaire Games

Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Game Game
German Objectives #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10

Bastogne Yes -—- Yes Yes -—- -—- Yes -—- Yes -—-
Baraque de Fraiture (AA17) Yes -—- Yes Yes -—- Yes -—- -—- -—- -—-
Stavelot -—- Yes -—- Yes Yes Yes -—- -—- -—- Yes
Trois Ponts -—- Yes -—- -—- -—- Yes -—- -—- -—- Yes
Spa -—- -—- -—- -—- -—- Yes -—- -—- -—- Yes
Eupen -—- Yes -—- -—- -—- Yes -—- Yes -—- -—-
Fuel Dump -—- -—- -—- Yes -—- Yes -—- -—- -—- -—-
Neufchateau -—- -—- -—- -—- -—- -—- -—- -—- Yes -—-
Bridgehead (T26, V23, X22) Yes -—- Yes -—- -—- Yes -—- -—- Yes -—-
Eliminated Allied Units (18) 14-No 13-No 19-Yes 16-No 14-No 25-Yes 18-Yes 11-No 12-No 15-No
German Art. & Mech. Losses (3) 6-No 1-Yes 4-No 5-No 2-Yes 0-Yes 4-No 9-No 7-No 3-No
Total German Points 3 4 4 4 2 9 2 1 3 3
Who Won Allies Germ. Germ. Germ. Allies Germ. Allies Allies Allies Allies
Opening Die Rolls Avg. Good Poor Avg. Poor VGood VGood Poor Avg. Good
Total Game Die Rolls Avg. Avg. VGood Avg. Poor EGood Poor Avg. Good Avg.
Avg. = Average VGood = Very Good EGood = Extremely Good
 6 The Boardgamer
Winning At Auction
General Tips On Strategy
Many Saturdays I have climbed in the
car and headed down a country road,
looking to pick up a bargain or two at a
small auction. Well, the sound of
spirited bidding can also be heard in
Avalon Hill's Auction (The Collector
before that and 3M's High Bid before
that).
The concept of the game is very simple
- get $7500 in cash and complete
collections and win the game. It's
elegance is in the fact that unlike many
multi-player games, the players have
direct contact and work at cross
purposes almost the whole time during
the game. Let's look at the basics and
then at some of the strategies.
There are 54 cards which make up 12
"collections" and 8 buyers cards. Each
collection ranges from the lowly
Antiques ($900) to the mighty Jewelry
($7500), which is a win all buy itself.
The buyers cards allow you to do two
things; buy three items from anywhere
on the board at the cost in that area or
use it as a wild card to complete a set
(i.e. three coins and a buyers card = a
complete coin set).
Here's a break down of each set:
Three Item Sets
A3 Antique Clocks $900
B3 Books $1000
G3 Glassware $1300
M3 Miniatures $2000
T3 Tapestries $2200
Four Item Sets
C4 Coins $2800
F4 Figurines $3200
P4 Prints $3600
Q4 Queen Anne Parlour $4000
S4 Sterling $4800
Five Item Set
R5 Rare Miscellany $6000
Six Item Set
J6 Jewelry $7500
The number after the letter signifies the
number of pieces in the collection. You
begin the game by being dealt six cards
and given a buyers card. There are also
12 "Special Value" cards. These cards
are a very important component of the
Volume 1, Issue 3
by Bruce Reiff
game and I will discuss them further in a
few paragraphs. But first let's talk about
the sets and what you should do with
each one.
W ith the Antiques, Books and
Glassware; unless you have two of them
in your opening draw sell the first
opportunity you have. The total value of
these sets is $3200 - nowhere near
enough for victory and, by the time you
complete them, someone else will
already have one. In fact, even with two
cards I'll only hold on to a pair for a little
bit until I dump them. They take up
space with no potential victory.
With Miniatures and Tapestries, I'll at
least try for a bit to complete the set,
even with only one in the opening draw.
One of these coupled with a big 4 piece
collection puts you right on the cusp of
victory, if not quite there. However,
when it comes time, don't be afraid to
dump these as well to pick up that good
4 piece set. You can't just win with
these; $4200 is a long way from $7500!
Coins. They're bad. What else can I
say. You're busy wasting time to
complete this $2800 set and your
opponents are getting better sets. If you
are unfortunate enough to be dealt two
of these, you have to try and complete
it. Otherwise dump it the first chance
you get! It's only slightly better the
tapestries but one third more difficult to
complete. Run like the wind from Coins!
The Figurines and Prints are nice, but
serve the same function as the B&O
does in Rail Baron. The B&O is the
poor man’s PA railroad. Here the
Figurines and Prints are the poor man’s
Queen Anne and Sterling. Both are nice
sets to go after, but neither is completely
dominant. Believe me, it's a whole lot
better to see one of these in your
opening than a coin or book, but there is
something better. I try never to sell one
of these unless I have to because of
money. I'll also try to pick a second one
up at any reasonable price. One of
these sets will go along way towards a
victory.
The Queen Anne and Sterling are the
keys to the game. Either one of these
set combined with any other set above
July 1996
Glassware is a recipe for victory.
NEVER sell one of these unless you are
absolutely desperate! Especially the
Sterling. Most games the rich collector
is going to come along and buy it from
you at 100% anyway. This is Sterlings
main strength and weakness as well.
It's painful to have three of the four
sterlings only to have the $4800 set
ripped out of you hands for $2880! The
Queen Anne doesn't have this problem.
Of course, one Queen Anne piece isn't
going to fetch you $1600 from the rich
collector either! A natural set of either
one of these is almost a sure victory. I
always bid on these even if I have none.
You can always sell it later and it keeps
it out of the other players hands.
The Rare Miscellany is the quickest way
to victory. If by some miracle you are
dealt three or can pick up one early and
cheaply, sit back and wait until that 4th
one appears. Then do whatever you
have to do to get it! Look at this
scenario; you've got the Oriental table,
dueling pistols and jeweled snuff box.
The chess set comes out and you have
to pay $1100 of your original $2000 out
for it. With your buyers card you have a
complete set and $900 = $6900, only
$600 from victory! You can now sell 3
items. Unless your three other cards
are total losers, you should be able to
round up $600 for the win. Even if you'd
roll up the rare collector, you'd still put
away a cool $3760 and be $2660
ahead! Well on your way. If you only
have one of these, hold on to it for as
long as you can and let the rich collector
take it off your hands.
Finally, there's Jewelry. Don't fool
yourself into thinking that a Jewelry set
will get you the win. Sure, if you're dealt
three and the other players are stupid
enough to let you buy two, you can win.
Otherwise you want to try to turn them
into cash. Big cash. If you've got a
Jewelry or two you want to start selling
off your 3 set items in order to get that
special value card that calls for the rich
collector to buy your Jewelry. You'll
then have the cash you need to buy
those sets of 4. Always try selling your
disposable lesser cards before selling
Jewelry. Also don't be afraid of letting
your opponents try for you as well. If
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 7

Winning At Auction (Cont.) AHIKS

they're bidding on a 3 set item, let them things, and in turn incur the one third
have it to sell their unwanted stuff. Even
if they draw the rich collector, YOU still
chance of getting one, is when you
are sitting close to a Sterling or Rare
International
benefit. Jewelry is usually not a victory,
but a cash cow.
Miscellany Set. Then avoid selling at
almost all costs. Otherwise get in
Wargamer’s
Perhaps a quick word on bidding on a
there an sell! You want to get that
warehouse deal and buy whatever is
Society
buyers card is in order. What should there! You almost always make The AHIKS International Wargamer’s
you pay for one? A lot of the price money on it. You want to inherit an Society was founded in 1966 to be a self-
depends on how valuable the rare item item! When someone else is selling, policing, non-profit organization devoted
with the buyers card is to you. If you you want everyone to inherit! to supporting play-by-mail wargaming
have two Figurines and the item up for among reliable members. AHIKS is
bid with the buyers card is another A word here about the buyer's cards. unaffiliated with any particular wargame
Figurine, all of a sudden that buyers Many times I've seen a player waste manufacturer and encourages the play of
card is worth more to you than anyone their buyer's card by changing one games produced by all manufacturers.
else. That's $3200 sitting out there for set for another. If you have one AHIKS consists of a wide variety of
you. As a general rule I'll almost always buyer’s card, three prints and three potential opponents with its hundreds of
buy a buyers card for less than $900- Figurines, why are you going to trade members in both its North American and
$1000. More than that is determined by in a buyer’s card for one Set? Do you its European branches.
the other card, my hand, and the desires think some one is going to waste a
of the other players. buyer’s card to get that one card AHIKS main function is to serve as a
when the don't have any (unless it's matching service to pair members who
The special value cards are self in the 25% area, in which case it's wish to play the same game. If a match
explanatory. All but one are usually possible). What have you gained? request cannot immediately be filled, it is
good for you and it's to your benefit to Nothing! You already have a set. published in the AHIKS newsletter to
roll one. The three key ones are the rich You now just have a natural set and help encourage other members to accept
collectors. There is one each for no buyers cards. Make sure when the requested match.
Sterling, Rare Miscellany, and Jewelry. you use one, you use it wisely. Never
The rich collector comes in and buys the trade in one buyer’s card for one set. Besides its primary function of providing
appropriate item from you for the 100% members with opponents for play-by-mail
value. You must sell it. Only if you Your overall strategy in Auction is games, AHIKS also provides the
have a complete natural set, do you get somewhat dictated buy your initial following services:
the set value. You cannot sell your draw. However, smart play can 1) A workable PBM system which
buyers card. Keep in mind that every overcome an early disadvantage. includes sets of random numbers sent to
time someone sells an item there's a 1/3 Hopefully this brief overview will help players to replace die rolls and stock
chance of a special value card being you play a better game of auction. tables.
turned up. Obviously, it doesn't take Try some of the things I suggest and 2) A bimonthly newsletter filled with
many rolls for a rich collector to appear. you'll undoubtedly improve, or at least open match request lists, gaming related
The only time you want to avoid selling be a bit more knowledgeable. articles, society news and much more.
3) The judge, an impartial rules arbiter
available to resolve rules questions.
4) The PBEM Coordinator to help find
electronic mail opponents.
BOARDGAMER Back Issues 5) The Unit Counter Pool to replace that
one missing counter from your otherwise
Yes, we’ve finally been around long enough to have back issues for sale. Each complete favorite game.
back issue is available at a cost of $3.50 apiece. Some back issues will also be 6) The Multi-Player Coordinator to help
available from me at Avaloncon (if you can find me). If ordering in quantities arrange for matches in multi-player
greater than one, the extra issues are $3.00 each. games.
7) Courteous, dependable competition.
Preview Issue - Circus Maximus (V), Candidate (S), War At Sea (R, S), Members with a history of dropping out of
1830 (V), Up Front (R), AREA News & Ratings (N) games or otherwise behaving unethically
can face expulsion from the society.
Volume 1, Issue 1 - Avaloncon 1995 (N), Assassin (S), Panzer Leader (Sc),
AREA News & Ratings (N) To join AHIKS, or for more information,
contact the BOARDGAMER at 177 South
Volume 1, Issue 2 - Avaloncon 1995 (N), History Of The World (SR), Lincoln Street, Minster, Ohio 45865. You
Panzerblitz/Leader (Sc, V), 1776 (Sc), AREA News & Ratings (N) will be put in contact with your Regional
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Key: (H) = History; (N) = Narrative; (R) = Rules Clarifications; (S) = Strategy; information about AHIKS as well as your
(Sc) = Scenario; (SR) = Series Replay; (V) = Variant membership application.
 8 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

1996 Midwest Open

Victory In The Pacific Tournament
27 hard-core VICTORY IN THE
PACIFIC aficionados braved frigid
temperatures to gather at the Days Inn
in Kenosha, Wisconsin on March 2nd
and 3rd for the 1996 VITP Midwest
Open. Players arrived from as far away
as Florida, Kansas and Massachusetts
for the five-game, two-day tournament
run by master GM Glenn Petroski using
the same Swiss Format he employs
each year at Avaloncon. The turnout
was excellent for what was basically a
one-event, local tournament.
Tim Proksch of Milwaukee won the $100
first prize with a 5-0 record against a
star-studded field which boasted at least
four former Avaloncon and Origins VITP
champs. Remarkable about Proksch's
victory was the fact that he played the
Allies (thought by many to have a slight
disadvantage in the game) all five
games (Also, in all five games he bested
a player who was undefeated in the
tournament and to that point had only
played as the Japanese). Although the
tournament rules permitted bidding for
sides, Proksch elected to take the Allies
in at least one game with no bid.
Alan Applebaum of Brookline, MA (your
correspondent), Chuck Kaplan of
Arlington Heights, IL and Tom Johnston
of Highland, Indiana were next with
identical records of 4-1. The Swiss
Point tie-break procedure was of no
avail as the three players were still tied
following application of the tie-breaker.
Based on Petroski's judgment of
strength of schedule, Applebaum was
awarded 2nd place and Johnston 3rd.
The Admiral Nagumo Award for best
Japan es e player went to Alan
Tomaszewski, while Rich Wiet copped
the "Bull" Halsey Award for best Allied
player.
by Alan Applebaum
Petroski, giving Applebaum his
preferred "Red" with no bid) and
prevailed in a hard-fought struggle.
Tim’s successful all-out defense of Pearl
Harbor on Turn 3 cost him most of his
fleet, but by controlling the Japanese
Islands on Turn 8 Proksch picked up 16
POC to squeak out a 2-POC victory.
Meanwhile, Johnston and Zavanelli
continued their winning ways, Tom
defeating his local rival Chuck Kaplan
while Max prevailed over Tomaszewski.
In the third round, Dan Henry's dream of
following up his Avaloncon win with
another title went up in flames as
Applebaum's Japanese barely held on
to hand Dan his second defeat of the
day. The game was extremely unusual
in that the Allies captured Truk at the
end of Turn 6, but still lost. Proksch ran
his record to 3-0 with a win over veteran
Ken Nied while Johnston handled Keith
Erikson. Kaplan improved to 2-1 with a
win over Jerry Cecchin.
After three rounds, only Proksch,
Johnston and Zavanelli remained
undefeated. In Round Four, Tim (Allies
again) played Max, while Tom, the third-
place finisher at last year's Avaloncon,
was matched against Ken Nied. This
time Proksch bid for the Japanese, but
yielded in the face of Zavanelli's 2.5-
POC bid, one of the largest in the
tournament. With a big win in Indonesia
against the odds on Turn 7, Proksch
achieved the near-impossible feat of
overcoming a 24.5-POC deficit (taking
the bid into account) on the last two
turns to win by half a POC. Johnston
continued his winning ways to set up a
Johnston-Proksch
game for the title in
Round Five.
Mandates on Turn 4. Again Proksch
responded with the maximum defense,
and when the invaders were repelled
again, Johnston threw in the towel,
giving Proksch his first major VITP
tournament win. Also in Round 5,
Applebaum's hot dice continued over
wargaming legend Steve Packwood to
bring him to 4-1 along with Johnston
and Kaplan, the latter prevailing over
Max Zavanelli, who fell to 3-2 after a 3-0
start.
All in all, the Midwest Open was a
rousing success. The players found
intense competition and comradeship
for two days to tide them over the long
wait until the next Avaloncon. Do it
again, Glenn!
IJN won 35 games, USN won 30. After
adjusting for bids, the score was 33 IJN,
32 USN -- perfect!!
Of the 65 games played, 17 went 7
turns and 13 went all 8 turns -- an
unusually hard-fought set of games --
but probably due to lack of other gaming
available.
All bids were for the IJN, as follows:
4 POC - 1 game
3.5 POC - 1 game
3 POC - 8 games
2.5 POC - 14 games
2 POC - 8 games
1.5 POC - 11 games
1 POC - 5 games
no bid - 15 games
Average bid - 1.6 POC

Round One matched the top-seeded In the title game

Applebaum against GM Petroski, 1995 Proksch again
Avaloncon champ Dan Henry against used his trademark
Proksch and former Origins winner Max all-out defense of
Zavan elli against Tom aszewski. Pearl Harbor to
Proksch began his winning streak by good advantage,
upsetting Henry as Applebaum cruised saving the port on
to victory as the Japanese with hot dice Turn 3. In a
over his host. Veterans Kaplan, desperate attempt
Johnston and Zavanelli all survived to reclaim the
Round One in fine shape. In Round initiative, Johnston July 31, 1996 August 4, 1996
Two, Proksch faced Applebaum (like made a massive
raid on the U.S.
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 9

The Champion’s Perspective

The Victory In The Pacific Midwest Open
by Timothy Proksch
As was mentioned in the previous head for this kind of greediness, but sportsman-like conduct. At this
article, Timothy Proksch was the winner Max was too shrewd. He wasted no tournament, all spectators respected the
of the first annual Midwest Open Victory time patrolling backwater areas, but setting and kept their suggestions to
In The Pacific tournament. Here is his sniffed out any patrollers I had while themselves. My thanks.
account of his successful run through threatening Hawaii, then Samoa, then
the field. Hawaii again. I think I blew my chance Tommy Johnson was my last opponent
for the Admiral Halsey award during my and the only game not played to the
Saturday morning at 9:00AM I found game with Max. bitter end. Actually Tom was desperate
myself across the table from Dan Henry to end the game quickly. Not a good
of Chicago, the 1995 Avaloncon VITP Among other attributes this award from strategy in the final round, but
champion. Like the marines landing on Glenn requires sportsmanlike conduct. necessary for Tom. I hope to see him in
Tarawa, I had steeled myself with a Well, I guess I lost one too many day/ Maryland.
hearty breakfast at Denny's. This game night rolls and went into my usual rant
went the full 8 turns. Dan played a that starts with "I don't know why I play My secret to winning as the USN is:
standard Japanese game, going for this ...". Actually, Max threw the game counter punch for 5 turns and patrol the
Johnston Island on turn 2. I turned him away on turn 7 by losing all his LBA in rest of the game while thinking ONE
back with the sacrifice of the Big E. an inconsequential battle for Indonesia. whenever the Japanese is rolling dice.
Those same LBA on turn 8 in the home Never concede. Throw at least one fit
In round two I drew Alan Applebaum of islands would have clinched a victory. during the tournament and do the
Boston. Need I say more about the Now, in many cons I've seen bystanders "Happy Dance" when the IJN disables
caliber of player that managed to find "help" the players with comments and your carriers while you sink his!
Kenosha, Wisconsin on a cold winter suggestions. It is definitely not
day. Alan kept me in a moderate to
heavy sweat for a full 8 turns. Don't ask
me how I won, the whole four hours is a Victory In The Pacific AREA Ratings
blur of dice and cardboard carnage. June 1, 1996 101 Active Players
1. Alan Applebaum 2047 HKAE6 37. Andy Viloria 1520 BDC-6
Glenn's system pairs people by rank, 2. Michael Crowe 1950 CDI-5 38. Joel Klein 1514 AC-A6
and by the third game Saturday I was, 3. Timothy Proksch 1929 EH-D6 39. Louie Tokarz 1512 EGCC6
well, pretty rank! No time for a shower 4. Dave Targonski 1922 IK-E5 40. Dennis Nicholson 1511 AB-A4
though, because I drew Ken Nied of 5. Ray Freeman 1910 EHBC4 41. Aaron Petroski 1510 AA—5
Kansas for the third game. You'll find 6. Glenn Petroski 1829 LMEG6 42. Vince Meconi 1503 CF-C5
Ken's name near the top of the AREA 7. Ed O’Conner 1819 CD-A4 43. Steven Cooley 1500 AA-A5
list in THE BOARDGAMER. Same o' 8. Tom Gregorio 1796 FICE5 44. Rich Wiet 1493 BE-B6
same o' Japanese moves. After besting 9. Tom Johnston 1783 DG-E6 45. Tom Arndt 1492 CF-C5
Dan and Al, I was getting pretty cocky, 10. Neil Moran 1775 BB-A5 46. Dirk Naish 1488 AA-A5
even for a cheesehead from Milwaukee! 11. Bruce Kernan 1770 BB-A5 47. Alan Mulroy 1480 AA—6
Ken gift wrapped the Marshall Islands 12. Steve Packwood 1734 GJ-D6 48. Joseph Powell 1478 CF-C5
13. Dan Henry 1719 ILDE6 49. Mark Gutfreund 1478 AC-B6
on turn 3 for me. Later, after the islands
14. Greg Smith 1697 BC-B5 50. John Newman 1478 ABD-5
were gone he explained the oversight. I
15. Greg Hanson 1694 IK-E5 51. Keith Ericksen 1477 AC-A6
appreciated the gift, but he'll have to 16. Michael Knautz 1688 FI-E6 52. Philip Petroski 1477 AA—5
wait for Avaloncon to get even. 17. Mike Kaye 1688 BD-A5 53. David Rynkowski 1474 AB-A5
Saturday night I hit the sheets hard. I 18. Kenneth Nied 1676 GJ-D6 54. Bob Wartenberg 1473 AA-A5
shared an early breakfast with Joe 19. Bill Thomson 1669 BDDA5 55. Paul Selzer 1472 AAA-5
Dragan from Detroit. Joe's a longtime 20. Kevin Kinsel 1667 BCC-5 56. W Scott Evans 1471 AC-A6
adversary from Michicons gone by. 21. Mike Ussery 1636 GJBE6 57. Robert Franklin 1471 AAA-5
After gulping a couple cups of java I 22. Casey Adams 1617 AC-A6 58. Bill Scott 1471 AA-A4
headed for the room and my fourth 23. Steve Resman 1614 ABC-5 59. Tom Baruth 1470 AC-A6
game with Max Zavanelli from Florida. 24. Max Zavanelli 1602 BE-B6 60. Joe Dragan 1465 AC-A6
Now, Max has two things I'll never 25. Alan Tomaszewski 1593 BE-B6 61. Phil VanWiltenberg 1465 AB-A5
forget. A hat and an outback alligator 26. John Sharp 1586 IMBE5 62. Steve Mininger 1465 AA-A5
wrestling swagger. Max had a 27. Lance Ottman 1586 BCC-6 63. Fred Wexler 1464 BD-A5
Japanese system of play all written up, 28. Karsten Engelmann 1578 AC-A5 64. Marcello Triunfo 1463 AA-A5
which I made sure he set aside by LBA 29. Robert Smith 1574 DF-C5 65. Chris Pallucci 1460 AA-A4
time in turn 2. Max hunts American 30. Chuck Kaplan 1566 CF-D6 66. Paul Martin 1459 AAA-5
ships like I imagine he hunts gators. He 31. Paul Carlson 1557 ABB-6 67. Jonathan White 1450 BEAB4
gave me nothing while taking any 32. Pierre Menard 1545 AB-B5 68. Tim Greene 1450 ABD-5
patrollers I sent out. He went 33. Philip Rennert 1539 AA-A5 69. Joel Bouzaid 1449 BD-A5
34. Steve Reynolds 1535 AA—5 70. Doug Bennett 1449 AC-A6
everywhere with the Japanese, all at the
35. Jerry Cecchin 1533 BE-B6 71. Chris Frey 1445 AC-A5
same time. I usually hand the IJN its
36. Jorge Pardo 1528 AB-A5 72. Jim Rochford 1440 GJ-E6
 10 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Underwater Strategy
Use of U-Boats In WAR AT SEA
by Steve Packwood
Previous articles published in the odds for removing X number of U-boats If at least one U-boat is left, any Axis
GENERAL have not mentioned U-boats with Y ASW rolls. If the goal for the ships in the neutral port or France will
m uch, exc ept Robert Harm on’s German is to have a better than even not be trapped on the next turn. Once
“Commander’s Notebook”. Even in that chance to have one or more U-boats left again, the key number of ASW rolls is
article, the subject was not treated with in the area, his table tells us that the 3X - 1 for a < 50% chance.
specifics, not like some treatments of general (spot that pun!) rule is to go to
British openings, for instance. And an area where the British have at least 4) If the U-boats are to be used against
while it is true that most games of War two fewer ASW rolls than 3 times the convoys, probably more than one will be
At Sea are decided by combat between number of U-boats available. That is, if needed. In the Ransom article
the capital ships, the origin of many of the number of U-boats is X, the ASW mentioned above, using Table 2 (odds
those battles lay in the use of U-boats rolls must be less than 3X-1 for there to of damage points for shots fired) one
by the German (or the ASW work of the be a > 50% chance for at least one can see that the German needs at least
British). Therefore I believe that it is U-boat to be left. For example, if you 6 shots at an undamaged convoy to
useful to go into U-boat warfare in some have 6 U-boats available, and the ASW have a 50% chance to sink it. A modest
detail. rolls would be 17, do not go there [3 ASW screen could make it unlikely that
(6) - 1 = 17]. If the ASW rolls would be the German would get this many shots.
First, I see four possible uses for 16, you would have a greater than 50% In many cases, however, a “disable”
U-boats in War At Sea: chance to have at least one U-boat left, result can prove quite inconveniencing
1) Remove British ships so as to gaining 1 POC. for the British. A convoy disabled on
help the Axis capital ships in turn 7 can not get to Russia for 3 POC.
battles 3) Usually it is best for the German to Since only one convoy may be in a
2) Neutralize British control in sea not use his U-boats for the first two or given sea area at one time, if a convoy
areas to gain POC three turns so as to build them up into a is disabled the turn before another
3) Neutralize British control to allow wolf pack which can neutralize a convoy is to sail from the US, one
Axis travel on the next turn particular sea area. If this is the North convoy will be delayed yet another turn.
4) Remove convoys to avoid losing Sea, you not only deny the British that
POC POC, but next turn you might gain If a “disable” is an acceptable result,
another 3 POC since the British could then 2 or 3 U-boats have a 50% chance
Next we need to look at details about have too many areas to cover to have to sink or disable a convoy. In that
each of the above uses. all of them adequately garrisoned. If case, using Table 1, one can see that 7
you plan to fight in the South Atlantic, U-boats can go after a convoy with an
1) Using U-boats to sink (or disable) you may want to put U-boats there ASW screen of 13 rolls and have a 50%
British ships seems to me to be of little as insurance in case you lose the battle. chance of an acceptable result.
use unless it is a fairly close battle
without a large number of ships (so the
ASW rolls leave enough U-boats to tip War At Sea AREA Ratings
the balance of the battle). As an June 1, 1996 49 Active Players
example, say the British control the 1. Bruce Monnin 1877 FHFC5 25. John Kilbride 1480 AA-A4
North Sea and the Barents, and the 2. Tim Hitchings 1790 DG-B5 26. Michael Ussery 1475 AB-B5
German ships are in Germany. The 3. Ray Freeman 1752 CF-B5 27. William Whitaker 1475 AA—6
British patrol the South Atlantic with 3 4. Bruce Reiff 1725 BC—6 28. Joseph Keller 1474 AA—6
BBs. The four Italian cruisers (CAs) 5. Thomas Scarborough 1707 CEBB5 29. Robert Hamel 1473 AC-B4
would probably lose a battle with 3 6. Philip Rennert 1691 CF-B5 30. Michael Backstrom 1471 AC-B4
battleships (BBs), but if the Germans 7. Jon Lockwood 1671 BD-B5 31. Matthew Romaniecki 1470 AB-B5
could put 4 or 5 U-boats in the area, the 8. Michael Knautz 1662 CE-B5 32. James Roche 1466 AC-B5
9. Glenn Petroski 1626 AC—5 33. Edward Snarski II 1465 AB-B5
Italians might control it if the U-boats get
10. Steve Packwood 1623 AC-B5 34. David Rynkowski 1448 AC-B5
rid of 1 or 2 battleships.
11. Joseph Beard III 1560 AB-B5 35. Robert Smith 1448 AB-B5
12. John Pack 1558 CE-B5 36. Michael Welker 1440 AB-B5
2) Dribbling away U-boats early in the 13. Vince Meconi 1551 BE-B5 37. George Sauer III 1435 AA—6
game just to gain 1 POC is probably not 14. Chuck Stapp 1535 AC-B4 38. Philip Petroski 1435 AB—5
a wise idea. During the last few turns, 15. Aaron Petroski 1535 AB—5 39. Wayne Morrison 1433 AC-B5
however, U-boats should usually take a 16. Paul Sommers 1528 BE-B5 40. Frank Cunliffe 1432 AC-C4
sea area each turn — or even try for 17. Daniel Henry 1522 BE-B5 41. Peter Schelling 1430 AB-A5
two! To answer the question “how many 18. Michael Bailey 1513 AC-B5 42. Michael Crowe 1425 AC-B3
U-boats are needed to negate British 19. Alan Applebaum 1509 AC-B5 43. Paul Bolduc 1406 BD-D5
control of a sea area?”, we turn to the 20. Gabriel Crowl 1505 AC-B5 44. Steven Squibb 1405 BE-B5
article by Craig Ransom “Tirpitz and the 21. John Welage 1505 AB-B5 45. Glenn Kruse 1404 AB—5
Die Roller” in Vol. 13, #6 of the 22. Kenneth Nied 1500 AB-B4 46. Brian Palmer 1395 AB-B4
GENERAL. Using Table 1 one gets the 23. James Pei 1500 AB-B5 47. Kevin Walsh 1393 AB-B5
24. Robert Beyma 1490 BD-B5 48. Kenneth Good 1387 AA—6
 The Boardgamer
U-Boats In War At Sea (Cont.)
Naturally, game situations will affect
how a player employs his U-boats. For
instance, if the Kriegsmarine has been
badly beaten up, it does not make much
sense to expend U-boats opening up
the North Sea as when the German
surface ships are at full strength. This is
because the German might not be able
to get the 3 POC next turn by fighting for
a 3 POC sea area. Also, the stronger
the U-boat force, the harder the British
task of covering multiple targets; but the
more a player uses the U-boats, the
weaker they tend to get. Timing of
U-boat use can be a key.
Let us suppose that the German has
used his U-boats cautiously and it is turn
5 and he has 7 U-boats and a strong
surface fleet, but that the British control
both the Barents and the North Sea.
There are three targets for the U-boats:
the North Sea to release the surface
fleet next turn, the Barents where
Convoy 1A could be, and the North
Atlantic where Convoy 2B could be. To
have a greater than 50% chance to hold
How To Win In Multiplayer
Play By E-mail Games
Using Machiavelli As An Example
This article is originally from Volume
No.2 of EuroDespatch, the AHIKS
Europe newsletter. It is reprinted here
with the kind permission of Alan Poulter
and the EuroDespatch editor, Kevin
Croskery.
I thought for this column I would focus
on an issue which has just come up in a
multiplayer PBEM I am playing. The
issue is what sort of strategies a player
in a multiplayer PBEM, as opposed to a
multiplayer FTF game, should adopt.
The game I will use for examples is
Machiavelli, a Diplomacy variant set in
Renaissance Italy. Players take one of
the competing states that existed at the
time, Venice, France, Florence etc.
Before I get to exploring the issue, I will
explain the nuts and bolts of the game.
Armies and navies move between areas
as in Diplomacy. Movement is
simultaneous and written orders are
needed. Machiavelli is different from
Volume 1, Issue 3
the North Sea, the British need > 20
ASW rolls. To have the same chance
that the convoy in the Barents gets to
Russia for 3 POC he needs 16 ASW
rolls (and a fleet to hold off the
Germans). Assuming Convoy 2B does
not want to be disabled either, the
British need 13 ASW rolls there. That is
a total of 49 ASW rolls! Clearly
something will have to give. So just
having a U-boat “fleet in being” forces
decisions on the British.
The British may decide to hold Convoy
2B in port, out of harm’s way. Then the
U-boats have done something in one
area and can be used in another area
as well on the same turn. The British,
on the other hand, may accept being
disabled and just reduce the ASW
screen on Convoy 2B to drop the odds
of sinking below 50% (or < 40%). The
Germans might take that chance and
the low risks to the U-boats (and the 1
POC), or they could go elsewhere, or try
for two areas.
by Alan Poulter
Diplomacy in that it adds another unit
type, garrisons, and a new map location,
cities. Garrisons control cities. They
cannot move but they can convert into
armies or navies. Garrisons can be
besieged: after two consecutive turns
they surrender.
T h e m a i n d i f f e r e n c e b et w e e n
Machiavelli and Diplomacy is that the
former has money, in the form of ducats,
raised from control of areas, cities and
special major cities. This money buys
units but it also can be used to bribe
other player's units to disband or to
change sides. You can even attempt to
assassinate other players. All these
actions can be counter-bribed. There
are also random events, in the form of
famines. Units must either move out of
an area suffering from famine or the
famine can be removed by paying for
famine relief. If you run out of money
you can always borrow some from the
bank, but if you fail to pay it back, plus
July 1996 11
The U-boats should be bold on turn 5
and somewhat bold on turn 4, due to the
U-boat replacements on turns 5
(2 U-boats) and 6 (3 U-boats).
I would like to close with one word of
warning. Most of the time I have been
working with odds around 50%.
Remember that just because the odds
are in your favor, it doesn’t necessarily
mean that you will get the result you
want. Try not to have your whole game
depend on three U-boats getting rid of a
convoy or your fleet being released by
opening up the North Sea with 7 U-
boats against 15 ASW rolls. Have
contingency plans. I’ve seen many
games that looked good turn nasty by
hot (or cold) ASW rolls. Just because
15 ASW rolls have only a better than
50% chance to get rid of 5 U-boats,
doesn’t mean they can’t get rid of 7. In
fact, they have a 20% chance to do that
very thing.
int er est, yo u ar e aut om aticall y
assassinated!
So Machiavelli allows for the same sort
of double-dealing that Diplomacy does,
but with the added complications
caused by money and the various
actions that can be bought. Some
countries start the game surrounded by
ot h er co untri es or wit h a
disadvantageous disposition of forces.
Florence and the Papacy are next to
each other in the middle of Italy. Do
they stab one another or join forces to
fight common enemies? Austria, Milan
and Venice are also clustered together.
The problem of what to do about
neighbors afflicts them. Finally France,
Turkey and Naples start on the edges of
the board. Their problem is more one of
getting involved with events in Central
Italy.
A recent event in my current Machiavelli
PBEM brought out the issue, which is
how to prosper in a multi-player PBEM,
 12 The Boardgamer
How To Win In Multiplayer PBEM Games (Cont.)
as opposed to a multiplayer FTF game.
Now I have played quite a lot of
multiplayer games PBEM and I have a
number of general strategies which I
follow. The main one is to set up
alliances which go on to win the game,
rather than playing for a personal
victory. In my current game I am
playing Naples. I found common cause
with Turkey in that we had a common
area to defend, and interests in
expanding in different areas of the
board. We started to do okay, by myself
attacking France and Turkey attacking
Austria. I decided to include Florence in
our attack on France, who was down to
defending his last area. However
Florence suddenly tried to attack me!
My ally Turkey did not join in the attack
on me, so we now have a strange
situation in which Florence failed to wipe
me out but effectively ruined my attack
on France. See the following article for
the Florentian view, as expressed by
Bryan Jackson, an AHIKS North
America member playing that country.
Ok, so why is the above an issue? Well,
in both my previous games, alliances
have formed and gone on to win. In my
first game I took over Florence and was
nearly eliminated by Naples (heavy
irony here considering my current
game). I held on and persuaded Naples
to seek other targets, notably France
who was running away with the game.
Eventually an alliance of myself, Naples
and Venice clobbered France (after a
change of player for French caused
some fatal tactical mistakes to be made)
and took the game. In my second game
a similar thing happened. Well into the
game I took over Naples, and found a
Milan/Florence alliance fighting Venice,
all other countries having been
eliminated. I took Venice's side and our
alliance gradually destroyed Florence
and went on to victory.
In both games alliances were crucial in
determining who won the game. To my
mind this is because PBEM multiplayer
games can last many months, even
years, and the sort of wild and woolly
strategy which is fun in a FTF
multiplayer which lasts an evening is out
of place in something in which you
invest more time and effort. The length
of PBEM games means that you get
more chance to evolve alliances. This is
not to say players in PBEM multiplayer
games never stab: in my current game
Volume 1, Issue 3
Milan was wiped out on turn one. But
stabs are riskier in that if they do not
completely succeed they cause a loss of
confidence in the 'stabbing' player which
can be crucial in deciding who is an
alliance victim and who is an alliance
member. If an alliance functions
properly and pools the forces of two or
more players, then it must triumph
against players operating on their own,
no matter how tactically brilliant.
Because PBEM multiplayer games last
so long, players can come and go. Both
my first two games I joined after the
start. When a player joins, many vital
things can happen. The new player
does not know the pattern of alliances
and feuds that exist in the game. Thus
they might completely misjudge things
(as France did in my second game,
noted above). A new player is always
ripe for a stabbing because of this.
Alliances get stronger over time as the
players within them build up trust and
share ideas. New players will have an
uphill task in combating stable alliances,
which is another reason for forming one.
Finally I think another success factor is
persistence. Some players, when they
see forces ranged against them and the
future looking bleak, give up and resign.
However, playing on, trying to convince
that your survival is vital to forming a
game-winning alliance, is a powerful
strategy. It is actually quite difficult to
completely remove a player, especially if
that player has any support at all from
an alliance.
So I conclude that alliance forming is
vital in PBEM multiplayer games. I
would be interested in getting any
contrary experiences. How much does
the structure of the multiplayer game
add to this argument? Is Machiavelli by
nature an alliance 'friendly' game,
whereas others are not?
I can easily relate with this article and
with the following article by Bryan
Jackson. About 2 years ago I played
my first game of Diplomacy, and I
played it PBEM on the Genie network
(which, by the way, is full of some real
Diplomacy sharks).
I could not (and still don’t) understand
the motivation for trying for a two-way or
a three-way win. To me, the equivalent
would be if two NFL teams would trade
July 1996
players back and forth all year to help
each other as injuries arise. When both
teams advance to the Super Bowl, they
would decide to call the season a two-
way victory and not bother to play the
game. It goes against every fiber of the
competitive wargamer in me.
I guess that’s why I was eliminated from
the game just before the game long
Austria/Italy alliance declared for the
victory. It also explains how easily
Austria and Italy could convince me that
they were ready to attack each other,
then stab me in the back as soon as the
opportunity arose.
I guess I shall try again someday, but I
imagine that if my alliance is heading
towards victory, my ally better watch his
back!
Classified Ads
Due to receiving several requests
(and due to the fact that it sounds like
a good idea), the BOARDGAMER will
start printing classified ads for those
seeking to sell or purchase used
Avalon Hill and Victory games or
looking for opponents for these
games. This service will be available
free of charge to all of the
BOARDGAMER’s subscribers. The
B O A R D G A ME R a ss um e s n o
responsibility for the business
practices of those advertising here.
Please keep all ads down to a
maximum of 50 words apiece. Also
keep in mind that the BOARDGAMER
goes to the printer several weeks
before it is mailed, therefore if you
wish your ad to appear in the October
issue, it better arrive at the
BOARDGAMER by late August at the
latest. Since this is the first issue for
this feature, I guess I’ll have the only
ad:
Seeking to purchase multiple copies
(new or used) of War At Sea, March
Madness and Slapshot. Contact
Bruce Monnin, 177 South Lincoln
Street, Minster, OH 45865, or phone
(419) 628-3332.
 The Boardgamer
My First Multiplayer Play By E-mail Game
My Experience With Machiavelli
The following is a recounting of my first
time experiences with PBEM Machiavelli
and the Diplomatic Adjudicator (the
Judge), a program designed to regulate
the play of Diplomacy and it's variants
(Machiavelli, etc.) on-line. It should be
noted that I am very new to computers
and how to use them, thus some of the
difficulties I encountered were due in
part to that inexperience.
I belong to AHIKS, an international
PBM/PBEM organization that matches
players of games. The PBEM
Coordinator, Bruce Monnin, suggested
that I contact Alan Poulter to get
involv ed in a PBEM gam e of
Machiavelli, so I did. Alan, in turn, sent
to me the file(s) I needed to sign up with
the Dip Adjudicator.
That was where I ran into my first
stumbling block. My lack of knowledge
on the use of my computer (I had only
had it for a week) took it's toll, I didn't
send the info to the Judge in the format
it needed. It wouldn't let me register.
Being a program, it's not too flexible on
how it can receive information. After
sending a few messages to Alan asking
for help on format, I finally registered
successfully. It is actually a very simple
procedure, Cut and Paste a copy of the
registration form with your vitals and e-
mail to the Judge. You receive a set of
files explaining the rules, turn notation,
msg format, etc...You then select a
private password (so no one else can
log on as you). I again messed up, as
the password I selected also happened
to be a command word the program
uses, so it wouldn't recognize me. After
explaining the situation to the GM, he
manually modified my password to a
usable one, allowing me to use the
system.
Part of my initial confusion also
stemmed from the fact that the files are
sent with the game Diplomacy in mind,
the Machiavelli file is a variant that must
be specifically requested (which, of
course, I didn't). While similar, there are
significant differences that must be
taken into consideration (turn notation,
etc...). My first turn was sent in late as I
had to work through the correct format
and notation for Machiavelli. Eventually,
everything was submitted correctly and
the game began.
Volume 1, Issue 3
by Bryan Jackson
Using the Judge became easier as my
playing time increased. I became more
familiar with the notation (and how to
use my computer!) and eventually most
things fell into place. I still have to look
up the format to send some of the more
complicated moves (i.e., multi-unit,
multi-area convoys, etc...), but generally
things are going smoothly now. If only
the game were...
My previous PBM experience was
strictly 2 player strategy games (Anzio,
W&P, etc...), so when I bought my
computer (to PBEM) I thought it would
be about the same. It is. Actually, I
prefer it to PBM, for obvious reasons.
The difference came when I decided to
PBEM Machiavelli. My past games
were all FTF and played against fellow
"wargamers". Our style of play tended
to be aggressive and combative. Not
much trust was to be found as we
tended to "stab" each other to take out a
player who happened to leave himself
open (usually regardless of the overall
situation), put down the player who won
a previous game that night, and just for
the fun of it! Part of it was also that fact
that we usually tried to finish our games
in the same night as they were started
(obviously not a factor in PBM/PBEM).
Thing started out pretty much the same
in our PBEM game of Machiavelli as
they did in my FTF games. In fact, a
player was eliminated in the first year of
the game! Then things started to settle
down and becom e "normalized'.
Players were plotting and wars were
starting to develop. Here's where my
PBEM inexperience showed through.
As part of a coalition against France, I
helped with the invasion, while also
trying to keep France alive for the
moment by not acting too aggressively
against him. My plan was to allow the
Neapolitanites to send all of their units
to France and then, as he was putting
France out of the game, Stab him! With
help in the form of a bribe from another
country it would have worked. Even if it
didn't, I assumed other players would
"wolfpack" him after I hurt him.
However, as I soon learned to my
misfortune, PBEM games tend to be
more "stable" affairs, with alliances/
pacts meaning more because of the
long term nature of the games. No help
was forthcoming and I ended up starting
July 1996 13
a war against at least two allies,
unsupported. I'm still trying to work my
way out of this one.
I also learned that many PBM/PBEM
players are willing to accept a joint
victory, as opposed to a single victor.
Again, my previous experiences were
with games that had only a single
winner. YOU play to win, not share the
spoils. I'm still trying to grapple with the
concept of a multi-player victory.
In hindsight, I see now that my
aggressive style developed from my
FTF games should be tempered with a
more conservative, long-term lookout
that must be m aintained when
PBEMing. That's not to say that you
shouldn't attack swiftly and lethally, just
do it when it's more of a sure thing and
most, if not all, of the board will
benefit from the Stab.
Pro Golf
Scramble
Plans have been finalized to conduct a
Pro Golf Scramble demonstration
event at Avaloncon 1996. The format
is for 4-man teams to compete against
each other over four newly created
courses from western Ohio. The
d em o ns tr ati o n will b e pl ay ed
immediately after the standard Pro
Golf tournament (around midnight
Thursday night). Course booklets will
be available to each team at the
convention, but those wishing to
preview them can obtain them from the
BOARDGAMER for $0.50 each.
The scramble format is quite simple
and quick. Each player takes a shot,
then the team decides which of the
four shots to keep. The entire four
member team then takes their next
shot from that spot and repeats the
process until the ball is holed.
Preliminary playtests show that the
teams should average a birdie (one
under par) for each hole.
If you are looking to meet the editor in
a very informal surrounding, this is the
place. Or, if you just wish to be part of
an event which is fun and can be
learned in 5 minutes, stop on by and
join the festivities.
 14 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996
Advanced Squad Leader 2-Player Game
AREA Victory Claim Chit AREA Victory Claim Chit
_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
(winner’s name) (winner’s name)

_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
(player number) (player number)

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
(signature) (signature)
HAS DEFEATED HAS DEFEATED

_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
(defeated player’s name) (defeated player’s name)

_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
(player number) (player number)

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
(signature) (signature)

in a rated live pbm game of Advanced Squad Leader: in a rated live pbm game of:

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
(Scenario Name and/or Number) (Name of Game)

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
(Side of Winner) (Date) (Game Company Published By)

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________
(Play Balance Used - If Any) (Date)

Return this chit to: 1st Subsequent

Russ Gifford game vs. this opponent Return this chit to: 1st Subsequent
320 E. 27th Street Glenn Petroski game vs. this opponent
South Sioux, NE 68776-3205 6829 23rd Avenue
SHANGRI@pionet.net Kenosha, WI 53143-1233
GELP@juno.com

Multi-Player Game AREA Victory Claim Chit

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________
(Name of Winner #1) (Name of Defeated Player #1) (Name of Defeated Player #4)

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

(Player Number) (Player Number) (Player Number)

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

(Signature) (Signature) (Signature)

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

(Name of Winner #2) (Name of Defeated Player #2) (Name of Defeated Player #5)

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

(Player Number) (Player Number) (Player Number)

______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

(Signature) (Signature) (Signature)

in a rated live pbm game of:

______________________________________ ____________________________________
(Name of Defeated Player #3) (Name of Defeated Player #6)
______________________________________
(Name of Game)
______________________________________ ____________________________________
(Player Number) (Player Number)
______________________________________
(Game Company Published By)
______________________________________ ____________________________________
(Signature) (Signature)
______________________________________
(Date)
Return this chit to:
If more than 2 winners or 6 defeated Glenn Petroski
players, continue listing on another chit 6829 23rd Avenue Check here if continued
and mark box in lower right corner. Kenosha, WI 53143-1233 (GELP@juno.com) on another chit.
 The Boardgamer
A New Starship Troopers
Rumors have been in the air that soon a
movie may be made of Robert Heinlein's
classic science fiction novel, STARSHIP
TROOPERS. The Avalon Hill game
based on the novel has been one of my
favorites over the years--even postally--
but has languished on my shelf for lack
of an opponent suicidal enough to
challenge my "Bugs".
Imagine my surprise at Avaloncon V last
summer when I heard that the 1984
rulebook revision project was again
afoot and that AH had reprinted SST,
taking it off their "endangered games"
list. I immediately volunteered to help
playtest it and a month and a half later
had a copy of the new rules and a set of
expansion rules based on a few of the
articles that have appeared in THE
GENERAL over the years.
In this article, I'd like to briefly describe
the proposed changes. We'll take it one
Scenario at a time, then the expansion.
SCENARIO I.
The only significant change here is that
installations (and decoys) may no longer
be stacked. This prevents the infamous
tactic of piling all the installations on
QQ1, ringing the site with strongpoints,
and, once the first Terran arrives,
keeping six Skinny Warriors on QQ1
thereafter ensuring victory. The other
change of some relevance is that now
critical installations, decoys, and
strongpoints _can_ be placed in rough
terrain unless the Scenario Special
Rules (SSR) forbid it, whereas formerly
they couldn't unless the SSR permit it.
SCENARIO II.
Again mostly clarifications. A change to
the Terran Control Pad moves the LD
box into the blacked out area next to the
HE launcher box. The space vacated
can now be used to record damage
status and, in the expanded game,
recruit and neodog ID numbers. The
Arachnid now scores 4 and 8 victory
points for HVY and WIA/KIA results on
command units in this Scenario versus 3
and 6 in the 1st Edition.
SCENARIO III.
Troopers that land directly upon hostile
units on drop may now initiate close
Volume 1, Issue 3
A Preview
by Paul Bolduc
combat. DAPs and DARs will not
detonate if the hex contains any Terran
unit (even KIA).
SCENARIO IV.
Many changes and most are to the
Terran's advantage.
A. Combat Engineers (CE) are now
stunned on a STUN-WIA (also roll for
SW&E loss on the appropriate column)
result and eliminated on a KIA; formerly
they were stunned on STUN-HVY (HVY
also resulting in losing SW&E) and killed
on WIA-KIA. This improves their
chances of surviving a Bug beam attack
in the open from 33.33% to 50% and in
rocks from 50.00% to 66.67%.
B. Any CE unit can complete demo
emplacement and detonation begun by
another; formerly only the emplacing
unit could detonate the demo.
C. Air Car internal capacity is
increased from one CE (and gear), one
special talent (ST), and any prisoners
and captured brains to one CE, one
captured brain, one WIA MI, plus
unlimited STs and prisoners. In addition
two functional MI can be transported
externally. Air Cars now survive a
LGHT combat result, again increasing
their survivability against a Bug beam
from 33.33% to 50.00%. They are only
affected by Arachnid demos in the
hexes
they load and/or unload.
D. Tunnel repair rules have been
moved to Scenario V.
E. Arachnid demo charges are
controlled by the Master Brain, not the
Combat Brains. Gives it something to
do I guess.
F. MI can "seal" breaches by
detonating a DAR (not a DAP) in the
hex
for that expressed purpose. No unit in
the hex is affected.
G. One is subtracted from the
Terran entry roll for every turn after Turn
4. Thus entry is guaranteed by Turn 8
(formerly there was only a 86.83%
chance of entry by Turn 8).
SCENARIO V.
More bad news for the Bugs.
A. Retrieval Boats now have up to
five beacons each. This allows more
flexibility in pick-up time, but only one
beacon per boat or the boat itself can be
active on any given turn.
July 1996 15
B. Beacons now land in the Terran
Special Function (SF) Phase, the Boat
lands and unloads in the following
Terran SF Phase and lifts off in the next
Terran SF Phase. Thus to evacuate by
the end of Turn 15, the Beacon would
land no later that Turn 13, the Boat no
later than Turn 14, and the Boat would
depart early in Turn 15. Formerly the
beacon could have landed on Turn 14
with the Boat landing in the SF Phase of
15 and departing after the movement
phase of Turn 15. This is good for the
Aliens since the Terrans lose a
movement phase before retrieval and
the Boat is down long enough to
perhaps get a shot at it.
C. What to do if a Beacon is
destroyed (by landing in RAD or off
board) is detailed.
D. Rules concerning capture of WIA/
KIA MIs are clarified (who's got dibs in
case of dispute).
E. Tunnel repair has been moved
here from Scenario IV.
F. Tunnels cannot be dug through
unexploded (or ev en exploded)
Arachnid demo! The "protected breach"
tactic is undone. Very bad for the Bugs!
G. Arachnid Engineer movement
must be reported if in range of an active
LD. (I don't agree with this one.)
H. The first Boat in Scenario 5A
must land in the perimeter; Arachnid
player scores 5 VPs for destroying a
boat.
SCENARIO VI.
Good news at last for the Arachnids.
A. CE NUC demos only destroy
Queen/Brain cells in the same hex.
They also collapses tunnels in adjacent
hexes. Previously they destroyed
everything underground in a two-hex
radius. Thus formerly a NUC demo
emplaced over the Queen in a circular
hive took out all the Brains too,
destroying the entire complex.
B. Terrans can't fire nuke rockets
into a hex containing or adjacent to any
non-KIA Terran unit. The infamous
"Nuke Overkill Shockwave Gambit" is
thus now illegal.
C. The Arachnid may "store" some
of his demo points (DPs) in Combat
Brain cells and then emplace them
during play at the cost of 2 DPs (vs 1
DP during set up). They must be
emplaced adjacent to the engineer but
 16 The Boardgamer
A New Starship Troopers (Cont.)
in a non-tunnel hex where no other
demo is (or was).
D. Terrans may use up to three
blank counters as ST decoys.
E. Arachnids may "hatch" additional
workers and warriors to replace those
eliminated from that cell (1 warrior or 1
worker per turn per cell) as long as the
Queen lives.
F. Terran victory conditions for this
Scenario are clarified by adding "without
the Arachnid gaining 40 VP".
SCENARIO VII.
And finally...
A. Arachnid variable demo charges
have been renumbered as Scales 1-3;
costs are 3, 5, and 7 DPs respectively.
A Scale 3 will AE/RAD its hex and
attack adjacent hexes at 36 combat
factors (CFs), hexes 2 away at 24 CFs,
and hexes 3 away at 12 CFs.
B. Emplaced CE NUC demo can be
set off by Terran nuke rockets
detonating in the same hex.
C. Arachnid complexes must now
have one "prisoner cell" connected to
each Combat Brain. MI captured during
the scenario are noted as being held in
ASL AREA News - April 1996 Edition
Many tourneys have fewer than 10
people. Only a handful have more than
50, and only one or two tournaments
push past the 100 player mark.
The players on this listing, however,
have chosen another competition. One
that takes the results of all the others,
and all the individual games, and tallies
the scores. The difference is this
competition has over a thousand
participants!
Currently, I have over 600 active players
in the ASL AREA ranks of those
thousand registered names. As each
report the results of their games, win or
lose, their rating changes. When they
win, it moves up. Sometimes only a
little, because how much your rating
changes depends on the quality of your
competition.
The big difference in this competition,
though, is it is open to everyone who
plays ASL, no matter where they live.
Volume 1, Issue 3
the capturing Combat Brain's prisoner
cell and can be recovered by one-man
carry.
D. Escaped prisoners cannot
capture or destroy Brains or engineers.
They may be two-man or one-man
carried.
E. A Double Disrupted optional rule
(Disr + Disr = Elim) analogous to the MI
multiple damage rule (e.g., HVY + HVY
= WIA) is introduced.
F. Terran victory conditions for this
scenario are modified to be either
releasing and retrieving 5 of 10 prisoner
units or killing all 10 combat brains.
APPENDIX A.
Will introduce rules for units not in the
original game but suggested by Richard
Hamblen back in THE GENERAL, 13,
#6. These are recruits, neodogs, heavy
weapons brigade, spaceships, and
scrambler missiles.
APPENDIX B.
Will introduce rules for design-your-own,
campaign games, solitaire, and postal
play, again largely derived from articles
in THE GENERAL.
Chits And Bits
by Russ Gifford
So, whether you're an East Coast player
with hundreds of nearby opponents, or
in the more sparsely populated regions
of the world, you too can take part in an
even bigger event. Report all your
games for AREA rating. Just as the
real value of a tourney is not only to see
if you can win, but to give you the
reason to play numerous other people.
In these games, you can learn new
insights, new tactics, and very likely,
your opponents will learn something
from you. And, just as a tourney
provides you with feedback so you know
how you faired, AREA provides you with
a results list every time you play -- if you
report your games for rating.
If you think AREA promotes competition,
well, you're half right. Of course, so
does the NFL, the space race and the
Olympics. Let's face it -- 100% of the
people involved in ASL want to win, and
only 50% of them will in any given
game. However, there is more to ASL
July 1996
APPENDIX C.
Will provide additional scenarios from
back issues of THE GENERAL.
These are the changes now envisioned,
but these too are subject to change as
the crucible of playtesting proves them
workable or not, helping play balance or
not, and worth the bother. As an
example of a contemplated change,
consider the question of how to play
balance the basic Scenario 1, widely
regarded as greatly favoring the
Skinnies. Will the non-stacking rule for
critical installations do the trick? How
about lengthening the game to 15 turns?
Perhaps introducing extended jump a
scenario early would do it (or perhaps
overdo it)? Maybe just reducing the VP
value of the Waterworks? Is it worth the
trouble--how many people play Scenario
more than once or twice anyway?
The answers to these and a myriad of
other questions will come only after long
hours of playtesting. Gentleman and
Ladies, to your boards!
and to AREA: Let competition be the
spur that promotes an effort not just
toward winning, but better play. Not just
toward your success, but a shared
success. And as you seek out new
opponents, you create new opponents
for other players as well. I see the
successes of the various groups that
report their games, and the subsequent
growth in the abilities of the players they
bring into their groups. Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Chicago, Winnipeg, Quebec.
New groups, new players and new
tourneys. This is the goal of AREA.
Competition as a motive can be positive.
Use it that way.
And it must be working. At this time last
year, we had only 169 names to re-build
AREA. Today, the numbers continue to
swell. Since last year, monthly game
reports have grown from 20 a month to
120, with players all over the world.
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 17

ASL AREA News - April 1996 (Cont.)

Obviously, it has taken time to deal with to me. As you can see, Steve Pleva 6. Since this is the first year anniversary,
an increase that huge. And I still have a made a mighty jump, and also held Fort I decided this list would count as active
distance to go. But AREA is growing, in check. Even though Fort finished with anyone who has filed a game in the last
and it is succeeding. The prototype of only 1 loss, he didn't recover ALL the 12 months. I still think 6 months is the
the WWW AREA page is being tested points he lost to Pleva! proper "activity level" for someone to
as you read this. The holdup is I want want to maintain their place on the list,
this page to have automatic AREA chit 2. Mr. Pleva added over 100 points to but since this is also the list that will
filing, feedback on your current rating, his score, and became only the third likely see print in the Annual, I felt a year
and articles on organizing and running player to cross the 2100 mark. was proper for the activity length this
tourneys for ASL. Hopefully, someday I time.
can also offer a search service for 3. Scott Drane overcame last month's
players seeking nearby opponents, and PBEM loss to Phil Driscoll to add 100 Thank you all for your support -- I look
PBM/PBEM opponents. But for now, points to his score, too -- which allowed forward to seeing chits from all of you in
that's all in the future. Today, play an him to keep his place at number 9 on the near future!
ASL game, and take a moment to the list! (Tough crowd, folks!)
explain AREA to your opponent before
you start. Then agree to register the 4. Phil Driscoll's win over Scott, along
game. with some other excellent results has
lifted him onto the list these last two
Authors
If you'd like to join ASL AREA, just send
me your name and address -- preferably
months as well. And, list attrition has
moved Robert Feinstein back on the list
Needed!
with a game to be rated. You can also in the 25 spot as well. (In case you'd The BOARDGAMER is always in
send your information via EMAIL: like to know -- our own Rob Wolkey is need of authors to pen quality
Shangri@pionet.net or sitting in the 26th spot. Play a couple of articles. Although there are no
Shangri@genie.com. games, Rob!!!) set restrictions as far as article
content, the BOARDGAMER will
And now for a special treat: The Top 5. Notice Chad Cummings, the Unrated always concentrate on the play of
Five players for each of the other Winner at Avaloncon is back on the list, Avalon Hill/Victory Games board,
qualifier listings! since he is now a verified AREA player. sports and card games. Thus
He played at Winter Offensive, and not strategy articles, series replays
Top 5 Players for Most Games Played only did he take over where he left off, and variants for these games are
1. Pomerantz, Phil PA 197 he moved UP 100 points too! always good m aterial for
2. Petry, Phil TN 164 submission. Game reviews of
3. Hegdahl, Burnie SD 156 some of the older titles which may
4. Gifford, Russ NE 152 not be quite as familiar to some of
5. Mehr, Louis TX 105 Advanced Squad the newer members of the hobby
Top 5 Players for Most Opponents Leader as they are to the old grognards
April 1, 1996 700+ Active Players would also be welcome material.
1. Pomerantz, Phil PA 71 History articles, game reviews,
2. Gifford, Russ NE 69 1. Michael McGrath 2307 JN* game previews and articles
3. Drane, Scott IL 61 2. Gary Fortenberry 2279 KOE dealing with games from other
4. Mehr, Louis TX 55 3. Steven Pleva 2103 HLK companies will be considered on
5. Fortenberry, Gary VA 54 4. Richard Summers 2083 IM* a case by case basis.
5. Omar Jeddaoui 2078 CF*
Top 5 Players for Most PBM/PBEM 6. Bob Bendis 2068 FJ* Pay for authors is currently in the
1. Pomerantz, Phil PA 113 7. Perry Cocke 2063 KN* form of one free issue of the
2. Mehr, Louis TX 71 8. Yves Tielemans 2055 CG* BOARDGAMER for each page
3. O'Connor, Bob VA 59 9. Scott Drane 2050 LQK the article occupies. Although
4. Maly, Andrew MD 35 10. Chad Cummins 2005 CF*
nobody will ever get rich this way,
5. Driscoll, Phillip NC 33 11. Raymond Woloszyn 1961 IOB
hopefully there is enough
12. Louis Tokarz 1960 HN*
13. Phil Petry 1946 QL*
perceived value in this publication
Can you say "Triple Play?" Talk about to make the effort worthwhile.
domination!!! Many congrats, Doctor 14. Bruce Rinehart 1909 JI*
Pomerantz! 15. Brian Youse 1890 NM*
16. Guy Chaney 1888 DH* Articles submitted will not be
17. James Crawley 1883 CE* printed with any significant
This month's Top 25 listing does have changes without first receiving the
18. Andrew Robin 1877 EI*
some interesting points! approval of the original author. It
19. Eric Givler 1875 HM*
20. Robert Banozic 1874 FI* is requested that articles
1. It reflects all the games received thru 21. Russ Gifford 1841 QRH submitted to the BOARDGAMER
April 1, 1996 -- meaning it includes ALL 22. Phillip Driscoll 1829 GHO not also be submitted elsewhere
the Winter Offensive games that were 23. John Droesche 1817 CF* without first informing the
recorded on the player cards forwarded 24. Fred Ingram 1812 CFA BOARDGAMER.
25. Robert Feinstein 1800 CG*
 18 The Boardgamer
A.R.E.A. - One Year Later
The A.R.E.A. reconstruction project is
pretty well on schedule. When Russ
Gifford and I took this on we expected
that it would take us about a year to
become functional. Now it is 13 months
later. I would call us functional, as long
as we are not too optimistic about the
definition. We now have the data bases
and abilities to provide the basic
services that are part and parcel of
AREA. As time goes on, we plan to
provide more and better service. The
chief deciding factors being our personal
time, financial resources and the size of
the database. In that order.
Russ and I have put in a lot of work, and
expect that it will continue. The job is
not a pushover, but we do enjoy what
we are doing. We want to be serving
our friends in this hobby.
Along with rebuilding AREA we have
gone through transition. There has
been some trial and error. We have
made new rules, bent them, broken
them and redone them, more than once.
Educated guesses were considered, as
well as some outright wild ones. Some
things have changed because they had
to. Other things have changed because
they needed to.
Russ and I have had a number of heart
to heart talks, some misunderstandings,
some differences of opinions. Nothing
like a heated discussion ever took place,
but each of us has chaffed one another
a bit. This is all to be expected. Neither
of us would be where we are without the
other. AREA would not be where it is
without both of us. “Iron sharpens iron;
so a man sharpeneth the countenance
of a friend.”
Ultimately we have settled on very little
change. This was always the plan. We
intend to carry on with AREA, not
develop a new system. Yet there are a
few things of which you might want to be
aware.
Identification numbers are the same as
always, based on zip codes, or country
abbreviations.
The numerical ratings are essentially the
same, and mean the same; but the
Volume 1, Issue 3
AREA NEWS
by Glenn E.L. Petroski
calculation process has changed. In
fact, the programs which Russ and I
worked up for our respective computer
programs differ, meaning that we now
contend with three different means of
calculation. I will explain it further to
anyone who really wants to know, but it
really isn’t worth the trouble. Only due
to rounding, the differences could
account for a maximum of two points
variance in the scores. More than 99%
of the time the result is identical.
Qualifiers remain the same, at least the
first three. I have added two more for
tournaments and activity. Russ is
considering adding these last two for
ASL & SQL, but needs time for the
additional programming.
The tournament qualifier indicates the
number of FTF tournaments that a
player has been in. The scale is
identical to PBM games played.
The activity qualifier is a numerical
indication of the last calendar year that a
game was played. “0” indicates before
1991. “1” indicates 1991. “6” indicates
1996. Easy enough. Ratings that age
more than 10 years will be dropped,
clearing the single digit for the next year.
If someone has not played something in
over 10 years, I would think that he has
lost interest.
Russ still tracks activity within the ASL
database. With ASL it isn’t published as
a qualifier with the ratings.
To be considered an active ASL player,
a game must be reported to Russ within
the last six months.
An active player in any other game title
has a game reported within the last two
years.
The biggest difference between ASL
and the rest of the system is provisional
status. Provisional still means less than
10 games to everyone. But what status
do those first 10 games give you?
ASL has stuck with AREA as it has
been. Provisional players’ scores are
calculated at double the rate of verified
players. A win will award a provisional
July 1996
player twice as many points as a verified
player with the same rating. A loss will
reduce a provisional player’s rating by
twice what a verified player might lose in
a similar situation.
Personally, I have always had a problem
with the concept. It also creates another
scoring system that needs to be
calculated. Apart from ASL, AREA has
dropped the provisional ratings. All
players in game titles excepting ASL are
scored the same from their first game.
Mark your calendar for December 31,
1996. On that date, time will run out for
those who remain indecisive. Policies
and guidelines will be enforced after the
coming of the new year.
Anyone who joins AREA after that date
will come in as a new player. Any old
ratings, generic or specific, ASL or
otherwise, will all be gone. No “roll
overs”, conversions, or old ratings of
any kind will be accepted.
Likewise, old AREA ID numbers will no
longer be honored. New players, and
those coming in after this year, will be
assigned new numbers.
Russ and I will cease to answer mail
that does not include $1.00 for postage
and handling. Both of us have been
pretty tolerant of replying to everything
and anything. It is eating up our time
and our pocketbooks. We absolutely
cannot continue, or this whole thing will
collapse entirely.
The $1.00 charge covers return postage
for whatever it is that you are
requesting, as well as envelopes, paper,
ink, midnight oil, Diet Dr. Pepper (keeps
my wife content while she does data
entry for AREA), needed phone follow
ups and other incidentals.
Past experience has taught me not to
simply ask for SASE. For one, it does
nothing to defray other expenses. More
significantly, I have had a lot of
experience with note sized SASE
envelopes accompanying requests for
twenty pages of information. Sorry, I
can’t do this anymore. Do us all a favor
- just send the dollar. Thanks.
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 19

AREA News (Cont.)

I just gotta share this. I know that
99.9% of you understand the whole
concept of my request for $1.00.
However, one party has taken me to
task for asking more than SSAE. It
seems that this person can not support
AREA since I am operating for profit at
the expense of my fellow gamers!
Sending in chits, game reports, any
information or letters costs nothing. All
of this will be entered as received. This
includes e-mail stuff to Russ. However,
without $1.00. none of this will be
acknowledged. We will use it as we get
it, but no replies will be sent without
something to defray costs.
Games more than 30 days old will no
longer be rated. Chits are nice, but not
required. Note paper is acceptable.
Get that information in!
Inactive players and provisional players
will not be included in top player listings.
The BOARDGAMER has been listing
the top 25 ASL players as Russ reports
them. Most other titles have simply
been a listing of everything over the
1500 mark (and even more this issue).
Not in 1997. If you are not actively
playing, your name will not be seen
here.
This brings us up to date. With a
database approaching four thousand
names in fifty-eight game titles, AREA is
on it’s way. Our form and our direction
are clear. How can we serve you?
Glenn E. L. Petroski
210 W. Hunt
Twin Lakes, WI 53181-9786
(414) 877-4178

A.R.E.A. Scoring System

Formula: (Defeated Rating - Victor’s Rating) * 0.05 + 35
Winner: Victor’s beginning rating + formula result
Loser: Defeated beginning rating - formula result
In case of a draw:
Formula: (Higher Rating - Lower Rating) * 0.05
Lower rated player: Lower player’s beginning rating + draw formula
Higher rated player: Higher player’s beginning rating - draw formula
However, no player may ever gain or lose more than 70 points in any one game.

Table of A.R.E.A. Qualifiers

Activity Calendar Year
Qualifier Frequency Opponents Play By Mail Tournaments Qualifier Last Reported Game
A 1-5 1 1 1 0 Before 1991
B 6-10 2-3 2 2 1 1991
C 11-15 4-5 3 3 2 1992
D 16-20 6-7 4 4 3 1993
E 21-25 8-10 5-6 5-6 4 1994
F 26-30 11-13 7-8 7-8 5 1995
G 31-40 14-16 9-10 9-10 6 1996
H 41-50 17-20 11-12 11-12 7 1997
I 51-60 21-25 13-15 13-15 8 1998
J 61-70 26-29 16-18 16-18 9 1999
K 71-80 30-34 19-21 19-21
L 81-90 35-39 22-24 22-24
M 91-105 40-44 25-28 25-28
N 106-120 45-50 29-32 29-32
O 121-135 51-55 33-36 33-36
P 136-150 56-60 37-40 37-40
Q 151-165 61-66 41-45 41-45
R 166-180 67-73 46-50 46-50
S 181-200 74-80 51-55 51-55
T 201-220 81-87 56-60 56-60
U 221-240 88-95 61-66 61-66
V 241-260 96-103 67-73 67-73
W 261-280 104-111 74-80 74-80
X 281-300 112-120 81-86 81-86
Y 301-350 121-128 87-93 87-93
Z 351+ 129+ 94+ 94+

On January 1, 2000, all player ratings with an activity qualifier of “0” will be dropped.
Every January 1 thereafter, all activity ratings indicating no activity within the prior 9 to 10 year period will be dropped.
The activity qualifier then vacated will be used for the current year.
 20 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay
Allied Player: John B. Grant, Jr.
German Player: Randy Heller
John Grant and Randy Heller are both
long time members of AHIKS and the
International Gamers Association. John
and Randy have won numerous
Fortress Europa tournaments, Randy
having won at Origins ‘83 and John at
Origins ‘88 and Origins ‘89. John is an
attorney with a New York City law firm
and Randy is a Naval Officer in the
Medical Service Corps.
COMMENTS BY ALLIED PLAYER
Introduction
FORTRESS EUROPA is a good choice
for competitive play; the full game is
finely balanced as will be seen from this
match. The problem for a Series Replay
article is the length of the game. We
played the game by mail over about 18
months. Although each turn was the
subject of contemporaneous notes,
we've tried to compress the players'
commentary to highlight the more
important turns. Taking notes each turn
proved to be an interesting way to play
by mail in any event; strategies adopted
in earlier turns could be reread to
refresh
my recollection on what I thought I was
trying to accomplish. On to the game...
Analysis of German Setup
Even without knowing Randy's hidden
unit set up, I can see that he has
incorporated some very clever ideas into
his defenses. I am looking at this setup
from the point of view of my Allied
objectives for the first invasion:
1. Getting as many troops safely ashore
as possible in the first turn. The key
word is "safely"--I do not want to start
this game by gambling on a landing.
For this reason, any hex in which the
Germans are not obliged to retreat--
fortresses and rough terrain--with at
least two steps is too risky to try.
Although the Allies can obtain a one-hex
invasion strength of two British 6-4's and
the 79th Armored (4-6), or 16 factors (14
against a city or rough terrain) with a +2
on the die roll (due to the 79th), the best
attack on almost any no-retreat hex will
be 1-1 or 2-1. Assuming three TAC air
are available to bring the combat odds
Volume 1, Issue 3
up to 4-1 or 5-1, the invasion can still fail
one third of the time at 4-1 and one sixth
at 5-1. Even one step of German troops
will create the risk of a "DR" result at 4-1
which would leave the invasion force
sinking below the waves.
2. Port capacity for the Allied build-up
should be within reach.
3. Last, the landing area should have a
reasonably good chance of fending off
the inevitable German counterattacks.
Most areas qualify either by terrain,
distance from German reinforcements,
and/or the frozen units rule. For
example, a landing in the Bay of Biscay
has little defensive terrain, but is so far
from Germany that a counterattack
cannot easily develop enough weight to
be effective.
My overall strategy is to get ashore and
achieve a good build-up of Allied troops
by August I, then pick the second
invasion area to crack the German
defense of France. I will also be alert to
potential ports for capture by raid/
paradrop, which can then be used to
further dissipate German strength. I
want to use part of my SAC to bomb
German replacements, in an effort to
attrit the Wehrmacht for the battles to
break the West Wall. Since the Allies'
one big advantage is airpower, every
turn in which it is available should be
used to attack German units with the
intent of sapping the German strength.
[Note: this is a PBM game using the
PBM method in THE_GENERAL, Vol.
17, No. 4--which means the Germans
allocate their airpower first, with an
increase in available units to offset the
disadvantage of allocating first.
However, on the first turn, airpower is
allocated in the usual way--Allies first.]
My analysis of Randy's setup by area:
1. Netherlands: It's usually easy to get
ashore here, as long as Rotterdam falls.
It's also easy to stay ashore, because
the flooded terrain, rivers and dyke
make a German counterattack very
d iffi cult . Co nv er s el y, th e bi g
disadvantage is the difficulty of an Allied
breakout due to the same terrain.
Randy's setup is fairly standard here.
July 1996
I've invaded here a number of times in
other games and have found that the
breakout is usually through the dyke--
followed by a long see-saw battle
around Groningen. The major
advantage is that when the Allies
ultimately win through, assuming they
do, the flank of the West Wall is turned
and the open North German plain lies
invitingly before the Allied armor.
However, three factors cause me to
reject this area: (1) the risk of landing at
Rotterdam, (2) the release of all the
German units, since the frozen unit rule
will not be in effect, and (3) the need to
use two SAC or TAC for a considerable
period cutting the bridges at Rotterdam.
This is necessary to avoid losing the city
through a forced low odds attack on the
adjacent river defense positions, and to
prevent a German counterattack from
the same areas. The flooded terrain
reduces Rotterdam's garrison to one
unit plus headquarters, while the river
areas are not so limited. I'd rather use
the airpower to blast the Wehrmacht's
replacements in my intended battle of
attrition.
2. 15th Army M.D.: Randy's setup has
some unusual features--the Calais area
is deceptively weak, as is the Ostende
area, while a large force lurks in
Brussels and Anvers. This area divides
neatly into four invasion sites: Ostende,
the Dunkerque-Calais-Boulogne fortress
complex, Dieppe, and the open terrain
at N5-06. The last area is practically in
Normandy without the compensating
advantage of invoking the frozen unit
rule. Calais is far too risky, for the
reasons noted above. (Although weak
in appearance, all that Randy needs
here is one more hidden step in
Dunkerque--if I failed to take that
fortress hex, any successful landing in
the adjacent hexes would be in peril).
Ostende is inviting, but is easily limited
by German fortresses down the coast
and a vigorous defense of the Schelde
River and Anvers. Since the area
cannot really stop an Allied landing on
the beaches, I suspect Randy has not
placed a hidden unit in the Ostende
area. The local reserves in Anvers and
Brussels seem intended to help hold the
Schelde in turns one and two while the
German reinforcements rush to the
 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
front. The other problem with this area
is that unless Anvers is taken, there are
no good ports accessible to permit a
larger build-up. Although this is an area
always worth careful consideration, I've
decided to take a more conservative
approach and invade elsewhere.
That leaves Dieppe--again, the Allies
cannot be kept off the beaches here, the
area can be sealed off at the rivers
Seine, Somme and Oise, and it suffers
from a lack of ports. The unusual
aspect of Randy's defense here is the
two 6-0's in U6. In effect, the no-retreat
nature of rough terrain makes this
location like a fortress--the invasion
cannot guarantee lodgement here (the
best odds would be one 6-4 plus the
79th Armor for eight factors plus naval
gunfire to make it 1-1, up to 4-1 with air
support; one-third chance of disaster).
This position very neatly anchors the
eastern end of the invasion area. I also
wouldn't be surprised to find one of the
hidden infantry in Rouen or Amiens. I'll
pass on Dieppe.
3. 7th Army M.D.: For a number of
reasons, the Normandy and Brittany
coasts (on the north) are excellent areas
to invade: (1) they are within TAC
range, (2) they are close to major ports,
and (3) the frozen unit rule will be in
effect. Of course, the German player is
fully aware of this. Randy is no
exception. His setup looks weak in the
Caen area, but probably contains a
hidden unit in each of M7, L5 and L6.
Cherbourg is weaker than usual, but still
requires a risky attack, while an invasion
there faces a long slog through the
bocage to get out. I particularly like the
position at J5. 13 factors are just
enough to force the Allies to take a large
risk--the best attack here is a no-retreat
4-1 (with full Allied air support). Again,
by careful use of his coastal defense
units in rough terrain, Randy has
increased the number of "fortress"
positions in the area. If a landing takes
place any farther up the Normandy
peninsula, this position will anchor the
defensive line.
Brittany can be hit, although St. Malo is
risky. There may be a hidden panzer
unit at F5. If the paratroopers can clear
the mountains at E4 and D3, the
invasion site itself will be safe from
counterattack in the first turn. Good
ports are nearby.
Volume 1, Issue 3
The balance of the 7th Army area is
outside of TAC range and suffers from a
low initial landing allowance. Fewer
troops can get ashore in the first turn,
reducing the buildup. Randy's defense
here is fairly standard, and enough to
deter me.
4. 1st Army M.D.: This whole area
suffers from the two disadvantages
noted above for the 7th Army area
outside of TAC range. The defenses of
the Bordeaux estuary seem weak, but
the area is as far from Germany as you
can get on this mapboard. Players
frequently place a hidden unit in B15 or
A16, but I doubt Randy has placed
anything bigger than a 2-4 here.
5. 19th Army M.D.: Randy's setup
concentrates on denying a good first
impulse attack against Marseilles. His
defense of 26 factors can be assaulted
by a maximum of two 5-4's, one 2-4
Ranger unit, one 2-4 paratroop unit and
eight naval factors, totaling 22. With
airpower, at best a 3-1 is possible. This
carries the risk of a one sixth chance of
disaster on an AR. Although the Allies
certainly can get ashore here on either
side of Marseilles, this area suffers from
major drawbacks: (1) it is far from
Germany, through a narrow pass which
is easily defended by only a few
Germans, and (2) properly reinforcing
the area requires the use of sea moves
to shift troops from England to Africa.
With only five sea moves possible per
turn (until the U-boat bases are all
captured, if ever), this is an inefficient
way to build up the Allied army on the
Continent. The prime use of this area is
to draw away German units, while a
second landing or paradrop/raid seizes
a more strategic area along the north
coast of France. Randy is too cagey to
err by throwing too much force into an
effort to drive the Allies out of 19th
Army's area, so I'll skip this area as well.
The most efficient way to bring on the
African based units is to use the
paratroops and rangers to seize a
weakly defended port later in the game--
then ship the Africa reinforcements
ashore through the port.
Allied June I Turn
I've opted for a conservative (and
historical) landing in the 7th Army M.D.
Two sites seem best. The first is Caen,
which as an inland port (see Rule 12.16)
can be invaded directly (unless a hidden
July 1996 21
unit is at M5). Coupled with paradrops
in an effort to clear the bocage around
Caen, the Allies could be strongly
lodged and through the rough terrain at
the end of the first turn. The problems
are the difficulty of eliminating any
hidden defenders in the bocage, and the
15th Army boundary line along the
Orne. This will permit German attacks
against Caen unless a bridge cutting air
mission is used, because advancing
across the Orne to protect Caen will
unfreeze all the frozen Germans.
The second is the northern coast of
Brittany near the E4 and D3 mountains.
An opportunity exists here to eliminate
both defenders by paradrop (with naval
and TAC support), to secure a
lodgement and to threaten major ports
all at once. The relatively poor
defensive terrain farther up the
peninsula will permit the Allies to
successfully assault the German armor
in the open using airpower--which
should lead to unacceptable losses to
the Germans after a few months of clear
weather. Brittany it is!
Allied Air Allocation: I'll need all the
ground support available to clear the
mountains with my paratroops--but the
in terrorem effect of one strafing TAC is
way out of proportion to the force
required. Hence, six TAC on ground
support, one TAC on strafing, four SAC
on bridge attacks. Assuming that the
SAC aren't cancelled, they will cut the
rail lines from Germany (three are
required--at the Maas, at EE4, and at
the Rhone (R24-N29).
Comments After Allied First Impulse
Combat
Excellent landing by the paratroops.
Unfortunately the two 4-1 attacks failed
to do more than retreat each German
unit. They are retreated to permit
second impulse attacks.
Some of Randy's hidden unit locations
are positively ingenious. 30 Inf at N5
would cause any landing force against
Caen to be landed at N5 instead, which
would unfreeze all the frozen Germans.
Randy has created a good trap at both
Ostende and Caen--but his troops are
far from my actual landing in Brittany. I
must make sure that the German TAC
on ground support cannot get good
22 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Allied June I Turn: 1st Invasion

 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
targets. The biggest problem is the
mulberry--the German 3-3 paratroop
unit in Koln can be dropped on the
mulberry with a three column shift from
ground support. Even at 1-6, the TAC
brings the odds to 1-1 and gives the
Germans a one-sixth chance to destroy
the mulberry. I need to garrison the
mulberry with at least 13 factors to force
a 1-5. If he takes this gamble, I'll cross
my fingers and hope for the five-sixths
good results.
German June I Turn
The Allied player gambled on successful
paradrops and it paid off. The goal now
is to cut the F3-F4 corridor so as to
prevent Allied units from flooding out
into the open terrain before more
German forces can be brought up. An
airlift into Brest will help to prevent this
port from falling too easily.
Allied June II Turn
We're playing this game by mail using
the Flying CAP rules in the GENERAL
Vol. 17 No. 4. This system requires the
German player (after turn one) to
allocate his air missions before the
Allied player (to cut down on the
mailings). As compensation, the
German player has more overall air
units available (11 in June; 14 in July
and August; 8 in September, October
and November; 12 in December,
January and February; and 4 in March).
In addition, when flying CAP, the air
missions give the Germans certain
increased effects. The most useful is
German replacements. For each
uncancelled German aircraft on German
r eplac em ent CAP, th e G erm an
replacement rate is increased by one,
which can be an armored replacement.
This accounts for Randy's assignment of
four TAC to German Replacement CAP.
Since only SAC can attack these, I must
use all four SAC to prevent extra
German replacements, which in turn
prevents me from using SAC to cut the
bridges or railways, in turn preventing
further hindrance of Randy's movement
of reinforcements to the front. I'll opt for
accepting a one factor increase in
German replacements--I'll allocate three
SAC to the replacement mission and
one to bridge attacks. Cutting the
bridges at Paris still interferes with
deployment of German reinforcements
Volume 1, Issue 3
since the rail lines to Brittany pass
through Paris.
On the ground, Randy has minimized
casualties from my potential first
impulse attacks using TAC air by
placing sacrificial units in front of his
main strength. However, the Allies need
more port capacity to be able to utilize
their ten unit sea movement permitted
the turn following an invasion. I must
therefore assault both Lorient and Brest
in an effort to clear one of the ports (a
DE is needed) and increase my supply
capacity (SC).
First Impulse Results: Got my port at
Lorient. Unfortunately it was damaged,
but still raises my SC by three, allowing
a total of 15 units on the continent, not
counting paratroops. I don't believe any
serious threat can be mounted against
the beachhead on the German June II
turn.
German June II Turn
Initial Allied attacks on the two ports
have been fairly successful. I would like
to have been able to airlift another unit
into Brest, but the adjacent Allied units
prevent this from happening. The
German strategy will be to slow down
the breakout while avoiding the loss of
panzer units. The tactic, here, is to
avoid 4-1 odds or greater on stacks of
defending units. This will be tough as
much of the defending terrain is in range
of Allied Naval units.
Allied June III Turn
Storm this turn. Fortunately I'm well
established on the Brittany peninsula, so
the storm is not critical. Brest garrison
reduced this turn by attack, so the turn
is not a waste.
German June III Turn
The early storm was a welcome
surprise. The Allied position allows me
to place a weak unit in front of Rennes,
effectively blocking Allied ground
support on this city. Will the Allied
player attack into the St. Nazaire
corridor next turn? Probably not, so it
won't cost me any units. The German
forces in Paris are there to encourage
my opponent to interdict the Seine River
bridges, as these units are intending to
stay behind the river.
July 1996 23
Allied June IV Turn
Another storm! I'll try to complete the
reduction of Brest by using one of my
two available SAC for carpet bombing of
the port--at 2-1 odds this will give a 50%
chance of D1, eliminating the remaining
coastal defense unit. Otherwise the
Allies must again consolidate and wait
for good weather.
German June IV Turn
Another storm... This will help minimize
German losses.
Allied July I Turn
Clear at last. Randy's concentration of
airpower on German replacements
compels me to use my SAC to reduce
t h e n u m b er o f e xt r a G er m a n
replacement steps he'll otherwise
obtain. Randy has decided to sacrifice
the 325th Security Division this turn (at
FF7). As an aside, I think this unit has a
value at EE4, and should be railroaded
there at the earliest opportunity.
Although slow and weak, it has the
advantage of stacking free, and can add
a much needed extra step to the fortress
at Rotterdam (flooded terrain, which
allows only one unit stacking).
With clear weather, I must start the
process of destroying the German
forces in the 7th M.D. Randy's defense
is clever. The best attack, with full TAC
support, will be 3-1, and the flanks are
anchored on the fortress cities of St.
Malo and St. Nazaire. I think the
solution is to outflank this line by a raid--
to capture Caen. Coupled with an
attack on the Paris bridges to prevent
the reserves from coming up, and one
TAC on strafing, there's a good chance
the commandos and rangers can hold
out until next turn, when the port can be
used for sea movement. (This raid
won't unfreeze any Germans since its
still in the 7th M.D.) I'll also take
advantage of the rules clarification in a
recent GENERAL which makes it plain
that a paratroop unit can be airlifted to
the port on the turn of its capture by the
raid--boosting my defense strength in
Caen. The remaining TAC will be used
in an effort to destroy, or at least push
back, some of the German defenders
around Rennes.
 24 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
One more digression--it would be most
economical to have the Americans and
British/Minor Allied forces operating in
separate areas. It's rarely possible. In
this case, it's obvious that the Caen
gambit will require infantry to exploit the
advantages of the bocage terrain in that
area. The most infantry reserves I
presently have are British and Allied
Minor. I will therefore save those units
for future operations in the Caen area,
and build up by bringing on more
Americans in Brittany.
First Impulse Attacks: went
reasonably well, without spectacularly
good or bad results. I retreated 353
(reduced) from Rennes to H7 so that I
can kill the unit in a second impulse
attack from Rennes. This also involves
three 1-1 attacks around the flanks,
which may end in AR's and Rennes in a
potentially exposed position. I'm willing
to present Randy with this opportunity
because he'll have to think hard about
whether to take whatever shot he gets
at Rennes or to crush Caen. The
choice--and proper force allocation--will
be difficult. Probably he'll move to hit
Caen with all available troops.
German July I Turn
The raid on Caen was a good ploy but
his positioning could have been better.
A German Counterattack in the second
phase against his rangers while soaking
off against the units in the city should
put him in trouble. Supply is no longer a
concern for the Allied player, so a raid or
paradrop on Cherbourg would be
welcome. The challenge is to convince
my opponent that I plan to continue the
defense of this district. It's time to start
thinking about the second invasion. I
will position my mechanized units at the
farthest point where I can retreat them
across the Seine in one turn. Hopefully,
the Caen counterattack, distribution of
German air units and strong defense will
distract him from interdicting the Seine
bridges.
Allied July II Turn
I underestimated the subtlety of Randy's
response to the Caen raid. Instead of a
head-on attack, he clobbered the
outlying rangers and left Caen itself in a
difficult fix. (I forgot, as I frequently do,
that commando units have no zone of
control). On the other hand, St. Nazaire
Volume 1, Issue 3
and St. Malo are ripe for the plucking,
and Cherbourg has been left vacant, if I
care to invest another raid or paradrop
(which I don't).
Time to start thinking about the next
raid/paradrop, though I don't want to do
it this turn. The idea is to seize another
port in advance of the second invasion,
causing the Germans additional
headaches, and providing (hopefully)
another landing area for the Allied build
up. Given the remoteness of the
Mediterranean coast, I'd like to seize
one of the 19th M.D. ports--to provide a
way to get the Allied forces in Africa
onto the continent economically, and to
draw German troops from the vital
areas. I favor Toulon: (1) its a U-boat
port, which is important once bad
weather hits from September on. If all
the U-boat ports have not been
destroyed, the Americans lose one-half
their replacement factors unless the U-
boat air mission is flown. This
d r a s t i c a l l y c u t s t h e Am er i c a n
replacement rate in the mid and late
games. Toulon is a long way from
anywhere, if not taken by raid or
paradrop. (2) Toulon has no fortresses.
I can obtain 1-1 with the naval units
alone--with air power and the 1SSF
rangers, a 4-1 is possible (though risky--
one-third chance of Exchange or E2
which would destroy the raiding unit).
However, I will wait until later in July to
pull this. Instead I'll use my airpower to
try to salvage the Caen situation and to
capture St. Malo--which blocks rapid
expansion towards Caen.
I'm assuming I can't land units in Caen
in the first impulse due to the Germans
in M5, though the rules are murky on
this point. Consequently, M5 must be
cleared, then reinforcements landed
second impulse. Since the airborne
troops already there are American, the
reinforcements (who must join in
attacking L6) must also be American.
German July II Turn
I have made it across the Seine! But,
unfortunately had to leave behind more
infantry than anticipated. Will the Allied
player give chase to pick off the two
stragglers and exit the district next turn?
This would give me an extra move to
reposition my now frozen units for the
second invasion.
July 1996
Allied July III Turn
I thought Randy might decide to pull out
of the 7th M.D. I didn't really expect him
to drop back to the Seine, but it makes
good sense. I don't really feel strong
enough to challenge the Seine line quite
yet. I will use the clear weather this turn
to pull the Toulon raid--since that
unfreezes the Germans (they are
released next turn anyway). I'll expand
along the coast towards La Rochelle
and to the Orne. The latter advance will
be cautious. The force on the Seine is
impressive.
Three paratroop units land to attack
Toulon and Cannes with air and naval
support. The rangers also arrive.
Baring very poor luck, I should be able
to at least destroy the Toulon U-boat
base--and hopefully hold on until
reinforcements arrive. At the same time
two SAC and 1 TAC will shut down the
German rail capacity, so no Germans
will arrive in that way.
German July III Turn
It appears that the Allied player will mop
up the remaining ports. I would like to
hang onto a U-boat base, so Bordeaux
will be reinforced with an airlift. A
successful invasion in the Netherlands
would put the German forces in a very
awkward position. Hopefully, I can
discourage him from landing there. The
successful raid in South France does
not particularly concern me. By the time
he exits this district, the Seine River
position will have been abandoned.
Allied July IV Turn
(Rules note: Randy reminded me that
French units may not attack with the
Americans or the British. Somehow I
always thought the French could attack
with the Americans. Ah well...)
Decided to again wait before hitting the
Seine defense. I'm using my airpower
to (hopefully) clear out Cherbourg,
capture the next U-boat base at La
Rochelle, and improve my position in
South France. Note that although the
port capacity of Toulon is only one (due
to damage), my units can still land there
because the overall SC is high enough
(12) and because the units are in supply
as they land due to being in the port city
 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
of Toulon. The rules provide that Allied
units in cities are automatically in supply
(except in Germany). Hence, the low
supply capacity of the area doesn't stop
a build up provided my units end their
turn in cities.
I think Randy may have finally made a
minor error in his July III move. With the
rail lines shut down by Allied bombers,
the only way to reinforce the South
France area is by airlift of a paratroop
unit. Randy airlifted the available unit to
Bordeaux, although the British troops in
the La Rochelle area were too far from
Bordeaux to pose a threat this turn. I
would have airlifted the parachute unit to
Cannes, which would severely limit the
Allied build up in the South France area.
German July IV Turn
The Allied player is threatening an end
run with his armor. Lack of supply will
hold him back somewhat. My concern
is that he will cut the Lyon-Besancon rail
and trap the remaining units in South
France. The second invasion is due
next turn and I'm hoping to see it land to
the north of the Schelde. An invasion
around Ostende could probably be
contained for a few turns; we will wait
and see.
Allied August I Turn
It's interesting to note how passive the
German defense has been--there hasn't
been a German attack since June I.
Makes sense though; low odds attacks
can attrit the attacker, and to place the
Seine behind an attack force when the
bridges could be cut by Allied airpower
is dangerous.
Interesting German move--I'm not sure I
would have done it quite like this. First,
the Germans have evacuated South
France, so my build up there can
progress unimpeded by any need to use
airpower to capture Marseilles. Of
course, units left in this sector would be
trapped by an Allied move to Lyon--but
that could be easily delayed at least one
turn by German units in the rough
terrain around Q22.
Second, the Bordeaux garrison has
withdrawn to the coast fortress at A16. I
can now destroy the U-boat base
without the need to attack it--again
Volume 1, Issue 3
freeing TAC I would have used against
Bordeaux. I think the best solution is to
simply occupy Bordeaux and leave the
Germans bottled up. To attack A16
would require at least three turns of
action for the British, who can be better
employed on the main front. I don't
need Bordeaux for SC purposes,
especially with Marseilles falling this
turn.
Clear weather. The question is when
and where to launch the second
invasion. The Netherlands looks
inviting, though the landing will be risky.
I'll strike instead at the Seine line. I will
land at Dieppe for the purpose of
surrounding German units along the
lower Seine. I've worked out an intricate
bridge blowing scenario that will permit
most of the Germans along the lower
Seine to be trapped between invading
troops and a cross-river assault north of
Paris. Blowing bridges along the Marne
and upper Seine will block the German
armor from seriously counterattacking
this penetration, and will force the
withdrawal of the Germans from Paris
and the river lines.
After First Impulse: good results on
the attacks have achieved a high rate of
German losses with almost no Allied
loss. Can't complain.
German August I Turn
A devastating move! Twelve German
divisions destroyed. This was a tough
one to see coming. The German forces
will have to be careful to avoid a rout.
Maybe throwing a couple of weak units
out in front will negate his tactical air
ground support and give me some
breathing space. Much to my chagrin, I
have discovered that the U-boat base is
located in Bordeaux. This means that
the units in hex A16 are probably
waisted. An altogether disappointing
turn for the Germans.
Allied August II Turn
Another clever defense, with little to hit
with airpower. I'll use the time to clear
P5 (to open up Le Havre), and to push
to the Somme. With the post invasion
ten unit sea movement, I can land the
rest of the Africa reinforcements plus
some troops in Dieppe (and an armored
brigade destined for Bordeaux).
July 1996 25
German August II Turn
Another good turn for the Allies. My
losses, at this stage, are unacceptable.
The Germans are ripe for a paradrop
directly behind their line, which would
result in the further entrapment of
several units. I feel that the best move
is to withdraw to the Meuse River,
outside of Allied TAC range. I find it
curious that the Allied player moved into
Italy and freed the two German units
there.
Allied August III Turn
Randy asks why I entered Italy and
released the two German units there.
Actually, I forgot the release would
occur--but it's worth taking two cities that
count toward one of the victory
conditions (15 cities in Germany and
Italy). The Germans drop back to the
Maas--too far for an effective attack this
turn. I hate to waste a clear weather
turn, but Randy has again avoided
giving me any worthwhile attacks.
German August III Turn
The Allies played an aggressive turn,
and not without some risk. An airdrop to
attack and eliminate Patton would save
me another turn of having to protect the
West Wall from Allied Airborne units. It
may also turn out to be a morale blow
for the Allied player. I'm willing to
sacrifice a few more weak units to blunt
Allied air power. Most of my
replacement points are used up, so I
have to be careful to avoid a situation
whereby my heavy units can be
surrounded in the Allied second
movement phase. It will be interesting
to see if John makes an attack on
Antwerp at this early stage.
Allied August IV Turn
Clear again. The German defense of
Anvers and Brussels looks forbidding,
as does the line down the BB row.
Various somewhat grandiose schemes
now beckon. Because Amsterdam is
not garrisoned, I can land paratroops in
the area and reinforce them next turn
with sea movement. Couple this with
bridge attacks to prevent the Germans
from redeploying (the upper Rhine,
Maas and lower Rhine will do), and the
move should yield an Allied force over
the Dyke and into Arnhem. No German
reinforcements this turn and next will
26 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Allied August I Turn: 2nd Invasion

 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
give the Allies a chance to prepare for
counterattacks. A second interesting
effect of this--attacking bridges over the
lower Rhine and the Maas will pocket
the German armor around Anvers and
Brussels. I'll attack there as well to push
the Germans out of their defensive
terrain in the cities.
The major risk is that bad weather in
September I will prevent the build up by
sea movement through Amsterdam. It's
only a one in six chance, so I'll try it.
Outflanking the West Wall this early is
worth the risk.
German August IV Turn
Aside from a good Allied move, it seems
that I have outfoxed myself by counting
Allied TAC range only from HQs and
ignoring the printed TAC range on the
map. A potentially fatal error! If I don't
knock the paratroop ers out of
Amsterdam, I could have an Allied
breakout in my rear. With major
problems on my right flank, I feel more
comfortable falling back to the West
Wall. Let's see what I can pull out of the
hat.
Allied September I Turn
Randy took a 1-1 shot at Amsterdam
and succeeded in pushing the 82nd out-
-thus ending my hopes of an Allied build
up in this area. There's nothing useful
to be done there now except evacuate
101st from Arnhem by airlift. This was
partly due to good rolls on the river
crossing table. More Germans reached
Amsterdam from the Anvers area than I
expected.
Clear weather again, but again Randy
has fallen back to avoid good first
impulse attacks supported by airpower.
This time he's back to the West Wall in
the south. Most of my HQ's are out of
TAC range, so I can't get any useful
attacks this turn against the
fortifications. I'll close up in the south.
He doesn't get any major reinforcements
until next turn, and I may get a shot at
the West Wall before its reinforced
heavily. I'm being careful to avoid
triggering Volkssturm to avoid giving him
cheap reinforcements this turn. (After
September I, I realized that the
Volkssturm arrive as soon as the Allies
get close enough--so they come in
anyway on the attack turn).
Volume 1, Issue 3
In the north the possibility still exists to
trap a large segment of the German
army by cutting the Maas and lower
Rhine bridges. (Randy is cleverly
garrisoning the West Wall hexes as they
come into TAC range of my HQ's, and
thus vulnerable to paradrops). Since my
TAC air can't find useful employment
elsewhere, I'll take a shot at the holdouts
in the Channel forts, to capture the V-1
sites.
German September I Turn
A crises solved with a bit of good luck. I
would also like to see 82nd Airborne
airlifted out, perhaps in Groningen. If
not, I will have to go after it. I am going
to need some foul weather to extricate
my panzer units across the rivers into
Germany. Incoming reinforcements
next turn should allow me to build up
some sort of reserve to counter the
inevitable breakthrough at Arnhem.
Allied September II Turn
The main advantage of arriving at the
West Wall in early September is the
better weather available. With airpower,
I've got a shot at cracking the West Wall
early.
I still have some German units on my
side of the Maas and Rhine, but not
enough to warrant using two air units to
cut the bridges, which would also
hamper my own ability to shift troops to
the Ardennes. After studying the
situation, the best chance to take out
part of the Wall seems to be in the
French sector, near Strasbourg. This
m ay c ost irr ep la c ea bl e Fr enc h
casualties, but it's worth it if I can crack
this part of the West Wall before the
September II replacements.
After First Impulse Combat: I needed
to win all three battles at the West Wall
to take out three hexes of wall in the
second impulse by occupying the hexes.
I got two out of three, which is about
what could be expected. I can only
destroy one hex of the Wall by moving in
the second impulse--so be it.
I'm making a series of low odds attacks
for attrition purposes, though that will
affect me more severely as the attacker.
The losses at 1-1 are twice as high for
the attacker, at 2-1 are 4 to 3 and only at
3-1 become higher for the defender.
July 1996 27
German September II Turn
Quite remarkable! The two rivers
directly in my rear were not interdicted,
allowing the panzer units freedom of
movement. I can see some possible
counterattack opportunities which might
surround and destroy a few British
armored units. The West Wall was
breached in one point down South
which will require the attention of my
incoming reinforcements. It's important
to have at least two, and preferably
three, steps in each West Wall hex,
wherever possible. The bother of 82nd
Airborne on the dyke was eliminated
due to lack of supply. This could turn
out to be a bloody turn for the Allies.
Allied September III Turn
I got clobbered on my attrition attacks
last turn. I also forgot about the
Volkssturm appearance at EE21 and as
a result got hurt badly on the revised
second impulse attacks. The French
have now lost heavily--and cannot be
rebuilt. Destroying one hex in the West
Wall certainly was not worth the
destruction of the French army.
I'm paying for the sin of over-confidence.
I gave Randy some good surrounded
attacks on the British and Canadian
armor in Holland, and he took them.
The British armor has been severely
hurt, and won't be much of a factor until
rebuilt. All of this was the result of
under est i m at i ng t he G erm an
aggressiveness, after the paucity of
counterattacks in the game so far.
Randy was just biding his time for a
good opportunity.
Overcast weather permits only two SAC
this turn. I used my carpet bombing
mission for the month, so I'll use the turn
for rebuilding and positioning. The West
Wall is too tough without air support;
only the unfortified Arnhem area offers a
chance in bad weather. I'll reposition to
threaten as much as possible.
German September III Turn
This reprieve will be used to tidy up and
fine tune the defense of the West Wall.
The placement of the most powerful
units in and around Arnhem will be an
28 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

German September II Turn: Counterattack In The Netherlands

 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
attempt to intimidate the Allied player. A
weak unit placed in front of Arnhem
should block the use of Allied ground
support on this city next turn.
Allied September IV-October III Turn
Two storms and two overcasts. Without
airpower I can't do much to the West
Wall, so I used the time to take out the
V1 sites. Time for a few remarks about
cracking the West Wall. With air power,
one or two hexes can be attacked at 4-1
odds a turn--giving a chance (50%) to
capture the hex. To destroy the
fortress, the first impulse must clear the
hex, and a second impulse advance
made. This is a slow and costly
process, especially since in most
locations at least two contiguous hexes
must be attacked to permit a second
impulse advance.
The only practical alternative is to
pressure the one unfortified area around
Arnhem. I still have plenty of time in this
game, so I'll be patient. In two turns
(November I) the panzer withdrawal to
the Reserve will weaken German
defenses for a month.
German September IV Turn
The break in the West Wall at
Strasbourg is attracting Allied units.
Rebuilding an infantry division in this
area is probably a good idea. I'm
resolved not to move my concentration
of armor from the Arnhem area. I have
my eye on Monty as he moves back to
his own sector. The rebuilding of 5th
Parachute in Freiburg will give me a
paradrop option.
German October I Turn
Another turn of bad weather allows me
to further fortify the West Wall without
Allied interference. By committing all of
my air to interdicting Allied ground
support, I have limited his ground
support to three. This reinforces my
belief that the major Allied push will
have to be at Arnhem. A switching of
German units in Rotterdam and
Amsterdam should delay him for
another turn in the far North.
German October II Turn
By not reinforcing the dyke, I'm hoping
to see a paradrop in this area. At this
Volume 1, Issue 3
date, John is probably waiting for the
removal of the Panzer Reserve before
making his big move. When this
happens, anyway you look at it, the
Allies will be coming through Arnhem.
What happens at the dyke won't matter
on November 1.
German October III Turn
The Allied player must be feeling hard
pressed for time to attack Arnhem and
to risk waking the panzers so close to
their withdrawal. With such a large
n um b er of ac c um ul at ed arm o r
replacements, I would be willing to
make a low odds counterattack to retain
Arnhem. It's about time to start shifting
some weaker strength units to the
Arnhem area to absorb the main Allied
attacks when the inevitable occurs.
Allied October IV Turn
Clear at last. I've decided to take a
conservative attack against Arnhem with
carpet bombing assistance. I'll use the
TAC available to get a 4-1 against the
Dyke. If it succeeds it will open up an
area that will stretch the German line--
especially with the imminent withdrawal
of the panzers.
German October IV Turn
The inevitable finally occurred at
Arnhem. The fact that it took a carpet
bombing to pull it off is some
consolation. The Allied position
adjacent to Arnhem requires two low
odds attacks to retain the city. Unless
they both succeed, the Germans will be
left in a somewhat disorganized
defensive position. I feel that it would
be more prudent to back out of the
position and form a strong defensive
line. The dyke is another matter,
however. Since retreat from the dyke is
not mandatory, a counterattack on the
second impulse guarantees retaining
the hex. The rebuilding of two step
infantry divisions to absorb the brunt of
the Allied offensive until the Panzer
Reserve returns is probably the best
use of German replacements.
Allied November I Turn
My attack on the Dyke didn't go
anywhere, but at least I pushed him out
of Arnhem. This turn the line is heavily
July 1996 29
garrisoned with SS armor about to be
withdrawn to the Panzer Reserve (at the
beginning of Randy's turn).
Clear again! This time, I'd like to break
open the Dyke. This will require use of
my fourth paradrop, leaving one for
later. The idea is to drop the British 1st
Para. and the 52nd Glider at JJ1, and
6th Para. at JJ2. At least one unit
should survive to attack the Dyke (and
one must survive to attack the German
2nd Fsj. at KK2) in conjunction with
troops from HH1 and TAC air support. I
can get a 3-1 on the Dyke with troops
from HH1 with three TAC (1-2 up to 3-
1). The Dyke rule must be carefully
read. If the attack is not solely from
HH1, units defending on the Dyke do
not receive the benefit of ignoring retreat
results, although they are still doubled.
This gives me a 5/6 chance of pushing
the Germans out of the hex. If the
airdrop at JJ2 survives, the Germans
cannot retreat and will be eliminated
(paradropped units have no ZOC, so if
JJ2 doesn't survive, the Germans will
escape).
I will also attack from Arnhem with SAC
carpet bombing to push back the
Germans at JJ4 and JJ5 (only a 1-2, but
with +2 from the carpet bombing, a 50%
chance).
Post-combat--lucky on my paradrops--
no casualties. But disaster at the Dyke!
The 3-1 came up a "1", and AR. Two
parachute divisions destroyed and the
Dyke still in German hands. 52nd also
had a poor die result. This paradrop
accomplished absolutely nothing, except
destruction of an entire airborne corps.
Shades of a bridge too far... To top it
off, the Arnhem attack also failed,
though without loss. I guess I'll wait for
next turn.
German November I Turn
The paradrop at the dyke was a
welcome surprise. With only one drop
left, I'm willing to gamble that he will
hold it back to try to capture a victory
city on the last turn or two. My goal is to
slow down the Allied advance through
Arnhem without suffering too many
losses. He may get as far as the Ruhr
between Dusseldorf and Dortmund
before the return of the Panzer Reserve.
 30 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
Allied November II Turn
Clear again--I'm getting lucky. Now that
the panzers have withdrawn, I may
finally make some headway. I'll try to
clear the fortress area south of Arnhem
this turn. The bridge attack at JJ6-JJ7 is
to permit movement in the second
impulse past II7 to II8, if I succeed in
clearing both hexes. Otherwise, a few
attrition attacks and a further effort at
the Dyke.
German November II Turn
The penetration NW of Arnhem is one
hex farther than I would like to see the
Allies at this point. A counterattack,
here, would be worth the regained
ground. I can't afford to let any German
units be trapped near the Dyke, so I will
let the U.K. forces come across next
turn. I'm probably going to need at least
one turn of bad weather to keep the
Allies NW of the Ruhr River before the
Panzer Reserve returns.
Allied November III Turn
Randy has wisely abandoned the dyke,
since the garrison would be forced to
attack the adjacent British troops (unlike
a fortress, the Dyke does not permit
zones of control to be ignored).
Clear for the fourth turn in a row. All
German TAC have been used, so the
skies are free for the Allies. I'll try a
further variation on last turn's theme--
trying to blast open fortress hexes II8
and HH8, while blowing the bridges
along the Rhein from JJ6 to JJ12.
Success will permit penetration of the
German lines to Koln. The British will
secure the Dyke and begin clearing the
Netherlands.
German November III Turn
The dam is about to break. There is
really nothing that can be done to
prevent the U.K. forces from flooding out
into the German plain. The loss of the
fortress hex on II8 was a big
disappointment. I'm going to draw off
units from other areas to reinforce the
fortresses around Aachen. I could really
use bad weather next turn.
Allied November IV Turn
My string of clear weather turns
continues--its becom ing a little
Volume 1, Issue 3
embarrassing. I'll use the opportunity to
continue breaking open the north
German plain.
Considering the impending arrival of the
Panzer Reser ve plus l ots of
reinforcements, I must also use the
opportunity to complicate the German
defenses. If I don't open more of the
West Wall in the south, I may find
myself stagnated around Kassel and the
rough terrain in central Germany.
(After combat--did poorly on both
impulses.)
German November IV Turn
Five weeks of clear weather - fortunately
offset by mediocre Allied combat results.
I would like to prevent him from breaking
the Weser River Line in front of
Hannover next turn. With the forces
available, this probably won't be
possible. By vacating the fortress hex
on HH17 and Karlsruhe, I'm gambling
that he won't use his last paradrop to try
and breakthrough in the South. Right
now, I will concentrate as much as I can
behind the Ruhr River.
Allied December I Turn
I've just discovered an error I should
have realized back in July or August.
The British unit I left in Bordeaux all
these turns to bottle up the Germans in
A16 must be withdrawn this turn.
Unless good weather prevails and I can
fly in some paratroops as a temporary
garrison, I stand to lose the city through
sheer negligence.
I'm fortunate for the sixth turn is a row--
clear weather. I'll take care of Bordeaux
temporarily and start some troops in that
direction to rectify the untimely
withdrawal of the British 50th Division.
Don't know what they're thinking of in
the War Office!
On the main front, I must now consider
the impending arrival of no less than
seven panzer divisions from the Panzer
Reserve, plus eleven infantry divisions
of respectable size, three armored
brigades and the van der Heydte
paratroops. Randy hasn't kept any of
his TAC back this turn for attacks, so I
don't need to counter that by placing my
TAC on counter-air missions. On the
other hand, I have very little excess
July 1996
ground support over the hordes of
Luftwaffe CAP this turn.
The net result is another turn of
stagnation all along the front, except
where I can pick off the picket units in
the north German plain. No useful dent
can be made in the West Wall.
German December I Turn
The withdrawal of Br 50 provided me
with an opportunity to attack Bordeaux,
but I've been stymied by clear weather.
I will try to make the crossing of the
Ruhr River as costly for the Allies as
possible. I was surprised to see the
U.K. forces not cross the Weser River in
front of Hannover this turn. I don't
expect the Allies to be able to
breakthrough the West Wall in the
South. That makes Frankfurt the focal
point for the remainder of the game.
The arrival of the Panzer Reserve
means an end to my unit shortage
crises. At this point, I feel fairly
comfortable with my mapboard status.
Allied December II Turn
My good fortune on the weather finally
ended. Overcast this turn, so no air
missions.
Time to take stock of the strategic
situation. Counting this turn, I have 12
turns left to accomplish the victory
conditions: hold four or five major
German cities (red stars) or 13 German
cities (I already have the two Italian
cities for the 15 needed).
From my present position in the north, I
can slug forward perhaps one or two
hexes per turn, barring very high attrition
of either army. If I average only one hex
advance per turn, I'll reach the line of
hexes numbered "19". This will give me
three of the red star cities, and a fight for
the fourth--Nurnberg. It will also give
me 12 German cities total, not including
any that are part of the West Wall forts.
This is just short of victory.
Is an assumed one hex average
advance per turn over the next 12 turns
realistic? I think so. Randy can't leave
salients in his defensive position that
could be surrounded--so pushing the
line back one or two places per turn
should force general withdrawals.
 The Boardgamer
Fortress Europa Series Replay (Cont.)
The near run nature of these
assumptions makes sensible further
efforts to crack the West Wall in the
south. I will now shift to an attrition
strategy against the German positions in
the three southernmost hexes of the
West Wall. These areas are more
difficult to reinforce than other areas,
especially if I occupy EE20. However,
this strategy will be very costly--it may
not be possible for more than two or
three turns--clear weather and airpower
is needed.
In the north the right flank of Randy's
line is the obvious place to attack (from
the Ruhr River to the eastern board
edge).
I can't do much to storm the Ruhr River
itself, but outflanking it should work.
German December II Turn
The Allied attempt to breakthrough the
West Wall at Freiburg will cost him
plenty but would probably win him the
game if successful at this time. My
replacement steps will have to be
devoted to keeping my infantry at full
strength in this area. His inability to
break the Ruhr River won't last another
turn. German counterattacks will have
to be weighed between preventing
losses and retaining terrain.
Allied December III Turn
The strategy of pushing forward one or
two hexes per turn may not work after
all. I was unable to dent the Ruhr River
position last turn. Fortunately, clear
weather again prevails over Europe. I
will use the opportunity to cut the Weser
River and Ruhr River bridges, to push a
corridor towards Kassel. I can use the
ZOC blocking effects of the bridge
attacks to infiltrate over the Weser with
infantry and hit his second line. It's a bit
risky, as the British can only get a 3-1 or
1-1 +2 with carpet bombing. Either
case involves a 1/6 chance of AR which
would destroy the attackers as no
retreat is possible across a river with
bridges cut.
(After combat): The attacks were not as
successful as I'd hoped, but an advance
against Kassel is still possible. I can
also trap the Lehr group against the
Ruhr River--hope for a good result in the
second impulse.
Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 31
German December III Turn at my line? John hasn't presented any
real targets this turn. My best bet is to
A clever move on John's part. He back off and see what develops.
backed up three panzer units against an
interdicted river and nearly wiped them Stay tuned for the rest of this series
out. His misfortune on this 2-1 attack replay in the next issue of the
can be turned around against him. I BOARDGAMER (Volume 1, Issue 4 -
should be able to eliminate the three October 1996). I can tell you that the
U.K. infantry divisions, as the Weser is game comes down to the wire
interdicted, effectively cutting off their during the March I turn.
retreat route. I am no longer
comfortable with the defense of the
Ruhr River. If he gets clear weather Fortress Europa
next turn, he may be able to break the June 1, 1996 10 Active Players
river line and then surround a stack of
German units in his second movement 1. Michael Newman 2021 DD-A5
phase. For this reason, I'm going to 2. James Eliason 1759 DGGC5
weaken the defense of Dusseldorf in the 3. Charles Jehlen 1606 AAD-5
hopes of channeling his crossing and 4. Thomas Scarborough 1582 AADA4
taking off the pressure elsewhere. 5. Ed Druckman 1500 AA—5
6. Jeffrey Martin 1480 AA-A5
7. Pierre Menard 1478 AA-A5
Allied December IV-January I Turns
8. Mark Hermann 1477 AAA-4
9. Fred Wexler 1445 AAA-5
Second impulse attack results were also 10. Tim Greene 1380 AAD-5
disappointing. As Randy aptly points
out, my good luck in weather rolls is
balanced by less than mediocre luck in
the combat rolls. (The poor workman
always blames his tools; we wargamers
are certainly prone to blaming the dice.)
Winter weather hits first with a Storm*
and then Overcast*. Not much can be
done except steady low odds pressure
to cross the Ruhr, which I
accomplished.
German December IV Turn
The Ruhr River broke at Dusseldorf just
as I had hoped for. With luck and
planning, it cost me very little. The
fortresses NW of Koln should now be
abandoned to shorten my line. I will
place the 21st and 25th panzer units in
the best locations to absorb a one step
loss as they are due to withdraw next
turn. I now question whether it's
worthwhile for the Allied player to
maintain so much of his armor in the far
South.
German January I Turn
At this stage of the game I am
presented with somewhat of a dilemma.
How do I best buy time? With my line
shortened and panzers intact, I'm now
at my strongest. Do I counterattack to
prevent him from getting closer to Future Editor of The
Frankfurt or let him continue to hammer
BOARDGAMER?
 32 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Current Specific Game AREA Ratings

Up Front Diplomacy Breakout: Normandy
June 1, 1996 113 Active Players June 1, 1996 85 Active Players June 1, 1996 53 Active Players
1. Herbert Gratz 2028 DHAA5 1. Sylvain LaRose 1536 AH-A5 1. Bill Edwards 1644 BD-A5
2. Jeff Paull 1929 GKEA6 2. Tom Kobrin 1536 AH-A5 1. Alan Applebaum 1644 BD-A5
3. Don Hawthorne 1862 GI-I5 3. Steve Elliot 1535 ADA-6 3. Ron Fedin 1636 BD-A6
4. Nicholas Cascone 1823 GI-I5 4. Louie Tokarz 1528 AFB-6 4. Don Greenwood 1636 BD-A5
5. Stephen Buchholz 1781 BCC-5 5. Sean Smallman 1527 AH-A5 5. Michael Lazar 1601 AC-A5
6. Larry Davidson 1777 EF-H5 6. Steve Nicewarmer 1527 AH-A5 6. Rodney Robinson 1570 BD-A5
7. Jim Murphy 1749 IK-I5 7. Dan Mathias 1527 AH-A5 7. Mark Gutfreund 1570 BD-A5
8. William Edwards III 1690 FKDA5 8. Greg Geyer 1524 AH-A5 8. Herbert Gratz 1570 AC-A5
9. Paul Lebowitz 1680 BE-G5 9. Joseph Abrams 1524 AF-A5 8. Steve Andriakos 1570 AC-A5
10. Richard Mello 1669 BD-E5 10. Michael Cunningham 1521 AH-A5 10. Byron Stingley 1568 BD-A5
11. Bruce Young 1662 BD-A5 11. David Webster 1521 AF-A5 10. James Stenard 1568 BD-A5
12. Craig Tenhoff 1649 KK-I5 12. Matthew Noah 1521 AF-A5 12. Robert O’Conner 1560 ABB-6
13. Mike Fitzgerald 1645 AC—4 13. Charles Ellsworth 1521 AF-A5 13. James Doughan 1539 AC-A6
14. John Emery 1631 BD-A5 14. Stephen Koehler 1519 AF-A5 14. Dave Newport 1535 AC-A5
15. Ray Stakenas Sr. 1623 BD-A5 15. Mark Franceschini 1519 AF-A5 14. Dirk Naish 1535 AC-A5
16. Andrew Maly 1621 BEAA5 16. William Schoeller 1519 AD-A5 16. Jeff Czerniak 1535 AA-A5
17. Michael Rodgers 1613 ABA-6 17. Thomas Pasko 1518 AF-A5 16. Brian Carr 1535 AA-A5
18. Ray Stakenas Jr. 1612 BD-A5 18. Carl Willner 1516 AH-A5 18. Dennis Nicholson 1531 AB-A5
19. Bill Conner 1611 CF-A5 19. Catherine Lange 1515 AH-A5 19. Henry Jones 1527 AC-A5
20. Philip Coveney 1610 BB—4 20. Web Agnew 1515 AH-A5 20. David Long 1525 ACAA5
21. Jim Vroom 1607 AC-A5 21. Steven Cooley 1514 AH-A5 21. Paul Fletcher 1500 BD-A5
22. John Hart 1606 EH-H5 22. Hugh Turner 1512 AD-A5 22. James Torkelson 1500 AC-A5
23. Steve Huskey 1580 BE-A5 23. William Thompson 1512 AD-A5 23. Marvin Birnbaum 1500 AC-A5
24. Bill Henderson 1577 AC-A5 24. Donald Williams 1509 AH-A5 24. David Wong 1500 AC-A5
25. Mike Reed 1571 GI-H5 25. Rex Martin 1509 AH-A5 25. Phil Parcifer 1500 AB-A5
26. Warren Smith 1571 ABB-6 26. Vincent Galarneau 1509 AH-A5 26. Murray Cowles 1500 AB-A5
27. Michael Zeimentz 1570 BD—4 27. Lauren Cain 1509 AF-A5 27. Joseph Beard III 1500 AB-A5
28. Murray Cowles 1568 BD-A5 28. David Tanier 1509 AD-A5 28. Bryan Eshleman 1471 BD-A5
29. Nick Vlahos 1567 CF-A5 29. James Greb 1509 AD-A5 29. Philip Pomerantz 1466 AAA-6
30. Alan Emrich 1557 GI-H5 30. Brian Ecton 1506 AH-A5 30. Paul O’Niel 1465 AB-A5
31. Brian Devitt 1556 CE-G5 31. Ed Rothenheber 1506 AD-A5 31. Cliff Hansen 1465 AB-A5
32. David Gantt 1550 AB-A5 32. Greg Fairbanks 1506 AD-A5 32. Matt Fagan 1465 AA-A5
33. Bruce Schlickbernd 1546 FH-H5 33. Robert Wartenberg 1505 AF-A5 33. Neil Fedin 1465 AA-A5
34. Jeff Matthews 1545 AC-D5 34. Hudson Defoe 1503 AH-A5 34. J.Christ Stuelmueller 1465 AA-A5
35. Jim Matt 1545 ABC-6 35. Scott Bowling 1503 AF-A5 35. Mike Arrighi 1465 AA-A5
36. Gary Fortenberry 1545 AB—4 36. Barrington Beavis 1500 AF-A5 36. Sean Finnerty 1465 AA-A5
37. Hawkeye Aylward 1542 FH-H5 37. William Wible 1494 AH-A5 37. Robert Sanchez 1465 AA-A5
38. Greg Schmittgens 1540 BD-A5 38. Ken Mathias 1494 AF-A5 38. Jon Squibb 1465 AA-A5
39. Scott Pfeifer 1539 AA-A5 39. Carl Asamec 1493 ADA-6 39. Ken Nied 1465 AA-A5
40. Rob Stai 1537 FI-I5 40. Michael Wilson 1493 ADA-6 40. Tony Goldsworthy 1464 BD-A5
41. Anthony Toglia 1535 AB—6 41. Rich Wiet 1493 ADA-6 41. Ray Freeman 1430 AB-A5
42. Mike Nagel 1534 BD-A6 42. Alan Tomaszewski 1493 ADA-6 42. Jeff Martin 1430 AC-A5
43. Peter Salekin 1531 ABC-6 43. Rich Swies 1493 ADA-6 43. Keith McFarland 1430 AB-A5
44. John Poniske 1529 AB-A5 44. Steve Reynolds 1493 ADA-6 44. Jeff Spaner 1430 AB-A5
45. Bob Hranek 1528 AB—6 45. Dave Reynolds 1493 ADA-6 45. Robert Nix 1430 AB-A5
46. Robert O’Conner 1526 ACD-6 46. Glenn Petroski 1493 ADA-6 46. Marty Ward 1430 AB-A5
47. Lance Ribeiro 1515 BEAA6 47. Joel Klein 1493 ADA-6 47. Walter Garman 1430 AB-A5
48. Tim Williams 1513 GI-G4 48. Dieter Kempf 1493 ADA-6 48. David Bozzini 1430 AA—6
49. John Morales 1510 AC-D4 49. Keith Wixson 1493 AD-A5 49. Thomas Pavy 1430 AA—5
50. Ian Cooper 1510 AA-A4 50. Daniel Vice 1493 AD-A5 50. Mike Welker 1399 AB-A5
51. Donald Lewis 1509 BD-A5 51. Dave MacLellcon 1493 AD-A5 51. Alan Bard 1395 AC-A5
52. Roger Taylor 1509 BD-A5 52. Michael Godfrey 1493 AD-A5 52. Kevin Walsh 1367 AC-A5
53. Bruce Wigdor 1508 BD-A5 53. Michael Ehlers 1493 AD-A5 53. James Pyle 1268 CEI-5
54. Kirk Woller 1507 BD-A5 54. Robert O’Dear 1492 AH-A5
55. Eric Taylor 1507 AB-C5 55. David Hood 1492 AH-A5 Dune
56. Charles Hawkins 1506 AAB-5 56. James Wicht 1492 AD-A5 June 1, 1996 7 Active Players
57. David Rosner 1505 IJ-I5 57. Robert Sacks 1492 AD-A5
58. Michael Lazar 1504 BD-A5 58. Clayton Paulding 1492 AD-A5 1. Roger Cox 1759 BB—6
59. James Doughan 1497 AB—6 59. Ken Rothstein 1491 AD-A5 2. Keith Blackwell 1741 BB—6
60. Tony Goldsworthy 1489 AC-A5 60. Bruce Reiff 1491 AD-A5 3. Alan Camp 1719 BB—6
61. P Cook 1488 BB—5 61. Eric Martin 1491 AD-A5 4. Carlin Plemmons 1469 BB—6
62. Steve Lowder 1488 AC-D4 62. Ric Manns 1491 AD-A5 5. Amy Killen 1460 BB—6
63. Jeremy Billones 1485 BD-A5 63. James Enders 1491 AD-A5 6. David Jennings 1250 BB—6
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 33

Current Specific Game AREA Ratings

The Russian Titan Panzer Leader
June 1, 1996 66 Active Players June 1, 1996 38 Active Players
Campaign
June 1, 1996 39 Active Players 1. Kevin Quirk 2020 DO—4 1. James McAden 1747 EGK-6
2. William Scott 1620 BI-A5 2. Dan Price 1707 CDEA6
1. Ed O’Conner 2081 GIPA4 3. Brian Sutton 1617 BJ-B5 3. Kevin Kinsel 1601 CCD-6
2. Robert Shurdut 2028 GHN-6 4. Bruno Wolff III 1617 BG-B5 4. Eric Bonner 1593 FFM-6
3. James Bjorum 1997 DFIA4 5. Chuck Kaplan 1617 AG-A5 5. Fred Wexler 1592 BCE-5
4. Alan Frappier 1995 EHE-5 6. Kurt Litscher 1587 BI-A5 6. Jeff Wise 1582 CDE-6
5. J Michael Noel 1979 EEK-6 7. Rick Pierce 1570 BH-A5 7. Robert Beyma 1568 AB-A5
6. Charles Sorbello 1959 BCGA6 8. David DesJardins 1568 BH-A5 8. William Scott 1564 CF-A5
7. Tim Greene 1912 GIKA5 9. Gerald Lientz 1549 BH-A5 9. Steve Shambeda 1537 AA-A5
8. Thomas Gregario 1876 GIIA5 10. Robert Masso 1549 AF-A5 10. Tom Storey 1535 AAA-5
9. Jeffrey Martin 1875 IMK-6 11. Martin Reinecke 1535 AB-A5 11. Steve Andriakos 1535 AA-A5
10. Craig Clemens 1800 CEHA4 12. Wolfgang Peter 1534 AB-A5 12. Michael Panteleano 1535 AA-A5
11. John Laney 1750 ABDA4 13. Justin Thompson 1533 AG-A5 13. Oscar Kenneth Oates 1514 DFJ-6
12. Dan Barker 1720 ACDA4 14. Brian Bouton 1531 AG-A5 14. Roger Kyle-Keith 1502 AB-A5
13. Charles Jehlen 1695 BBB-4 15. Paul Goliwas 1525 AB-B5 15. James Yen 1500 CCC-6
14. Ed Drukman 1682 BBA-5 16. Christian Goetze 1524 BH-A5 16. Paul Martin 1500 AAA-5
15. James Eliason 1681 CFGB6 17. Robin Barbehenn 1524 AD-A5 17. Michael Noan 1500 AAA-5
16. Henry Lowood 1666 ABCA6 18. Cliff Ackman 1520 BH-A5 18. Richard Beyma 1498 AA-A5
17. Paul Siragusa 1590 BEB-4 19. Steve Koleszar 1518 BI-A5 19. Tony Goldsworthy 1496 AB-A5
18. Dave Ketchum 1579 AAB-5 20. Clifford Smith 1514 AE-A5 20. John Gibson 1496 AA-A5
19. Mark Figge 1573 AAB-5 21. Richard Beyma 1511 AG-A5 21. David Mugmon 1477 ABB-6
20. John Cooper 1570 AAAA4 22. Eyal Mozes 1511 AE-A5 22. Charles Synold 1470 AAA-5
21. G. Makis 1566 AAB-4 23. Brian Ecton 1511 AC-A5 23. Philip Rennert 1469 AB-A5
22. Gary Dickson 1565 AAAA4 24. Marvin Birmbaum 1510 AE-A5 24. Angelo Valeri 1468 AC-A5
23. Alan Kaplan 1544 AA-A5 25. Ed Rothenheber 1507 AF-A5 25. Kenneth Rutkowski 1468 AAA-5
24. Randy Schilb 1540 AAAA4 26. David Platnick 1503 AF-A5 26. Carlton Vergutz 1467 BBB-5
25. William Putman 1535 AAA-5 27. Barry Barrington 1500 AB-A5 27. Kirk Woller 1467 AB-A5
26. Alan Hayes 1500 AB-A4 28. Timothy Proksch 1492 AC-A5 28. Daniel Henry 1465 AA-A5
27. Tom Oleson 1485 ABBA4 29. Steve Banks 1492 AC-A5 29. James Eliason 1463 ABC-5
28. Thomas Drennon 1482 AAA-5 30. Stephan Squibb 1489 AB-A5 30. John Koleszar 1463 AAA-5
29. Fred Wexler 1480 ABC-5 31. Chris Greenfield 1489 AB-A5 31. Christopher Harris 1463 AA-A5
30. Angelo Vellaci 1470 AA-A5 32. John Zahorsky 1488 AB-A5 32. Douglas Schultz 1463 AA-A5
31. Jeff Jenkins 1465 BCEA4 33. James Tyne 1488 AB-A5 33. Michael West 1460 CCD-6
32. John Newman 1465 AAA-5 34. Tom List 1488 AB-A5 34. Thomas Kearny 1453 AB-A5
33. Tony Owens 1464 ABCA5 35. Larry Lingle 1488 AB-A5 35. Robert Mann 1443 CDE-6
34. Gary Dayton 1462 CFFA5 36. Derek Landel 1488 AB-A5 36. Ted Ferneza 1428 CDE-6
35. Kurt Kurtz 1445 ABB-6 37. Andrew Kutzy 1488 AB-A5 37. Roy Heine 1400 ABB-6
36. Randy Heller 1444 AAB-6 38. Luke Koleszar 1488 AB-A5 38. Jeff Jenkins 1337 CCD-6
37. David Dubois 1440 ABC-5 39. John Koleszar 1488 AB-A5
40. Juergen Engel 1488 AB-A5
Blitzkrieg 41. Michael Ellsworth 1488 AB-A5 Attack Sub
June 1, 1996 7 Active Players 42. John Ellsworth 1488 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 2 Active Players
43. Raymond Carpenter 1488 AB-A5
1. Glenn Petroski 1605 AB-A5 44. Richard Trockel 1482 AB-A5 1. Michael Nagel 1535 AA—6
2. John Laney 1535 AAA-5 45. Bryan Proksch 1481 AD-A5 2. James Doughan 1465 AA—6
3. Bob Henry 1532 AC—5 46. Steve Shambeda 1479 AG-A5
4. Jay Petroski 1496 AB—5
5. Glenn Kruse 1469 AB—5
47. Timothy Snyder
48. Margaret Meachum
1479
1478
AD-A5
AF-A5
Civilization
6. Jack Henry 1467 AB—5 June 1, 1996 2 Active Players
49. Sue Ellsworth 1478 AD-A5
7. Ken Banyard 1465 AAA-5 50. David Buchholz 1477 BH-A5 1. Beth Carlock 1550 BB—6
51. Michael Pantaleano 1477 AD-A5 2. Chris Ponder 1365 BB—6
Acquire 52. Michael Neal 1477 AD-A5
June 1, 1996 3 Active Players 53. Ben Foy 1477 AD-A5
54. Matt D’Amico 1477 AD-A5
Israeli Defense Force
1. Eric Campbell 1818 CC—6 55. Robert Sacks 1476 AD-A5 June 1, 1996 2 Active Players
2. Joseph Lux 1696 BB-A5 56. Paul Nied 1476 AD-A5
3. Lori Mogren 1670 BB—6 1. Rob Schoenen 1535 AA—5
57. John Chung 1467 AE-A5 2. Kevin Schoenen 1465 AA—5
58. Kenneth Nied 1466 AE-A5
1830 59. Stefan Krzywicki 1462 AE-A5
Advanced Third Reich
June 1, 1996 2 Active Players 60. Tom Cvetinovich 1454 AD-A5
61. Steve Rugh 1448 BI-A5 June 1, 1996 1 Active Player
1. Bobby Laboon 1632 BB—6 62. Tom Johnston 1444 AG-A5
2. Karen Sanders 1362 BB—6 63. Steve Proksch 1443 BH-A5 1. Mike Crowe 1500 AB—5
 34 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996

Current Specific Game AREA Ratings

Main Battle Tank D-Day ‘91 Across Five Aprils
June 1, 1996 17 Active Players June 1, 1996 9 Active Players June 1, 1996 35 Active Players
1. Bruce Young 1622 BC-B5 1. Jack Morrell 1601 AB-A5 1. Mark Miklos 1673 CE-A5
2. Jon Cleaves 1588 AC-A5 2. Glenn Petroski 1537 AA-A4 2. Mark Giddings 1632 BD-A5
3. Robert Schoenen 1561 BD-B6 3. Edward Snarski II 1535 AA-A5 3. Heikki Thoen 1570 AA—4
4. Chuck Yingling 1559 AB-B5 4. Kevin McCarthy 1500 AA-A5 4. Brian Conlon 1567 AC-A5
5. Kevin Schoenen 1542 AA—5 5. Frank Hamrick 1500 AA-A4 5. Mark Holly 1566 AB-A5
6. Jeff Kimmel 1540 AA—6 6. James Hughto 1467 AA-A5 6. Jim Falling 1560 BD-A5
7. John Emery 1537 AA-A5 7. Matt Fagan 1465 AA-A5 7. Bruce Kernan 1539 AB-A5
8. Earl Anderson 1498 AB-A5 8. Carmen Petquzzellf 1465 AA-A5 8. Chris Rice 1538 AB-A5
9. Ronald Shirley, Jr. 1484 AB-A5 9. Mark Holley 1465 AA-A5 9. Andy Lewis 1535 AA-A5
10. David Sidelinger 1480 AC-B5 10. Michael Sincavage 1533 AC-A5
11. F. Scott Pfeiffer 1479 AB-A5 11. Jeff Lange, Sr. 1532 AC-A5
12. Chandler Braswell 1475 AA-A4 History Of The World 12. Earl Anderson 1528 AB-A5
13. Stuart Ashley 1382 AA-A4 June 1, 1996 12 Active Players 13. Bill Place 1526 AB-A5
14. William Cameron 1250 AA-A4 14. Keith MacFarlane 1509 AB-A5
15. Daniel Broh-kahn 1235 AB-B5 1. George Young 1535 AC-A6 15. Ivan Lawson 1505 AB-A5
16. John Alsen 1200 AA-A4 2. Ben Goldstein 1535 AC-A5 16. David Metzger 1503 AC-A5
17. Robert Jamelli 1178 AB-A5 3. Mike Stachowski 1493 AC-A6 17. John Selders 1502 AB-A5
4. Robbie Robinson 1493 AC-A6 18. Bill O’Neal 1500 AB-A5
5. Bruce Monnin 1493 AC-A6
TV Wars 6. Jeff Miller 1493 AC-A6
19. Doug Lefevre
20. Chris Lefevre
1500
1500
AA-A5
AA-A5
June 1, 1996 8 Active Players 7. John Grant 1493 AC-A6 21. Roland LeBlanc 1472 AB-A5
8. Ray Pfeifer 1493 AC-A5 22. Ed Walsh 1470 AB-A5
1. Eric Wrobel 1571 AB-A5
9. Ralph May III 1493 AC-A5 23. Lee Price 1469 AB-A5
2. Josh Dunn 1536 AB-A5
10. Bobby Laboon 1493 AC-A5 24. Dave Davis 1468 AC-A5
3. Michael Destro 1524 AD-A5
11. Roger Cox 1493 AC-A5 25. Matt Fagan 1465 AA-A5
4. Lauren Vessey 1524 AC-A5
12. Randy Cox 1493 AC-A5 26. David Zimmerman 1463 AB-A5
5. Brian Kirchner 1488 AB-A5
6. Timothy Evinger 1488 AB-A5 27. John Leggat III 1461 AB-A5
7. Evan Hitchings 1482 AB-A5 Battle Of The Bulge ‘91 28. Paul Nied 1461 AB-A5
8. Micha Raymond 1471 AC-A5 June 1, 1996 7 Active Players 29. Dewayne Curry 1460 AB-A5
30. John Charbonneau 1459 AB-A5
War And Peace 1. Randy Heller
2. Jack Morrell
1765
1617
CD-A5
AB-A5
31. Steve Campbell
32. Bill Fellin
1437
1406
AB-A5
AB-A5
June 1, 1996 10 Active Players 3. Kevin McCarthy 1500 AB-A5 33. Bill Voll 1403 AB-A5
1. Nick Frydas 1683 BC-A5 4. Ken Whitesell 1477 AA-A5 34. Jeff Lange, Jr. 1402 AB-A5
2. Robert Beyma 1605 AB-A4 5. Bill Romaniecki 1465 AA-A5 35. Terry Coleman 1398 AB-A5
3. Marvin Rabin 1569 AB-A5 6. Robert Nix 1465 AA-A5
7. Thomas Pavy 1430 AB—4
4. Bryan Jackson 1504 AB-A5 Russian Front
5. Matthew Burkins 1504 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 14 Active Players
6. Gary Gonzales 1498 AB-A5 Wooden Ships
7. Barry Wolfe 1470 AB-A5 1. Michael Mitchell 2024 GJP-4
8. Martin Svensson 1465 AB-A5 & Iron Men 2. Patrick Flory 2006 DCG-4
9. Stephen Angers 1465 AA-A5 June 1, 1996 4 Active Players 3. Charles Sorbello 2000 BCG-4
10. Chris Hanson 1435 AB-A4 4. James Bjorum 1997 DFI-4
1. James McAden 2041 DHHA5
2. Jeff Hawarden 1568 AAB-5 5. Alan Frappier 1995 EHE-4
Waterloo 3. Timothy Hitchings 1530 AA-A5 6. Tim Greene 1885 FGM-5
June 1, 1996 16 Active Players 4. Paul Selzer 1433 AAB-5 7. Thomas Gregorio 1883 EHG-4
8. James Falling 1835 BC—5
1. Kevin McCarthy 1866 CC—5 9. Craig Clemens 1800 CEH-4
2. Larry Lingle 1744 AC-A5 Anzio 10. John Laney 1750 ABD-4
3. Joseph Beard III 1601 BCBA5 June 1, 1996 4 Active Players 11. James Eliason 1620 BCEA4
4. James Penick 1589 AAB-4 12. Kevin Barrett 1542 AB-B4
5. Eric Kirchner 1572 BC-A5 1. Thomas Oleson 1943 CC-A6 13. Bruce Kernan 1527 AAA-4
6. Scott Goehring 1515 AAB-5 2. Mark Bayliss 1695 ABE-5 14. Neidhar Buell 1469 AAA-4
7. Carl Adamac 1512 AB-A5 3. W Andrew York 1475 DDK-5
8. Phil Evans 1500 AB-A5 4. Paul Fletcher 1430 AB-A5
D-Day ‘77
9. Ivan Lawson 1477 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 6 Active Players
10. Patrick McNevin 1474 CCE-5 We The People
11. Kevin Keller 1469 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 4 Active Players 1. Lynn Barlow 2039 KLW-5
12. Johnny Hasay 1465 AB-A5 2. James Penick 1578 GGM-4
13. Steven Doyle 1465 AB-A5 1. James Scott II 1575 JA—6 3. Joseph Beard III 1566 ABC-5
14. Forrest Pafenberg 1465 AB-A5 2. James Doughan 1535 AA—6 4. William Putman 1535 AAA-5
15. Joseph Brooks 1465 AAB-5 3. Michael Nagel 1465 AA—6 5. Patrick McNevin 1506 ABE-5
16. Charles Synold 1462 AAA-5 4. Jay Hilton 1425 JA—6 6. Ken Banyard 1465 AAA-5
 The Boardgamer Volume 1, Issue 3 July 1996 35

Current Specific Game AREA Ratings

Great Campaigns Kingmaker Gettysburg 1988
June 1, 1996 16 Active Players June 1, 1996 24 Active Players
Of The American
Civil War Series 1. Steven Erdman
2. William Wible
1708
1647
BK—5
AH-A5
1. Mike Uhrich
2. David Zimmerman
1750
1744
DGBC5
FKBC5
June 1, 1996 29 Active Players 3. George Sauer III 1643 Bl-B4 3. Vince Meconi 1724 CEAC5
1. Kenneth Lee 1542 AB-A5 4. Justin Thompson 1641 BJ-A4 4. John Poniske, Sr. 1701 BEBB5
2. Walter Garman 1535 AA-A5 5. Heikki Thoen 1570 BI-E5 5. Allen Kaplan 1671 BD-A4
3. Nick Frydas 1535 AA-A5 6. Tim Sullivan 1548 AB-A5 6. Charles Hamm 1663 BD-B4
4. Bruce Maxwell 1535 AA-A5 7. Paul Toro 1536 AG-A4 7. Jeff Cierniak 1585 BE-B5
5. Jeffrey Lange 1535 AA-A5 8. Michael Fisher 1493 AB-A4 8. John Scivolette 1579 CG-C5
6. Hugh Mater 1535 AA-A5 9. Louis Giannobile 1493 AE-A4 9. Steve Scott 1535 AA-A4
7. Garth Germond 1535 AA-A5 10. Jess Stepanck 1493 AE-A4 10. John Welage 1530 AB-A5
8. Tom Constantine 1535 AA-A5 11. Charles Hickok 1462 AE-A4 11. John Selders 1528 AB-A5
9. Forest Speck 1535 AA-A5 12. Sean Smallman 1450 AE-A4 12. Kenneth Banyard 1473 AAA-5
10. Mark Bailey 1535 AA-A5 13. Michael Backstrom 1444 AE-A4 13. Rob Kilroy 1465 AB-A4
11. Michael Arnold 1535 AA-A5 14. Albert White 1360 BI—5 14. Richard Bliss 1461 AC-A4
12. Jeff Otto 1535 AA-A5 15. Donald Wilson 1259 BM-A4 15. William Voll 1461 AAA-5
13. William O’Neal 1535 AA-A5 16. Edward Snarski II 1447 BDAC5
14. Gordon Bliss 1535 AA-A5 Football Strategy 17. Chris Bauch
18. Dave Angus
1438
1430
AC-A4
AB-A4
15. Joe Bellas 1532 AB-A5 June 1, 1996 1 Active Players
16. Steve Katz 1500 AB-A5 19. Dan Thielen 1429 AC-A4
17. Sean Turner 1496 AB-A5 1. Michael Fitzgerald 1570 CECA5 20. Frank Fischer 1422 AC-A4
18. Peter Pollard 1465 AA-A5 21. Michael McAnnany 1392 AC-A4
19. Stanley Buck 1465 AA-A5 22. Shawn Filocamo 1377 AC-A5
20. William Rohrbeck 1465 AA-A5
Bull Run 23. Frank Lane 1369 AC-A4
21. Jerry Black 1465 AA-A5 June 1, 1996 3 Active Players 24. Al White 1340 AC-A4
22. Michael Scano 1465 AA-A5 1. Hank Burkhalter 1872 CDH-5
23. John Clere 1465 AA-A5 2. Mark Bayliss 1625 BBE-5
Super Star Baseball
24. Bryan Jackson 1465 AA-A5 3. John Elideye 1477 AAA-5 June 1, 1996 17 Active Players
25. Ken Kloby 1465 AA-A5
26. John Kirk 1465 AA-A5 1. Michael Ellsworth 1695 BC-A4
27. John O’Day 1465 AA-A5 Britannia 2. Joseph Dickson
3. David Baumgardner
1685
1590
BB—6
AB-A4
28. Robert Dwyer 1465 AA-A5 June 1, 1996 1 Active Players
29. Gary Gonzalez 1465 AA-A5 4. Michael Garton 1581 AB-A4
1. John Emory 1600 BB—6 5. Timothy Sullivan 1555 AA-A4
6. Bobby Laboon 1535 AB-A5
Decathlon 7. Randy Cox 1521 AA-A4
June 1, 1996 23 Active Players Civil War 8. Jared Scarborough 1518 AA-A4
June 1, 1996 1 Active Players 9. Mark Mitchell 1500 AA-A4
1. Bobby Laboon 1520 AL-A5 10. Joshua Garton 1500 AA-A4
2. John Coussis 1510 AL-A5 1. George Seary 1710 BB-A5 11. Thomas Campbell 1500 AA-A4
3. Andrew Lewis 1505 AL-A5 12. Stephen Campbell 1500 AA-A4
4. Thomas Johnston 1500 AL-A5 13. Roland LeBlanc 1500 AA-A4
5. Kevin Meyer 1499 AL-A5 Merchant Of Venus 14. Henry Flawd III 1500 AA-A4
6. C Lewis 1499 AL-A5 June 1, 1996 1 Active Players 15. Richard Post 1450 AA-A4
7. David Walrath 1499 AL-A5 16. William Fellin 1370 AA-A4
8. Ralph May III 1499 AL-A5 1. Scott Romanowski 1635 AB—4
17. Marcelo Triunfo 1240 BC-A4
9. ? Cousins 1499 AL-A5
10. Roger Cox 1499 AL-A5
11. ? Otto 1499 AL-A5 Games Without Active Players
12. Michael Ellsworth 1499 AL-A5
13. Mark Yoshikawa 1499 AL-A5 The following games have AREA rated games but no currently active players:
14. Peter Stein 1499 AL-A5
15. Peter Staab 1499 AL-A5
16. Jean Labelle 1499 AL-A5 Alexander Arab-Israeli Wars
17. Ben Goldstein 1499 AL-A5 Battle Of The Bulge ‘65 Fifth Fleet
18. Randy Cox 1499 AL-A5
19. John Emery 1499 AL-A5 Fury In The West Hitler’s War
20. Jeffrey Finkeldy 1499 AL-A5 Luftwaffe Napoleon’s Last Battles
21. Marcel Triunfo 1499 AL-A5
22. Joshua Dunn 1499 AL-A5 Panzergruppe Guderian Republic Of Rome
23. David Gantt 1499 AL-A5