Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau (2021) Board Game

Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau is a wargame set during World War II that focuses on the Soviet counter-offensives against the German forces in the Eastern Front. The game covers the period from May to August 1942, including the battles near Kharkov in Ukraine. Players take on the roles of the German and Soviet commanders, strategizing and maneuvering their forces to achieve victory on the battlefield.

Game Components of Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau

Map: Each hexagon represents just over ten kilometers (6.5 miles).

Counters: Represent various units, including Corps, Army, and mechanized divisions, each with specific symbols and colors to differentiate nationalities and unit sizes.

Dice: Uses one ten-sided die (results 0-9) for all die rolls.

Rubble Markers: Used to represent the effects of aerial bombardments on cities.

Strength Chits: Not used for certain units like HQ, cadre, and some smaller divisions.

Support Points (SP): For the Axis Player to allocate support to corps HQ units.

How To Setup Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau

Setting up the game involves placing the map, distributing the counters according to the scenario being played, and ensuring each player has the necessary components. The game starts with a Preparation Stage, followed by two player turns per Game-Turn. The setup is detailed, with specific rules for unit placement and initial conditions based on the scenario selected.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Scale: Each hexagon is about 10 kilometers, and each Game-Turn represents three days of real time.

Unit Movement and Combat: Units move and fight according to their size and type, with rules for stacking, combat strength, and losses.

Command & Control: Units must adhere to command range and movement point allowances, with color coding to reflect parent armies or groups.

Air Support: Aerial bombardments can create rubble markers, affecting subsequent combat and movement.

Support Allocation: The Axis Player must allocate Support Points to prioritize fuel and attack potential for their units.

Objective: The game aims to simulate the historical battles, with the objective being to control key areas and defeat the opposing forces.

Player Experience

Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau offers a deep and complex wargaming experience, appealing to those who enjoy strategic and tactical gameplay. Players must manage resources, allocate support, and make critical decisions about unit deployment and combat. The game’s attention to historical detail and its use of the Fall Blau system make it a challenging yet rewarding experience for fans of wargames.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates the Second and Third Battles of Kharkov.

Complex Strategy: Requires careful planning and resource management.

Detailed Mechanics: Includes rules for air support, rubble effects, and command & control.

Replayability: Multiple scenarios and variable setup ensure different experiences.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Complex rules may be daunting for new players.

Time-Consuming: Each Game-Turn represents three days, and the game can be lengthy.

Availability: Currently out of stock at some retailers.

Personal Thoughts on Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau

Kharkov Battles: Before & After Fall Blau is tailored for experienced wargamers who appreciate detailed, historically accurate simulations. It is not a game for beginners due to its complex rules and deep strategic layering. For those who enjoy the Fall Blau system and are interested in the Eastern Front battles of World War II, this game offers a rich and immersive experience. However, new players may find the learning curve too steep, and the game’s length may deter those looking for quicker gameplay sessions.

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