Red Winter: The Soviet Attack at Tolvajärvi, Finland – 8-12 December 1939 (2012) Board Game

Red Winter: The Soviet Attack at Tolvajärvi, Finland – 8-12 December 1939 is a board game that recreates the historical battle between the Soviet Union and Finland during the Winter War of

The game focuses on the fierce fighting that took place at Tolvajärvi, where Finnish forces managed to repel a Soviet attack.

Game Components of Red Winter: The Soviet Attack at Tolvajärvi, Finland – 8-12 December 1939

Maps: Includes the original Tolvajärvi battle map and a new map for the Battle of Kelja, featuring a wide, frozen river.

Counters: Various unit counters representing Finnish and Soviet forces, including infantry, artillery, and tanks.

Rules: Comprehensive rulebook detailing game mechanics and setup.

Other Components: Player aids, dice, and markers for tracking game state.

How To Setup Red Winter: The Soviet Attack at Tolvajärvi, Finland – 8-12 December 1939

Setting up the game involves placing the maps, deploying the respective forces according to the scenario, and preparing the necessary counters and player aids. The Soviet player must determine their river crossing strategy for the Battle of Kelja, while the Finnish player must position their forces to defend against the incoming Soviet attack. The game includes detailed setup instructions in the rulebook to ensure a accurate and balanced start to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The Soviet player aims to establish a beachhead, supply and reinforce their troops, and capture key forts, towns, and roads. The Finnish player must prevent the Soviet breakout and defend their territory.

Turn Structure: 90-minute game turns, with a focus on company-sized combat units.

Combat Mechanics: Involves using heavy machine guns, artillery, and limited tank support to engage enemy forces.

Supply and Reinforcement: Critical for both sides, especially for the Soviets to maintain their beachheads and for the Finns to bolster their defenses.

Player Experience

Playing **Red Winter** immerses you in the intense and fluid battles of the Winter War. The game demands strategic thinking and flexibility, as both players must adapt to the dynamic frontline and exploit their opponent’s mistakes. The Finnish player faces the daunting task of defending against a numerically superior Soviet force, while the Soviet player must manage their river crossings and supply lines to achieve their objectives. The game’s scale and mechanics ensure a high level of realism and historical accuracy.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Faithfully recreates the battles of the Winter War with detailed mechanics and components.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and adaptability from both players.

High Replayability: Multiple scenarios, including the new Battle of Kelja, offer varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complexity: Medium to high complexity, which may deter new players.

Long Playtime: Games can last from 20 to 720 minutes, depending on the scenario.

Component Intensity: Managing numerous counters and rules can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Red Winter: The Soviet Attack at Tolvajärvi, Finland – 8-12 December 1939

**Red Winter** is tailored for enthusiasts of historical wargames and those interested in the Winter War. It offers a unique and challenging experience, particularly for players who enjoy strategic depth and historical accuracy. While it may not be the best introduction for new players due to its complexity, it is a rewarding game for those willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics. This game is ideal for those who appreciate the nuances of company-level combat and the dynamic nature of the Winter War battles.

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