The Battle of Moscow: The German Drive on Moscow, 1941 (1970) Board Game

The Battle of Moscow: The German Drive on Moscow, 1941 is a classic wargame that simulates the intense military campaign between the German Army and the Soviet Union during World War II. Designed by Redmond A. Simonsen and released in 1970, this game allows players to recreate the strategic decisions and battles that took place during the German invasion of Moscow in 1941.

Game Components of The Battle of Moscow: The German Drive on Moscow, 1941

Map: A hexagonal grid map depicting the area around Moscow where the battle took place.

Counters: Representing Soviet and German military units, with German units typically in field gray/light gray and Soviet units in red/pink.

Game Charts & Tables: Includes Combat Results Table (CRT), Terrain Effects Chart (TEC), and Turn Record Track.

Dice: A six-sided die for resolving combat.

How To Setup The Battle of Moscow: The German Drive on Moscow, 1941

To set up the game, players need to place the units according to the initial setup rules. The German player sets up units on designated hexes marked with black crosses, all at full strength. The Soviet player places reduced-strength Russian units on hexes marked with red stars. The Russian 1st Shock Army is placed as a reinforcement according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Structure: Each turn is divided into phases, with the first four phases belonging to the German player and the last four to the Soviet player. Phases include replacements, special movement (Panzer Movement for Germans, Rail Movement for Soviets), combat, and general movement.

Movement: Units move based on their movement allowance, with terrain and enemy zones of control affecting movement.

Combat: Resolved by comparing the combat strengths of units, using odds ratios and a Combat Results Table (CRT). Terrain effects and river crossings can modify the odds.

Objective: The German player aims to capture Moscow by the end of Game Turn 7. The Soviet player wins if they control Moscow and any other city. Any other result is a draw.

Player Experience

Playing “Battle for Moscow” offers a dynamic and strategic experience, particularly due to the unique movement phases for each player. The German player’s reliance on Panzer units for offensive maneuvers and the Soviet player’s use of rail movement to maintain defensive lines add a historical and tactical depth to the game. The game’s balance between simplicity and complexity makes it engaging for both new and experienced wargamers.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game captures the essence of the historical battle with accurate unit representations and terrain effects.

Strategic Depth: Unique movement phases and combat mechanics provide a rich strategic experience.

Balanced Gameplay: Suitable for players of varying experience levels, with options for handicaps to balance play.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be time-consuming and requires careful placement of units.

Luck Factor: Dice rolls can introduce unpredictability, affecting the outcome of battles.

Limited Replayability: The game’s scope is focused on a specific historical event, which might limit replayability compared to more general or campaign-based games.

Personal Thoughts on The Battle of Moscow: The German Drive on Moscow, 1941

This game is ideal for wargamers interested in World War II history, particularly the Eastern Front. It offers a balanced blend of strategy and historical accuracy, making it a great choice for both newcomers to wargaming and seasoned veterans. The unique mechanics and phased turns add a layer of complexity that enhances the gaming experience without overwhelming new players. If you’re looking for a game that combines historical detail with engaging gameplay, “Battle for Moscow” is an excellent choice.

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