The Great War Mini Tournament 5 - French

Togan has replaced Gabrielle in the draw, so back to 9 player Round Robin

Mark,

can you please add to the "running totals" number of games played?
That would be a real indicator how the results of everybody looks like.

Regards,
Michal

Scenario 245 Verdun (Across the Meuse) - 6-9 March 1916

EZPickins (French) 7 medals, 8 figures lost
Mirko (German) 0 medals, 25 figures lost

This proved to be another tough one for Mirko as the luck imbalance carried over from out last game. I was able to get my rear troops in the center into the frontline woods very early. The rest of the game Mirko assaulted my right and center the best he could but I always had cards to counter his. He hung in there but he just didn't get any breaks.

Scenario 242 - Verdun (Le Mort Homme) - 13-20 March 1916

Pickelhaube (Germans) 1 medals, 32 figures lost
Viridovilas (French) 6 medals, 13 figures lost

This time a good French hand, coupled with a few good rolls gave no chance to German. The Willem II army fiercely attacked on their left wing and on their centre but the French strong counter-battery artillery fire just made a slaughter of advancing forces. At the end of the battle the French forward observer unit heroically died trying to defend Le Mort Homme hills.

Scenario 241 - Verdun (Bois Des Caures) - 21-22 February 1916

Viridovilas (Germans) 1 medal, 28 figures lost
mk20336 (French) 6 medals, 12 figures lost

Very cruel game for Max. I had all the cards I needed, when I needed them plus used my favorite Special Personnel with devastating effect - potter. Quick German advance was also quickly held although my MG was reduced to 1 block. Try is he might, Max simply did not have cards to bring all his units forward. More in below log.

Scenario 248 - Verdun (Malancourt) - 20-22 March 1916

gotigerssc (Germans) 6 medal, 27 figures lost
theimann (French) 5 medals, 31 figures lost

Really close game that I had no business winning. I started by adding a spotter to one of my mortar units at the beginning - I'll get back to that point. Most of the fighting took place on the German right in the woods and trench. I was able to push through the woods and take control of the trench at the end. Before I took my last turn I had my half strength elite unit holding the trench against three French units on the hill, and I was out of cards on that side. Was also down 4-5. Luckily I had a storm of fire and mortar barrage to play together for the win. Lethal combo when combined with two spotters. It wiped out two full strength French units (one in the bunker and one no retreat on the hill) using 3 mortar units and a MG unit. Cards certainly favored me in this one. Good luck to Tom the rest of the way!

Scenario 245 Verdun (Across the Meuse) - 6-9 March 1916

toganalper (French) 7 medals, 11 figures lost
EZPickins (German) 2 medals, 29 figures lost




The Fench decided very early to push forward and leave the trenches and establish a defensive line at the forest.
With the help of good shooting and lucky cards the French stopped the Germans before they were able to seek cover in the forest or move any further. All the action took place in the center and the French left section.

John was as always a very very pleasant person to play with. I am glad I joined the Tournament an looking forward to play with all off you

Scenario 244 - Verdun (Fort Douamont) 25 February 1916
toganalper(German) 6 medals, 22 figures lost
EZPickins(French) 4 medals, 22 figures lost



The Germans decided to move along the forest on their left wing and use the cover until close to the mortar location. When the French realised the threat and shifted some force to their right flank the Germans moved in with their flamethrower to Dououmont and destroyed the French troops there. That was enough for the French to surrender with the slightest of the margin.

Scenario 247 -Verdun (Fort Vaux) - 7-8 March 1916

mk20336 (Germans) 7 medal, 21 figures lost
MarkMcG (French) 4 medals, 24 figures lost

Exciting game, although none of the Germans made even to the vicinity of the Fort Vaux.
My initial attack on two fortified positions was not so succesful as I expected, but the Replacements card saved me.
I was not able to to make any headway in the left sector but the right one observed Germans flooding through the French ranks.

Tough game as always with Mark but victory in the end.

Scenario 241 - Verdun (Bois Des Caures) - 21-22 February 1916

mk20336 (Germans) 6 medals, 12 figures lost
EZPickins (French) 2 medals, 28 figures lost

Played that scenario with Max 3 days ago and it went completely different. This time I was leading Germans and I was attacking.
First I pushed on right and was on verge on collapse but managed to withstand John's counter-attack. Then Infantry Assault on left wing change the balance of game and brought the final victory.

Big thanks to John for playing the game!