Saturday, September 10, 2022

Chain of Command - Stalingrad

 Played my second Chain of Command game in over 3 years. Fun game, but definitely needed two experienced GM's to run it. I ran a German panzer unit, which did quite well. Played about 10 phases, which are similar to turns. It ended up being a close slugfest with me knocking out a KV-1 early in the game, as well as taking out an anti-tank rifle team. However, I lost a Panzer IV to another KV-1, and my buddy lost most of his infantry. The Russians did lose in overall command points (or whatever it's actually called). All in all a nice game, but as mentioned, mainly due to the experienced players running the game and doing the combat/shooting resolution. I can see the appeal for these rules over, say something more simple like Bolt Action (which is what I prefer), if you were to play these rules as a campaign. In fact, the two experienced buddies are planning a long-term campaign for Stalingrad - even working on a multi-level board with sewers, etc. I should also add that there were elements of other TFL rules - commanders' actions and die roll activations reminded me of Sharp Practice and What A Tanker, respectively.









Seems I've only been posting about once a month - mostly with games I've played in. Otherwise, things are going well enough - actually spending a lot of time with another hobby - playing guitar. Nothing serious, but I did pick up a couple of inexpensive "made in China" guitars which are more than sufficient for me. Until next time, wishing you all the best. 

32 comments:

  1. Wow! This is an amazing looking game! Have not played CoC in years either. I need to remedy that. Perhaps this winter when we are all confined to quarters I can get in a F2F game? Maybe.

    Good to see you are still active in the hobby.

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. Luckily I have a lot of gaming opportunities nearby. In fact, I have been invited to WAB and Saga games. I will definitely be joining in more often in a year or so, after I retire. Warmest regards, Dean

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  2. What a fantastic looking game. Awesome board. Thanks for sharing! I've never played CoC but a copy is sitting on my shelf.

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    1. Thanks a lot, John. Although I enjoyed the game (with the help of two experienced players), I prefer less complicated and faster playing rules. This game was over 5 hours, and still didn't get a definitive conclusion. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you, Alexey! Yes, not really my cup of tea - I'm much more of a beer and pretzels gamer. Kindest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Norm! Best regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks, Michal! It was a bit exhausting to play - kind of in the weeds rules, IMO. Warmest regards, Dean

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  6. Awesome looking game mate! I've played chain of command only a handful of times over the years but have enjoyed it each time. I've spent a while with other hobbies of late but glad to come back and see you are still posting. All the best.

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    1. Thanks, Nate! Yes, I was very happy to have played the rules - run by a buddy who really loves them. Warmest regards, Dean

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  7. CoC allows a managment that I like but I feel it's a bit slow for my taste as I'm used to Nuts! from THW. Anyway, I envy your table, minis (love those pz) and friends you have to play.

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    1. Thank you very much, Javier. I agree about the rules - I used to play Disposable Heroes, but later switched to Bolt Action - love the simplicity of the rules. Warmest regards, Dean

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  8. As everyone has commented Dean, a great looking table. I played a few games of CoC several years ago before we moved on to another set! Personally I quite enjoyed them but my recollection is, our games were predominantly infantry v infantry...I don't even recall how vehicle rules work! I haven't ever played Bolt Action...probably put off by the fact it's from Warlord, about who's existence I am at best ambivalent !

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    1. Thanks for the great comments, Keith. I found running just tanks easier than what my buddy wA doing with his infantry. I'm definitely a beer and pretzels gamer, so not planning on getting serious about CoC. I will play when it is run by others though. Warmest regards, Dean

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  9. Excellent looking game Dean. I like a lot of CoC mechanics. Sounds like good was had by all.

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    1. Thanks, Richard. Yes, my two buddies love the rules. Kindest regards, Dean

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  10. Wow! Looks great, Dean. I also have a copy of CoC, but haven't tried it yet. May do so in 20mm one day.

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    1. Thanks, Robert. It's has a feel similar to something like Sharp Practice - in that the leaders have abilities to enhance the play. Kindest regards, Dean

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  11. This is based on an WW2 Eastern Front scenario right? For some weird reason the Eastern Front is the war history I am most interested in, heck I have the most books on this topic though I barely find the time to read most of them ;)

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    1. Thank you very much, Kuan. Yes, it's supposed to be Eastern Front 1942, I think. I've usually played Western Front and N. Africa. Kindest regards, Dean

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  12. The table looks fantastic. Love the lonely chimneys.

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    1. Thank you much, Bartek! My buddy scratch-built most of the terrain, including the chimneys - he used toy wooden blocks and wrapped some with paper designed like bricks. This is definitely a scenario near and dear to his heart. Kindest regards, Dean

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  13. What a fantastic looking table Dean!!!

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    1. Thank you very much, Ray! I thought the same thing whenever I was taking pictures of it. In fact, I told my buddy how it was very "photogenic" :) Warmest regards, Dean

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  14. Splendid looking game, never tried the rule system but lots of people like it!
    Best Iain

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  15. Great looking game Dean. Figures, vehicles and terrain make it all really 'atmospheric'.
    I like a bit of detail in rules, especially for smaller actions. There is far too much fast-play stuff around for my old-fashioned tastes! :)
    Regards, James

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  16. Wonderful looking table Dean, inspirational stuff.

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  17. Great looking game Dean , eastern front is one of my favourite WW2 theatres 👍

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