1914: Offensive à outrance
1914: Offensive à outrance Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Introduction
- 1.0 Reference Section
- 2.0 How to Read the Units
- 3.0 General Game Concepts
- 4.0 The Sequence of Play
- 5.0 Attachment and Army Organizational Displays
- 6.0 Combat Effectiveness
- 7.0 Movement
- 7.1 Basic Rules of Movement
- 7.2 Forced Marches
- 7.3 Prepared Attack (PA)
- 7.4 Repulse
- 7.5 Combat Effectiveness Recovery
- 7.6 Constructing IPs during Movement—see 14.0.
- 7.7 Railroad (RR) Transport
- 7.8 Insufficient Movement Points—Tasks
- 7.9 Naval Transport (Allies Only)
- 7.10 Depot Movement and Relocation—see 15.6.3 and 15.6.4.
- 8.0 Specific Unit Type Characteristics
- 9.0 Combat
- 10.0 Post-Combat Effectiveness Checks
- 11.0 Retreat & Advance After Combat
- 12.0 Fortress Units
- 13.0 Fortress Bombardment & Siege-Artillery
- 14.0 Improved Positions (IPs)
- 15.0 Supply
- 16.0 Reinforcements, Substitutions, Withdrawals & Replacements
- 17.0 Army-Level Reinforcements & Detachments
- 18.0 Railroad (RR) Lines
- 19.0 Two-Hex Units
- 20.0 Preparatory Bombardment
- 21.0 Allied Special Rules
- 22.0 French Special Rules
- 23.0 British Special Rules
- 24.0 Belgian Special Rules
- 25.0 German Special Rules
- 26.0 Strategic Plans
- 27.0 Determining Victory
Foreword
1914 Offensive à outrance is for players who want to truly "feel" the flow of the epic campaign fought in France 1914. The campaign was a massive heavy weight bout that matched the might of Imperial Germany against everything France could muster. In August 1914, when Millionenheere collided, they suffered enormous, seemingly irreplaceable losses. However, these losses were replaced and the armies, and their divisions, continued to battle as if the losses had not been suffered at all. Prior to the war it was assumed that it would be a short-lived campaign, therefore the belligerents fought like there would be no tomorrow. But the campaign did not end quickly and as it progressed the reality that it would not end quickly set-in. And then as winter came, so did stalemate.
The campaign was fought in stages or sub-campaigns. The first stage was the German attempt to outflank the French fortress line by marching through Belgium. This ended at the Battle of the Marne where the pursuit of the withdrawing Germans began the next stage. When the allied pursuit came to a standstill a third stage began, the so-called Race to the Sea, in which both armies tried to outflank the other. The last push, or final stage prior to stalemate, culminated in November at the First Battle of Ypres.
The game 1914 Offensive à outrance strives to realistically model this amazing campaign and all its stages. Players are advised to play this game like the historical campaign was fought, that is, players should strive to achieve mid-range goals. Players should not give priority to seeking small temporary gains or inflicting insignificant losses upon the enemy. By the same token, planning for the end game is an error. Players must keep their mid-range goals in mind and then, most importantly, have the patience to watch their efforts take shape. It is not desirable, or even possible, to make quick changes to ones' plans. Stay steady and keep in mind that you can recover from defeat and conversely that the complete destruction of the enemy is nigh impossible.
Because 1914 Offensive à outrance is a model of the campaign, for best results, players are urged to mutually decide what their gaming goals are prior to play. Is the goal to learn about the historical campaign while having fun? Then please accept the belligerent's Strategic Plans as your own. Don't try to out-think the victory conditions. The Strategic Plans are not dummy rules. Is the goal to experiment with possible alt-historical alternatives? If so, please discuss this with your opponent prior to play. Either way, if your choice is historical or alternative, please follow-through with your plans and remember to have patience. The campaign being modeled is long and grand therefore the game cannot be played hastily. Playing with composure and resoluteness will lead to a rich and rewarding experience.
IMPORTANT: For best results setting-up the game please follow the Set-Up Instructions found in the Play Book.
Introduction
1914 Offensive à outrance is a game modeling World War One's opening campaigns on the Western Front.
Scale: One hex = 8 kilometers. Each game turn represents from two to four days of time depending on the season.
1.0 Reference Section
1.1 Important Terms and Concepts
Army: The highest level of military organization represented in the game. All units are part of (i.e., attached to) an Army.
Asset Unit: Combat-type units that are not a Formation and all Fort and Artillery type units are Asset units.
Assignment: An Asset Unit stacked with a Formation is "Assigned" to that Formation.
Attachment Marker: Attachment Markers are placed on the Organizational Displays (not on the map) and are used to show a Formation's relationship within an Army or Corps.
Attacker: In the Attack Phase the phasing player is the Attacker. In the Counter Attack Phase the Non-Phasing Player is the Attacker.
Combat Effectiveness Level: The CEL is calculated by subtracting the Formations' current CE Status from its base CE.
Combat Effectiveness Status: A Formation's current CE Status is indicated by the CE marker. The Status can be –1, –2, –3, CI, D1, D2.
Combat-Type: All Infantry and Cavalry type units are Combat-type units. (The terms Combat-type Unit and Combat Unit are synonyms.)
Corps: An intermediate military organization subordinate to an Army, to which some units may be attached.
Division-Equivalents: To allow comparison of units of differing sizes this game uses Division-Equivalents.
Division-Equivalents Summary:
| Value | Units |
|---|---|
| 1 | Infantry Division (XX), Cavalry Corps (XXX), Corps Train |
| ½ | Infantry Brigade (X), Cavalry Division (XX) |
| ¼ | Infantry Regiment (III), Cavalry Brigade (X) |
| 0 | Cavalry Rgt. (III), Artillery, HQ, Fort*, Fortress**, Depot |
* Counts as ½ Div.-equivalent on the Artillery Table ** Counts as 1 Div.-equivalent on the Artillery Table
Force: A "Force" can consist of either (1) at most one Formation along with a maximum of two Asset Units assigned to it (and a Fort unit), or (2) one or two Asset Units (and a Fort unit) stacked together but not stacked with a Formation.
Formation: A Combat unit that has a corresponding Attachment marker. (The unit and Attachment marker have the same ID.)
Fortified Camp: Any hexes with IPs printed on the map that contain two or more Fortress units with the same ID and all hexes within the perimeter of those IPs.
Friendly Map Edges: Map edges considered friendly to the Allied player are those that fall within the borders of France, for the German player those within the borders of Germany. Map edges that fall within the borders of The Netherlands or Switzerland are considered friendly to neither player.
Inactive: Some armies and individual units begin a scenario Inactive. If an army is Inactive, all attached units cannot conduct a task, move, or attack. If an individual unit is attacked, it is activated and defends normally. In some cases individual units are marked Inactive (i.e. the army is active but not the unit). Such a unit cannot conduct a task, move, or attack until activated.
- If an enemy unit moves adjacent to an Inactive Cavalry unit, the Cavalry unit is activated (and can react normally).
Independent: Not attached to a corps.
LOC: A Line of Communications is the RR line hex occupied by a supply unit and all contiguous friendly operational RR line hexes that lead from that unit to a friendly map edge or Army Base marker and that do not pass through an EZOC (unless occupied by a friendly unit).
Movement Points: Are expended each time a unit crosses a hexside as it moves from one hex to another. A unit must pay the MP cost of the hexside, which is dependent on the hexside's terrain (7.1.3) and that may be increased by the presence of an EZOC (7.1.6).
Movement Point Allowance: All units that can move have a MP allowance of 9 during their Movement Phase and of 5 MPs during their Counter Movement Phase.
Organizational Display: Each army has an Army Organizational Display that is used to record the "Attachment" of each Formation and Corps.
Steps: Fortress units consist of one or more Steps. Only Fortress units have Steps.
Supply Line: A unit's Supply Line is a path of hexes that does not pass through enemy units, nor through a hex in an EZOC that is not also friendly occupied or in a friendly unit's ZOC.
Task: Certain activities which may be performed by a unit at a cost in MPs, but which do not involve moving from hex to hex are Tasks. These are engaging in Combat Effectiveness Recovery (7.5), entraining and detraining (7.7.3), and constructing an IP (14.3).
Two-Hex Status: A unit that occupies two hexes. Such a unit is known as a Two-Hex Unit and is represented on-map with a double-sized rectangular marker.
Unit Size: A unit's size indicator is found just above a unit's type symbol and is one of the following (in order of largest to smallest): XXX Corps, XX Division, X Brigade, III Regiment. (E.g., a unit with a XX above its type-symbol is of "division-size.") Note that a Division-Equivalent unit may not be a division-sized unit.
1.2 Rules Terminology Conventions
Allied/Allies: All French, British, and Belgian units are Allied units. Rules that affect only a specific nationality will specifically mention that nation.
Artillery Type: Artillery type units include: Artillery, Siege-Artillery, and Siege-Train HQ units. In all cases, the word "artillery" refers to all units that are of Artillery Type, unless specifically mentioned.
Attack Phase: In all cases the term "attack phase" refers to both the phasing player's Attack Phase and the Non-Phasing Player's Counter Attack Phase. If an activity is restricted to only one of those attack phases, that attack phase will be specifically mentioned. (Specific references to a specific phase are capitalized.)
Bombardment vs. Combat/Attack: All contests that consist of deployed Siege-Artillery firing are always specifically termed Bombardment (i.e., Siege-Artillery Bombards). All other forms of combat are termed combats or attacks.
Cavalry Type: Cavalry type units include: cavalry, Jaeger, and LOC Cavalry units. In all cases the word "cavalry" refers to all units that are of Cavalry Type, unless specifically mentioned.
Corps vs. Cavalry Corps: In all cases the term "corps" refers to a Corps with a Corps Train unit. The term "cavalry corps" refers to a cavalry Formation and is the size-equivalent of an infantry division.
Fortress Units: In all cases the term "Fortress" refers to both Fortress1 and Fortress2 units.
Infantry Type: Infantry type units include: infantry, Chasseurs Alpins, garrison, and LOC Infantry units. In all cases the word "infantry" refers to all units that are of Infantry Type, unless specifically mentioned.
Movement Phase: In all cases the term "movement phase" refers to both the phasing player's Movement Phase and the Non-Phasing Player's Counter Movement Phase. If an activity is restricted to only one of those movement phases, that movement phase will be specifically mentioned. (Specific references to a specific phase are capitalized.)
Path: A line of contiguous hexes traced from one hex to another.
Ranges: All ranges are calculated from the hex projecting the range (exclusive), to the hex receiving it (inclusive).
Stack: One or more units located in a hex.
Supply: In all cases the term "supply" refers to both Provisions received during the Supply Phase and Ammo received during the attack phases.
1.3 Abbreviations
- Ammo: Ammunitions
- AoA: Army Area of Attachment
- AS: Attack Strength
- AV: Artillery Value
- Bk: RR Line Bottleneck
- CE (CEL): Combat Effectiveness (Combat Effectiveness Level)
- CI: Combat Ineffective
- CRT: Combat Results Table
- DRM: Die (Dice) Roll Modifier
- DS: Defense Strength
- EC: Effectiveness Check
- FC: Fortress Class
- GT: Game Turn
- HQ: Siege-Train Headquarters
- ID: Identification
- IP: Improved Position
- LOC: Line of Communications
- MP: Movement Point
- PA: Prepared Attack
- PR: Proficiency Rating
- Prep: Preparatory
- REPL: Replacements
- RND: British Royal Naval Division
- RP: Rail Point
- RR: Railroad
- SR: Strength Reduction
- VP: Victory Points
- ZOC (EZOC): Zone of Control (Enemy ZOC)
- 1d6 (2d6): One six-sided die (two dice)
2.0 How to Read the Units
Units represent the troops that took part in the campaign. Attachment markers do not represent troops but are used to show the Army, and, in some cases, the Corps to which the corresponding unit is attached. Units are always placed on the map. Attachment markers are always placed on the Army Organizational Displays.
Unit Nationality Color Scheme:
- Light Blue — French
- Blue — Belgians
- Khaki — British
- Gray — German
- Blue-Gray — Austro-Hungarian (considered Germans)
Cavalry units have two colors on their counters, the top half being the national color.
2.1 Summary of Unit Categories and Types
Combat Units:
- Infantry type: Infantry, Chasseurs Alpins, Garrison Infantry (G), LOC Infantry (LOC)
- Cavalry type: Cavalry, Jaeger (J), LOC Cavalry (LOC)
The front of a Combat unit's counter displays the unit's full strength side; the back (if it has one) shows its reduced strength side. A unit's reduced strength side is indicated with a thin light color band. A few units have a second counter to depict additional strength reductions. These counters have a number of bands indicating the number of strength reductions.
A sample Combat unit counter shows: Unit ID, Unit Size, Artillery Value, Unit type symbol, Attack Strength, Proficiency Rating, Defense Strength, and (on the reduced-strength side) the Reduced-Strength Color Band. An Asset Unit's ID is printed in italics. A Combo Substitution Indicator dot may also appear. A Territorial-type unit additionally shows its Base Combat Effectiveness and, on Garrison-type units, a Garrison Range number.
Fort Units, Artillery Units, Supply Units, and Fortress Units: Fort, Artillery, Siege-Artillery, Siege-Train HQ, Army Depot, Corps Train, Fortress1, and Fortress2 units are each covered in their own subsections below.
2.3.1 Attack Strength (AS): The unit's strength when attacking.
2.3.2 Defense Strength (DS): The unit's strength when defending.
2.3.3 Proficiency Rating (PR): The unit's relative skill in combat.
2.3.4 Artillery Value (AV): The amount of artillery the unit contributes when in combat.
2.3.5 Garrison Range: On some Garrison units a white hexagon is printed containing a number—Garrison units only, see 8.6.
2.3.6 Base Combat Effectiveness—Asset Units only, see 5.5.2.
2.2 Unit Information Explanations—Common Notations
Important Note: Unlike in many games, units in 1914 Offensive à outrance do not have movement allowances shown on the counters—see 7.1.
2.2.1 Identifiers (IDs): Identifies a unit and its relationship, if any, with an Army or Corps. Army units bear only their Army ID. Corps Train units bear only their Corps ID. Other units' IDs will be displayed in one of two ways: either as an individual ID, or as a sequence if it is attached to a corps. The first designation (or only designation) is the individual unit's ID, while the second designation is the unit's corps' ID (found inside a colored box).
EXAMPLE 1: A unit with the ID 80t is identified as the 80th Territorial and is an independent Formation.
EXAMPLE 2: An infantry division with ID 39 15 (with the 15 in a colored box) is identified as the 39th Division attached to the 15th Corps.
EXAMPLE 3: A German infantry division with the ID BELGIEN, and in small letters to the right Marine, is identified as the Marine Division subordinated to AG BELGIEN. The division is an independent Formation that must remain attached to AG Belgien.
2.2.2 Size Indicator: A unit's size is one of the following (in order of largest to smallest): XXX Corps, XX Division, X Brigade, III Regiment.
2.2.3 Combo Substitution Indicator Dot—see 16.3 & 16.4.
2.3 Combat Units
(See 2.1 above for the sample Combat unit counter layout and field explanations.)
2.4 Fort Units
The front of a Fort unit's counter displays its Fort side; the back (if it has one) shows its Infantry unit side. Fort unit characteristics—see 8.5. A sample Fort unit counter shows: Unit ID, Base Combat Effectiveness, Artillery Value, Asset Unit ID (in italics), Unit type symbol, Unit Size, Abandonment number, Proficiency Rating, and Defense Strength.
2.4.1 Defense Strength (DS): The unit's strength when defending.
2.4.2 Proficiency Rating (PR): The unit's relative skill in combat.
2.4.3 Artillery Value (AV): The amount of artillery the unit contributes when in combat.
2.4.4 Base Combat Effectiveness—see 5.5.2.
2.4.5 Abandonment Number—see 8.5.2.
2.5 Artillery and HQ Units
Artillery and HQ unit characteristics—see 8.8. A sample Artillery unit counter shows: Unit ID (italics = Asset unit), Artillery Value, Attack Strength, Unit type symbol, Defense Strength, Number of Guns, Caliber, and (on Siege-Artillery, on the back) the Deployed Symbol.
2.5.1 Attack Strength (AS): The unit's strength when attacking.
2.5.2 Defense Strength (DS): The unit's strength when defending.
2.5.3 Artillery Value (AV): The amount of artillery the unit contributes when in combat.
2.5.4 Garrison Range: On some Artillery units a white hexagon is printed containing a number—see 8.6.2.
2.5.5 Caliber: Siege-Artillery units only—see 13.0.
2.5.6 Number of Guns: Siege-Artillery units only.
Sample Attachment Markers show a Formation's Unit ID, Formation Size, Base Combat Effectiveness, Corps Attachment, a triangle indicating the backside, Corps ID, Size, and Corps Attachment Limit.
2.6 Supply Units
Supply unit characteristics—see 15.6. A sample Supply unit counter shows: Unit ID, Attachment Identifier, Supply Range, Extended Range, Unit type symbol, and (on the back) the Ammo Provision Limit and the RR Movement only indicator.
2.6.1 Supply Range: The number of hexes over which the unit can project supply.
2.6.2 Ammo Provision Limit: The maximum amount of Ammo a supply unit can provide during a GT. The provision limit is found inside a white box on the back of the unit. (There is no provision limit when on their front-sides.)
2.6.3 RR Movement Only: "R" denotes that the unit may only move along RR tracks.
2.7 Fortress Units
Fortress unit characteristics—see 12.0. A sample Fortress unit counter shows on the front: Unit ID, Artillery Value, Defense Strength, Exterior Garrison indicator, Supply Source symbol, Fortress Class, and Steps; and on the back: Unit type symbol and Setup Hex.
2.7.1 Basic Combat Strength: The unit's strength when defending in combat.
2.7.2 Artillery Value: The amount of artillery the unit contributes when defending in combat.
2.7.3 Exterior Garrison Indicator: Found on the front side of every Fortress unit, it indicates that the Fortress unit has an exterior garrison.
2.7.4 Supply Symbol: Identifies the Fortress unit as a supply source—see 15.1.4.
2.7.5 Fortress Class (FC): A Fortress unit's Class rating represents its ability to withstand bombardments by enemy Siege-Artillery. The ratings are A, B and C, 'A' being the most modern and having the greatest ability to resist enemy bombardment.
2.7.6 Steps: The number of steps in the unit. As steps are lost a Step Loss marker is placed beneath a unit to indicate the number of steps lost.
2.8 Attachment Markers
Every Formation, and each Corps Train unit, has a corresponding Attachment marker bearing the same unique identifier (ID). Attachment markers are placed on the Organizational Displays (not on the map) and are used to show attachment relationships within an Army.
- Most Attachment markers are one-sided. If an Attachment marker has a backside the front side will have a white triangle pointing to the lower right-hand corner. This side is used first in the game. The side with the triangle pointing to the upper left is the side used second in the game.
- Units whose ID is followed by a plus (+) or minus (–) sign use the Attachment marker without the plus or minus sign (e.g., ID 26+ uses ID 26).
2.8.1 Unit Size Indicator: A Formation's size is one of the following: XXX Corps, XX Division, X Brigade.
2.8.2 Formation's Base Combat Effectiveness: Measures intangibles like organization, training, leadership, morale and stamina.
2.8.3 Cavalry Formations: Cavalry Formation attachment markers have two colors and are marked with a diagonal stripe.
2.8.4 Corps Attachment Limit: The maximum number of division-equivalent Formations that may be attached to a corps.
3.0 General Game Concepts
3.1 Stacking—General Rule
Stacking refers to the placing of one or more units in a hex. Friendly units cannot stack with enemy units (Exception: enemy Fortress units without an exterior garrison—see 12.1.3). Moving and retreating units can freely enter and pass through stacks of friendly units without restriction.
- Special—see 19.0 Two-Hex Status.
3.1.1 Stacking Limits: No more than THREE-and-ONE-HALF division-equivalents (1.1) can occupy a hex at the END of any friendly movement phase.
3.1.2 Combat Stacking Conditions: No more than TWO-and-ONE-QUARTER division-equivalents can attack FROM or defend IN any one hex during an attack phase. Of this, no more than two units can be Asset Units and of these Asset Units no more than one can be an Artillery unit.
- Fort units do not count toward the Asset unit limit.
- When more units are stacked in a hex than are allowed to participate in combat, the excess unit(s) must be Withheld (9.2.5).
3.1.2a Combat Stacking in Steep Mountain Terrain: When defending in, or attacking into or out of, a Steep Mountain hex the number of division-equivalents that can participate in combat is reduced to ONE-and-ONE-QUARTER. Of this, no more than two units can be Asset Units and none can be an Artillery unit.
Stacking Limits Summary:
| Phase | Limit per hex |
|---|---|
| End of friendly Movement Phase | 3½ division-equivalents |
| Attacking or Defending | 2¼ division-equivalents (max. two Asset Units, max. one Artillery unit) |
| Steep Mountain terrain: Attacking/Defending from/into/in | 1¼ division-equivalents (max. two Asset Units, no Artillery units) |
3.1.3 Over-Stacking Effects: At the end of any movement phase, if the stacking limit is exceeded the excess is eliminated by the owning player.
Exception: No units are eliminated if an over-stack situation cannot be rectified due to the presence of enemy PA markers.
PLAY NOTE: Over-stacking may occur legally as a result of a retreat after combat, cavalry reaction movement, cavalry retirement, Corps Train retreat, or a scheduled reinforcement. It cannot legally occur due to Advance after combat.
3.1.4 Entrained Units: Units bearing a Rail Mode marker do not count toward stacking limits.
3.1.5 Order of Stacking: The top unit in a stack (the unit revealed to the opponent) is dependent upon the stack's contents and its proximity to the enemy. If one of the following units is present it must be placed on top in this order of priority:
Stacking Order by Enemy Proximity:
| Order | Enemy Not Adjacent | Enemy Adjacent |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Cavalry | Largest Formation w/best PR |
| Next | Infantry Formation w/best PR | Demoralized units |
| Next | Demoralized units | Fort, Fortress |
| Next | Fort, Fortress | Asset Unit w/best PR |
| Next | Asset Unit w/best PR | HQ, Artillery |
| Next | HQ, Artillery | Supply unit |
| Bottom | Supply unit | — |
If two units of the same size (i.e. Division, Brigade, Regiment—see 2.2.2) and same Proficiency Rating are stacked together, the owning player decides which one to stack on top.
Design Intention: The goal of this rule is to provide the active player with the relevant information without touching the enemy's units.
3.1.6 Limited Intelligence: A player cannot examine the contents of an enemy-occupied hex except by observing the unit placed on top of the stack. A player that has initiated an attack against a hex may ask to know the ID, unit type, and size of any other units in the hex. At no time may a player lift up, turn over, or in any way expose the nature of a unit in any enemy hex. In no case may a player examine the strength of an opponent's units.
PLAY NOTE: Some playtesters felt VERY strongly that at no time should their opponent look under their top unit counter. The rule's intention is that a player should receive very little information concerning the enemy. Due to the nature of board games, players already have far more information (both about their own and enemy forces) then the actual commanders had.
3.1.6a Informational Markers: A player may observe the top unit of an enemy stack under any kind of informational marker at any time.
PLAY NOTE: The rules, as a convention, generally state informational markers are "placed upon" units. Players may feel free to place such markers (except IPs and PAs) under the affected units to further withhold information from the enemy. IP and IP MP Expended markers are always the top most counters of a stack.
Prepared Attack markers are always put on top of the units that have placed them. Units in the same hex that have not expended the required MPs are put on top of the PA marker. In this way both players know which unit(s) have or do not have a PA marker.
3.1.7 Limited Intelligence 2: A player can place "blank" white markers under his Attachment markers to reduce the amount of information his opponent is able to gather.
3.2 Force—General Rule
In 1914 Offensive à outrance the "Force" is the primary maneuver and combat grouping. A Force can consist of either (1) a Formation unit along with a maximum of two assigned Asset Units (and a Fort unit), or (2) one or two Asset Units (and a Fort unit) stacked together but not stacked with a Formation unit. A Force can never contain more than one Formation but can be as small as one unit.
3.2.1 Important Rules affected by the Force Concept:
- Movement: No more than one Force may move at a time. (I.e., a group of units cannot move as a stack if it consists of more than one Force.)
- Combat: Combat is conducted per Force. For the attacker Terrain effects are applied per Force. After combat each individual Force must make a Combat Effectiveness Check.
3.3 Zones of Control (ZOC)
The six hexes (or eight hexes—see 19.1) immediately surrounding a unit constitute the unit's ZOC. All Combat units, and Fortress units with an infantry symbol, project a ZOC. All other types of units, and Combat units in Rail Mode (7.7.4), do not project a ZOC.
DESIGN NOTE: A ZOC should be thought of as a Zone of Influence. Units don't actually control the hexes around them; they influence them.
3.3.1 Terrain and ZOC: ZOCs extend into and out of any hex and over any hexside except across Sea or Mountain Ridge hexsides.
3.3.2 ZOCs and Supply/Isolation: When tracing a supply line (15.3) the presence of a friendly unit's ZOC (excluding those projected by the units in the hex to which supply is being traced) negates the presence of an EZOC. When checking if a unit is Isolated (15.5) the unit's own ZOC, as well as a friendly unit's ZOC, negate the presence of an EZOC.
3.3.3 Other ZOC Rules Summary:
- For the effects of EZOCs upon movement—see 7.1.6.
- EZOCs and Poor Cavalry Doctrine—see 8.4.
- ZOCs and Flank Attacks—see 9.5.
- ZOCs and Retreat after Combat—see 11.1.
3.4 Hex Control
At any specific moment, a player controls all the hexes fully behind his armies' "Front Lines" and any hexes that were previously behind his armies' Front Lines that have not been changed to enemy control.
Design Intention: The intention is that an Army must pass over an area to gain control of it. Individual units cannot take control of a hex.
PLAY NOTE: During the game, especially in Flanders, there may be a situation where it is difficult to remember territorial control. Players are encouraged to use blank markers to record the extent of German controlled territory.
3.4.1 Army Front Line Definition: An Army's Front Line is an imaginary line that connects the hexes occupied by all the friendly Infantry Formations (excluding LOC units) attached to that specific army that are closest to the enemy and any unoccupied hexes that are directly between two such units that are not between enemy units and their (the enemy's) supply sources. The line may pass between enemy units and their supply sources only through hexes that are either friendly occupied or in a friendly ZOC. This imaginary line is drawn from hex to hex (inclusive) between friendly Infantry Formations that are adjacent or closest together but not further than three hexes apart. An Army's Front Line does not extend beyond the last friendly unit on either extremity. Individual units (or a group of units) that are more than three hexes away from the nearest unit in the main concentration of an army are not included in the Front Line. (This is important for RR Engineering—see 18.2.)
EXAMPLE: In a sample deployment, a German Front Line and an adjoining French Front Line are drawn as dashed lines connecting the closest friendly Infantry Formations of each army, and the hexes behind each line are that side's controlled territory. In one ambiguous hex not clearly behind either dashed line, the example notes that there is not enough information to know which side controls it—during play such a hex would be controlled by the side that controlled it last.
3.4.2 Adjoining Front and Open Flank: Multiple armies next to each other facing the enemy form an Adjoining Front. Two armies are adjoined if their closest Formations are not further than three hexes apart. If a player's Adjoining Front does not connect to the sea, or to the border of The Netherlands, the front is said to have an Open Flank. For the Allies, the Belgian Army is not considered unless adjoining another Allied Army. For the German, AG Belgien is not considered unless adjoining another army.
If a player is determined to have an Open Flank then:
For the German, draw an imaginary line between Brussels (48.20) and the most northern Infantry Formation unit (not LOC) of the most northern German army in France. All hexes south of this line (inclusive) are behind the German's Front Line.
For the Allies, draw an imaginary line between Rouen (09.25) and the most northern Infantry Formation unit of the most northern Allied army in France. All hexes south and west of this line (inclusive) are behind the Allies' Front Line. Clarification: The French GDT Corps is not an army (22.3).
3.5 The Map
The map is divided into hexes that regulate movement and other game functions.
3.5.1 Hex Terrain: All hexes contain a 'Hex Terrain' type. If the hex contains more than one type (which only occurs where Moor or Mountain terrain are present), the type that is relevant for combat and elevation is the one that covers the center of the hex.
3.5.2 Hexside Terrain: Effects only hexsides. Hexside terrain is relevant during movement and combat only to the unit that is moving or attacking through the hexside.
3.5.3 Terrain Conventions:
- Clear Hexes: The terrain type 'Clear' includes Lowland, Upland and Highland. The only difference between these three types is their elevation (3.6).
- Wooded Hexes: 'Wooded' is an overlay on top of the terrain type Clear. Wooded hexes are those that contain several scattered Woods symbols or where the great majority of the hex is covered by a Forested hexside terrain symbol. Hexes that have one or more Forested hexsides are not necessarily Wooded hexes (Example: hex 58.56 is a Wooded hex; 57.56 is not).
Clarification: The wooded symbol does not need to cover the center of the hex. Any hex that contains more than a sliver of a woods symbol is a wooded hex.
- Forested Hexsides: Include both Forest and Deep Forest hexsides.
- Mountainous Terrain: Foothills/Mountain Valley, Mountain, and Steep Mountain hexes and hexsides are cumulatively termed Mountainous Terrain.
3.5.4 Roadway Bridges: Roadway Bridges are considered to cross every Major and Great River hexside—they are not depicted on the map—and wherever a Bridge symbol or RR line crosses a Grand River. Bridges do not affect combat.
- Roadway Bridges and Movement—see 7.1.4.
3.5.5 Special Terrain Features:
- The Belgian Pontoon Bridge (hexside 51.16-52.16)—see 24.6.
- Double-River hexsides are treated as if there were only one river.
- The IJzer River Inundation—see 21.3.
- The Pont de Pontoise (hexside 15.33-15.34)—see 18.4.1a.
- The Seine River running through Paris is ignored.
- The Meuse River at Iges (hex 46.36): A Force attacking from hex 46.36 into hex 46.37 is not affected by the river hexside (i.e., it is as if the river did not exist). A Force attacking from hex 46.37 into hex 46.36 is affected by the Major River hexside.
DESIGN NOTE: While drawing the map for Oào, to gain a better understanding of the geography of the western front, the designer read a number of officer handbooks, strategische übersichte (strategic overviews) and militär-geographische beschreibungen (military geographical descriptions). Of the many geographic features these described the bend in the Meuse River at Iges was unique. And so it is in the game.
3.6 Map Elevations
There are six levels of elevation found on the map: Lowland (lowest), Upland (lower-middle), Highland (middle), Foothills/Mountain Valley (upper-middle), Mountains (high) and Steep Mountains (highest).
Elevation does not affect movement but is very important for combat resolution (9.6.1 & 10.1).
3.6.1 Elevation Transitions: Sometimes found between Lowland, Upland and Highland hexes are Elevation Transition colors. Where these are found no combat benefit is derived from the higher elevation.
3.6.2 Elevation and Forested Hexsides: An attack through a Forested hexside does not affect, and is not affected by, Elevation (9.6.1).
- An attack exclusively through a Forested hexside(s) never results in an Elevation CRT shift.
- If an attack is conducted through a Forested hexside(s) AND a non-Forested hexside(s), the elevation situation present at the non-Forested hexside determines if there is a CRT shift for Elevation.
4.0 The Sequence of Play
1914 Offensive à outrance is played in a series of Game Turns and Inter-Phases. Each Game Turn (GT) consists of two "Player Turns"—one Allied, one German. When these have been completed the GT is over, and the players proceed to the next GT, repeating the process. Following every third GT there is an Inter-Phase.
4.1 Game Turns
Each GT consists of two identical Player Turns; an Allied Player Turn followed by a German Player Turn. During the Allied Player's Turn, the Allied player is referred to as the Phasing Player and the German player is referred to as the Non-Phasing Player. During the German Player Turn reverse the references.
Player Turn Sequence Outline:
- Preliminary Phase
- Attachment Phase
- Supply Phase
- RR Engineering Phase
- Phasing Player Movement Phase
- Non-Phasing Player Counter Movement Phase
- Phasing Player Attack Phase
- Non-Phasing Player Counter Attack Phase
- Finishing Phase
4.2 Player Turn within a GT
Undertake the following actions in the order listed below. The Phasing Player is the active player in all phases except during the Counter Movement Phase and Counter Attack Phase.
4.2.1 Preliminary Phase:
- Check the Game Turn Record Track for reminders.
- Place reinforcements on the map and organizational displays and execute all withdrawals and substitutions (16.0).
- Repair eligible damaged Roadway Bridges (7.1.4b).
- Begin and complete Army Base Transfers (23.1 & 24.3).
- Note any special event (e.g. RR Structures, Réseau du Nord, Surrender of Antwerpen, IJzer River Inundation).
4.2.1a Joint Preliminary Phase:
- Either player may Repair eligible Fortress units (12.4).
- Players note if any Strategic Plans have been achieved.
- Either player may abandon his army's Strategic Plans.
- "Activate" all Armies, Corps, Formations, and Asset Units scheduled to be activated this GT. (This includes both Allied and German units.)
4.2.2 Attachment Phase: Designate each Army's "Area of Attachment" boundaries, thereby determining the attachment of all units (5.1). Adjust the location of Formation's Attachment markers on the Army Organizational Displays (5.2).
- Conduct Army Depot Relocation (15.6.4).
4.2.3 Supply Phase: Perform the following in order:
- Flip any supply units that are on their Extended Mode sides (backside) to their front-sides and remove all Ammo Provided markers.
- Determine the supply state of all friendly units per the sequence in rule 15.4.
- Starting GT 13, designate armies to suffer from Ammunition Shortage. Place Ammo Shortage markers (15.8).
- Prior to GT 23, the German may begin the Prep Bombardment Routine (20.0).
4.2.4 RR Engineering Phase: Perform the following in order:
- Note reconstructed RR Structures (18.4).
- Advance (or retreat) Railhead markers (18.2).
4.2.5 Movement Phase: The Phasing Player conducts movement. He may move all, some, or none of his units as desired. Units may:
- Move across hexsides into or through hexes (7.1),
- Place Prepared Attack markers (7.3),
- Conduct Repulse attempts (7.4),
- Recover Combat Effectiveness Levels (7.5),
- Enter or leave Rail Mode (7.7), and
- Construct IPs (14.3).
In addition, Allied units may use Naval Transport (7.9).
4.2.6 Counter Movement Phase: The Non-Phasing Player conducts movement, after any required AoA adjustments (5.1.1a). He may perform all activities that were allowed in the preceding phasing player's Movement Phase EXCEPT his units cannot place Prepared Attack markers, nor use Naval Transport. (Important: see also Poor Cavalry Doctrine—8.4.)
4.2.7 Attack Phase: The Phasing Player conducts all of his Fortress Bombardments (13.1) and Combat unit attacks (9.0).
4.2.8 Counter Attack Phase: The Non-Phasing Player conducts all of his Fortress Bombardments and Combat unit attacks.
4.2.9 Finishing Phase: Both players execute the following:
- Cavalry Retirement Step: All eligible Cavalry units may Retire (8.3). The Phasing Player goes first followed by the Non-Phasing Player.
- Fortress Surrender Step: Check for Fortress Surrender (12.5).
- Prep Bombardment Step (German Player Turn only): End or continue an ongoing Prep Bombardment Routine (20.0).
- Victory Points: Adjust the VP marker for VPs gained or lost this Player Turn.
4.3 The Inter-Phase
The players conduct the Inter-Phase simultaneously.
4.3.1 Replacement Segment: Incorporate the allotment of Replacements (REPLs) received into units (16.6). Excess REPLs are recorded on the Resources display.
4.3.2 Administrative Segment: Each player records the allotment of Rail Points (RPs) received on his Resources display (7.7.1).
- The players return their RR Line Bottleneck Capacity markers back to full capacity (18.6).
- Players note the number of Level 1 IPs they are eligible to construct (14.3.4).
- Award VPs for furthest German advance (27.4) and subtract VP for gaps in the Front Line (27.5).
5.0 Attachment and Army Organizational Displays
An Army is the highest level of military organization represented in the game. All units are attached (subordinated) to an Army at all times. A unit's attachment restricts how and where it may move and fight, and defines its sources of supply.
- All units, except those with an ID of a specific Army, can change their army attachment throughout the game.
5.1 An Army's Area of Attachment (AoA)
In 1914 Offensive à outrance armies conduct their activities within an area of operations termed an "Area of Attachment." Each GT during the Attachment Phase every army's Area of Attachment must be defined.
PLAY NOTE: It is important to note that an army's Area of Attachment is not strictly speaking an area of operations. Units attached to one army may move into another army's area.
5.1.1 Area of Attachment: Each Army in the game always has an "Area of Attachment." An Army's AoA is an area of any size formed by contiguous hexes that does not overlap with any other Army's AoA. (No individual hex can be in more than one AoA.) Exception: see 5.1.4. An AoA is denoted with boundary markers on the map and an Army marker placed between them. An Army's boundary line must start at the enemy's Front Line (3.4.1) and run in a mostly straight line along the hex-grain back toward the rear. Note that a line across the grain of the hex grid along the same row is considered a straight line. For instance, a line that runs along the hexsides 51.51/51.52, 51.51/50.51, 50.50/50.51, 49.51/50.51, 49.51/49.52, etc., is permitted.
Design Intention: An Army's AoA boundary should be a relatively straight line, possibly interrupted by one or two major bends. It should not conveniently take the form of a snake.
PLAY NOTE: It may occur that units attached to an army are in two separate areas. An historical example of this would be the movement of the BEF from the Aisne River to Flanders. A situation like this should be corrected as quickly as possible.
5.1.1a Movement Phase Adjustments: If the enemy player has withdrawn his front line during his Movement Phase leaving an area where the Area of Attachment boundaries are unclear, at the start of the Counter Movement Phase the Non-Phasing Player must extend his army AoA boundary to the enemy's front line. Place a new marker connecting the point where the old boundary ended up to the enemy's new front line.
5.1.2 Attachment Procedure: During the Attachment Phase the Phasing Player must designate each Army's Area of Attachment. In doing so he determines which corps are "Attached" to each army. Every corps MUST BE attached to an army. After Corps attachment is completed the player determines which Formations are attached to which corps.
Once an attachment is set during an Attachment Phase, that attachment cannot be changed until the next friendly Attachment Phase.
Important: All units found inside an Army's "Area of Attachment" during the Attachment Phase are considered "Attached" to that Army. All Formations attached to an Army must place their Attachment markers on that Army's organizational display (5.2).
Exception: Entraining and Entrained units are not affected by Areas of Attachment.
FLEXIBILITY EXCEPTION: Invariably some units will find themselves inside the wrong Army's Area of Attachment. Such a case must be corrected at the earliest opportunity.
PLAY NOTE: Some flexibility is required here. Sometimes units belonging to one army will find themselves—involuntarily or voluntarily—inside a different army's Area of Attachment during the Attachment Phase. Involuntarily, this may be due to a retreat after combat (where the player was unable to fulfill retreat priority number 3), or due to the inconvenient location of a RR line needed for supply. Voluntarily, it may be due to an attempt to march to a new location on the front by passing behind a different army. It is important to note that a unit inside one army's AoA cannot voluntarily place its Attachment marker on a different army's Attachment Display. In either case a unit situated in the wrong army's Area of Attachment should either move quickly to exit the area or should be subordinated to a different army as soon as possible. Remember that units found in the wrong army's Area of Attachment must abide by the movement restrictions found in rule 5.3.1 points 2 and 3.
DESIGN NOTE: In 1914, once an army occupied a certain sector of front, it could not easily be shifted to another sector, nor could the size of the sector be easily altered. Players will find it difficult to adjust the part of the front line that an army occupies without changing corps and formation attachments; this is intended. The Flexibility Exception is not to be used to allow such an alteration.
5.1.3 Attachment Limitation: The maximum number of Corps Train units that can be within an Army's Area of Attachment during the Attachment Phase cannot exceed the number of corps boxes found on its organizational display. There is no limitation for other unit types.
PLAY NOTE: The above limitation is very important. An army's Area of Attachment may be of any size but may only contain the designated number of corps. Players should be careful to organize their troops so that this attachment limitation is not infringed.
5.1.4 Allied AoA Exception: Beginning on GT 22, the BEF and BELGIAN Armies' AoA can overlap with French Armies' AoA. Each can overlap with a maximum of two French Armies. (French Armies' AoA cannot overlap each other, nor can the BEF and Belgian Armies' AoA overlap.) Note that when armies overlap the attached units are still bound by the restrictions of rule 5.3.1.
5.2 Army Organizational Displays
Each army in the game has a corresponding Army Organizational Display. Use these displays to physically record the "Attachment" (and subordination) of each Formation and Corps in the game. This is recorded by placing Attachment markers (2.7) in Attachment Boxes (squares and rectangles) found on the organizational display.
5.2.1 Attachment Boxes: There are two types of Attachment Boxes: Independent and Corps. Independent Attachment Boxes consist exclusively of one large rectangle. Corps Attachment Boxes consist of a pair of boxes, a square and a corresponding rectangle to its right. The number of Corps Boxes found is the maximum number of corps that may be attached to that Army.
5.2.2 Corps Attachment Boxes: Each Corps Box represents the corps that has its Corps Train Attachment marker in the square (found on the left side of the rectangle). Each Formation that has its Attachment marker in the rectangle left of the Corps Box is attached to that corps. Formations with a Corps designation printed on the counter (2.2.1) must be attached to that corps.
DESIGN NOTE: Players will note that a corps may be attached to any Army; but the attachment of most divisions and some brigades is not flexible. Units with a Corps number in their unit ID must be attached to that corps. Obviously, during the campaign some of these divisions and brigades did temporarily change attachment, therefore...
5.2.2a Variable Corps Attachment: A player may designate a Formation that bears a Corps ID to be independent or attached to another corps. Simply announce the Formation's change in attachment and relocate the Formation's Attachment marker in the boxes. Reverse the process to reattach the Formation.
Limitation: No more than three Formations per side may be so designated during the entire game.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Prior to the 1916 Battle of the Somme the German army tried hard to keep the peacetime structure of an army corps having two divisions permanently attached. While this could not always be maintained, the goal was always to restore the connection at a future date.
5.2.3 Attachment Limit: A Corps' Attachment Limit is the maximum number of division-equivalent sized (1.1) Formations that may be "Attached" (subordinated) to that corps. Each division-equivalent counts as one, and each brigade-equivalent counts one-half (½) toward the total Attachment Limit permitted.
5.2.4 Independent Attachment Boxes: Formations with their Attachment markers in an Independent Box are considered "Independent" Formations. Corps Attachment markers can never be placed in an Independent Attachment Box.
- Cavalry Formations can ONLY be Independent Formations (i.e., they can never be "attached" directly to a corps).
5.2.5 Allied Nationality Restrictions: Allied corps, Formations, and Asset Units can only be attached to an army of the same nationality. No foreign attachments are allowed.
Belgian Exception: The units of the British Royal Naval Division (23.3), the British Naval Artillery unit, the French Marine Brigade and any one French Division can be attached to the Belgian Army.
5.3 Attachment Effects
5.3.1 Army Attachment Effects: All units attached to an army have the following characteristics:
(1) Supply: They cannot receive supply from a supply unit that is not attached to the same army.
(2) Movement: Such units may move into a hex adjacent to an enemy unit only if the hex is within the moving unit's army's Area of Attachment.
CLARIFICATION: Units may start or move out of their army's Area of Attachment, but when outside of it, they may not move adjacent to any enemy unit.
(3) Combat: Units attached to different armies are prohibited from combining to attack, or defend, the same hex (9.2.2 & 10.1.1).
5.3.2 Corps Attachment Effects:
(1) Supply: Units can receive supply from their corps' Corps Train unit.
(2) Combat: Units attached to more than two different corps are prohibited from combining to attack or defend the same hex (9.2.2).
5.3.3 Effects of being Independent:
(1) Supply: An Independent unit (except cavalry—see 15.2.2) cannot receive supply from a Corps Train unit.
(2) Combat: An Independent unit (or stack of independent units) counts as an individual corps (9.2.2).
5.4 Army Units: If a unit's ID is an army ID that unit must always be attached to that specific army.
PLAY NOTE: Such a unit can be attached to a corps as long as the corps is attached to the unit's army.
5.5 Asset Units
Visual Cues to Identify Asset Units: All units with an italicized ID are "Asset Units" and have special characteristics. A Territorial-type Asset Unit's Combat Effectiveness (CE) is printed encircled on the counter, and its unit symbol and font are smaller.
- Asset Units are "Attached" to the Army in whose Area of Attachment they are located.
5.5.1 Assignment: An Asset Unit's Assignment is determined by the Asset Unit's proximity to friendly Formations. Assignments are made "just in time." I.e. at the moment required for supply or movement and prior to engaging in combat. If an Asset unit is stacked with more than one Formation, the owning player decides which Formation it is assigned to.
- A Formation can be assigned any kind of Asset Unit; however, if a Cavalry Formation is assigned an Infantry Asset its Forced March capability is restricted—see 7.2.2a.
(1) Stacked with a Formation: When stacked in the same hex with a Formation, the Asset Unit is considered assigned to that Formation and to be part of that Formation's Force (1.1) for all purposes. During combat it suffers the Formation's CRT and EC results (i.e., retreats, step reductions).
(2) Stacked without a Formation: An Asset Unit not stacked with a Formation is considered unassigned. For supply purposes, an unassigned Asset Unit must seek supply independently. It can trace supply to any Corps Train unit within the same AoA. In Combat it uses its own PR and Base Combat Effectiveness. A Force consisting of two Asset Units uses the unit's PR and Base CE that is highest.
5.5.2 Combat Effectiveness: An Asset Unit's Base Combat Effectiveness number is printed (encircled) left of the unit type symbol. The CEL of an Asset Unit is constant and cannot be reduced. If an unassigned Asset Unit is required to reduce its CEL, the unit suffers a Strength Reduction and is either flipped over to its reduced strength side or, if it is already on its reduced strength side or has no reduced strength side, it is eliminated.
Eliminated Asset Units are permanently eliminated.
PLAY NOTE: If a Force consisting of two Asset Units suffers a CEL reduction, only one SR per CEL reduction is applied.
EXAMPLE: A Force consisting of two Asset Units suffers a reduction of two CELs. This is transformed into two SRs to be distributed between the two Asset Units.
5.5.3 Other Asset Unit Rules Summary:
- Fort units—see 8.5.
- Artillery and HQ units—see 8.8.
- Asset Units cannot choose Intense Combat—see 9.8.
- Retreat guidelines—see 11.1.2.
6.0 Combat Effectiveness
In 1914 Offensive à outrance "Combat Effectiveness" measures intangibles like organization, training, leadership, morale and stamina. A Formation's fluctuating Combat Effectiveness status represents its changing combat readiness.
DESIGN NOTE: The CE concept used in this game may be compared to "cohesion theory." Cohesion theory attempts to explain why militaries differ in staying power. I.e. why some units can suffer high casualties and continue to fight well, while others will disintegrate after minimal losses.
Important Definitions:
Formation: If a Combat unit has a corresponding Attachment marker, it is termed a Formation; if it does not, it is termed an Asset Unit.
Force: A "Force" can consist of either (1) a Formation unit along with two Asset Units stacked with it (and a Fort unit), or (2) one or two Asset Units (and a Fort unit) stacked together but not stacked with a Formation.
6.1 Combat Effectiveness (CE)
Each Formation's Attachment marker displays the Formation's Base CE number. This "Base" is the maximum (highest) Combat Effectiveness for the Formation.
6.1.1 Combat Effectiveness Status: During the game a Formation's Combat Effectiveness will decrease or increase due to combat, performing a Forced March, supply status, and CE Recovery. This fluctuation is recorded by placing a CE Status marker under the Attachment marker. The CE Status marker indicates the current "Combat Effectiveness Status" of the Formation and whether it is Demoralized.
6.1.2 Combat Effectiveness Level (CEL): A Formation's CEL is used whenever a Formation is required to take a Combat Effectiveness Check. The CEL is calculated by subtracting the Formations' current CE Status from its Base CE.
EXAMPLE: A Formation's Base CE number is 10 and its CE Status is –2 (i.e., the CE Status marker under the unit's Attachment marker is a –2), then the Formation's current CEL is 8 (10–2 = 8).
6.1.3 Combat Ineffectiveness (CI) and Demoralization (D): Upon suffering its fourth status reduction a Formation is Combat Ineffective (CI). Further reductions Demoralize the Formation to a maximum of two degrees; D1, D2. Further CE reductions (i.e. those that cannot be allocated) are converted into SRs.
EXAMPLE: When a Formation's Attachment marker bears a D1 marker, the unit has a –3 CEL and is at Demoralized status level 1.
6.1.4 Summary of Combat Status Reductions: Formations have a total of six CE Status levels. The CE Status levels are (in order): –1, –2, –3, CI (–3), D1 (–3), D2 (–3). (–# = CE Status, CI = Combat Ineffective, D# = Demoralized status.)
6.2 Combat Effectiveness Checks (EC)
The act of testing a Force's Combat Effectiveness is called making an Effectiveness Check (EC). ECs are required every time a Force performs a Forced March and after every combat.
6.2.1 Effectiveness Check Procedure: Roll 2d6 and compare the result to the Force's current CEL. Modify a Forced March check according to 7.2.3 and a Post-Combat check according to 10.0. If the modified dice roll is less than or equal to the Force's current CEL, the Force passes the EC. If the modified dice roll is greater than a Force's current CEL, the Force fails its EC.
6.2.2 EC Failure: For consequences of a failed EC see Post-Combat Effectiveness Checks (10.2) and the Forced March procedure (7.2.3).
PLAY NOTE: Players must calculate the amount an EC was failed by (= dice-roll minus CEL) to determine the consequences of the EC failure.
6.3 Effects of being Combat Ineffective (CI)
A unit suffers the following effects when in CI status in addition to its CEL being 3 lower than its Base Combat Effectiveness:
- It cannot place a PA marker.
- It cannot initiate an attack or Repulse attempt.
6.4 Effects of Demoralization
A unit suffers the following effects when in Demoralized status in addition to its CEL being 3 lower than its Base Combat Effectiveness:
- It cannot place a PA marker nor initiate an attack or Repulse attempt.
- It cannot construct an IP.
- If Isolated and forced to retreat, it may surrender—see 11.1.6.
- It must be five or more hexes away from an enemy unit to begin CE Recovery. Exception: French and Belgian units inside Paris and Antwerpen (respectively) need to be only three hexes away from an enemy unit to begin CE Recovery.
- Demoralized Retreat: The instant a Demoralized Formation is in an EZOC (friendly units do not negate EZOCs) the Demoralized Formation unit must retreat three hexes and suffers a Strength Reduction. A retreating Demoralized unit may not pass through an EZOC while retreating (friendly units negate EZOCs). If it is surrounded by EZOCs it is eliminated. Exception: A Demoralized Formation unit can retreat less than three hexes if it ends its retreat inside a Fortified Camp.
During friendly and enemy movement, and after combat, Demoralized Retreat occurs the instant an enemy unit comes adjacent, before the movement or advance after combat is completed.
6.5 Recovering CE Reductions—see 7.5 Combat Effectiveness Recovery.
7.0 Movement
All Combat, Artillery and Supply Units can move. Fort and Fortress units cannot.
MPs must be expended to move from hex to hex and may also be used to perform Tasks.
7.1 Basic Rules of Movement
To move from one hex to another, a unit must pay the MP cost of the hexside that it wishes to cross, which is dependent on the hexside's terrain (7.1.3), and which may be increased by the presence of an EZOC (7.1.6).
PLAY NOTE: Unlike most other games where movement costs are determined by the cost of the terrain in the hex plus the terrain of the hexside, in this game it is only the cost of the hexside that matters. For instance, the cost to move from 58.56 to 57.56 is 3 MPs for the Forest hexside; the cost of the terrain in the hex entered is never considered.
7.1.1 Movement Point Allowance: Every Movement Phase each unit that is capable of movement has 9 MPs to expend during that phase. Every Counter Movement Phase each unit that is capable of movement has 5 Movement Points to expend during that phase.
MPs cannot be accumulated from phase to phase. Unexpended MPs are lost.
The number of MPs a Cavalry Unit has is reduced by the number of MPs showing on any "Cavalry Reaction MPs Expended" marker present on the unit at the start of the phase. See 8.2.4a for what to do if that would result in the unit having a negative number of MPs.
7.1.2 Movement Mechanics:
- A unit may be moved as many or as few hexes as desired as long as the unit does not expend more MPs than are available to it.
- Players may move units individually or in stacks maintaining a running total of expended MPs. While moving in stacks units can be dropped off or picked up. Once dropped off, the dropped off unit can move no further. If picked up, the picked up unit is considered to have expended the number of MPs the other units in the stack have already expended (in effect, picked up units have a reduced number of MPs).
Important: No more than one Force (1.1) may move as a stack. (i.e., a group of units cannot move as a stack if it consists of more than one Force.)
- Players must complete the movement of one Force before starting to move another.
- Friendly units cannot enter hexes containing enemy units, with the exception of enemy Fortress units without an exterior garrison (i.e., that are flipped to their backside).
- Two-Hex Unit movement—see 19.1.4.
- Movement restrictions due to "Army Attachment"—see 5.3.
- Movement restrictions due to "Poor Cavalry Doctrine"—see 8.4.
- LOC Unit Movement Restrictions—see 8.7.1.
- Siege-Artillery entering Deployed Mode—see 13.2.1.
- Depot Movement—see 15.6.3.
PLAY NOTE: A friendly unit's movement may affect enemy Supply units—see 15.6.2—and RR demolition—see 18.4.1.
7.1.3 Terrain and Movement: The Terrain Effects Chart lists the number of MPs that must be expended to cross a hexside. If more than one terrain type bisects a hexside, use the terrain that is most favorable to the moving unit (i.e., the one with the lowest MP cost). The MP cost to cross a River or Roadway Bridge is in addition to the hexside's underlying MP cost.
EXAMPLE: A hexside is bisected by both Mountain and Steep Mountain terrain. Pay the MP cost for Mountain.
EXAMPLE 2: A hexside has both Clear and Forested terrain. The hexside is considered Clear.
7.1.4 Roadway Bridges: Roadway Bridges are considered to cross every Major and Great River hexside—they are not depicted on the map—and wherever a Bridge symbol or RR Line crosses a Grand River. A unit crossing a Major, Great, or Grand River hexside at a Roadway Bridge disregards the river hexside's MP cost, and pays only the bridge's MP cost.
7.1.4a Damaged Roadway Bridges: The instant a unit comes adjacent to a Roadway Bridge that did not begin the phase with both of its adjoining hexes in friendly controlled territory the bridge is considered "Damaged." Place a Bridge Blown marker pointing at the bridge's hexside.
- Effect: Damaged bridges cannot be used for unit movement and, if over Grand Rivers, for tracing supply.
7.1.4b Repair: During the Preliminary Phase, if a damaged Roadway Bridge is in friendly controlled territory (3.4), it is repaired; remove its Bridge Blown marker.
EXAMPLE: It is the beginning of a new GT. The Allied Player conducts his Preliminary Phase. At this time he checks to see if any damaged roadway bridges are eligible to be repaired. To do this he determines which hexes are controlled (French friendly controlled territory is shaded). The only bridge over the Major River that is currently damaged crosses a given hexside. It is not eligible for repair because not both of its adjoining hexes are inside French friendly controlled territory.
During the Movement Phase the French retire. The French 2 Division moves 6 MPs (4 MPs for two clear hexes + 1 MP to leave an EZOC + 1 MP to cross a bridge over a Major River hexside). The French 3 Division moves 4 MPs (2 MPs for a clear hex + 1 MP to leave an EZOC + 1 MP to cross a bridge over a Major River hexside).
The German pursues during his Counter Movement Phase. As a German division advances through the vacated hexes, the bridges over the river it crosses become damaged, and the division must pay a total of 8 MPs to complete its move (a Forced March of 3 MPs above its normal allowance), including 2 MPs to cross an un-bridged Major River hexside because the bridge there has just been damaged.
Next, during the German Player Turn's Preliminary Phase, the German player checks for damaged Roadway Bridges eligible for repair. He determines that all the damaged bridges from the example are now completely inside German friendly controlled territory and repairs all of them (the Bridge Blown markers are removed).
DESIGN NOTE: In 1914 when forces retired they blew (or attempted to damage) the roadway bridges they left behind. This was not thorough destruction, mostly minor damage of one sort or another. These bridges were soon rebuilt, or if badly damaged, sturdy pontoons were quickly positioned. However, even when bridges were quickly restored there was a period of time when the river was a bit more time consuming to cross.
7.1.5 Grand Rivers and Inundations: A unit cannot cross an Inundation or an unbridged Grand River hexside unless it begins the movement phase adjacent to the hexside it intends to cross.
7.1.6 EZOCs and Movement: MP costs for entering or exiting an EZOC are in addition to any terrain costs. Friendly units do not negate the presence of EZOC in a hex during movement.
- It costs +2 MPs to enter a hex in an EZOC; +1 MP to Exit an EZOC.
7.1.6a EZOC to EZOC: It costs +6 MPs to move from one EZOC to another EZOC. If entering a hex that is already occupied by a friendly Formation or Fortress unit, then the extra cost is +4 MPs.
EXAMPLE 1: Unit A moves from hex 44.18 to 43.18. An enemy unit is in hex 44.17. The MP cost would be 8 (2 MPs for clear terrain, +6 MPs for EZOC to EZOC).
EXAMPLE 2: Unit A moves from hex 44.18 to 43.18. A friendly Formation Unit B occupies hex 43.18. An enemy unit is in hex 44.17. The move would cost 6 MPs (2 MPs to enter a clear hex, +4 MPs for EZOC to EZOC into a hex containing a friendly Formation).
7.2 Forced Marches
During the movement phases Combat units, moving individually or as part of a Force (1.1), can obtain additional MPs by performing a "Forced March," although in doing so, they risk suffering negative consequences. All other unit types, and units in Rail Mode, cannot perform a "Forced March."
- The fact that a unit will perform a Forced March need not be declared until the additional MPs are required.
7.2.1 Forced March MPs: An Infantry unit may obtain up to 3 MPs, and a Cavalry unit up to 7 MPs per movement phase.
EXAMPLE: By using Forced March, an Infantry unit can expend up to a maximum of 12 MPs during a Movement Phase (9 MPs normally plus 3 MPs Forced Marching) and a maximum of 8 MPs during a Counter Movement Phase.
7.2.2 Restrictions: MPs gained by performing a Forced March are the last MPs expended by a unit during its move. The MPs gained cannot be used to conduct a Task (7.8.1). A unit can conduct a Forced March in the same turn it conducts a Task (7.8.1) as long as it has 1 MP remaining after completing its task.
EXAMPLE: A unit begins its Movement Phase bearing an MP Expended marker showing that it has expended 1 MP on a task during the previous Counter Movement Phase. It proceeds to expend 8 MPs to complete the task, leaving it with 1 MP remaining. The unit then moves one hex expending 2 MPs, one of these MPs gained by performing a Forced March. It is allowed to do so because it had 1 MP remaining after completing the task.
7.2.2a Cavalry Restriction: If a Cavalry Formation moves with an assigned (5.5.1) Infantry Asset Unit it may only Forced March 3 MPs.
7.2.3 Forced March EC: At the conclusion of a Force's movement that included a Forced March, the Force must make an EC (6.2). Modify a unit's EC dice roll by +1 for each MP expended performing a Forced March.
EXAMPLE: A unit expends 11 MPs during its Movement Phase; 2 of the 11 MPs were gained Forced Marching. The unit must make an EC with a +2 modifier.
7.2.3a EC Failure: If the Forced March EC is failed, record by how much it was failed and consult the Forced March Results Table. Cross reference the amount of failure with the unit-type performing the Forced March. The result is the effect upon the marching Force.
Possible Results:
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| –#E | # of CEL reductions * |
| S | Strength Reduction (only one unit per Force is reduced per S) |
| Ç | Remove PA marker |
* A CEL reduction that cannot be allocated is converted into an S result.
Note: A failed Forced March can eliminate a Force that consists of only an Asset Unit(s).
7.3 Prepared Attack (PA)
During the Movement Phase an Infantry unit may expend MPs to place a Prepared Attack marker. The number of MPs required is equal to the cost of moving into the hex the marker is to point at, with the cost being a minimum of 4 MPs. Place the marker on top of the unit pointing at the hex to be attacked. Once a unit has placed a PA marker it may not expend any more MPs during that phase.
PLAY NOTE: Only Infantry type units can place PA markers.
EXAMPLE: An infantry unit places a PA marker pointing across a Great River into a Clear terrain hex. The unit would need to expend 5 MPs to do so. 2 MPs for the clear terrain + 3 MPs for the river.
- If a hex contains unit(s) which are already marked with a PA marker, a moving unit located in that hex can only place a PA marker if placement of the marker will not result in more than two and one quarter division-equivalents being so marked—see 3.1.2 Combat Stacking Conditions.
Important: Units cannot place PA markers during the Counter Movement Phase.
7.3.1 Details: Units bearing a Prepared Attack marker pointing at an enemy occupied hex MUST attack that enemy occupied hex during the Attack Phase.
- Different Forces (1.1) in the same hex can have PA markers pointing at different hexes. (Different units in a Force cannot.)
- A PA marker can be placed pointing at an unoccupied hex or one that contains only an enemy Fortress unit without an exterior garrison.
PLAY NOTE: Why? This is an indicator that, should the enemy player move a unit into the hex during the Counter Movement Phase, the friendly unit will attack it.
7.3.2 Restrictions: Demoralized and Combat Ineffective Infantry units, and Two-Hex Units cannot place PA markers.
- Units inside an Invested Fortified Camp cannot place a PA marker—see 12.3.2.
- In a case where terrain modifiers would reduce an attacking unit's Attack Strength below 1, it cannot place a PA marker.
7.3.3 Prepared Attack and Movement: During the Counter Movement Phase, each Force that bears a PA marker pointing at an adjacent hex prevents one enemy Force that started the phase in the hex from being able to exit the hex. Units of such an enemy Force cannot expend MPs to Entrain, or Recover CELs. They may expend MPs while stationary to finish constructing an IP, or conduct a Repulse attempt. If a successful Repulse removes a PA marker, the corresponding movement restriction is also removed.
EXAMPLE 1: A German Force bears a PA marker pointed at an adjacent hex that contains two French Forces. One of the two French Forces would be unable to exit the hex during the Counter Movement Phase.
EXAMPLE 2: A German Force bears a PA marker pointed at an adjacent hex that contains one French Force consisting of a Division-sized Formation and two Asset Units. All three units of the French Force would be unable to exit the hex during the Counter Movement Phase.
EXAMPLE 3: A German Force bears a PA marker pointed at an adjacent hex that contains two French Division-sized Formations and two Asset Units. One of the Division-sized Formations would be unable to exit while the other Formation, with the two Asset Units assigned, would be able to exit.
7.3.4 Prepared Attack Effects on Combat—see 9.6.1.
7.4 Repulse
During the movement phases, or during a retreat, the active player may Repulse enemy units. Repulse is a special kind of attack; it is the only kind of combat that can occur during the movement phases or during a retreat.
PLAY NOTE: Repulse is not an overrun. Units that conduct a Repulse are not required to enter the hex repulsed.
General Rule: To conduct a Repulse during a movement phase a Force must be adjacent to an enemy unit and expend 1 MP. During an attack phase, a retreating Force can conduct a Repulse before beginning its retreat, during its retreat, or after entering the final hex of its retreat.
7.4.1 Details:
- Only two UNITS of an attacking Force (1.1) may be used in a Repulse attempt.
PLAY NOTE: A superfluous Asset Unit CAN be a part of a Force attempting a Repulse although its strength CANNOT be added.
- During a retreat only one Repulse attempt may be made per retreating stack. During a multi-Force retreat the owning player must designate which Force in a stack will be conducting the Repulse attempt.
- Cavalry cannot conduct a Repulse during Reaction Movement (8.2).
- There is no limit to the number of times a Force can be Repulsed.
7.4.2 Prohibitions:
- Combat Ineffective and Demoralized units cannot conduct a Repulse.
7.4.3 Procedure: Once a Repulse attempt has been announced, both sides total the combat strengths of their involved units and compare them to derive an odds ratio. Combat strength modifiers for terrain (9.3) and Odds Shifts (9.6.1) are the same as in combat. If the final odds column is 3:1, 4:1 or 6:1, the active player rolls 2d6, modifies the result for PR difference, and finds the result on the CRT. If the result includes a black-circled retreat result, the Repulse is successful (Ignore the rest of the CRT result). If the odds column is 8:1 the Repulse is automatically successful.
7.4.4 Successful Repulse: A successful Repulse causes the defending stack to retreat two hexes (or a defending Fortress unit to flip over), and the defending Force (1.1) to make an EC modified by +1; if it fails, it suffers one CEL reduction.
- The Repulsing Force may continue to move that phase or continue to fulfill its retreat obligations.
7.4.5 Unsuccessful Repulse: If the modified odds were less than 3:1 or the CRT result did not include a black-circled retreat result, the Repulse was unsuccessful. The result of an unsuccessful Repulse is dependent upon when the Repulse was attempted:
- During Movement: The repulsing Force must make an unmodified EC (if it fails, it suffers one CEL reduction) and may move no further in that phase. It may, however, expend any remaining MPs while stationary to place a PA marker or to begin constructing an IP.
- During Retreat: The repulsing Force must make an unmodified EC (if it fails, it suffers one CEL reduction) and must continue its retreat; if unable to continue its retreat, see 11.1.5 Unable to Retreat.
7.4.6 Uninvolved Units: Friendly units not involved in a Repulse attempt can be stacked in a hex from which a Repulse is attempted. An unsuccessful Repulse has no effect on these units. Units in a defending hex that were withheld are only affected by retreats.
7.4.7 Repulse across Grand River and Inundation Hexsides Procedure: The repulsing Force must begin its movement adjacent to the hex being Repulsed. If successful, it must move into the vacated hex expending the required MPs, and then may continue its movement.
EXAMPLE 1—During Movement: Divisions X and Y start their Movement Phase stacked together adjacent to enemy Formation Z with a defensive strength (DS) of 2. The player owning X and Y determines to "Repulse" Z out of his way. He gives Division X the assignment. Division X expends 1 MP (the cost of conducting the Repulse) and announces the Repulse attempt. The combat odds are determined: Division X has an attack strength (AS) of 7 vs. Formation Z's DS of 2. The odds are 3.5:1, rounded to 4:1 and, for purposes of this example, there are no Proficiency DRMs or odds shifts. 2d6 are rolled with a result of white = 2 and black = 2. The Repulse was successful because a retreat result has been achieved. Unit Z is now retreated two hexes, and must make an EC. Formation Z's CEL is 9; 2d6 are rolled with a result of 9, modified by +1 = 10, resulting in a EC failure. Formation Z must reduce its CEL by one. Division X may now continue its movement. Notice that Division Y has in no way been affected by Division X's Repulse attempt.
EXAMPLE 2—During Retreat: Division A (14 AS) is attacked and suffers a CRT two hex retreat result. Division A would like to retreat east and finds enemy Unit B in its desired path. Enemy Unit B (alone in clear terrain) is an Asset Unit with a DS of 2. Division A begins its retreat by retreating into Unit B's ZOC (and therefore has its CE status reduced by one—see 11.1.3) and then decides, instead of retreating around Unit B, to attempt to Repulse it instead. The Repulse attempt is announced and initial odds are calculated; they are 7:1 (rounded to 8:1), an automatically successful Repulse. Unit B is retreated two hexes and makes an EC. Unit B's CEL is 9 and the result of the EC dice roll is 7. Unit B survives (had the dice roll been 9 or higher Unit B would have suffered a strength reduction and been eliminated). Division A must now fulfill its prior retreat obligation (one more hex) and make a Post-Combat EC. If Division A, after completing its CRT retreat obligation, were to fail its EC and suffer additional retreat obligations it would not be allowed to attempt another Repulse.
7.5 Combat Effectiveness Recovery
Formations can recover (increase) their reduced Combat Effectiveness by expending MPs. To increase a Formation's CE Status by one level, it must expend 9 MPs while stationary. When CE is recovered, adjust (or remove) the CE Status marker found under the Formation Attachment marker.
- A unit cannot use MPs gained by performing a Forced March to conduct CE Recovery. If a unit does not have sufficient MPs to complete CE Recovery in a phase, place a CEL MPs Expended marker (7.8) on top of the unit oriented toward the number of MPs that have been expended.
7.5.1 Proximity to Enemy Units: To begin CE Recovery a Formation that is not Demoralized must be, depending on the GT, either:
- GTs 1-18: Three hexes from the nearest enemy unit (i.e., two intervening hexes), OR when two hexes from the nearest enemy unit if all intervening hexes are occupied by friendly units in Level 1 or 2 IPs, OR adjacent to an enemy unit if in a Level 2 IP.
- GTs 19-30: As in GTs 1-18, OR adjacent to an enemy unit if stacked in a Level 1 IP.
7.5.1a Recovery Adjacent to the Enemy: When adjacent to an enemy unit, the CE Recovery process must be completed in its entirety. The unit cannot place a CEL MPs Expended marker (7.8.3). CE Recovery in an IP adjacent to an enemy unit can only occur if the IP existed prior to the current movement phase.
7.5.2 Demoralized Formations: To begin CE Recovery of a Demoralized Formation it must be five or more hexes from the nearest enemy unit (i.e., four intervening hexes). Exception: French and Belgian units inside Paris and Antwerpen (respectively) need be only two hexes away from an enemy unit to begin CE Recovery.
7.6 Constructing IPs during Movement—see 14.0.
7.7 Railroad (RR) Transport
These RR Transport rules apply to all mobile units except Depots. Depot Movement—see 15.6.3.
7.7.1 RR Transport Capacity—Rail Points (RPs): Each Inter-Phase both players receive a number of Rail Points. The number of RPs received (listed on the Inter-Phase Chart) is recorded on the player's Resources display. The RPs may be used only during the three GTs following the Inter-Phase in which they are received. They do not accumulate from Inter-Phase to Inter-Phase (unused RPs are lost).
One RP allows one division-equivalent to enter Rail Mode. One-half RP allows any unit smaller than a division-equivalent to do so. To denote the use of ½ an RP flip the RP marker to its backside (i.e., its x1+½ RP side). Never round the expenditure of RPs.
- Special Belgian RP—see 24.5.
| RP Cost | Size and Type of Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 | Infantry Division, Cavalry Corps, Corps Train |
| ½ | All other sizes and types |
7.7.2 RR Line Types and Transport Rate: RR Transport can only be conducted using double-track RR lines. Units cannot move via single-track or narrow-track RR lines. Exception: Allied units can use the single-track RR line Abancourt (hex 16.24)—Eu (hex 16.18)—Abbeville (hex 20.18).
- Transport Rate: While being transported in Rail Mode each hex costs 1/10 of an MP (i.e., 10 hexes per MP). At the conclusion of a unit's round up any fractional amount of MPs expended.
7.7.3 RR Transport Procedure: To move via RR Transport under take the following actions in the order listed below. Once started the RR Transport procedure must be completed unless involuntarily interrupted (7.7.5).
- Designate the unit that is to move and expend the required RP.
- Designate a destination hex.
- Enter Rail Mode (entrain) by expending the MPs required.
- Move in Rail Mode expending MPs at the RR Transport Rate.
- Upon reaching the designated destination, expend MPs to exit Rail Mode (detrain).
PLAY NOTE: Players are encouraged to choose a destination without first counting the distance.
(1) RP Expenditure: To entrain a unit a player must expend an RP (or half an RP)—see 7.7.1. Deduct this expenditure from the player's Resources display.
- Reinforcements entering in Rail Mode at a map edge entry hexside do not need to expend RPs (16.1.1).
(2) Destination Hex: Next, the unit must designate a destination hex (place a Destination marker on the hex and a corresponding marker on the unit) a minimum of SIX hexes from any enemy unit.
Exception: When tracing the distance from an enemy unit hexes inside a Fortified Camp count as two hexes.
EXAMPLE 1: An enemy unit is in hex 19.36. Hex 16.36 could be a designated a destination hex. Hex 17.38 could not be.
EXAMPLE 2: An enemy unit is in hex 19.38. Hex 16.38 could be a designated a destination hex.
- Reinforcements arriving in Rail Mode must designate a destination hex before moving.
- Involuntary Destination Change—see 7.7.5 Interrupted RR Transport.
(3) Entraining—Entering Rail Mode: To enter Rail Mode a unit must be stacked in a hex containing a friendly operational double-track RR line, be at least FOUR hexes away from an enemy unit, and must expend the number of MPs equal to its En/Detrain MP Cost. Only one unit can entrain or detrain in a specific RR line hex every movement phase.
| MP Cost to En/Detrain | Size and Type of Unit |
|---|---|
| 9 | Infantry Division, Cavalry Corps, Corps Train, HQ |
| 5 | Infantry Brigade, Cavalry Division, Artillery |
| 3 | Infantry Regiment, Cavalry Brigade or Regiment |
EXAMPLE: At the beginning of a friendly Movement Phase, an infantry brigade-sized unit with an MP cost to entrain of 5 is in a double-track RR line hex and wishes to enter Rail Mode. The unit expends 5 MPs to entrain and places a Rail Mode marker upon itself. This leaves the unit with 4 remaining MPs to use for RR Transport.
- A unit cannot expend MPs gained performing a Forced March to entrain.
- If a unit does not have sufficient MPs to completely entrain in a phase, place a Movement Points Expended marker (7.8) on top of the unit oriented to the number of MPs that have been expended so they can be carried over to the next phase.
EXAMPLE: An infantry regiment-sized unit with an MP cost to entrain of 3 expends 2 MPs towards entraining in a movement phase, so the player places a 2 RR MPs Expended marker on top of the unit. The unit will only need to expend 1 additional MP in the following movement phase to complete entraining.
(4) Moving in Rail Mode: A unit in Rail Mode can only move from one RR line hex to another along a contiguous friendly operational RR line that connects the two hexes. EZOCs do not affect RR Transport.
- General Rule: If an entrained unit has any MPs remaining after entraining, it must immediately proceed to move. While doing so it must be moved up to the maximum number of hexes permitted by the RR Transport Rate for each MP expended. The unit's route to its destination hex should be relatively direct and efficient but can be circuitous to avoid the risk of enemy interference. Upon arriving at its destination hex the unit MUST expend any remaining MPs to detrain.
(5) Detraining—Exiting Rail Mode: After a unit has reached its destination hex, it must detrain. To detrain, the unit must expend the number of MPs equal to its MP cost to en/detrain (7.7.3). Note that only one unit can en/detrain in a specific RR line hex every movement phase.
- A unit cannot expend MPs gained performing a Forced March to detrain.
- If a unit does not have sufficient MPs to completely detrain in a phase, flip the Rail Mode marker to its "Detraining" side and place a RR MPs Expended marker (7.8) on top of the Rail Mode marker equal to the number of MPs that were expended in the phase so that they can be carried over to the next phase.
7.7.4 Units in Rail Mode (Entrained Units): A unit in Rail Mode has the following characteristics:
- It cannot perform a Forced March,
- It is automatically in Full Supply,
- It possesses no ZOC,
- Do not count toward Stacking limits (3.1.4).
7.7.5 Interrupted RR Transport: If any of the following cases occur, a unit's RR Transport is "Interrupted." A unit whose RR Transport is interrupted is removed from the map and placed on the GT Record Track three GTs later (the unit's Attachment marker remains on an Army Organizational Display). During that GTs Preliminary Phase return the unit to the map, placing it on any hex that contains a friendly operational RR line that is also at least four hexes away from any enemy unit.
Cases:
- If an enemy Combat unit comes adjacent to it while entraining, moving or detraining.
- If the unit's destination hex becomes occupied by an enemy unit or in an EZOC.
- If the unit begins a friendly movement phase with no way to reach its destination hex (i.e., all the RR lines have been cut by the enemy).
COMPREHENSIVE RR TRANSPORT EXAMPLE: The German 37th Landwehr Brigade—with an RP cost of ½ and an En/Detrain MP cost of 5—starts in Luxemburg (57.43). The German player begins by deducting ½ RP from the German Resources Display's RP total. He then declares the unit's destination to be Brussel (49.21) as per the destination hex rule. The unit then begins its move by expending 5 MPs to entrain, receiving a Rail Mode marker. Since it has MPs remaining it must continue its movement. The shortest route possible is chosen. Therefore the route to Brussel via Arlon—Marche-en Famenne—Namur will be used. (Rotate the Arlon and Namur RR Bottleneck markers (18.6) one capacity increment as the brigade moves through Arlon, then Namur). The entire move via RR Transport will cover 28 double-track hexes. Divide 28 by 10 to find the number of MPs expended (28/10 = 2.8 MPs, rounded up to 3). The RR Transport consumed 3 MPs. So up to this point the brigade has expended 8 MPs leaving 1 MP that must be expended. Since the brigade has reached its destination, it must detrain, and therefore it expends the balance of its MP allowance and places an MP Expended marker. This marker is oriented to the 1 side on top of its Rail Mode marker, which is flipped to its detraining side. Note that since the 37th Landwehr Brigade is still in Rail Mode it cannot perform a Forced March. This completes the unit's movement.
7.8 Insufficient Movement Points—Tasks
If a unit does not have sufficient MPs to complete a "Task" in a movement phase the unit may expend some MPs leaving less to be expended in the next movement phase. Place an appropriate "MPs Expended" marker oriented to indicate the number of MPs that have been expended so they can be carried over.
- A unit bearing an MPs Expended marker cannot initiate an attack.
7.8.1 Task Definition: Units attempting the following tasks may place MPs Expended markers:
- CE Recovery;
- Constructing IPs; and
- En/Detraining.
Tasks cannot be conducted concurrently. There are separate MPs Expended markers for each type of task.
7.8.2 Task Completion: MP Expended markers cannot be removed voluntarily prior to task completion. A unit that begins a task, and receives a MPs Expended marker, must complete the task once begun. A task is not completed until all required MPs have been expended.
EXAMPLE: An Infantry unit expends 5 MPs during the Counter Movement Phase to begin constructing a Level 1 IP. An IP MPs Expended marker, oriented to the 5 side, is placed on top of the unit. In the following friendly Movement Phase the unit would be required to expend its first 8 MPs to complete construction of the IP. Note that these 8 MPs must be expended even if the owning player does not want the unit to complete construction (i.e., if he wants to expend the MPs in a different manner he cannot).
7.8.3 Involuntary Removal: MP Expended markers are removed involuntarily in certain cases.
(1) Remove the following markers when an enemy unit comes adjacent:
- Entraining or Detraining (see also 7.7.5).
- CE Recovery—CE Recovery may sometimes be conducted while adjacent; however, a CE Recovery MP Expended marker cannot be retained while adjacent.
(2) Remove the following marker when an enemy unit attacks the hex:
- Constructing IP.
7.9 Naval Transport (Allies Only)
Allied units can move via Naval Transport. Only one unit can do so per GT (Exception: British RND—23.3.2).
7.9.1 Naval Transport Procedure: Naval Transport is a three-part procedure: Embark, designate a destination hex and Debark.
(1) Embarking: To use Naval Transport a unit must embark. Embarking can only be conducted during a friendly Movement Phase (not Counter Movement Phase). To embark a unit must begin the phase stacked in a Port hex and expend no MPs during the entire phase. Once embarked, place the unit in the English Channel with the Naval Mode marker. A unit may Embark when adjacent to an enemy unit.
(2) Destination Hex: Immediately after embarking a unit must designate a destination Port that is friendly controlled and not adjacent to an enemy unit.
- Units of the Royal Naval Division can designate the Naval Holding Box as their destination—see 23.3.1.
(3) Debark: At the start of the following GT's friendly Movement Phase place the embarked unit in its destination hex (it is considered debarked). The unit can then move normally. There is no MP cost to debark. A unit may not Debark in a hex adjacent to an enemy unit.
Important: If, between Embarking and Debarking, a unit's destination hex is occupied by an enemy unit or in an EZOC, a new destination hex must immediately be designated. (The new destination hex can be the original port of embarkation.) A unit whose destination hex was changed due to enemy proximity cannot move the GT it debarks.
NAVAL TRANSPORT EXAMPLE: A unit, which begins the friendly Movement Phase of GT 5 stacked in Le Havre (01.21), wishes to Embark. The unit remains stationary throughout the phase, expends no MPs whatsoever and has a Naval Mode marker placed on it. It then designates Dunkirk (31.11) as its destination and places the Naval Destination marker there. At the start of the following GT's friendly Movement Phase (GT 6) the unit is placed in Dunkirk.
7.9.2 Embarked Units: An Embarked unit is considered out at sea and is not affected by anything, nor does it affect anything.
7.10 Depot Movement and Relocation—see 15.6.3 and 15.6.4.
8.0 Specific Unit Type Characteristics
The unique qualities of Cavalry (8.1-8.4), Fort (8.5), Garrison units (8.6), LOC units (8.7), and Artillery and HQ units (8.8) are detailed in the following rules.
8.1 Cavalry Characteristics & Rules Summary
- Cavalry Formation attachment restriction—see 5.2.4.
- Cavalry can perform a Forced March and get up to 7 additional MPs.
- Cavalry cannot place a Prepared Attack marker.
- Cavalry cannot choose to fight an Intense Combat—see 9.8.
- Cavalry cannot construct IPs.
- German Jaeger Units with dual-color counters are considered Cavalry units for all purposes.
- Cavalry units can never recover Strength Reductions (no REPLs) and Cavalry Corps may suffer further reductions (8.1.1).
8.1.1 Cavalry Corps—Two Unit Counters: Cavalry Corps units are represented by two unit counters, a primary counter and a secondary counter (with double and triple color bands and lower strength numbers). When a strength-reduced Cavalry Corps suffers a strength reduction, exchange the secondary counter for the primary counter. Place the secondary counter on its full strength side.
- A strength reduced secondary counter, or one without a strength reduced side, can suffer no further strength reductions. If such a unit suffers a SR subtract one REPL as per 16.6.1 (the unit is not eliminated). Note that Cavalry Corps units never receive Strength Reduction markers.
8.2 Cavalry Reaction Movement
During an enemy movement phase eligible friendly Cavalry units may exercise the option to "React."
8.2.1 Reaction Triggers: Reaction may be "Triggered" in two ways:
- Trigger 1: an enemy unit moves adjacent to a Cavalry unit that is not already adjacent to any enemy unit, or
- Trigger 2: an enemy unit moves from one hex adjacent to a Cavalry unit into another hex that is adjacent to that same Cavalry unit or any other friendly unit. Trigger 2 is activated even if a PA marker is pointed at the Cavalry unit's hex.
8.2.2 Procedure: While moving a Force the active player must announce when he creates a trigger situation for an enemy Cavalry unit; the non-active player must immediately declare if his Cavalry unit will "React" or "not React." If the reaction is due to Trigger 1 then the friendly Cavalry unit may immediately move one hex.
If the reaction is due to Trigger 2 then the Cavalry unit may immediately move one hex but not into the hex the enemy unit has just vacated.
After the non-active player has declared his intention to (or not to) React, the active player continues the movement of his unit.
EXAMPLE: A French Cavalry unit is adjacent to a German unit. If the German unit moves from one hex adjacent to the Cavalry unit into another hex that is also adjacent to it, that is an adjacent-hex-to-adjacent-hex move, so the French Cavalry unit can "react." The French Cavalry unit may react into every hex adjacent to its own hex except the German unit's new hex and its former hex. No matter which hex is chosen, the French Cavalry unit would be marked with a Reaction MP Expended marker oriented to the 2 MP side.
8.2.3 Restrictions: Units may not React into an empty hex in an EZOC other than the ZOC of the unit which triggered the reaction. Units may leave or enter Two-Hex Status while reacting. There is no limit to the number of reactions an eligible Cavalry unit may exercise in an enemy movement phase. A unit may react into a hex outside its army's AoA.
8.2.4 Recording MP Expenditure: Reacting Cavalry units must record the number of MPs expended while reacting. The MP cost for every hexside crossed is the same as during regular movement, except ignore the cost of EZOCs. Place a "Cavalry Reaction MPs Expended" marker oriented to indicate the number of MPs expended.
8.2.4a Effect: In the following movement phase, the recorded MP expenditure is the number of MPs the unit is considered to expend prior to any other action. These MPs are expended (some of them may have been gained performing a Forced March) even if the Cavalry unit does not expend any other MPs.
In the case that a Cavalry unit has expended more MPs reacting than it will have in the following friendly movement phase (including those gained by performing a Forced March), the unit must remain stationary, roll on the Forced March Results Table, and have the excess MPs recorded be expended during the following movement phase.
EXAMPLE 1: During the Counter Movement Phase, a Cavalry unit that bears a Cavalry Reaction MPs Expended marker turned to its 9 MPs expended side decides to remain stationary in its current hex. It removes the marker and rolls on the Forced March Results Table with a +4 EC modifier (+1 for each MP gained in a Forced March).
EXAMPLE 2: During the Counter Movement Phase, a Cavalry unit that bears a Cavalry Reaction MPs Expended marker turned to its 14 MPs expended side MUST remain stationary in its current hex. It turns the MPs Expended marker to its 2 MPs expended side and rolls on the Forced March Results Table with a +7 EC modifier (+7 for a maximum Forced March).
8.3 Cavalry Retirement
During the Cavalry Retirement Step of the Finishing Phase Cavalry units adjacent to enemy units may voluntarily retire one hex. The Phasing Player goes first followed by the Non-Phasing Player.
8.3.1 Restrictions: A Cavalry unit may not retire into an empty hex in an EZOC. Units may leave or enter Two-Hex Status while retiring.
8.3.2 Recording MP Expenditure: Retiring Cavalry units must record the number of MPs expended while retiring. The process is the same as for Reacting units—see 8.2.4.
8.4 Poor Cavalry Doctrine
During GTs 1-9, Cavalry units cannot enter an enemy infantry Formation's ZOC during the Counter Movement Phase.
8.5 Fort Units
These special Fort unit rules apply only to Fort units on their front sides. Once a Fort unit is flipped to its backside it is a Combat-type Asset Unit (5.5) with no Strength Reduced side.
8.5.1 Fort Unit Characteristics: Fort units are Asset Units (5.5) that cannot move, cannot attack and defend like Combat units. They do not require supply.
- Fort units do not count toward Asset unit stacking limits—see 3.1.2.
- A Fort unit counts as ½ division-equivalent for Artillery Table purposes.
- A defending hex that includes a Fort cannot be Flanked (9.5).
8.5.2 Retreat due to Combat: If a Fort unit's Force is required to retreat, and the Fort unit has a backside, the Fort unit is flipped and retreated normally. If it has no backside, it is eliminated.
8.5.3 Triggering Involuntary Abandonment: Fort units may involuntarily abandon their posts when an enemy unit is adjacent.
The first instant an enemy Combat unit is adjacent to a Fort unit, and there is no friendly Combat unit stacked with the Fort unit, involuntary abandonment may be triggered (only once). Roll 1d6. If the result is greater than the Abandonment Number the Fort is abandoned resulting in the unit counter being flipped over to its backside (or eliminated if it has no backside) and retreated (11.1) three hexes. In this case, the Fort unit changes into an infantry Asset Unit.
EXAMPLE: The French Montmedy Fort unit is stacked with a friendly cavalry division. A German infantry division moves adjacent. Notice that involuntary abandonment is not triggered at this moment. However, upon the German player announcing that he has moved adjacent to an enemy Cavalry unit (8.2.2) the French player decides to "cavalry react" out of the hex, leaving the Fort unit alone in the hex. This creates the first moment when involuntary abandonment is triggered. The French player rolls 1d6 and compares the result to the Abandonment Number printed on the Fort counter. If the result is 1, it means that the Fort will stand. A result of 2-6 means that the Fort will be flipped to its backside and retreated three hexes toward the rear.
PLAY NOTE: This "first instant" may occur during any movement phase or as a result of combat due to retreating or advancing.
8.5.4 Voluntary Abandonment: During a friendly movement phase, a Fort unit within four hexes of an enemy unit can voluntarily abandon its post. Flip the unit to its backside and move it normally.
8.6 Garrison Units
Garrison Infantry (and Artillery) units are assigned to the Fortified Camp or city that bears the same (or very similar) ID or name as the Garrison unit. There are two types of Garrison units: those confined strictly to their location and those able to move within a range of their location.
8.6.1 Confined Garrison Movement: Garrison units that do not bear a hexagon symbol may not voluntarily leave the city or Fortified Camp they are assigned to. However, those assigned to a Fortified Camp (1.1) are free to move within that camp.
8.6.2 Hexagon Symbol: Some Garrison units bear a white hexagon symbol with a number inside it. That number indicates the maximum distance in hexes that the unit may move from its assigned city or Fortified Camp. However, if the nearest enemy unit is further away from the unit's city or Fortified Camp than the number in the hexagon, then the unit may move twice that distance from its assigned location. As soon as an enemy unit moves within the regular distance of the unit's assigned location, the unit must attempt as soon as possible to move back within normal range.
8.6.3 Retreats: When a Garrison unit is required to retreat, it must attempt to remain within its restricted area. If unable it must attempt to reenter its restricted area as soon as possible (owner's discretion).
8.6.4 Garrison Restriction Removal: If a Garrison unit's assigned city or Fortified Camp is enemy controlled the Garrison unit is freed from all the garrison restrictions.
8.7 LOC Units
LOC units are intended to guard an army's rear areas and occupy regions without significant combat forces.
8.7.1 LOC Unit Movement Restrictions: During friendly Movement and Counter Movement Phases, an LOC unit cannot voluntarily enter an enemy unit's ZOC. (Friendly units do not negate an EZOC for this purpose.) In addition, an LOC unit cannot voluntarily move further than six hexes from a friendly Depot unit. IF an LOC unit that is further than six hexes away from a friendly Depot unit moves from one hex to another, it must END its movement a minimum of one hex closer to any Depot unit of the same nationality. Exception: the British Samson unit (23.2) is not restricted by range to a Depot.
LOC units can move into an enemy fortress unit's hex if the fortress unit is on its backside.
- Belgian LOC units cannot exit Belgium. If they do, they are eliminated.
8.7.2 LOC Unit Advance After Combat Restriction: LOC units cannot Advance After Combat into an enemy unit's ZOC unless advancing with a non-LOC unit.
8.7.3 LOC Cavalry Units: In addition to the above restrictions, unless stacked with a friendly unit, a LOC Cavalry unit must exercise Cavalry Reaction (8.2) and Cavalry Retirement (8.3) if eligible; if ineligible, the unit is eliminated. If a LOC Cavalry unit fails a Forced March CE Check, it is eliminated.
- LOC Cavalry units cannot enter Two-Hex Status (19.1).
- The British Samson armored car unit is an LOC Cavalry unit.
8.8 Artillery and HQ Units
Artillery type units (Artillery, Siege-Artillery and Siege-Train HQs) represent troops armed with large guns, howitzers and mortars. They are Asset Units (5.5) that have no size (1.1), PR or CEL.
- Additional characteristics of Siege-Artillery and Siege-Train HQs—see 13.0.
8.8.1 Artillery and HQ Characteristics:
- It cannot perform a Forced March.
- It does not project a ZOC.
- It is eliminated the instant it is in an EZOC and not stacked with a friendly Combat unit or Fortress unit with an exterior garrison.
- It can only participate in a combat in conjunction with a Combat unit it is stacked with. A maximum of one Artillery unit in a stack can participate in combat. Cannot participate in combat in Steep Mountain terrain.
- It cannot enter Two-Hex status.
8.8.2 Artillery Garrison Restrictions: If an Artillery unit bears a Garrison hexagon, its movement is restricted—see 8.6.2.
9.0 Combat
Combat occurs between opposing Forces during the Attack and Counter Attack Phases. The player who is currently active is the attacker, the other player the defender, regardless of the overall game situation.
- Important—Stacking Limitation: The number of division-equivalents (1.1) that can attack from or defend in a hex is limited by the stacking rules—see 3.1.2.
9.1 Attack Phase Sequence Summary
During an attack phase undertake the following actions in the following order:
- Remove superfluous Prepared Attack Markers: If there happen to be any PA markers pointed at hexes with no enemy units, or hexes that contain only an enemy Fortress unit without an exterior garrison, or a hex that contains a Fortress2 unit that is part of a Fortified Camp that contains a division-sized combat unit, remove these PA markers.
- Indicate Bombardments: Indicate ALL enemy Fortress units that will be bombarded during the attack phase.
- Conduct all Fortress Bombardments: Resolve all indicated bombardments following the Individual Bombardment procedure found in rule 13.1.2.
- Indicate Attacks: Indicate ALL units that will attack during the attack phase. Place white "Attack markers" on top of all attacking stacks (that do not bear PA markers) pointed at the hexes to be attacked.
- Conduct all Indicated Attacks: Attacks are resolved one by one, in the order of the attacker's choice (except Two-Hex Units—see 19.1.6), according to the following procedure.
9.1.1 Individual Attack Sequence Procedure:
a. The attacker identifies the defending and attacking hexes.
b. The ID, unit type and unit sizes of all units in the hex are revealed. Announce here if units are to be withheld (9.2.5).
c. Both players check if their units are in supply range to receive Ammo. If any of the supply units providing Ammo is on its Extended Mode side, or the army bears an Ammo Shortage marker (23.1.2, 24.3), record the provision (9.4.2).
Combat Resolution:
d. Each player calculates his total combat strength. Add the current combat strength of each Force, adjusting for Ammo supply and terrain.
e. Determine the initial CRT odds ratio by comparing the combined Attack strength against the total defense strength of the participating units. Express the comparison as a numerical odds ratio (attacker vs. defender). Round this ratio up or down from the mid-point between the two closest ratios found on the CRT. If directly on the midpoint, round up. Then determine the final odds ratio by applying any odds column shifts.
f. Intensity: Each player states with what Intensity his units will fight the battle. The Attacking Player goes first followed by the Defender. By convention, if neither player states his intensity it is a Low Intensity combat.
g. Resolve the combat: The attacker rolls one white and one black die. The result of the white die is modified by the PR difference (9.7), and the final results are cross-referenced on the CRT to determine the combat's result.
h. Conduct any retreats and apply any CEL and/or strength reductions now.
Artillery:
i. Each player calculates his total Artillery Value (10.1) and cross-references this sum with the number of Division-Equivalents (1.1) his opponent has participating in the combat to derive his opponent's Artillery DRM.
Post-Combat Effectiveness Check:
j. Both players conduct Post-Combat Effectiveness Checks and the results are applied (10.2).
k. Any attacking units eligible to conduct an advance after combat may do so now (11.2).
9.2 Basic Rules of Combat
- To engage in combat, an attacking unit must be stacked in a hex adjacent to the hex being attacked.
- No hex may be attacked more than once in a single attack phase and no unit may attack or be attacked more than once per attack phase.
- A hex that contains a Fortress2 unit that is part of a Fortified Camp that contains a division-sized combat unit cannot be attacked (12.2.2).
9.2.1 Multi-Hex Combat:
- The attacker may attack only one hex at a time (Exception: Two-Hex Units).
- Units in two or more hexes may combine to attack an adjacent single hex (see restrictions 9.2.2).
- Different Forces in the same hex may attack different hexes in separate combats.
- No Force may split its attack strength to attack a second hex in a separate attack.
9.2.2 Combat Restrictions for Attachment:
- Units attached to more than two corps cannot combine in attacking or defending a hex. (Each Independent unit—or stack of Independent units—counts as an individual corps.)
- Units attached to different armies cannot combine to attack, or defend, a hex.
9.2.3 Attacker Specific Rules:
- Attacking is voluntary; no unit is ever obligated to attack EXCEPT units bearing a Prepared Attack marker pointing at an enemy occupied hex MUST attack that enemy occupied hex during the attack phase.
- Combat Ineffective and Demoralized Combat units cannot initiate an attack.
- Units with attack strength of zero cannot attack.
- A unit cannot attack across a Sea, Mountain Ridge, or Inundation hexside.
9.2.4 Defender Specific Rules:
- All units selected to defend in a hex defend as a single defending strength.
9.2.5 Withholding Units Summary: Under certain circumstances units (A) must be withheld, (B) may be withheld or (C) cannot be withheld from a combat. When discretion is allowed, the owning player decides which units are withheld.
- The AV of withheld units cannot be used.
A. Must be Withheld:
- Any units in excess of the Combat Stacking limits (3.1.2).
- If units attached to different armies are stacked together only one army's troops may participate in the combat.
- Units that have been previously retreated during the current attack phase.
- Any unit bearing a PA marker pointed at a different defending hex.
B. May be Withheld:
- Any attacking unit not bearing a PA marker.
- Any defending Force that is Combat Ineffective or Demoralized IF at least one Force in the hex is not CI or Demoralized.
C. Cannot be Withheld:
- Any attacking unit bearing a PA marker pointing at the hex being attacked (Exception: unless there are units attached to more than two corps. In this case the attacker decides which corps' units will attack.)
- Any defending Force that is not Combat Ineffective or Demoralized, unless in excess of the Combat Stacking limits.
- Any Fort or Fortress unit in the defending hex.
D. Effects of Being Withheld: In addition to not participating in the combat, withheld units are affected in the following manner:
Attacker: A withheld FORCE stacked with an attacking unit is never affected by combat results and cannot advance after combat.
Defender: A withheld Force in a defending hex is only affected by retreat results due to a CRT result and/or EC failure and ONLY IF its hex is totally vacated by all non-withheld defending units; if so, it is affected by the smallest retreat obligation. A withheld Force is never required to take an EC and can only suffer CE status reduction due to a retreat through an EZOC (11.1.3).
EXAMPLE: Units A, B and C are stacked together in a hex with no other friendly units. They are attacked. The player decides to withhold Unit C from the combat. Units A and B have the misfortune to be required to retreat one hex due to the CRT result. Unit C would be obligated to retreat with Units A and B. Units A and B would then take their Post-Combat ECs. Unit A fails its EC by 6 and is not required to retreat. Unit B fails its EC by 7 and becomes Combat Ineffective. It is therefore required to retreat two hexes, 1 hex for failing by 7 and 1 hex for becoming CI. Unit C would stay with Unit A (the smallest retreat obligation).
9.3 Terrain Effects on Combat Strength
Certain terrain types modify the combat strengths of units participating in combat.
9.3.1 Defensive Terrain Bonuses: A defending STACK (1.2) receives defensive strength point additions based on the terrain in the center of its hex (see 3.5.1). Refer to the TEC for a complete list of Defensive Terrain Bonuses. A defender can receive only one such bonus per hex.
EXAMPLE: A 2 DS Infantry unit defending alone in a Mountain hex would have a final combat strength of 6 (i.e., 2 DS, +4 for the terrain).
9.3.2 Attacker's Strength Modifications: The AS of attacking units is always modified per Force and always by the hexside a specific Force is attacking across. Refer to the TEC for the exact strength point reductions.
9.3.3 CRT Column Shifts from Terrain—see 9.6.1.
9.4 Ammunitions Supply (Ammo)
Every Force requires Ammo to use its full strength in combat. The units of a Force that is not provided with Ammo have their combat strength and AV halved. The supply procedure is covered in rule 15.0.
- One increment of Ammo supplies one Force for one individual combat.
- Providing Ammo is voluntary (Players can "save" ammo if they so choose).
9.4.1 Providing Ammo Procedure: Players check a unit's eligibility to receive Ammo at the moment of combat. For a unit to receive Ammo a supply source (15.1) must be able to trace a supply path (15.3) to the receiving unit. Supply units may flip to their Extended Mode side at this time.
- RR lines cannot provide Ammo.
EXAMPLE: A unit attached to a corps desires to be provided Ammo. Due to Attachment restrictions (15.2) it could receive it from either (1) its army's Depot or (2) its corps' Corps Train unit. In case 1 (i.e., from the Depot), the depot must be able to trace a supply path to the unit. In case 2 (i.e., from the Corps Train unit), the Corps Train unit must be able to trace a supply path to the unit and, if the Corps Train unit does not have a valid LOC, the army's depot unit must be able to trace a supply path to that Corps Train unit.
9.4.2 Recording Ammo Provision: In most cases, Ammo supply is automatic and players do not need to record it in any way. However, Ammo provisioning must be recorded in two cases:
- If the providing Depot and/or Corps Train unit is on its Extended Mode side (backside). In this case, mark the involved supply unit(s) with an Ammo Provided marker oriented correctly. Once a depot or corps train unit has exhausted its Provision Limit (2.6.2) flip the marker to its "No More Ammo" side.
EXAMPLE: A stack of two division-sized units is provided Ammo from an army Depot unit on its Extended Mode side, and this Ammo is passed on by a Corps Train unit also on its Extended Mode side. Mark both the Depot and Corps Train with an Ammo Provided marker turned to its "–2" side.
PLAY NOTE: Ammo Provided markers are removed during the Supply Phase (see 4.2.3).
- If the providing Depot and/or Corps Train unit is Belgian or British while an Army Base Transfer Ammo Shortage marker is in play (23.1.2 or 24.3), OR if the providing Depot and/or Corps Train unit is attached to an Army with an Ammo Shortage marker (15.8). Mark the Ammo Shortage marker with an Ammo Provided marker oriented correctly. Once an army has exhausted its Provision Limit, no unit within that army's Area of Attachment (5.1) can be provided with Ammo.
9.4.3 Exceptions—Ports and Fortified Camp Magazines: Units stacked in a Port (Allied only), or within a Fortified Camp, automatically receive Ammo. This Ammo provision never needs to be recorded.
9.5 Flank Attacks
If a stack under attack is partially or completely surrounded by enemy units it may be considered "Flanked."
Important: For this rule the only significant ZOCs are those projected by the Formations (not Asset Units) that are actively attacking in the combat. The ZOCs of enemy units not involved in the combat (and those of attacking enemy Asset Units) are not relevant.
9.5.1 Flanked: A defending stack is "Flanked" if the aggregate unit size (1.1) of the attacking units is equal to or greater than the defending stack's size AND if at least five of the six hexes adjacent to the defender are either occupied by an enemy unit or in the ZOC of an attacking enemy Formation AND none of these five hexes are occupied by a friendly unit.
9.5.2 Effects: If the defender is Flanked the CRT odds column is shifted two to the right (in the attacker's favor), and the defender suffers a +1 post-combat EC DRM.
9.5.3 Terrain and Flank Attacks: If a hexside adjacent to a defending unit is an Inundation, Great River, or Grand River hexside or is impassable, the hex on the other side of that hexside cannot be used to create a Flank attack; it is treated as if it were not enemy occupied or in an EZOC. (A Mountain Ridge hexside likewise protects a flank from being used to create a Flank Attack.)
9.5.4 Flank Attacks and Forts and Fortresses: A defending hex that includes a Fort or Fortress unit cannot be Flanked.
9.6 Combat Odds Determination
Compare the attacker's total modified AS and the defender's total modified DS. Round this ratio to produce the initial odds ratio. This initial ratio is then modified by any applicable Odds Column Shifts to find the final combat odds ratio.
- Rounding Combat Ratios: Combat Ratios are always rounded from the midpoint between two ratios. If directly on the midpoint, round up.
EXAMPLE: 14:8 rounds to 1.75:1. The midpoint between 2:1 and 3:2 (1.5:1) is 1.75 therefore round up to 2:1.
9.6.1 Odds Column Shifts: The following Column Shifts adjust the initial combat odds to create the final combat odds ratio:
- Prepared Attack (7.3): one to the right, if ALL attacking Combat units have placed a PA marker pointing towards the hex being attacked.
- Defender is Flanked (9.5): two to the right.
- Level 1 or 2 IP (14.1): one or two to the left respectively.
- Great or Grand River: one or two to the left respectively, if ALL attacking units are attacking across such a hexside.
- Up Elevation (3.6): one to the left, if all relevant participating units are attacking up an Elevation. Important—see Elevation Transitions (3.5.1) and Forested hexsides (3.5.2).
Elevation Summary: For purposes of combat, there are six levels of elevation: Lowland (lowest), Upland (lower-middle), Highland (middle), Foothills/Mountain Valley (upper-middle), Mountains (high) and Steep Mountains (highest).
- British Naval Support (21.2): two to the left.
- Preparatory Bombardment (20.0): one to seven shifts to the right.
9.6.2 Net Shifts: Each leftward shift offsets one rightward shift. The number of odds shifts remaining after offsetting is the number of odds shifts applied.
- If the initial odds are greater than 8:1 or less than 1:4, apply shifts before going to the CRT. When odds are greater than 8:1, count each shift as two odds changes (e.g., 10:1, 12:1, 14:1…). When below 1:4, count each shift as one column (e.g., 1:5, 1:6…).
EXAMPLE: The initial odds are determined to be 14:1. There are two odds column shifts to the left. Therefore the final odds are 10:1. The combat would be resolved using the 8:1 column (i.e., the highest column).
9.7 Proficiency Rating DRMs
Proficiency Ratings affect combat as DRMs. A combat's DRM is calculated by subtracting the highest attacking unit's PR from the highest defending unit's PR. The resulting DRM can be positive or negative, and is applied to the result of the first (white) combat die.
- The maximum Proficiency Rating DRM is two.
EXAMPLE: A German PR 5 infantry division and PR 3 infantry brigade attack a French 3 PR infantry division stacked with a 4 PR infantry Asset Unit. The highest German PR is 5. The highest French PR is 4. The resulting CRT DRM is –1.
9.7.1 Fortress Unit PRs: A defending stack that includes a Fortress unit has a PR of 5.
9.7.2 Chasseurs Alpins Bonus: A French Force that contains a Chasseurs Alpins unit, when attacking into or defending in Mountainous Terrain (3.5.3), adds one (+1) to its PR.
9.8 Combat Intensity
Prior to resolving a combat both players must declare with what Intensity their forces will fight the battle. The Attacking Player goes first followed by the Defender.
Restrictions: A player cannot choose Intense Combat if all of his participating units are of the following types:
- Any Infantry Formation that cannot suffer a Strength Reduction on-map (i.e. would be obliged to use Rule 9.10.4 Excess Strength Reductions). Exception: Such a unit can declare Defender Intense if stacked in a hex with an IP.
- Cavalry, Asset or Fortress unit.
- Any Belgian Infantry Formation represented by its secondary counter on its reduced side.
EXAMPLE: The Belgian 6th Division has suffered three SRs during the game. It is therefore represented on the map by its secondary counter (24.2.1) that has been flipped to its back, or reduced, side (bearing three gray stripes). In this state the 6th Division cannot choose Intense Combat unless defending in an IP.
Obligations: French Infantry Formations conducting a Mandated Attack must declare Intense Combat—see 26.4.2.
9.8.1 Combat Intensity Matrix: Each player can choose one of two options, Intense or Not Intense. Combined the two choices result in the battle being one of the following:
| Attacker | Defender | Battle Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Not Intense | Not Intense | Low Intensity |
| INTENSE | Not Intense | Attacker Intense |
| Not Intense | INTENSE | Defender Intense |
| INTENSE | INTENSE | High Intensity |
9.8.2 Battle Intensity Effects on the CRT:
- Low Intensity = The defender retreats on black retreat results only. There are no other effects on combat.
- Attacker Intense = The defender retreats on both black and white retreat results. Attacker suffers an SR if the combat result did not include a black retreat result.
- Defender Intense = The defender retreats on black 2 retreat results only. Defender suffers an SR if the combat result included a black 1 or white 1 retreat result.
- High Intensity = The defender retreats on black retreat results only. Attacker suffers an SR if the combat result did not include a black retreat result. Defender suffers an SR if the combat result included a black or white retreat result.
Clarification: Strength Reductions due to Intensity are in addition to those derived from the CRT.
DESIGN NOTE: Attacker Intense represents the attacker's willingness to suffer losses in exchange for a greater chance of taking the defender's hex. Defender Intense represents the defenders willingness to take losses in exchange for a greater chance to hold his position. Generally the Intense option is used when the hex being fought over is valuable. Not every hex has the same value.
9.9 Combat Results Table (CRT)
Attacks made at final combat ratios lower or higher than those printed on the CRT use the lowest or highest ratio column indicated on the table.
9.9.1 Procedure: The attacker rolls 2d6, one white and one black die. He modifies the result of the white die for PR difference, and cross-references this result with the final odds ratio, and the result is determined. Results to the left pertain to the attacker, those on the right to the defender. All results, except Strength Reductions, affect all participating Forces.
9.9.2 Possible Results:
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| E | One Combat Effectiveness Level Reduction for each Force |
| +/– # | Plus or minus # DRM for post-combat EC |
| s | Strength Reduction (only one unit reduced) |
| Black-1 | Defender retreat 1 hex unless Defender Intense combat |
| Black-2 | Defender retreat 2 hexes and suffer a SR |
| White-1 | Defender retreat 1 hex only if Attacker Intense combat |
DESIGN NOTE: Due to the nature of the combatants' forces and the theater of operations, combat in 1914 was often a big shoving match. Therefore the 1914 Oào CRT is a "wear down and push the enemy" rather than a "destroy the enemy" table.
9.10 Strength Reductions (SR)
Units that suffer Strength Reductions are flipped to their backsides, receive SR markers, and in some cases, are eliminated.
Units may suffer Strength Reductions due to combat, either from a CRT result or Combat Intensity (9.8). Only one unit per affected side (i.e. not every unit in the combat) suffers a SR per 's' result on the CRT. If the combat is Intense it is possible to suffer a second SR per side per combat.
A Force may also suffer SRs from the following: CEL Reduction (5.5.2, 6.1.3), Forced March EC failure (7.2), Post-Combat EC failure (10.3), due to some Retreats (11.1.2, 11.1.4, 11.1.5), and Belgian Army Base Transfer (24.3.3).
9.10.1 Small Magnitude Modification: In combat, when the enemy's forces' size totals less than one division-equivalent SRs suffered from the CRT and/or Intensity are not automatic. In such a case roll 1d6 and cross reference the Small Magnitude table. If the result is listed on the table an SR is suffered.
| Size of Enemy's forces | 1 SR | 2 SRs |
|---|---|---|
| ½ or ¾ Division-equivalent | 3, 4, 5, 6 | 1 SR automatic |
| ¼ Division-equivalent (Rgt.) | 5, 6 | 4, 5, 6 |
EXAMPLE: A French brigade with AS 7 attacks a German regiment with DS 4. The strength ratio of 7:4 rounds to a combat ratio of 2:1. Both declared "Intense" resulting in a High Intensity combat. The French player now rolls 2d6. The result of the white die is 3; the black die is also 3. These results are cross-referenced with the 2:1 odds column. The CRT result is a White-1 retreat result with a +3 DRM. Since the CRT result included a white retreat result both sides would suffer a SR if their enemy were of division-size. However in this case both must roll 1d6. The French brigade suffers a SR with a die roll result of 5 or 6, while the German regiment would suffer a SR with a result of 3, 4, 5 or 6.
9.10.2 Recording Strength Reductions: When a side must take a SR, the unit that suffers the reduction must be chosen in the following order:
- A Formation unit that has not reached its maximum number of SRs. (I.e an infantry division-sized unit that does not bear a –4 SR marker or a brigade-sized unit that is not on its backside.)
- A full strength Asset Unit assigned to a Formation that has a backside.
- Any Asset unit not assigned to a Formation.
- If no unit satisfies these conditions see 9.10.4.
Special Cases: Cavalry Corps Strength Reductions (8.1.1), and Belgian Strength Reductions (24.2.1).
9.10.3 Strength Reduction Markers: Infantry units of division-size can suffer further SRs by being allocated Strength Reduction markers. If a reduced strength Infantry unit of division-size suffers a SR place a –2 Strength Reduction marker on it. If it suffers another SR flip the marker to its –4 side.
9.10.4 Excess Strength Reductions: If all the units in a stack (1.2) are already on their backside, or have no backside, or are infantry of division-size with a –4 Strength Reduction marker, a Strength Reduction is recorded by the loss of a REPL—see 16.6.1.
DESIGN NOTE: During the campaign not one division-sized formation was entirely destroyed. Large formations did suffer heavy losses but were refilled with replacements. Replacements flowed in a regular stream to the front line, being incorporated with no significant difficulties. If regular replacements were not enough to flush out a unit, new battalions or regiments would be added to a formation. Thus formations acted as vessels or conduits to channel the limitless manpower available at this time in the war.
10.0 Post-Combat Effectiveness Checks
After combat results have been applied, each Force involved in the combat must make an Effectiveness Check (EC); roll 2d6 separately for each hex. The attacker's results—his retreats—are applied first, followed by the defender's results.
EXCEPTION: The Defender does not make an EC if the combat's odds were lower than 1:4.
- EC DRMs: EC modifiers are applied to every Force involved in the combat.
- CRT EC DRM (9.9.2)
- Artillery EC DRM (10.1)
- Defender Flanked (9.5)
10.1 Artillery Table
10.1.1 Calculating AV for Combat:
- Attacker: The sum of all attacking units' AVs.
- Defender: The sum of all defending units' AVs and eligible neighboring units' AVs. A neighboring unit is eligible if its hex is not being attacked that phase, it is adjacent to both the defending hex and a hex that contains an attacking unit and it is attached to the same army as the defending unit. If the adjacent hex is at a higher elevation than the hex containing the neighboring attacking units, then two Forces plus a Fortress unit may add their AVs. Otherwise, only one Force plus a Fortress unit may add their AVs.
- A unit can add its AV to only one combat per phase.
10.1.1a Artillery Value Modifiers:
- An attacking Force that fires UP an escarpment halves its AV for combat. (Halving occurs after other modifiers have been applied.)
- When defending in or attacking into a Mountainous Terrain hex (3.5.3) a Force may use a maximum of 2 AV. Each eligible Force or Fortress in adjacent hexes may add a maximum of 2 AV in support.
- If a side's AV total is a fraction, round up.
10.1.2 Procedure: Cross-reference an enemy's total AV sum with the number of friendly division-equivalents attacking or defending.
- A defending Fortress is considered to be 1 division-equivalent; a Fort ½ division-equivalent.
Possible Results:
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| +/– # | Plus or minus EC DRM |
10.2 Post-Combat EC Procedure
Roll 2d6, modify the result by applying any DRMs, and compare the result to the Force's current CEL. If the modified dice roll is less than or equal to the Force's current CEL, the Force passes the EC. If the modified dice roll is greater than a Force's current CEL, the Force fails its EC.
Recall that a "Force" can consist of at most one Formation, along with any Asset Units assigned to it, or one or two Asset Units stacked together but not stacked with a Formation.
10.3 EC Failure Results
When a Force fails its EC by:
- 1, 2 or 3, reduce its CEL by one.
- 4, 5 or 6, reduce its CEL by two.
- 7 or more, reduce its CEL by three, inflict a Strength Reduction, and retreat one hex.
A Formation cannot reduce its CEL below D2. Convert a CEL reduction that cannot be allocated into a Strength Reduction.
- Combat Ineffective or Demoralization: If a Formation is now CI (either because it was CI prior to, or became CI due to, the Post-Combat EC), retreat the Formation one hex. If the Formation becomes Demoralized due to the Post-Combat EC, retreat the Formation two hexes. (This is in addition to any other mandated retreats.)
- Asset Units—see 5.5.2.
- Fortress Unit stacked alone—see 12.2.1b.
EXAMPLE 1: A Formation unit with a CE Status of –3 fails its Post-Combat EC by 8. This causes the Formation to lower its CE Status by three levels to D2 (Demoralized) and it is required to retreat three hexes—one hex due to failing the EC by 8 and two hexes for becoming Demoralized.
EXAMPLE 2: A Formation with a CE Status of CI passes its Post-Combat EC. However, since it is Combat Ineffective it is required to retreat one hex.
POST-COMBAT EC EXAMPLE: Two Formations stacked together receive a CRT DRM result of +2. One Formation has Base Combat Effectiveness and current CEL of 11 and one Formation has a Base CE of 10 with a current CEL of 7 (i.e., its Attachment marker bears a –3 CE Status marker [10 minus 3]).
The player proceeds to resolve his ECs. He rolls 2d6 with a result of 11 and modifies it by +2 to make 13. Starting with the 11 CEL Formation, he compares the dice roll result with the Formation's CEL. It has failed by two. He lowers the unit's CE Status by one (in this case place a –1 CEL reduction marker under the Formation's Attachment marker).
Next the player turns to his 7 CEL Formation. It has failed by six, leading to two CEL reductions and a retreat of two hexes (for becoming Demoralized). The unit's CE Status is now D1.
11.0 Retreat & Advance After Combat
11.1 Retreat Due to Combat
Retreats can be caused in two ways: as a CRT result, or due to a failed Post-Combat EC. All retreat obligations are expressed in hexes, not movement points. Retreating over a sea hexside is prohibited.
11.1.1 Retreat Priorities: When a retreat is required, each player retreats his own units in a relatively straight line towards his army's rear, attempting to meet the guidelines in the order of priority listed below:
- Retreat a maximum distance from the hex (formerly) occupied during the combat.
- While staying within its Army's Area of Attachment.
- Towards a supply unit from which the unit is eligible to receive provisions.
11.1.1a Retreating Player's Discretion: The presence of enemy units or EZOC does not affect retreat priorities; however, the retreating player can choose a path to avoid EZOCs, or the path with the least EZOCs, even if doing so violates priorities 2 or 3 listed above in 11.1.1.
11.1.2 Special Case Rules:
- BELGIAN Infantry Formations: If a Belgian Infantry Formation is required to retreat due to a Black-1 or Black-2 CRT result it must roll 1d6. If the result is 1, 2 or 3, there is no effect. If 4, 5 or 6, the Formation suffers one SR. Each retreating Formation rolls separately.
- Asset Units: An Asset Unit stacked with a Formation always retreats with the Formation it is assigned to and may not change assignment until all required retreats have been completed.
- Depot Units: A Depot unit stacked with units that must retreat is Displaced (15.6.2).
- Fort Units: A Fort unit is flipped to its backside and retreated (8.5.2).
- Fortress Units: If the CRT result includes a retreat result, or all Combat units retreat due to a failed EC, flip a Fortress unit to its backside.
- Two-Hex Units—see 19.1.7.
11.1.3 EZOCs and Retreat: For each hex in an un-negated EZOC that a stack retreats into, immediately reduce the Combat Effectiveness of all Forces (1.1) in the stack by one status level. (For purposes of retreats friendly units negate EZOCs in the hex they occupy.)
EXAMPLE: A unit with a CE Status of –3 is required to retreat three hexes all through EZOCs. The first EZOC entered would drop the CE Status to CI. The second EZOC entered would cause Demoralization (D1), and the third would cause a second level of Demoralization (D2).
11.1.4 Mountain Ridge & Grand River Hexsides: If a Force retreats over a Mountain Ridge or Grand River hexside, it suffers a Strength Reduction and a CEL reduction.
11.1.5 Unable to Retreat: Some Forces may be unable to satisfy a retreat obligation due to the presence of prohibited terrain or enemy units. If so, the Force suffers one CEL reduction and Strength Reduction for each hex it fails to retreat.
PLAY NOTE: A Force blocked from retreating due to an enemy unit(s) may attempt a Repulse (7.4) prior to suffering "Unable to Retreat" effects.
11.1.6 Isolated Demoralized Force: An Isolated (15.5) Force that is Unable to Retreat (11.1.5) or must retreat into an un-negated EZOC, AND is Demoralized (6.1.3), or will become Demoralized due to the retreat, surrenders (i.e., is permanently eliminated).
11.2 Advance After Combat
If a defender's hex is vacated as a result of combat, due to a CRT mandated retreat, or a failed Post-Combat EC, the victorious attacker can advance a unit(s) into the vacated hex. All Combat and Artillery units may advance after combat. Deployed Siege-Artillery cannot advance after combat. A defender may never advance after combat.
11.2.1 Characteristics:
- Advancing is always voluntary.
- The maximum advance is one hex.
- The victorious attacking player may choose which units to advance with (subject to the stacking limitations).
- A unit can enter Two-Hex Status when advancing.
- An advance can be into a hex containing an enemy Fortress unit without an exterior garrison.
11.2.2 Restrictions:
- Withheld units may not advance (9.2.5).
- Units that retreated for any reason may not advance.
COMPREHENSIVE COMBAT EXAMPLE: It is the Attack Phase of the Allied Player-Turn. The German 8 Ez Division is in an Upland hex; adjacent is the German 12/6 Division. With a Prepared Attack marker pointed at the German 8 Ez Division's hex is the French 23/12 Division (12th Corps), also in an Upland hex. Adjacent, in a Lowland hex, are the French 3/2 and 4/2 Divisions (2nd Corps). The French Player identifies his attacking stacks and the defending stack. Although the 2nd Corps units do not have Prepared Attack markers, they will be included in the attack. Also important, the German 12/6 Division is not being attacked this phase and will therefore be able to support the neighboring 8 Ez Division with its artillery.
Both players check to be sure they can provide Ammo. In this case they are able and the supply units providing the supply are within their regular range (not extended range) and therefore they do not need to record the provision.
Each player determines his total strength. The French player adds the attack strengths of all three divisions together, modifying each of the 2nd Corps' units by –1 due to the minor river. The three divisions' total strength is 37 (13+12+12). The German division has a defensive strength of 15. The strength ratio of 37:15 rounds to a combat ratio of 2:1.
The players now check to see if there are any odds shifts. In this case, there is a shift of one to the left due to the attackers being at a lower elevation. Although the 23/12 Division is at the same elevation as the defender, it is attacking through a Forest hexside and is therefore not considered (3.5.2). There are no shifts for Prepared Attack, because not all of the attackers had placed markers. The final odds are 3:2.
Next the Proficiency Ratings are compared. The highest French PR is 5, while the German PR is 4, so there will be a –1 DRM to the white die.
Next the attacker and then defender announce with what Intensity they will fight the battle. The French player announces Intense as does the German player. Therefore it will be a High Intensity combat.
The French player now rolls 2d6. The result of the white die is 6 (modified to 5); the black die is 3. These results are cross-referenced with the 3:2 odds column. The CRT result is a Black-1 retreat result with a +3 EC DRM for each side. The French attacker suffered a +3 EC DRM. The German defender suffered a +3 EC DRM. The retreat result itself is ignored (because the defending stack does not retreat at this odds/intensity combination) but both players suffer a strength reduction (due to Intensity). The German flips his unit. The French player decides to flip the 3/2 Division.
Next the Artillery Table is referenced. The French AV total is 12 (each French division has an AV of 4). This sum is cross-referenced with one division-equivalent receiving fire. The result is a +1 EC DRM to the German. The German AV total is 12 (5 from the 8 Ez Division and 7 from the neighboring 12/6 Division). This sum is cross-referenced with three division-equivalents receiving fire. The result is a zero EC DRM to the French.
Now both players' units must make Post-Combat ECs. The German Division has a current CEL of 11. The DRMs to be considered are the CRT result (+3) and the Artillery Modifier (+1). He rolls two dice with a result of 7. The modified EC result is 7 (dice roll), +3 (CRT), and +1 (Artillery) = 11. The division passes its EC.
The French player must roll two times, one time for each hex. The French 3/2 Division has previously suffered a CE Status reduction and has a current CEL of 10; the other two divisions have a CEL of 11. The only DRM is the CRT result (+3). The dice are then rolled for each hex. The dice roll result for the two divisions of the 2nd Corps is 8, modified by +3 = 11. The 4/2 Division passes while the 3/2 Division fails by one. Checking the Effectiveness Check Failure Results Table this results in one CE Status reduction. The French player flips the –1 status marker to its –2 side (now the 3/2 Division's current CEL is 9). The dice roll for the 23/12 Division is 3, modified by +3 = 6. The division easily passes.
There is no Advance after Combat possible because the defender's hex was not vacated.
12.0 Fortress Units
There are two kinds of Fortress units: Fortress1 and Fortress2. These two kinds of fortresses have exactly the same characteristics except that a Fortress2 unit is a supply source (15.1.4) and that a Fortress2 unit's hex cannot be attacked if its Fortified Camp contains an Infantry unit of division-size (12.2.2).
FORTIFIED CAMPS: Allied: Antwerpen, Belfort, Epinal, Maubeuge, Namur, Paris, Toul, Verdun. German: Diedenhofen, Metz, Straßburg.
PLAY NOTE: The Fortress units surrounding Paris and Antwerpen are Fortress1 type units.
12.1 General Characteristics
All Fortress units have two sides. The front-side, with an exterior garrison indicator (infantry symbol) below the unit type symbol, signifies that the exterior garrison is present. The backside, without an exterior garrison indicator, is the Fortress unit's un-garrisoned side (its exterior garrison has been forced to retreat away or into the fortress, or has been destroyed).
12.1.1 Characteristics: Fortress units consist of one or more Steps. A Fortress unit:
- Can never move.
- Does not count toward stacking limits.
- Is always in Full Supply.
- Can never attack. Can only participate in combat as a defender.
- Cannot choose Intense combat.
- Is flipped if forced to retreat due to combat—see 11.1.2.
- Can provide supply if it has a supply symbol (9.4.3 & 15.1.4).
- May be bombarded by Siege-Artillery—see 13.1.
12.1.2 Fortress Units' ZOCs: A Fortress unit with an exterior garrison (i.e., on its front-side) exerts a ZOC. When on its backside without an exterior garrison, it does not exert a ZOC.
12.1.3 Same Hex Stacking: Friendly units can enter and stack in a hex occupied by an enemy Fortress unit on its backside (i.e., that does not have an infantry symbol). This can be done during movement at a cost of +2 MPs or if advancing after combat.
12.2 Fortress Units and Combat
Important: Fortress units never suffer step losses in combat; they can only suffer step losses from Bombardment (13.1).
- An eligible Fortress unit can add its AV to a neighboring defending combat (10.1).
12.2.1 Uniqueness of Combat including a Fortress Unit: Conduct any combat that includes a defending Fortress unit in the same manner as a regular combat with the following adjustments:
- A defending hex cannot be Flanked (9.5).
- A Fortress unit defends with a PR of 5 (9.7.1).
- A Fortress unit's exterior garrison can never be allocated an 's' result derived from the CRT.
- A Fortress unit counts as one division-equivalent for Artillery Table purposes.
12.2.1a When stacked with a Combat unit(s): A Fortress unit stacked with a Combat unit never makes an EC. If all Combat units are eliminated or forced to retreat the Fortress unit is flipped to its backside.
12.2.1b When NOT stacked with a Combat unit: A Fortress unit not stacked with a Combat unit makes its Post-Combat EC with a base CEL of 11. If it receives a CRT retreat result or it fails its EC it flips to its backside.
- Fortress units defending alone receive terrain bonuses and gain the CRT shift benefit of an IP printed on the map.
12.2.2 Fortress2 Unit that is part of a Fortified Camp: A Fortress2 unit's hex cannot be attacked if its hex or any hex of its Fortified Camp contains an Infantry unit of division-size.
EXAMPLE: The Verdun Fortified Camp consists of four Fortress2 units. Within the camp is the Verdun 72r Division. Due to this division's presence enemy units are not allowed to attack any of the camp's four hexes.
DESIGN NOTE: After the failure of the initial handstreich at Liège the Germans did not again attempt to assault a Fortified Camp by storm. Instead they methodically pounded the defenders with heavy artillery while siege-engineers closed in.
12.3 Invested Fortified Camp
A Fortified Camp is considered "Invested" if all hexes adjacent to the camp are either: occupied by an enemy unit OR in the ZOC of an enemy unit adjacent to the Fortified Camp AND not occupied by a friendly unit.
12.3.1 Repair Restriction: When Invested, Fortress units cannot Repair reduced steps (12.4).
12.3.2 Unit Restrictions: Units inside an Invested Fortified Camp cannot move to a hex outside the camp, nor place a Prepared Attack marker. They can attack, and advance after combat, normally.
12.3.3 Unit Surrender: Any unit stacked within an Invested Fortified Camp will surrender (i.e., be permanently eliminated) the instant the last Fortress unit step is destroyed.
Exception: Units inside the Paris Fortified Camp do not surrender.
12.3.4 Advance after Bombardment: If a bombardment eliminates a Fortress unit that is part of an Invested Fortified Camp, the bombarding player can advance one adjacent Combat unit into the hex. Displace (i.e. pick up and move) any defending units in that hex into an adjacent Fortified Camp hex.
INVESTED FORTIFIED CAMP EXAMPLE: The Fortified Camp of Maubeuge is Invested. Notice that all hexes adjacent to the camp are either enemy occupied or in the ZOC of an enemy unit adjacent to the camp.
12.4 Fortress Unit Repairs
During the Joint Preliminary Phase, both Players do the following:
-
Flip to its front-side any Fortress unit on its backside (i.e. without an exterior garrison) that is stacked with a friendly unit, OR is not adjacent to or stacked with an enemy unit.
-
Each Fortified Camp, that is not Invested (12.3), can repair one step of any one damaged or eliminated Fortress unit in the camp. The Fortress units' hex cannot be enemy occupied.
-
One eliminated one step Fortress1 unit that is not part of a Fortified Camp can be repaired (i.e. returned to the map). The Fortress units' hex cannot be enemy occupied or behind the enemy's Front Line, nor can it be in an EZOC unless the hex is occupied by a friendly unit.
EXAMPLE: Charlemont is a one step Fortress1 unit.
12.5 Fortress Surrender
During the Finishing Phase, roll 1d6 for any Fortress unit a) that has been flipped to its backside, b) whose hex is occupied by an enemy Infantry unit, and c) where there is no friendly combat unit in an adjacent hex. If the result is 1 to 5, there is no effect. If the result is a 6, roll 1d6 again, on a 1, 2 or 3 the Fortress unit surrenders and is removed from the game.
13.0 Fortress Bombardment & Siege-Artillery
13.1 Fortress Bombardment
Fortress units can be bombarded by enemy Siege-Artillery units. To Bombard, a Siege-Artillery unit must be in Deployed mode (13.2.1).
13.1.1 Bombardment Coordination: A bombardment can be either Coordinated or Uncoordinated. If a Siege-Train HQ unit (13.3) is adjacent to the targeted Fortress unit, or adjacent to any hex of the targeted Fortress unit's Fortified Camp, the bombardment is "Coordinated." If a Siege-Train HQ is not present the bombardment is "Uncoordinated."
Uncoordinated Bombardment: Only one Siege-Artillery unit can bombard per attack phase and that Siege-Artillery unit must be stacked in the targeted Fortress unit's hex.
Coordinated Bombardment: Any number of Siege-Artillery units can bombard a targeted Fortress unit and they can bombard from an adjacent hex.
13.1.2 Individual Bombardment Sequence Procedure:
- The bombarding player identifies the targeted Fortress unit and the designated Siege-Artillery that will bombard it.
- If the bombarding Siege-Artillery unit or marker is of 42cm or 30.5cm caliber record the bombardment (13.4).
- Resolve the Bombardment. Conduct this procedure one Siege-Artillery unit at a time, resolving each Siege-Artillery unit's bombardment separately.
(1) Compare the individual bombarding Artillery unit's Caliber to the Fortress unit's Class rating (FC) and determine the proper column.
(2) The bombarding player rolls 1d6 and cross-references the result(s) on the proper column and applies the result.
(3) Following the bombardment, if the Fortress unit was destroyed and was part of an Invested Fortified Camp, one adjacent Combat unit may advance into the hex—see 12.3.4.
13.1.3 The Bombardment Results Table: This table is used to determine the effect of a bombardment upon a Fortress unit. Results affect only the targeted Fortress unit. Excess loss results are ignored.
- As a Fortress unit loses steps mark these losses with a Step Loss marker placed underneath the unit. (The Step Loss markers are the markers with just the number 1 on the front and numbers 2 or 3 on the back.) A Fortress unit, on its front or backside, which has all its steps destroyed is removed from the game. Step losses do not affect the strength of the Fortress unit.
Possible Results:
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| w | No Effect |
| 1 | 1 Fortress step loss |
| + | Roll again. A result of 1, 2 or 3 = 1 step loss |
| * | 1 Fortress step loss if the 5+6 sKM is the firing unit |
EXAMPLE: The German Player announces that a 21cm Siege-Artillery unit will bombard the French fortress unit Charlemont. Since there is no Siege-Train HQ unit present, only one Siege-Artillery unit can bombard and the bombarding unit must be stacked in the hex with the fortress unit being bombarded.
The German begins by comparing the Siege-Artillery unit's caliber to the fortress unit's Class Rating (i.e. 21cm vs. FC C). This determines the column to use on the Bombardment Results Table. Next he rolls 1d6. If the German rolls 1 thru 4 the fortress unit, which has only one step, would be eliminated. If he were to roll a 5 or 6, the fortress unit would survive.
13.2 Siege-Artillery Units
Siege-Artillery units have two modes: Mobile and Deployed. The front-side is the Mobile mode. While in Mobile mode a Siege-Artillery unit is considered to be an Asset Unit (5.5). The back-side, prominently displaying the Caliber, is the "Deployed" or Bombardment-Ready side. To participate in a Fortress Bombardment (13.1) or a Preparatory Bombardment (20.0) a Siege-Artillery unit must be in Deployed Mode.
- Each Siege-Artillery unit can only bombard once per attack phase. Units marked with 'x2' (or 'x4') roll 1d6 twice (or four times).
- A Siege-Artillery unit cannot conduct a Fortress bombardment and Prep Bombardment in the same combat phase.
- Artillery unit characteristics—see 8.8.
13.2.1 Entering Deployed Mode: To flip from Mobile Mode to Deployed Mode 21cm and Austro-Hungarian 30.5cm units must spend an entire Movement or Counter Movement Phase stationary, while 42cm and German 30.5cm units must spend an entire Movement Phase (not Counter Movement Phase) stationary.
- Siege-Artillery can bombard during the Player Turn in which they entered Deployed mode.
- There is no MP cost to flip from Deployed to Mobile Mode.
13.2.2 German 30.5cm and 42cm Units: Require the presence of a Siege-Train HQ unit to bombard. These units cannot conduct an Uncoordinated Bombardment (13.1.1).
13.3 Siege-Train HQ Units
- HQ unit characteristics—see 8.8.
PLAY NOTE: The Siege-Train HQ displays are used to hold assigned Pioneer and Siege-Artillery markers.
13.3.1 Bombardment Coordination—see 13.1.1.
13.3.2 Preparatory Bombardment Facilitation: Once per game, each Siege-Train HQ unit can conduct a Prep Bombardment Routine—see 20.0.
13.3.3 Siege-Artillery Markers: The German player is provided with four Siege-Artillery markers with ID 1sKM, 1kMK, 2kMK and METZ. These markers travel with their assigned HQ unit "in Reserve." Once deployed on the map these markers are in all ways considered to be Siege-Artillery units except they cannot move. If forced to retreat, they are eliminated from play.
- Deployment Process: To deploy a Siege-Artillery marker(s) an HQ unit must spend an entire Movement Phase stationary while stacked on or adjacent to a hex containing a Friendly Operational RR hex (18.1.1). Flip the HQ unit to its "Deploying marker" side, AND place the Siege-Artillery marker(s) on the GT Record Track one GT later. During the Preliminary Phase of that GT's German Player Turn the marker is placed on the map in deployed mode, and the HQ returned to its front side.
- An HQ on its "Deploying marker" side cannot move. If forced to retreat, the HQ is flipped to its front side and any Siege-Artillery markers being deployed are returned to "in Reserve."
- A deployed Siege-Artillery marker may be voluntarily un-deployed during a movement phase and placed back "in Reserve."
Exception: When the METZ marker is un-deployed it is removed from the game. Note also that, if not previously removed, the METZ marker is withdrawn from the game on GT 12.
13.3.4 Pionier-Regiment marker: This marker gives one Siege-Artillery unit a –1 DRM on the Bombardment Table. The benefiting Artillery unit must be stacked with the HQ unit that the marker is assigned to. The DRM affects only one die roll and can be used only once per attack phase.
HISTORICAL NOTE: The marker represents the Minenwerfer used by the Pionier-Regiments 24 and 25.
13.4 Fortress Bombardment Limits
The German player can bombard with his 42cm Siege-Artillery units only seven times and his 30.5cm units only twenty-five times. Record each bombardment by 42cm and 30.5cm units on the German Resources Display by decrementing the appropriate Bombardment Limit marker.
HISTORICAL NOTE: The Germans had only 2200 42cm shells ready in August 1914 and they would need some 300 per fort.
14.0 Improved Positions (IPs)
Improved Positions represent prepared defensive positions reinforced by field fortifications. An IP is always in a single specific hex. There are two levels of IPs: 1 and 2. Level 1 IPs can be constructed during the game. Level 2 IPs are depicted on the map.
- IP and IP MP Expended markers must always be the top most counters on a stack.
14.1 IP Effects on Combat
A stack defending in an IP receives one CRT column shift left for each level of the IP. (e.g., a Level 2 IP gives the defender two CRT shifts left.)
14.2 IP Effects on Movement
- Important: IP Effects on CE Recovery—see 7.5.1.
14.3 IP Construction
Only an infantry Formation can construct an IP. IPs may be constructed in all terrain, even in an EZOC. Use an IP marker of the appropriate national color when placing it on the map.
PLAY NOTE: If the two hexes a Two-Hex Unit occupies each have a Level 1 IP, the two separate IP markers can be removed and the Two-Hex marker flipped to its IP side.
14.3.1 Procedure: During the movement phases, an infantry Formation can construct an IP with the expenditure of 13 MPs. (Two or more units cannot combine to accelerate the construction of an IP.) If a unit does not have sufficient MPs to complete construction in a phase, place a Movement Points Expended marker (7.8) on top of the unit oriented to the number of MPs that have been expended so they can be carried over to the next phase. When the unit expends its 9th MP begin using the backside of the IP marker to record MPs expended.
14.3.2 Proximity Restriction: A unit may not BEGIN to construct an IP if it is further than FOUR hexes from an enemy unit.
14.3.3 Unit Restrictions: A Demoralized unit cannot construct an IP.
14.3.4 IP Construction Limitation: Each Inter-Phase each player is given the "right" (i.e. entitlement) to successfully build a number of IPs during the next three GTs. (This number is found on the Inter-Phase Chart). These "rights" do not accumulate from Inter-Phase to Inter-Phase (unused "rights" are lost).
DESIGN NOTE: This construction limitation reflects military doctrine in 1914. As the campaign began commanders anticipated a war of movement and therefore did not consider building permanent defensive positions. As the campaign progressed this of course changed.
14.4 IP Marker Removal
Once placed, an IP marker remains in a hex until the end of a phase in which there are no friendly Combat units in the hex, at which time the marker is immediately removed from play.
14.5 IPs Printed On-Map
IPs printed on the map (see map key) are Level 2 IPs and are not removed if their hex is vacated (14.4). An IP printed on the map is ruined the instant an enemy unit enters the hex it occupies.
- Fortress units with an exterior garrison that are stacked alone gain the benefit of IPs printed on the map.
15.0 Supply
DESIGN NOTE: During WW1 the dependence upon railways was so great that the layout of the railway system often predetermined the direction of operations. The consequence of this dependence was that only along these lines of operations could an offensive be successfully executed.
Be this as it may, early in the 1914 campaign the troops were, to a significant degree, able to live off the land. Martin van Creveld, in Supplying War: Logistics from Wallenstein to Patton (pg. 123) writes "As [the German] 1st Army lost contact with its heavy transport columns during the very first days of the campaign, it quickly became clear that arrangements made to provide the troops with subsistence were hopelessly inadequate. Captain Bloem's company, forming part of III Reserve Corps, was typical in that it did not catch a single glimpse of the transportation companies during the entire advance. Fortunately for the Germans, the country they were traversing was rich, and the season of the year favorable. Also the advance had been so rapid that the retreating Belgians often failed either to destroy or evacuate their supply dumps. Thus, III Reserve Corps, mentioned above, was able to manage without having to draw anything from its organic transport except for some vegetables and coffee. Sharing a road with III Reserve Corps at the beginning of the march, IX Corps was so fortunate as to find vast stores of Belgian flour at Liège. Having entered Brussels on 20 August, 1st Army promptly requisitioned enough food to fill the needs of four corps for one day. Again, at Amiens, IV Reserve Corps found subsistence in considerable quantities. After the battle of Le Cateau, III Reserve Corps was living well off British loot. So, thirty years of dire warnings, uttered by everybody from the great Moltke downward, about the inability of modern Millionenheere to exist in the field turned out to be wrong. Instead, Schlieffen's confident view that it would be possible to more or less fill the bellies of the men from the country was proved correct."
General Rule: There are two types of supply: Provisions and Ammunitions (Ammo). Provisions supply is used to determine whether units are "in supply" during their Supply Phase. Ammo supply is used to allow units to fight at full strength during the attack phases. Ammo supply details—see 9.4.
LOC Definition: An LOC is the RR line hex occupied by a supply unit and all contiguous friendly operational RR line hexes that lead from that unit to a friendly map edge (1.1), or Army Base marker (23.1, 24.3), that do not pass through an EZOC (unless occupied by a friendly unit).
LOC Limitation: Only one army's supply units' LOCs can pass through an individual single-track RR line hex at a time. Any number of armies' supply units LOCs can be traced via a double-track RR line hex.
15.1 Supply Sources
The types of supply sources are: Army Depot units, Corps Train units, friendly operational RR lines and some Fortress units. The Allies have two additional sources, Paris and Port hexes.
15.1.1 Depot Units: To be a supply source a Depot unit must have a LOC. A depot unit can supply any number of units, as long as these units are all attached to that depot's army (5.2).
- Secondary Depots—see 15.7.
15.1.2 Corps Train: To be a supply source a Corps Train unit must have a LOC or be in an army depot unit's supply range.
- Beginning on GT 22, British Port Supply—see 23.4.
15.1.3 RR Lines: Combat and Artillery units may choose to trace a supply line directly from a friendly operational RR line hex. A RR line's supply range is five hexes.
Exception: French and British units not attached to the Belgian Army (5.2.5) can only trace from a RR line in Belgium if that RR line is connected to a friendly operational RR line inside France.
- RR lines cannot provide Ammo (9.4).
15.1.4 Fortress2 Supply: Fortress2 type units are Supply sources. Any Combat and Artillery units stacked within a Fortified Camp consisting of Fortress2 type units are in supply.
In addition, a Fortress2 unit may provide supply to any Garrison unit (8.6) assigned to the Fortress2 unit's Fortified Camp. A Fortress2 unit's supply range is five hexes.
NOTE: Some Fortress2 units are missing supply symbols. While the supply symbols on the backside of some fortress units is an error.
15.1.5 Ports (Allies only): Allied units stacked in a Port hex are in supply.
15.1.6 Paris (Allies only)—see 22.2.
15.2 Supply Source Restrictions due to Attachment
15.2.1 Army Depots: A depot unit can supply any number of units, as long as these units are all attached to that depot's army.
15.2.2 Corps Trains: A Corps Train unit can supply all the Formations attached to its corps (i.e., those with their Attachment marker in the corps' Attachment Box), any Asset Units, and any Cavalry units.
HISTORICAL NOTE: "[In the German Army] In contrast to the Army Corps, the Cavalry Corps possessed neither a General Command, nor corps troops, but only two or three divisions. As a result its commander was not designated as Commanding General, but as Senior Cavalry Commander (Höherer Kavallerie-Kommandeur); he was concerned only with tactics and strategy. With regard to administration and supply the cavalry divisions were autonomous." [Cron translation pg.94]
15.3 Tracing Supply
To provide Provisions or Ammo a supply source must be able to trace a supply line through a path of contiguous hexes that does not exceed its Supply Range, to the unit seeking supply. Each hex along the path of supply costs one against the supplying source's Supply Range.
- A supply line cannot be traced across a sea hexside.
15.3.1 Enemy Unit Restrictions: A supply line cannot be traced through an enemy unit, or through a hex in an EZOC, unless the hex is friendly occupied or in a friendly ZOC, excluding any ZOC originating from the hex seeking supply. It can be traced into, but not through, a hex containing an enemy Fortress unit.
15.3.2 Terrain Restriction: A supply line can be traced across an unbridged Grand River hexside, or Mountain Ridge hexside, but if so, can be traced no further.
EXAMPLE: A French division, surrounded by several enemy units, cannot trace a supply line to its supply source (a Train unit some distance away) because all surrounding hexes are enemy occupied or in an EZOC. However, if one friendly unit is present nearby, the division is in supply because that friendly unit's ZOC negates the enemies' ZOC into the intervening hex.
15.4 The Supply Phase
During the friendly Supply Phase the supply state of a player's units is checked. A unit is always found to be in one of two possible states: Full Supply or Out of Supply.
Procedure: To determine if units are in Full Supply or Out of Supply (and possibly Isolated) and to penalize "Out of Supply" units, use the following procedural order:
(1) Check that every Depot unit has a LOC. If a Depot is found to not have a LOC, displace the Depot to create a valid LOC. The Depot is picked up and placed on any friendly operational RR line hex (the unit flies) and is flipped to its backside.
(2) Check that every Corps Train unit is in Full Supply or has a LOC. Place an Out of Supply marker on any Corps Train unit that is Out of Supply and has no LOC.
(3) Check to determine the supply state of every Force. A Force is either in Full Supply or Out of Supply. If a Force is Out of Supply, check for Isolation (15.5). Place an Out of Supply/Isolation marker on all Forces that are Out of Supply/Isolated (respectively).
(4) Reduce the CEL of all Out of Supply Forces by one unless Isolated. If Isolated, reduce the Force's CEL by three.
(5) Remove ALL Out of Supply/Isolation markers.
15.5 Isolation
Check whether a unit is Isolated during the Supply Phase and at the moment that that status may have significance (e.g., when a demoralized unit is required to Retreat After Combat).
Procedure: A unit is "Isolated" if it is unable to trace a path of 15 hexes, or less, to a friendly supply source that does not pass through enemy units, nor through a hex in an EZOC that is not also friendly occupied or in a friendly ZOC, including the unit's own ZOC.
EXAMPLE: A French division is Isolated because all surrounding hexes and all hexes surrounding those are enemy occupied or in an EZOC. However if one of the enemy units is not there, the division is not Isolated because its own ZOC negates the EZOC in the adjacent hex.
15.5.1 Other Effects of Isolation:
- Surrender due to Retreat After Combat—see 11.1.6.
- Unit Surrender due to an Invested camp—see 12.3.
15.6 Supply Unit Characteristics
Besides supplying Provisions and Ammo, supply units have special characteristics.
- Supply units do not project a ZOC.
- Depots do not count toward stacking limits.
15.6.1 Extended Mode: Each supply unit has two sides: a Normal Mode side (front) and an Extended Mode side (back). Supply units may flip to their Extended Mode side during the friendly supply phase to provide Provisions, and during any attack phases to provide Ammo. When flipped to the Extended side the unit has an increased range but the amount of Ammo the unit may provide is limited (9.4.2). Once flipped, a supply unit remains flipped until the next friendly supply phase.
- Supply units are flipped to their Extended Mode sides: Voluntarily to extend their supply range; Involuntarily if required to Retreat or Displace (15.6.2, 15.4(1)).
15.6.2 Supply Units and EZOCs: A supply unit may never be in an EZOC unless stacked with a friendly Combat unit or Fortress unit with an exterior garrison.
15.6.2a Corps Train Retreat: The instant a Corps Train unit that is not stacked with a friendly Combat unit, or Fortress unit with an exterior garrison, is in an EZOC the Corps Train unit must retreat three hexes and be flipped to its Extended Mode side. A retreating Corps Train unit may not pass through an EZOC while retreating (friendly units negate EZOCs). If it cannot retreat three hexes it is placed on its army's Depot (the unit flies).
During friendly and enemy movement, and after combat, Corps Train retreat occurs the instant an enemy unit comes adjacent, before the movement or retreat is completed (and before OR after Cavalry Reaction (8.2)—reacting player's discretion).
15.6.2b Depot Displacement: The instant a Depot unit that is not stacked with a friendly Combat unit, or Fortress unit with an exterior garrison, is in an EZOC the Depot unit must displace. The unit is picked up and placed on any friendly operational RR line hex (the unit flies) and is flipped to its backside.
15.6.3 Depot Movement—RR Only Movement: During the movement phases, Depot units can (only) move along friendly operational RR lines (an R is printed on their counters to denote this) and each RR line hex costs 1 MP. Like other units, Depot units have 9 MPs during their Movement Phase and 5 MPs during their Counter Movement Phase. Depots can move along all three types of RR Line, double-track, single-track and narrow-track.
- Depots move without the expenditure of RPs.
15.6.4 Depot Relocation: A player may have the desire to redeploy an entire army to a new location. When this is the case, during the Attachment Phase, pick up the army's Depot unit and place it on the GT Record Track two GTs later. Place a blue Army Destination marker on the map on any friendly operational RR line hex. During the Preliminary Phase of that GT's friendly Player Turn place the returning Depot unit on the hex with the Army Destination marker.
- A maximum of one Army Depot per side can be undertaking Relocation on any given GT.
DESIGN NOTE: In 1914 Offensive à outrance Corps Train and Army Depot units represent a combination of army, corps, and division-level HQ, intendance, train, and supply units. Although represented by only one counter per army and one per corps, these various units are in fact in several hexes at once. It is most critical to understand that, during mobile operations, the numerous detraining and transfer locations are changing each day. The train and supply assets are mostly vehicles traversing the rear areas back and forth between the corps and division supply units and the railroad lines that provide the needed supplies. In normal situations, the route of these wagons was easily altered, and in fact was altered often, as the supply detraining points changed, sometimes with very little notice. Therefore it is this designer's opinion that changing an army's supply lines should be relatively easy.
15.7 Secondary Depots
Each player is provided with one Secondary Depot counter. It acts exactly as a regular Depot with the following rules:
- Activation: During a player's Supply Phase he announces its Army Attachment and places it on the map in any hex with a valid LOC and that is within 9 hexes of a Formation attached to its army. It becomes active immediately.
- Deactivation: When the Secondary Depot is no longer needed, the player can deactivate the Secondary Depot. At the beginning of the friendly Supply Phase remove the Depot. The player can, if he so chooses, place the Army's primary Depot unit in the hex formerly occupied by the Secondary Depot. The removed Secondary Depot unit can be placed back on the map in a new location the same GT that it was removed from play.
15.7.1 Secondary Depot's Extended Side: If either the Secondary or primary Depot unit is flipped to its Extended Mode side both Depots are flipped. Ammo expenditure is tracked on the primary Depot.
DESIGN NOTE: Secondary Depots simply represent the ability to choose a new location to detrain supplies.
15.8 Ammunition Shortage
To simulate the redistribution of artillery ammunition away from quiet or less important sectors to those of greater significance 1914 Offensive à outrance uses "Ammo Shortage" markers.
15.8.1 Ammo Shortage: Starting on the 4th Inter-Phase, and every Inter-Phase thereafter, both players will receive a new Ammo Shortage marker. Each marker is back-printed with the Inter-Phase of its arrival. By the 9th Inter-Phase each side will have six Ammo Shortage markers.
15.8.2 Ammo Shortage Marker Placement: During the friendly Supply Phase a player must place all his Ammo Shortage markers on his Army Depots; a maximum of one per Depot. A marker's placement and its effects last for the duration of one GT after which the marker is removed and the placement process repeated. A marker CAN be placed on a Depot that is undertaking Relocation.
- Allied Restriction: A marker cannot be placed on the Alsace Army or the Army of Belgium.
- German Restriction: A marker cannot be placed on the A-G Belgien.
15.8.3 Effects: Ammo Shortage markers convey one effect: a maximum Combat Supply Provision Limit (2.6.2). The Provision Limit is printed on the marker.
HISTORICAL NOTE: All the belligerents began the war with inadequate stockpiles of artillery ammunition. Daily usage greatly exceeded the pre-war estimates so that by September ammunition shortages began to arise. As a result, as the campaign progressed, all the belligerents had to decrease their average daily artillery ammunition allotments. This resulted in active and quiet areas along the front.
16.0 Reinforcements, Substitutions, Withdrawals & Replacements
Each player's reinforcements, substitutions, withdrawals and replacements are listed in the scenario rules.
16.1 Reinforcement Entry Procedure
Reinforcements enter play during the friendly Preliminary Phase either in a specific hex or in Rail Mode at a map edge entry hexside labeled with the appropriate letter. If the reinforcement is a Corps or Formation, place its Attachment marker on an Army Organizational Display.
PLAY NOTE: The Attachment Phase follows the Preliminary Phase, so if the initial placement of a reinforcing unit's Attachment marker is found to be in error it can be changed.
16.1.1 Map Edge Entry: All reinforcements that enter at a map edge entry hexside do so in Rail Mode via RR Transport. No RPs need be expended to move reinforcements.
16.2 Unit Substitution
Some reinforcement units are exchanged for units that are already on the map.
16.2.1 Procedure 1: Remove the unit to be exchanged from the map and replace it with the substituting unit, retaining any strength reductions. If the departing unit is a Formation, the new Formation takes on the CE Status of the departing Formation.
EXAMPLE: Division A is substituted for brigade B. If the CE Status of brigade B is –2 then division A's CE Status will be –2.
PLAY NOTE: The new Formation's Attachment marker may be on the backside of the departing Formation's Attachment marker.
16.2.2 Procedure 2: If a Formation is to substitute for an Asset Unit that has been destroyed, remove a number of steps from the Formation equal to the number of steps in the Asset Unit before entering the Formation into play.
16.3 Combination Substitutions
In some cases units on the map can be combined to create new units. The units affected are marked with a colored dot or square in their upper right-hand corner. The color of the dot or square is unique to each case within a nationality. A Combo Substitution cannot occur until all the specified units are stacked together or in adjacent hexes (in this case, create a Two-Hex Unit). If one of the required units has been eliminated, use the Unit Substitution procedure (16.2.1), retaining any strength reductions.
16.3.1 Procedure: At the end of any friendly movement phase, if the required units are present, remove the units to be exchanged from the map and replace them with the substituting unit(s), retaining any Strength Reductions. New Formation(s) takes on the average CE Status (6.1.1) of the departing Formations, rounded down.
16.3.2 Reverse Combination—see Rule 25.5.
16.4 Cavalry Corps Substitutions
Both players receive Cavalry Corps units as reinforcement. These Formation units are substituted for two or three Independent cavalry divisions. These substitutions are not voluntary; they MUST be executed as quickly as reasonably possible.
PLAY NOTE: A number of Cavalry units are designated as corps (XXX) to reflect their historical designation. In game terms, these units are Formations without the organizational role played by Corps as that term is used in the game.
16.4.1 Procedure: At the end of any friendly movement phase, if the required cavalry divisions are stacked in the same or adjacent hexes, remove the divisions to be exchanged from the map and replace them with the substituting corps unit, retaining any Strength Reductions. The new Corps Formation takes on the average CE Status of the departing Formations, rounded down.
EXAMPLE: Cavalry divisions A, B and C are to be substituted for by Cavalry Corps Z. If the CE Status of division A and B were –1, and C was –2, then Corps Z's CE Status would be –2. [(–1)+(–1)+(–2)=(–4), (–4/3)=(–1.33), rounded down =–2]
16.5 Withdrawals
Units that are to be withdrawn are simply removed from the map during the Preliminary Phase of the specified GT.
- All Withdrawal cases are listed in the Play Book.
16.6 Replacements (REPLs)
Players receive Replacements by nationality as listed on the Inter-Phase chart. REPLs are incorporated ONLY during an Inter-Phase's Replacement Segment.
Important: All REPLs (those received during the current Inter-Phase and those stored from previous Inter-Phases) must be incorporated if possible.
16.6.1 Recording REPLs: Unused REPLs can be stored and are tracked using the national REPL markers. Excess Strength Reduction results (those that cannot be allocated during combat—see 9.10.4) reduce the number of stored REPLs. If the number stored is negative, the next allotment of REPLs is reduced by that amount.
16.6.2 Replacement Procedure: One REPL will remove one Strength Reduction from an Infantry unit. When a REPL is incorporated the owning player flips a reduced unit to its front side, or, removes a –2 Strength Reduction marker, or flips a –4 Strength Reduction marker to its –2 side.
- An individual unit can incorporate only one REPL per Inter-Phase.
- Eliminated units cannot be returned to the game.
16.6.3 Army Attachment Restriction: The number of REPLs that may be incorporated by units attached to a specific army is limited. These limits are detailed on the Inter-Phase Chart.
17.0 Army-Level Reinforcements & Detachments
17.1 Army-Level Reinforcements
When a player receives an Army as a reinforcement place the army's depot unit on any friendly operational RR line (exceptions—see 17.1.1) and begin use of the Army's Organizational Display.
- A player can choose to delay the arrival of an Army by one GT.
17.1.1 German Army Depot Placement Restrictions:
- A-G Belgien—see Rule 25.4.
- Straßburg: The STRAßB. depot units must be placed within five hexes of Straßburg (hex 65.52).
- Metz: The METZ depot unit must be placed within five hexes of Metz (hex 54.49).
HISTORICAL NOTE: The German Straßburg Army represents the Army Groups Gaede and Falkenhausen. General Gaede, deputy commander of the XIV corps, was placed in command of the Upper Alsace region after the first Battle for Mülhausen. General Falkenhausen, previously commander of the Ersatz Corps, was given command of the troops that remained in Lorraine after the departure of the Sixth Army.
The German Metz Army represents the Army Group formed of parts of Fifth Army in the area east of Verdun placed under the V Corps' commander General Strantz.
17.2 French Army Detachment
The French Detachement d'Armee (Det d'Armee) acts in all ways as an Army except that it can be activated and deactivated.
17.2.1 Activation Procedure: During the friendly Attachment Phase, place the depot unit on any friendly operational RR line. Begin use of the Army's Organizational Display immediately.
17.2.2 Deactivation Procedure: An Army Detachment with no Formations attached can be removed from the map during the friendly Attachment Phase. The Detachment is available for activation the GT following its deactivation.
17.2.3 Detachment Substitution: On GT 10, the Detachement d'Armee Depot is removed from play and replaced by the Ninth Army's Depot. If the Detachment d'Armee was deactivated, place the Ninth Army's Depot on any friendly operational RR line.
18.0 Railroad (RR) Lines
18.1 RR Lines
There are three types of RR lines in the game: Double-Track, Single-Track and Narrow-Track. All three types can be used to provide supply and move depots. Other unit types are restricted to moving only along double-track RR lines with the exception, Allies only, of the single-track RR line (highlighted in purple) Abancourt (hex 16.24)—Eu (hex 16.18)—Abbeville (hex 20.18).
18.1.1 RR Line States: RR lines may be found in two states: "friendly operational" or "non-operational."
- Friendly Operational RR line hexes are those that are behind the nation's Railhead markers and are connected to a friendly map edge by a contiguous path of other friendly operational RR line hexes.
- Non-Operational RR line hexes are those that are NOT CONNECTED to a friendly map edge by a contiguous path of other friendly operational RR line hexes.
18.1.2 Railhead Markers: These markers are used to indicate the extent of "friendly operational" RR line hexes.
18.1.3 Enemy Units and RR Lines: The state of a friendly operational RR line changes to non-operational when: 1) an enemy unit passes through or stops in the RR line's hex and/or 2) when a RR line's hex is behind the enemy's front line.
18.2 RR Engineering
During the RR Engineering Phase, all RR lines that are behind a friendly army's Front Line (3.4.1 & 3.4.2), and are connected to a friendly map edge, are automatically friendly operational.
Clarification: The French GDT Corps is not an army and RR lines behind its front are not automatically changed.
18.3 The Réseau du Nord
DESIGN NOTE: These rules simulate the effects of the French RR engineers "clearing" the lines of the Northern District RR Network. In contrast to early omissions to damage the railways, in early September, on the Allied left wing there was "quelque exagération."
For game purposes, the region within France north of the Seine and Oise Rivers, from Hirson (hex 40.30) to the Seine-Oise confluence (hex 14.33) to the Sea (hex 01.21) constitutes the Réseau du Nord (Northern Network). The Réseau du Nord is divided into an Eastern and Western area by the Somme River (hex 19.19 to hex 31.29, both hexes within the western area).
18.3.1 Clearing the Lines: Prior to GT 10, Clearing of the RR lines in the Eastern area is triggered the instant a German unit moves within eight hexes of Amiens (hex 22.23). Prior to GT 10, and if the Eastern Area has been cleared, Clearing of the Western area is triggered the instant a German unit moves within eight hexes of Creil (hex 20.32).
- Eastern Area Effect: The Allied Player turn after being triggered all the RR lines in the Réseau du Nord east of the Somme River, that are not German operational, become non-operational.
Exception: The double-track RR that runs between Abbeville (hex 20.19) and St.Omer (hex 28.13) remains Allied friendly operational.
- Western Area Effect: The Allied Player turn after being triggered all the remaining RR lines in the Réseau du Nord, that are not German operational, become non-operational.
18.3.2 Allied Repair Restriction: After being cleared, the Allied Player cannot change the RR lines of the Réseau du Nord to friendly operational until GT 14 (even if they are behind a friendly army's front line). Once reconstructed the RR lines can only be used to provide supply and move depots. No other units may use RR Transport over these hexsides.
HISTORICAL NOTE: A single-track railway was constructed to go around the destroyed tunnel at Montmedy (hex 49.41). The Germans employed a Swinging Power-Conveyor Service by Hirson (hex 40.30).
18.4 RR Structures—Bridges & Tunnels
DESIGN NOTE: The purpose of these rules is to simulate (in a simplified way) the problem demolitions caused the Germans, in their attempt to advance into France, and the Allies, during the Race to the Sea. Many other demolitions and corresponding reconstructions occurred during the campaign. Those not depicted were judged to have negligible effect on the game.
The RR Bridges and Tunnels that can be demolished and in some cases reconstructed during the game are marked with orange and red diamonds (for bridges) and orange circles (for tunnels). Demolition takes effect the Allied Player turn after being triggered.
18.4.1 Demolition: The demolition of Orange RR Bridges and Tunnels is triggered the instant a German unit comes within eight hexes of the structure in question.
Exception: The Pont de Pontoise—see 18.4.1a.
- The demolition of Red RR Bridges is triggered the instant a French unit moves adjacent to its hexside IF the bridge's hexside (i.e., the hexes on both sides) were German controlled at any point during the game. These hexsides are found by Amiens (23.24-23.25), Chauny (29.31-30.31) and La Fère (30.30-31.31).
MAP ERRATA: The number inside the red RR Bridge at Amiens (23.24-23.25) should be 21 (not 25).
18.4.1a The Pont de Pontoise (hexside 15.33-15.34): The bridge at Pontoise, labeled P, is demolished only if a German unit moves adjacent to its hexside. If demolished, it cannot be reconstructed during the game.
HISTORICAL NOTE: This bridge was saved from destruction by the personal intervention of General Galliéni, military governor of Paris. It was nearly demolished on September 1st, the day the French RR engineers blew bridges "à outrance."
18.4.2 Demolition Effect: Hexsides that have a demolished structure cannot be used for RR Transport or for tracing a LOC. In addition, RR Engineering cannot advance beyond the hexside.
18.4.3 RR Structure Reconstruction: Each RR Bridge and Tunnel contains a number or an X. Structures that contain a number are reconstructed on the GT that corresponds to the number. Those that are marked with an X cannot be reconstructed.
EXAMPLE: The RR Structures at Chauny (hex 29.31) and La Fère (hex 31.31) have both orange diamonds with numbers and red ones with Xs. The orange ones are demolished the moment a German unit comes within 8 hexes. They are then reconstructed on GTs 15 and 16 respectively. If the Germans ever control the hexes on both sides of these RR Bridges and then an Allied unit comes adjacent, the bridges are permanently blown.
18.5 Special German RR Engineering
The Yellow circles with black numbers represent special RR engineering feats. These are exactly like other RR reconstruction (18.4.3) except for two characteristics:
(1) Only the German player may use these.
Procedure: When triggered, the German player places the special 2 RP marker on the GT record track on the next Interphase. The 2 RPs can then be used anytime thereafter. To record the use of the marker's capacity, flip the marker to its backside after its first use. After using the marker a second time, remove the marker.
18.6 RR Line Transit Limits—Bottlenecks
DESIGN NOTE: Choke points in the railroad net caused transportation problems for both belligerents. The configuration of the Belgian railroad network caused issues for the Germans, while the French were hampered by the numerous RR structure demolitions that they themselves carried out during their retreat.
Numerous trains transporting supplies and replacements regularly moved through Bottleneck hexes. However, to accommodate troop transports moving through such hexes, extraordinary arrangements had to be made and regular traffic suspended. The reduction in the rail net's capacity in such circumstances meant that only the most urgently needed supplies were allowed through. Such supply disruptions could not be lengthy nor numerous without causing difficulties for the troops at the front. Bottleneck capacity represents the limit to this exceptional type of RR traffic.
18.6.1 RR Line Bottleneck Capacity markers (RR Bk): French markers are activated in Rouen (hex 08.25), Pontoise (hex 15.34) and Eu (hex 16.18) the instant a German unit moves within eight hexes of Creil (hex 20.32). The German markers in Arlon (hex 54.40) and Liège (hex 59.29) begin the game active. Place the Namur (hex 51.28) marker during the 6th Inter-Phase.
18.6.2 Tracking Capacity Procedure: RR Bk markers are orientated to denote the bottleneck's remaining capacity. Orient the markers so that the number showing on the north side is the current capacity. During a player's movement phases, when a unit uses RR Transport to move into a Bottleneck hex rotate the RR Bk marker by the unit's RP Cost (7.7.1).
- Once the marker denotes zero capacity, no other units can use RR Transport into the hex until the Bottleneck marker is reset in the next Inter-Phase. Exception: Depot units are not affected by bottlenecks and count as zero against capacity.
- Each Inter-Phase the RR Bk markers are reoriented to their full capacity position.
18.6.3 RR Transport of the New Reserve Corps: On GT 23, to allow the transport of the New Reserve Corps, the Liège, Namur, and Arlon Bottlenecks' capacities are increased by 3-½ (i.e. they have double the normal capacity).
HISTORICAL NOTE: The transport of the New Reserve Corps began 11 October. The first transports reached their destinations on the 13th. By the 16th detraining of the fighting troops was completed and the rear echelons were complete by the 18th.
The transport of the XXII and XXIII Corps followed the route Aachen—Liège—Brussel. While the XXVI and XVII Corps used the route Libramont—Namur—Charleroi.
With no RR capacity remaining on the Belgian network, the XXIV Reserve Corps was routed to Metz.
18.6.4 Belgian Sortie Trigger: Beginning on GT 10 and thereafter, the first time a Belgian unit inside Belgium that is not inside the Antwerpen Fortified Camp or northwest of the Dender River line (hexes 48.17, 47.17, 46.17 to 41.21 and 40.21, 39.22) places a Prepared Attack marker the German receives the Belgian Sortie 2 RP marker. The marker gives the German player 2 special RPs.
Characteristics: The units entrained and transported with these special RPs must choose a Destination Hex anywhere on the double-track RR line running between Brussel (hex 49.21) and Liège (hex 58.28). If these units move through Liège they do NOT count against Bottleneck capacity.
DESIGN NOTE: This rule represents the willingness of the German High Command to disrupt supply provision in order to send troops to face the Belgians if the Belgians conduct aggressive operations.
18.7 Other Effects of Railroads
- RR Transport—see 7.7.
- RR Lines and Supply—see 15.1.
19.0 Two-Hex Units
An individual Force (1.1) composed of Combat units can stack in two hexes at one time. This is known as being in "Two-Hex Status" and such a Force is a "Two-Hex Unit." When a Force enters Two-Hex Status a double-sized rectangular Two-Hex Unit marker is placed under the unit.
- For all cases concerning the proximity of a Two-Hex Unit to an enemy unit, geographic location, or friendly supply source, the closest hex or shortest range is used.
19.1 Two-Hex Status
19.1.1 Procedure—Voluntary Extending/Consolidating: A unit can voluntarily enter or leave Two-Hex Status during a friendly movement phase. To do so it may either remain stationary in one hex while moving into a new hex (expending the MPs to enter the new hex) or move directly from one hex into two adjoining hexes (expending the highest MP cost of entering either hex). To consolidate from two-hexes into a single hex the unit reverses the above process.
- A unit may enter Two-Hex Status when advancing after combat.
- An Asset Unit can become part of a Two-Hex Unit's Force by entering either one of the two hexes. It exits by consolidating like a Formation unit would.
- Cavalry units may leave or enter Two-Hex Status while Reacting (8.2) or Retiring (8.3).
- LOC Cavalry, Artillery, Siege-Artillery and Siege-Train HQ units cannot enter Two-Hex Status.
19.1.2 Stacking: A Two-Hex Force can stack with other Forces that are not in Two-Hex status. However, it cannot stack with another Two-Hex Force in either hex it occupies.
19.1.3 Size: In all cases, a Two-Hex Unit is considered to be half its size (1.1) in each hex it occupies.
19.1.4 Movement: When moving into two hexes from two hexes, the highest MP cost is used. Such a unit can wheel paying the MP cost of the new hex entered. One half of the unit remains in its hex while the other moves and pivots around the stationary hex.
Such a unit can move sideways; if one half of a Two-Hex Unit moves through different terrain than the other half, always use the higher MP cost.
- If a Prepared Attack marker is pointed at one hex of a Two-Hex Unit the other portion of the unit can move, either to consolidate or to wheel. If Prepared Attack markers are pointed at both hexes, neither portion of the unit can move.
- Two-Hex Units cannot place PA markers.
- A Two-Hex Unit can straddle a Mountain Ridge hexside.
19.1.5 Tasks: A Two-Hex Unit can only perform one task at a time.
EXAMPLE: A Two-Hex Unit must expend 13 MPs twice to build two IPs. First it builds in one hex, then in the second hex.
19.1.6 Combat: A Two-Hex Unit has its strength and Artillery Value divided equally between the two hexes it occupies.
- Attack: A Two-Hex Unit can conduct only one attack per phase.
- Defense: It defends as if it were two separate units (i.e., attacks upon separate portions of a Two-Hex Unit must be resolved separately). If both portions of a Two-Hex Unit will be participating in combat during an attack phase the two combats must be resolved simultaneously. In this case the Individual Attack Sequence (9.1.1) is modified as follows: Each attack is conducted as a separate attack without an effect upon the other (except in the possible case of retreat results). The Two-Hex Unit will conduct only one Post-Combat EC check, using the highest (worst) modifier from the two combats.
19.1.7 Retreat Results: A one hex retreat result from the CRT affects only the half that was forced to retreat; it will compel the Two-Hex Unit to either consolidate or wheel.
An EC Retreat result or multi-hex CRT retreat result affects the entire unit; the hex that suffered the retreat result must retreat the full distance while the other hex must retreat the number of hexes required to consolidate in the last hex of retreat.
COMBAT EXAMPLE: The German Bodungen Brigade is in Two-Hex Status in two adjacent hexes; one of them contains a Level 1 IP. Adjacent, with a Prepared Attack marker pointed at the non-IP hex, is the French 14/7 Division. Also adjacent is the 66r Division. The French Player states he will be attacking the non-IP hex with the 14/7 Division, and the IP hex with the 66r Division. Because the defender is in Two-Hex status the two combats are conducted concurrently.
Each player determines his total strength for each combat. The French 14/7 Division has attack strength of 12, while the 66r Division has attack strength of 10. The defending German Bodungen Brigade must split its defense strength in half. Therefore it will defend each hex with a defensive strength of 3. The two strength ratios are 12:3 and 10:3. These round to a combat ratio of 4:1 and 3:1.
The players now check to see if there are any odds shifts. In the case of the 14/7 Division it is one to the right for the PA marker. For the 66r Division it is one to the left because of the IP. So the final odds are 6:1, for the 14/7 Division, and 2:1, for the 66r Division.
Next the Proficiency Ratings are compared. The Bodungen Brigade's PR is 3. As the 14/7 Division's is 5, there's therefore a DRM of 2. The 66r Division's PR is 4, resulting in a DRM of 1.
Next the attacker and then defender announce with what Intensity they will fight the battle. In both cases neither player announces Intensity and therefore it is a Low Intensity combat.
The French player now rolls 2d6 for the 14/7 Division's attack. The result of the white die is 2, modified to 0; the black die is 4. These results are cross-referenced with the 6:1 odds column. The CRT result gives the French attacker a –1 EC DRM. The German defender suffered a +4 EC DRM and must retreat one hex. Before conducting the retreat and rolling the post-combat EC the second attack is resolved.
The French player now rolls 2d6 for the 66r Division's attack. The result of the white die is 4, modified to 3; the black die is 4. These results are cross-referenced with the 2:1 odds column. The CRT result gives both sides a +2 EC DRM and a strength reduction. Since the 66r Division faces an enemy of regiment-size it rolls 1d6 on the Small Magnitude Table (9.10.1). The result of the 66r Division's roll is a 6 so a SR is suffered and the counter is flipped to its backside. The German defender suffered a +2 EC DRM and strength reduction. Since the enemy is of division-size the Bodungen unit counter is flipped to its backside.
Next the Artillery Table is referenced. The 14/7 Division's AV is 4. This sum is cross-referenced with a ¼ of a division-equivalent receiving fire. The result is a 0 EC DRM to the German. The 66r Division's AV is 2. Cross-referenced with ¼ of a division-equivalent receiving fire the result is also 0. The German AV total is 1 (this is divided in half, and then rounded up). Cross-referenced with one division-equivalent receiving fire the result is a –1 EC DRM.
Now the post-combat ECs are resolved. The French divisions both roll low and pass. The German Bodungen Brigade must roll only once using the greatest DRM. In this case it is +4. Luckily for the German player, he rolls low and passes.
The German player must now conduct the mandated retreat. He retreats from the attacked hex into the adjacent hex, and therefore Bodungen ends the combat still in Two-Hex status in a new pair of hexes.
The 14/7 Division wants to enter the vacated hex but does not want to leave the hex it is in. It therefore decides to Advance after Combat by entering Two-Hex Status. This concludes the combat.
20.0 Preparatory Bombardment
Once per game, under certain conditions, each German Siege-Train HQ unit can perform (i.e. initiate, conduct and end) a Prep Bombardment Routine.
DESIGN NOTE: Prep Bombardment represents the accumulation of large numbers of heavy guns used to prepare infantry assaults at Antwerpen and the Grand Couronné by Nancy.
20.1 Prep Bombard Routine
The Prep bombardment routine proceeds in several steps and may last several GTs. First it must be initiated, then the bombardments are conducted (or not conducted), and then, when the German Player decides, the routine is ended. When ended the Siege-Train HQ unit is removed from the game.
Initiate Routine: The Prep Bombardment Routine may be initiated during the Supply Phase by a Siege-Train HQ unit that is stacked on or adjacent to a hex containing a Friendly Operational RR Line hex (18.1.1). Flip the HQ unit to its "Deploying marker" side, AND place the green Prep marker on the GT Record Track one GT later. During the next friendly Preliminary Phase the marker is placed upon the HQ unit (the target hex does not yet need to be specified). Once initiated the HQ unit cannot move again (i.e. it cannot leave the hex it is in).
Conduct Prep Bombardments: During each ensuing German Player's Attack Phase, if the requirements have been met (20.2), the HQ can choose to conduct a Prep Bombardment (20.4) against any adjacent hex. If a 30.5cm or 42cm Siege-Artillery unit/marker participates decrement the appropriate Bombardment Limit marker.
End Routine: During the Finishing Phase of the German Player Turn the German Player announces if he will or will not end the Prep Bombardment Routine. (It ends automatically if the Prep Bomb Ammo limit has been met—see 20.6.) If ended, remove the Siege-Train HQ unit from the game along with any Siege-Artillery markers assigned to it.
20.2 Requirements
To conduct a Prep Bombardment an HQ unit must be stacked with 1) a minimum of one Infantry unit of division-size that has a Prepared Attack marker placed pointing at the hex to be bombarded, AND 2) a minimum of four 21cm Siege-Artillery units in Deployed Mode. Note that 21cm units marked with 'x2' (on their deployed side) count as two units for Prep Bombardment purposes and the METZ 21cm marker counts as four units.
Note that the METZ marker is withdrawn from the game on GT 12.
20.3 Terrain Restrictions
Prep Bombardment cannot target a hex in Mountainous terrain and cannot be conducted across an Inundation hexside or across a Great or Grand River hexside.
20.4 Individual Prep Bombard Resolution
Prep Bombardment occurs during the Attack Phase just prior to resolving the attack on the hex being bombarded. Follow this sequence:
- Identify the targeted hex, the Siege-Train HQ and the participating Siege-Artillery units.
- Resolve the Prep Bombardment by determining the number of 21cm units that are participating, and if a 30.5cm or 42cm unit is participating, and roll 1d6. Apply any DRMs and cross-reference to find the result.
- Directly afterwards, resolve the associated Attack applying the CRT shifts and post-combat EC DRMs derived from the Prep Bombardment results table.
20.5 The Prep Bombardment Results Table
This table determines the number of CRT column shifts in favor of the attacker and imposes an EC DRM on the Forces in the defending hex. Important: Ignore all CRT column shifts if a Fortress unit is in the hex.
Results Table DRMs:
- Up Elevation (3.6): +2, if the targeted hex is at a higher elevation than the HQ unit.
- Across an Escarpment hexside: +1
Possible Results:
| Result | Effect |
|---|---|
| — | No Effect |
| # | Number of CRT Column shifts to the right * |
| #s | Number of SRs suffered |
| #e | DRM added to Defender's post-combat EC |
* Ignore all CRT column shifts if a Fortress unit is in the hex.
20.6 Prep Bombardment Ammo Limits
During the Finishing Phase of the German Player Turn if a Prep Bombardment Routine was active decrement the Prep Bomb Ammo Limit marker by one. This is done even if a Prep Bombardment was not conducted. The Prep Bombard Routine can only be active five GTs per game.
20.6.1 GT Restriction: The Prep Bombardment Routine cannot be initiated after GT 22.
HISTORICAL NOTE: The prodigious quantities of ammunition fired at the Grand Couronné by Nancy led to arguments within the German High Command over the allocation of artillery ammunition. By mid-October, due to the general scarcity of artillery ammunition, the High Command would not again authorize the use of such a large quantity of artillery ammunition in one location.
COMPREHENSIVE PREP BOMBARDMENT EXAMPLE:
Belgian situation: A full strength Antwerpen Fortress1 unit and the 3rd Infantry Division are stacked together. Adjacent is a Fortress1 unit and the 5th Division. Also adjacent is a Fortress1 unit stacked alone.
German situation: A Siege-Train HQ unit, stacked with three 21cm Siege-Artillery units (2+3/4, 2+3/7 and 1+2/9), the 5+6 sKM 30.5cm unit, the 3 kMK 42cm unit, the Siege-Artillery markers 1 sKM and 2 kMK, and the Pioneer marker, begin the Supply Phase stacked together adjacent to a Friendly Operational RR Line. Also stacked in the hex are the 5r/3R Division and the BELGIEN (Marine) Division. Adjacent are the 6r/3R Division, the BELGIEN (26 Lw) Brigade, and the two Austro-Hungarian 30.5cm units.
During the German Supply Phase of GT 20 the German player decides he is ready to begin the Prep Bombardment Routine. He therefore flips the Siege-Train HQ to its Deploying side and places the green Prep marker on the GT Record Track on GT 21. During the Movement Phase, the German decides to deploy the Siege-Artillery marker 1 sKM, but not the 2 kMK (due to lack of 42cm ammo). He places the 1 sKM marker on the GT Record Track on GT 21.
On GT 21, during the German Player's Preliminary Phase the green Prep marker and the siege-artillery marker are placed on the Siege-Train HQ. During the following Movement Phase the four German combat units expend the required MPs to place black Prepared Attack markers pointing at the Belgian hex containing the 3rd Division and its Fortress1 unit. In addition, the Siege-Artillery units flip to their deployed sides.
German Attack Phase: The battle will proceed in three steps: first the fortress bombardment (13.1.2), then Prep Bombardment, and finally the Attack. The German player's plan is to use the 1 sKM 30.5cm and three 21cm Siege-Artillery units in the Prep Bombardment (maximum strength). The remaining Siege-Artillery can be used against any adjacent Fortress unit. The German calculates that he has a 97% chance to destroy both steps of the fortress unit in the target hex but hopes that he will not need to use ALL of his remaining Siege-Artillery units.
The German begins with his 3 kMK 42cm unit and identifies the target hex. He decrements the 42cm ammo and then rolls 1d6 with a result of 4, cross references the Bombardment Results Table to determine he has destroyed 1 step. (Had he rolled a 1 or 2, the fortress unit would have been completely destroyed.) Next he designates the 5+6 sKM 30.5cm and announces he will use the Pionier-Regiment to modify the die roll. This time he decrements the 30.5cm ammo and rolls 1d6. The result is a 5, modified by –1 for the Pioneer resulting in a 4; he cross-references the Bombardment Results Table to determine he has destroyed a step. The Belgian Fortress1 unit is removed from the hex. The German is fortunate it has required only two shots. He is now free to use the A-H 30.5cm Siege-Artillery units to fire upon the neighboring Fortress1 unit. (For purposes of this example we will assume both shots miss leaving the fortress unit unharmed.)
After all fortress bombardments have been completed the German conducts his Attacks. Prior to the attack on the target hex he conducts the Prep Bombardment. The German identifies the target hex and states that the three 21cm units (each x2) and the 1 sKM 30.5cm unit are participating and decrements the 30.5cm ammo by one. Next the German rolls 1d6. The result is a 5 (which remains a 5 since there are no DRMs due to terrain). The result is a 3 CRT shifts to the right, one SR suffered (the 3rd Division is flipped to its reduced side) and a +4 post combat EC DRM (3e + 1e for the participation of the 30.5cm).
Now the German resolves the combat. He identifies his attacking stacks and the defending stack. This qualifies as a Prepared Attack since all the attackers have Prepared Attack markers. Both players check to be sure they can provide Ammo. For this example they are able and the supply units providing the supply are within their regular range (not extended range) and therefore they do not need to record the provision. Each player determines his total strength. The Belgian unit's defense strength is 14. The German adds the attack strength of all four Formations together. The four Formations' total strength is 39 (13+10+12+4). The strength ratio of 39:14 rounds to a combat ratio of 3:1. The players now apply any odds shifts. In this case, there is a shift of two to the left due to the defender being in a Level 2 IP. There is one shift right for Prepared Attack and 3 shifts right for the Prep Bombardment result. Therefore the final odds column to be used is shifted two to the right so the final odds are 6:1.
Next the Proficiency Ratings are compared. The Belgian proficiency is 3, while the German's is 5, so the white die will be modified by –2.
Next the attacker and then defender announce with what Intensity they will fight the battle. The attacking German announces Intense as does the Belgian player. Therefore it will be a High Intensity combat.
The German player now rolls 2d6. The result of the white die is 5; the black die is 3. The white die result is modified to 3 due to the PR difference. These results are cross-referenced with the 6:1 odds column. The CRT result gives the German attacker a –1 EC DRM while the Belgian defender suffers a +5 EC DRM and a mandatory one hex retreat result. The division is retreated, suffers a SR due to the retreat result with Intense Combat and rolls 1d6 to check if it will suffer a second SR (11.1.2). It rolls a 2, and therefore does not. The Belgian replaces the reduced strength 3rd Division counter with the full strength secondary counter.
Next the Artillery Table is referenced. The Belgian AV total is 10 (3 for the 3rd Division and 7 for the units in the neighboring hexes). This sum is cross-referenced with three-and-one-half division-equivalents receiving fire. The result is no EC DRM to the German. The German AV total is 12 (6 from each hex). This sum is cross-referenced with one division-equivalent receiving fire. The result is a +1 EC DRM to the Belgian.
Now both players' units must make Post-Combat ECs. The German player must roll two times, one time for each hex. The only modifier is a –1 from the CRT (we will assume they all pass).
The Belgian 3rd Division has a current CEL of 10. The DRMs to be considered are the CRT result (+5), the Artillery Modifier (+1) and the Prep Bombardment (+4); a total DRM of +10. He rolls two dice with a result of 7. The modified EC result is 17. The 3rd Division fails by seven. Checking the Effectiveness Check Failure Results Table this results in a three CE Status reduction, a SR and a one hex retreat. The Belgian marks the 3rd Division's Attachment marker with a –3 CE marker, flips the secondary counter to its reduced side and retreats the division.
Finally the German player Advances after Combat. He chooses to advance into the vacated hex with two divisions of the 3R Corps. This ends the combat.
Last but not least, during the Finishing Phase, the German decrements the Prep Bombardment Limit marker and announces if he will or will not end the Prep Bombardment Routine.
21.0 Allied Special Rules
These rules affect all the Allied Nationalities.
21.1 Inferior Allied Combat Doctrine
During GTs 1 through 5 the Allies are negatively affected during all combats by the following modification to the CRT die rolls (9.9.1):
- When attacking, if the black die's result is a 1, then reroll both dice and apply the new result (even if the black die is a 1).
- When defending, if the black die's result is a 6, then reroll both dice and apply the new result (even if the black die is a 6).
EXCEPTION: If the combat includes an Allied Fortress unit that is part of a Fortified Camp then Rule 21.1 does not apply.
HISTORICAL NOTE: The French Army went into battle seeped in the ideals of Loyseau de Grandmaison and the offensive à outrance. The French belief in their 'moral ascendancy' and their superior resolution to advance was not able to counterbalance their inferior tactical doctrine.
As for the British and Belgians, they suffered from deficient training. In the Belgian's case, its conscript's one-year service did not allow enough time for sufficient training. For the British army, that was trained for colonial war and included a great many reservists, the short duration of the Haldane reforms had not been adequate to prepare the army for continental warfare. In effect, the British army entered WW1 without a functioning tactical doctrine.
21.2 British Naval Support
An Allied unit defending on a Coastal hex (i.e., the last hex of the hex grid along the sea; beginning in hex 01.21 to hex 42.10) can be given Naval Support. Shift the CRT two columns to the left. The shift can only be used once per attack phase.
21.3 The IJzer River Inundation
The Inundation on the IJzer River, although depicted on the map, is not in existence until the Allied player successfully creates it. Once per game, during the Allied player's Preliminary Phase of any GT that one Allied infantry division-equivalent occupies Nieuwpoort (hex 35.11), he can announce the IJzer Inundation. The Allied player rolls 1d6. If the roll result is 1-5 the Inundation is successful; if 6 it is unsuccessful. If successfully created it remains in play for the duration of the game.
21.4 Other Allied Rules Summary
- Allied Nationality attachment restrictions—see 5.1.4 and 5.2.5.
22.0 French Special Rules
22.1 GT 1 Movement Restriction
French units cannot perform a Forced March during the French Movement Phase of GT 1.
22.2 Paris
The Paris Garrison is an Army with the special characteristic that its AoA can overlap with other armies' AoA.
22.2.1 Paris Garrison Area: Is the area around Paris bounded by IPs printed on the map.
22.2.2 Paris Garrison Districts: The Paris Garrison Area has six districts: Central, Nord, NE, Est, Sud and Ouest. Each district has a corresponding Garrison Infantry unit that must remain within that district. The Paris Garrison Infantry units whose ID does not include a district designation are free to move throughout the entire Garrison Area.
22.2.3 Paris Depot: The depot symbol printed on the map inside Paris (hex 16.36) is always an active supply source and can provide supply to any French unit within the Paris Garrison Area.
22.2.4 Paris Organizational Display: The PARIS display holds the Attachment markers for all Formations assigned to the Paris Garrison. In addition, Formations that find themselves far behind the front lines, or inside an invested camp, can place their Attachment marker on the Paris display. (Example: The 87th Territorial Division in Le Havre.)
22.3 Groupe de Divisions Territoriales (GDT)
The GDT is a Corps with special characteristics. These special rules expire on GT 18.
22.3.1 Attachment Restrictions: Prior to GT 18, the GDT cannot be attached to an Army (it is provided with its own small Organizational Display) and its attached units cannot be inside an army's Area of Attachment.
22.3.2 Mission: During GTs 1-5, units attached to the GDT must maintain a line of contiguous ZOCs from any hex adjacent to La Manche (English Channel) to a ZOC of a French or BEF unit attached to an army.
22.3.3 Detachment Units (det): The GDT divisions begin the campaign with detached components and special reduced strength markers. These detachment units may be integrated at the end of any friendly movement phase if the parent and detachment are stacked in the same hex. Simply remove the detachments from the map and remove the corresponding Strength Reduction marker from the parent unit.
22.3.4 GT 18: On GT 18, substitute the 81t, 82t, 84t and 88t units for the 81t/GDT, 82t/GDT, etc. respectively and flip all the GDT Attachment markers to their backsides (to display the 10 CEL) and remove the GDT Corps' Attachment marker and Train unit from play.
PLAY NOTE: The French player must take care because the GDT corps' units are dependent upon the RR lines of the Réseau du Nord (18.3) for supply. It is very likely that at some point these lines will be cleared moving the GDT's supply sources far to the rear. Notice also that without an Army Depot or Corps Train (it arrives GT 11), the units of the GDT cannot be provided Ammo for combat.
HISTORICAL NOTE: The divisions of the GDT (also referred to as Groupe D'Amade) were made up of the oldest year-groups, had little mobility or combat power, and their mission was merely to stop raids by German cavalry.
22.4 French Reserve Divisions and Brigades
During the game the Attachment markers for all French Reserve divisions and brigades will be flipped from their front to their backsides, thus increasing their base CE. All Reserves have an "r" in their ID.
22.4.1 Procedure: Beginning on the 3rd Inter-Phase, the French player rolls 1d6 each Inter-Phase until successful.
| Inter-Phase | Success |
|---|---|
| 3rd | 1 |
| 4th | 1, 2 |
| 5th | 1-3 |
| 6th | 1-4 |
| 7th | 1-5 |
| 8th | Automatic |
If unsuccessful, move the French Reserve Die Roll marker to the next Inter-Phase box as a reminder to roll again.
22.5 Other French Rules Summary
- The ALSACE Depot unit cannot move further than 6 hexes from Besancon (hex 48.70), Belfort (hex 50.68) or Mühlhausen (hex 55.70).
- Chasseurs Alpins PR Bonus—see 9.7.2.
- Paris Exception—see 7.5.2 CE Recovery of Demoralized Formations.
23.0 British Special Rules
23.1 British Army Base
During the campaign the BEF's army base was repositioned from Le Havre to St. Nazaire. While positioned in Le Havre the British trace their LOC to hex 01.21. Upon beginning the base transfer, they trace their LOC via the railroad lines that lead off map at either hex 02.36 or 02.46.
23.1.1 Involuntary Trigger and Transfer Procedure: Prior to GT 9, the transfer is initiated involuntarily the instant a German unit moves within eight hexes of Amiens (hex 22.23). During the following Allied Preliminary Phase flip the Le Havre Army Base marker to its St. Nazaire side and place it in either hex 02.36 or 02.46. In addition, to denote the GT of completion, place the 'BASE transfer process complete' marker on the GT Record Track two GTs from the current GT.
23.1.2 Effects: For the duration of the transfer, the army's Ammo Provision Limit is 4 per GT. Place the BEF Base Transfer marker on the BEF Army Depot. (Recording Ammo provision—see 9.4.2)
23.1.3 Voluntary Transfer: Beginning on GT 7, during the Allied Preliminary Phase, the British player may voluntarily begin the transfer procedure (it is not mandatory).
EXAMPLE: During GT 7, a German unit moves to within eight hexes of Amiens triggering the transfer procedure. During the Allied Preliminary Phase of GT 8 move the Army Base marker to either hex 02.36 or 02.46, place the red 'BEF Base Transfer' marker on the Army Depot unit and place the 'BASE transfer process complete' marker on GT 10.
HISTORICAL NOTE: "The military situation had then [August 28th] become such that the bases which had been organized at Boulogne and Le Havre were no longer safe—indeed the advance of the enemy had already dispossessed the British of the Advanced Base at Amiens. The contingency had been foreseen by the Quartermaster-General's Department on the 24th of August, the day after the fighting at Mons, and from that date all further movement of men and stores to the former ports had been stopped, and the difficult undertaking of a change of base when the army was heavily involved had to be carried out with the minimum of warning. By the 27th of August, Boulogne had been cleared of stores and closed as a point of disembarkation: on the 29th St. Nazaire on the River Loire was selected in lieu. At that time there were 60,000 tons of stores in Le Havre, also 15,000 men and 1,500 horses all awaiting transfer to St. Nazaire. By the 5th of September, every pound of stores and supplies had been removed from Le Havre, the whole of the personnel having been evacuated two days previously. Despite this effort, in itself no mean feat of organization, some days were bound to elapse before the huge accumulation could be landed, and the new base put in working order for the dispatch of what was needed at the front by a longer line of communication which then ran by two railway routes—one via Saumur and the other by Le Mans—to Villeneuve St Georges, just southeast of Paris, where there was one route to a varying railhead." [Col. R.H. Beadon, The Royal Army Service Corps, A History of Transport and Supply in the British Army (1931) pgs.119-120.]
After stabilization of the front, Le Havre and Rouen were reopened as bases on 13th October. St. Nazaire was finally closed down 17th November. [Military Operations, vol.2 pg.260]
23.2 Samson Armored Car Unit
Samson is an LOC cavalry regiment—see 8.7.3. Samson cannot move further than 9 hexes from Dunkerque (hex 31.11). Samson is always in supply if he can trace a supply path of any length to a French Port hex.
23.3 Royal Naval Division (RND)
The three Infantry units Marine, 1 Naval, and 2 Naval constitute the British "Royal Naval Division."
23.3.1 Naval Holding Box: (located on the BEF organizational display) This holding box represents England. Only RND units can stack in or move in and out of this holding box. The box can only be entered or exited via Naval Transport.
23.3.2 Other Exceptional Rules: The units of the RND can:
- when stacked in one hex, count as one Asset Unit of brigade-size for stacking purposes (this is an exception to Rule 3.1.1).
- can be assigned to a Belgian Formation (see also 5.2.5).
- Special RND Rail Point: On the 6th Inter-Phase the Allied player receives one special RP that can only be used to entrain one, two or all three RND units during a movement phase. This RP never expires but can only be used once. Once the RP has been used, remove the marker.
23.3.3 Surrender of Antwerpen: If Antwerpen surrenders (24.4) the Royal Naval Division is withdrawn from the game. If the surrender occurs prior to a unit's arrival, it never enters the game. If after arrival, withdraw the unit(s) in the following Allied Preliminary Phase.
23.4 British Port Supply
Beginning on GT 22, one (maximum) British Corps Train unit stacked in a Port hex is considered to have a LOC.
DESIGN NOTE: This rule represents the resources the British were prepared to provide to the Antwerpen relief forces.
24.0 Belgian Special Rules
24.1 Belgian Formations
For purposes of combat resolution, Belgian Formations are considered to be Independent Formations. Each stack (1.2) of Independent Formations is considered an individual corps for combat (9.2.2).
24.2 Lack of Belgian Replacements
Belgian units can never recover Strength Reductions.
24.2.1 Two Unit Counters: Each Belgian Formation is represented by two unit counters, a primary counter with higher strength numbers, and a secondary counter with lower strength numbers. When a Belgian strength reduced unit suffers a Strength Reduction, exchange the secondary counter for the primary counter. Place the secondary counter on its full strength side.
- A reduced strength Belgian brigade that suffers a Strength Reduction is transformed into a regiment-sized Asset Unit (remove its corresponding Attachment marker).
- If a reduced strength secondary counter suffers a SR place a –2 Strength Reduction marker on it. If it suffers another SR flip the marker to its –4 side. If it suffers a third SR the unit is eliminated.
24.3 Belgian Army Base
During the campaign the Belgian Army's supply base was repositioned twice; first from Antwerpen to Oostende, and when it was again threatened, the remnants fled to France. While positioned in Antwerpen (hex 52.16) the Belgians trace their LOC to hex 52.16 or 51.16. Upon beginning the base transfer process they trace their LOC to hex 37.10. Upon fleeing to France they trace their LOC to any Port hex inside France.
24.3.1 Transfer to Oostende Procedure: The transfer can be initiated voluntarily during any Allied Preliminary Phase, but is initiated involuntarily during the Allied Preliminary Phase following the instant a German unit(s) moves adjacent to hexes 51.17 and 52.16. When initiated, remove the Antwerpen Army Base marker and place the Oostende Army Base marker in hex 37.10. In addition, to denote the GT of completion, place the 'BASE transfer process complete' marker on the GT Record Track two GTs from the current GT. (If Oostende is German occupied skip to 24.3.2a)
24.3.1a Effects: For the duration of the transfer, the army has an Ammo Provision Limit of 4 per GT. Place the Belgian Base Transfer marker on the Belgian Army Depot. (Recording Ammo provision—see 9.4.2)
24.3.2 Fleeing Oostende Procedure: Fleeing can be initiated voluntarily, during the Allied Attachment Phase, but is initiated involuntarily, during the Allied Attachment Phase following the instant a German unit moves adjacent to Oostende (hex 37.10). When initiated, flip the Oostende Army Base marker to its French Port side and place in any French Port hex.
24.3.2a Effects: Place the Belgian Base Transfer marker permanently on the Belgian Army Depot. For the remainder of the game, the army has an Ammo Provision Limit of 4 per GT.
In addition, remove from the game the LOC c and two Gd Civique Asset Units.
24.3.3 Possible Strength Reductions: Each time the Army Base Transfer process is initiated, roll 1d6 for each Belgian Infantry Formation. If the result is 1, 2 or 3, there is no effect. If the result is a 4, 5 or 6, the Formation suffers one SR.
EXAMPLE: During GT 21, a German unit moves adjacent to both hexes 51.17 and 52.16 involuntarily initiating the transfer procedure. During the Allied Preliminary Phase of GT 22 move the Army Base marker to hex 37.10, place the red 'Belgian Base Transfer' marker on the Army Depot unit and place the 'BASE transfer process complete' marker on GT 24. In addition, roll 1d6 for each Belgian Infantry Formation to check for Strength Reductions.
24.4 Surrender of Antwerpen
If German units occupy both hex 51.17 and 52.16 at the end of any GT, Antwerpen is considered to surrender. Place the German "BELGIEN Antwerpen Surrenders 3 GTs" marker on the Game Turn Record Track three GTs out—see 25.4.1. During the first Allied Preliminary Phase following surrender remove all remaining Fortress and Combat units with the ID Antwerpen and the Antwerpen Depot unit (also see 23.3.3).
24.5 Special Belgian Rail Point
On the second Inter-Phase the Allied player receives one special RP that can only be used to entrain a Belgian unit. This RP never expires but can only be used once. Once the RP has been used, remove the marker.
24.6 Belgian Pontoon Bridge
The pontoon bridge spanning hexside 51.16-52.16 is a Roadway bridge in all respects except that only one Force can cross over it per movement phase. The pontoon bridge is destroyed, and made unusable, when a German unit occupies either hex 51.16 or 52.16.
24.7 Other Belgian Rules Summary
- Belgian LOC units cannot exit Belgium. If they do, they are eliminated.
- Antwerpen Exception—see 7.5.2 CE Recovery of Demoralized Formations.
- A Belgian Infantry Formation represented by its secondary counter on its reduced side cannot choose to fight an Intense Combat—see 9.8.
- Possible SRs when retreating after combat—see 11.1.2.
- The Antwerpen Depot unit cannot move further than 5 hexes from Antwerpen (hex 52.16).
- An Ammo Shortage marker cannot be allocated to the Belgian Army—see 15.8.2.
- Belgian Sortie Trigger—see 18.6.4.
25.0 German Special Rules
25.1 German Höherer Kavallerie-Kommandeur (HKK)
Prior to GT 10, the army attachment of German cavalry divisions is not entirely flexible. The German player is provided with four dark-blue HKK markers to remind them of the following information.
- HKK 1—Gd c, 5 c, Jaeger 1—must be attached to either THIRD or FOURTH Army.
- HKK 2—2 c, 4 c, 9 c, Jaeger 2—must be attached to either FIRST or SECOND Army or Armee-Gruppe BELGIEN.
- HKK 3—B c, 7 c, 8 c—must be attached to SIXTH Army.
- HKK 4—3 c, 6 c (4 CC)—must be attached to either FOURTH or FIFTH Army.
25.2 Reinforcements for the Eastern Front
On GT 6 the German player must withdraw two 1st line corps and four attached division-sized infantry Formations and one cavalry division. (All German corps with a numeric (only) ID and the GD and GD R Corps are 1st line corps.)
25.2.1 Restrictions: None of the Formations to be withdrawn can be Bavarian (i.e., those with a 'B' in their unit ID) or in Demoralized status (6.4).
25.2.2 Optional Restriction: None of the infantry Formations to be withdrawn can be attached to the Sixth or Seventh Armies.
HISTORICAL NOTE: Withdrawn were the Guard Reserve Corps, XI Corps and the 8th Cavalry Division.
25.3 German Truck Markers
The German player is provided with three Truck markers that are placed on their respective army Depot units. Their function is to provide Ammo to units that are within their range. Ammo provided by trucks does not count against a depot's Provision Limit.
After providing Ammo once, flip each marker to its backside to record the first use of this special characteristic. After providing it a second time, remove the marker. (The Third Army's marker has only one side; remove the marker after its first use.)
- Remove any unused Truck markers on GT 12.
HISTORICAL NOTE: At the beginning of the campaign the 1st and 2nd Armies each had 18 motor-transport companies, 3rd Army had 9 companies, 4th and 5th Army had 5 each. These companies were used primarily to transport ammunitions. Within one month, 60% of their vehicles had broken down.
25.4 Armee-Gruppe Belgien
The placement and movement of the Depot unit for the AG BELGIEN is restricted. Upon arrival it must be placed anywhere on the double-track RR line running between Brussel (hex 49.21) and Liège (hex 58.28). It must remain on this RR line until Antwerpen has surrendered (24.4). This RR line is shaded purple for easy identification.
- An Ammo Shortage marker cannot be allocated to A-G Belgien (15.8.2).
25.4.1 Surrender of Antwerpen: Three GTs after the surrender of Antwerpen (24.4), remove all Formations and Asset Units with ID BELGIEN from the map. In addition, remove one Landwehr (Lw) brigade, of the German player's choice, that was attached to AG Belgien. Place the OHL Artillery unit on the map and substitute the Marine Division for its BELGIEN (Marine) counterpart, and the 2nd Reserve-Ersatz Brigade (2 r-Ez) for its Brussel 2 counterpart.
25.4.2 BELGIEN Depot: End use of the BELGIEN Organizational Display and remove the BELGIEN Depot unit from the map on GT 25.
25.5 Eichhorn Division—Reverse Combination
There is one case where a Combination (16.3) can be reversed. The German 1 B.Lw and 2 B.Lw brigades are marked with a yellow square in their upper right-hand corner. The Eichhorn division is marked with a yellow double-square.
25.6 GT 2 Longwy Repulse Restriction
German units cannot conduct a Repulse attempt against the French Fortress1 unit Longwy (hex 53.42) during the Counter Movement Phase of GT 2.
25.7 Other German Rules Summary
- Siege-Train HQs & Siege-Artillery units—see 13.0.
- Preparatory Bombardment—see 20.0.
- Special RR Engineering—see 18.5.
- RR Transport of the New Reserve Corps—see 18.6.3.
- Additional RPs due to Belgian Sortie—see 18.6.4.
25.8 Kämpffer
HISTORICAL NOTE: The German Engineer-General Kämpffer was assigned the task of capturing the French fortress Longwy (hex 53.42). To accomplish this task he was initially allocated two brigades, the 52nd Brigade (26th Division, XIII Corps) and the 23rd Reserve Brigade (12th Res.Division, VI Res.Corps). These were reinforced with a 21cm mortar regiment, two 15cm field-howitzer battalions, and the Pioneer-Regiment 20 (combat engineers). However due to the battles raging in the vicinity of Longwy, the 23rd Reserve Brigade and the 15cm field-howitzer battalions were soon withdrawn from Kämpffer's command.
Gruppe Kämpffer arrived in front of Longwy on 21 August and that afternoon began to bombard. In the following days, while the bombardment continued, Kämpffer's forces pushed their positions closer in preparation for an assault that was to begin on the morning of 27 August. The fortress garrison did not wait for the attack and surrendered on the evening of 26th.
25.7.1 Combination Substitution: The Kämpffer infantry unit and the 26−/13 Division can combine to form the 26/13 Division. The Combination Substitution procedure is described in Rule 16.3.1.
25.7.2 Restriction: Kämpffer and the 26−/13 Division cannot be combined until after the French Fortress1 unit Longwy (hex 53.42) has been eliminated.
26.0 Strategic Plans
At the beginning of some scenarios a number of armies are bound by special directives termed "Strategic Plan" orders. Those armies are listed in each scenario's special rules section. Denote these armies by flipping the army's Army marker to its Strategic Plan side.
DESIGN NOTE: Strategic Plans are intended as a simple mechanism to start the game in a historical direction. These Strat Plan rules are not "idiot" rules. Players will not compromise their units or their success by following them. In most cases, conducting operations as ordered by the plan is a game winning strategy.
26.1 Strategic Plan Objectives
Each Strategic Plan has several geographical "Operational Objectives" of which one (or two) are "Primary Objective(s)."
- If the primary objective is captured (26.1.1) the plan is considered to be "Achieved." The PLAYER TURN after the army has achieved its plan the army's units are no longer bound by this rule's movement restrictions.
26.1.1 Capturing the Primary Objective: A primary objective is considered captured only if a friendly division or brigade-sized Infantry unit is occupying the objective hex at the conclusion of the current PLAYER TURN.
- Cavalry cannot capture objectives.
26.2 Strategic Plan Movement Restrictions
All Infantry Formations, except French and German Formations that are CI or Demoralized, are affected by Strategic Plan restrictions during both movement phases. German and French Infantry Formations with a CE Status of CI, D1 or D2, and all Cavalry, Supply, and Asset Units are not restricted.
26.2.1 Movement: IF a restricted infantry Formation moves from one hex to another (i.e., is not stationary in a hex), it must END its movement a minimum of one hex closer to any one of its army's Operational Objectives.
PLAY NOTE: This rule prohibits a restricted Infantry unit from sliding sideways if it is unable to decrease the distance to at least one of its objectives by the end of the phase. Such a unit can move sideways (or even backwards) during the phase, as long as it ends the phase one hex closer.
26.3 Abandoning the Strategic Plan
A German or French army can "Abandon" its Strategic Plan if it is unable or disinclined to capture its Primary Objective. Plans may be abandoned (by either player) during the Joint Preliminary Phase (4.2.1a) by simply announcing the plan's abandonment. The army's units are no longer bound by rule 26.0 beginning that same Player Turn.
- The Belgian Army cannot Abandon its plan.
- Strategic Plans cannot be abandoned on GT 1 or GT 2.
- French armies must make Mandated Attacks to be eligible to abandon their Strategic Plans (26.4.2).
- There is a VP effect for plan abandonment (27.1).
26.4 France—Plan XVII
HISTORICAL NOTE: The following paragraphs are from French Strategy in 1914: Joffre's Own, by Robert A. Doughty, Journal of Military History, Vol.67, No.2 (April 2003) and Joffre Reshapes French Strategy 1911-1913 by S. R. Williamson, in "The War Plans of the Great Powers 1880-1914" Editor Paul Kennedy (London 1979).
[Doughty] "Historians have long misunderstood French strategy in August 1914 and General Joseph Joffre's role in shaping it. Many authors—especially British and American—have viewed Plan XVII as the embodiment of French strategy in 1914 and have routinely described the French as doing little more than charging blindly into Alsace and Lorraine. Even those who have studied French strategy carefully have considered Plan XVII the 'virtual incarnation of the offensive à outrance.' Others—especially the French—have recognized that Plan XVII was a concentration plan with operational alternatives, but most have paid little attention to Joffre's relative freedom of action and his power to determine strategy once his forces were deployed. …"
"Plan XVII provided for the concentration of French forces in August 1914 and identified several operational alternatives, but Joffre personally shaped France's strategy and operations after the campaign began. Since he designed Plan XVII and determined French strategy and operations after the war began, France's strategy in 1914 was clearly his own. And that strategy aimed to comply with the provisions of the Franco-Russian Alliance by delivering an early offensive into Alsace-Lorraine and then striking a decisive blow against the supposedly vulnerable German center in eastern Belgium and Luxembourg."
[Williamson] "The new plan covered every phase of French preparations: concentration assignments, border protection, transportation movements and intelligence instructions. Everywhere the impress of the offensive school was clear. The orders succinctly stated: 'Whatever the circumstances, it is the Commander-in-Chief's intention to advance with all forces united to attack the German armies.' …, Plan XVII did not, however, establish a precise schedule for offensive operations. In fact, the general orders permitted Joffre a remarkable degree of elasticity in taking the offensive. There were provisions for double offensives north and south of the Metz-Thionville complex; in addition, should the Germans violate Belgian neutrality, Joffre retained sufficient flexibility to shift the northern offensive attack to the northeast, through Luxembourg and the Belgian Ardennes. Regardless of their ultimate location, these offensive assaults were expected to bring about the decisive battle so dear to the offensive theorists. Once that battle was won, victory would quickly follow elsewhere."
26.4.1 Operational Objectives: Although the goal of Joffre's strategic concept, revealed in his General Instructions No. 1, was the destruction of enemy forces (not occupation of territory), these Operational Objectives were given to First and Second Armies in Joffre's attempt to fulfill France's treaty obligations, and to the Third and Fourth Armies in the attempt to defeat the German center.
- FIRST Army: Col de la Schlucht 55.65—Markirch 57.63 or 58.63—Cul du Donon 59.60—Saargemünd 62.52. Primary objective: Finstingen 60.55.
- SECOND Army: Saargemünd 62.52—Saarbrücken 62.50—Metz 54.48. Primary objective: Falkenberg 57.51 or Puttelangen 60.52.
- THIRD Army: Diedenhofen 55.46—Martelange 54.38. Primary objective: Arlon 54.40.
- FOURTH Army: Arlon 54.40—Rochefort 52.32. Primary objective: Neufchateau 52.37.
- FIFTH Army, PARIS, Det d'Armee and ALSACE have no strategic plans.
26.4.2 Mandated Attacks: For a French army to be eligible to abandon its Strategic Plan (26.3) units attached to that army must first conduct a number of Mandated Attacks. A Force conducting a Mandated Attack must include an Infantry Formation and it must declare Intense Combat (9.8).
The number required is: FIRST Army = 4; SECOND Army = 4; THIRD Army = 6; FOURTH Army = 6.
PLAY NOTE: While an army's Strat Plan is active, the player is free to choose when to conduct a Mandated Attack. Other attacks are not required to be Intensive.
26.5 Belgium—Antwerpen as National Redoubt
HISTORICAL NOTE: The city of Antwerpen had been designated as the National Redoubt since 1848. It had become the fortress in which the King, the government and the army would withdraw if needed to defend Belgium in case of war. For this reason it had been surrounded by a wall (1860) and two fortress belts (1860 and 1880-1914). When war came in 1914, Belgium did have several war plans prepared, but due to lack of consensus within the army command, this amounted to having no plan at all. The deputy chief-of-staff Major General De Ryckel, who was supported by King Albert but not trusted by the government was in favor of a defense against a German invasion immediately west of the Meuse river. However the newly appointed chief-of staff Lieutenant General De Selliers de Moranville was a proponent of a withdrawal to Antwerpen leaving only the fortress troops to defend the fortresses of Liège and Namur.
When the Belgian mobilization was ordered on July 31, the King decided that the 3rd Division and the 15th Brigade (from the 4th Division) would defend the fortress of Liège, while the 4th Division would defend the fortress of Namur. The remaining four divisions would be concentrated behind the Gete River between Leuven, Tienen, Perwez and Wavre to await a junction with the French and/or British armies.
After the German infantry assaults on Liege in the night of 5/6 August the Belgian field troops (3rd Division and 14th and 15th Brigades) were ordered by the commander of Liège, Lieutenant General Leman, to withdraw to the Gete River and join the main force. Following the fall of the last Liège forts on August 16, the Belgian army faced the German First and Second Armies threatening to envelop both its flanks. As no junction with the French and British armies was imminent, this threat to his flanks, as well as several skirmishes on August 18 and 19 (Sint-Margriete-Houtem and Aarschot), convinced King Albert that his army had to retreat. He ordered the withdrawal of all Belgian field troops toward the Antwerpen National Redoubt, with the exception of the 4th Division that remained committed to the defense of Namur. This opened the road for the advancing German armies. Brussels would fall on August 20 and the assault on Namur started on the same day. The Belgian Army would remain a menace to the German communication lines and mounted its first sortie from Antwerpen on 25 August.
26.5.1 Operational Objectives: King Albert desired to maintain his armed forces and did so by retreating to the protection of the Antwerpen Fortified Camp.
- BELGIAN Army: Antwerpen 52.16—Gent 44.15.
26.5.2 Plan Fulfillment: The Belgian Strategic Plan is fulfilled when all Belgian Infantry Formations, except the 4th Division, are inside the Antwerpen Fortified Camp or north of the Schelde River inside Belgium. The plan expires on the first Preliminary Phase of GT5 (if it has not been previously fulfilled).
26.5.3 4th Division Exception: The Belgian 4th Division is not restricted by rule 26.2.1. It can move freely.
HISTORICAL NOTE: King Albert committed the 4th Division to the defense of Namur. When Namur's fall was imminent he requested it to return to Antwerpen. The division's return became an odyssey that took it by foot, train and ship through Le Harve and Ostende.
26.6 Germany—The Mobilization Schedule 1914/15
HISTORICAL NOTE: The following is an abridged translation of a portion of the Mob.-Termin-Kalender 1914/15 found in Der Schlieffenplan, Analysen und Dokumente (Paderborn 2006).
The German Deployment against France is based on the following intentions:
-
The main mass of the German armed forces will advance through Belgium and Luxemburg into France. It is intended (so long as the available information regarding the French deployment proves to be correct) to wheel about the axis-point Diedenhofen—Metz. The right wing's advance will set the pace of the wheeling maneuver. The movement of the inner armies will be based on the principle that the connection to Diedenhofen—Metz is maintained.
-
The protection of the left flank of the main mass of the armed forces will be the responsibility of the forces that deploy southeast of Metz (in addition to the fortress complexes of Diedenhofen and Metz).
-
For the advance of the 1st and 2nd Armies the march-routes through Liège must be opened. If Belgium does not consent to the German army's passing then the following approaches to capture Liège will be considered: a. a coup-de-main to be conducted by troops under the command of the X Corps b. a coup-de-main to be conducted by strong forces under the command of the 2nd Army c. a siege-type attack
If by M+12 the 2nd Army is unable to open the march-routes blocked by Liège, it will march south around Liège while initiating a systematic assault using Reserve and Siege formations. The advance of the 1st Army will then ensue through Dutch territory (but only by explicit order from OHL).
-
The general advance of the German main forces will begin as soon as the 1st and 2nd Armies are ready in the area of Liège.
The 2nd Cavalry Corps will advance north of Namur toward the line Antwerpen—Brussels—Charleroi to ascertain the whereabouts of the remaining Belgian army, to find out about an eventual landing of English troops and the eventual arrival of French troops in northern Belgium. Furthermore, while passing north of Namur, it will reconnoiter the area west of the Maas (Meuse) River, between Namur and Givet, and to determine the whereabouts of the left wing of the French forces.
The 1st Army will march on Brussels and cover the right flank of the armed forces. Its advance (alongside the 2nd Army) will set the pace for the execution of the wheeling maneuver by the armed forces.
The 2nd Army's right wing will advance on Wavre, its left wing will pass north of Namur.
The 1st Cavalry Corps will advance, in front of the 3rd Army and the right wing of the 4th Army, toward the Meuse [Maas] River south of Namur and along the Meuse in the direction Dinant. It is to reconnoiter the Meuse River region between Namur—Mezieres. Additionally, it should determine whether the French I and II Corps occupy the area along the Meuse between Namur and Givet or whether French forces are already east of the river.
The 3rd Army, in spite of the early advance of the 2nd Army, is to complete its deployment and, only upon receiving orders from OHL, start its advance toward the Meuse between Namur and Givet. 3rd Army's continued advance may require the encirclement of Namur from the south and the capture of Fort Charlemont by Givet.
The 4th Army will advance in an echelon left formation with its right wing toward Fumay; with its left wing through Attert toward Neufchateau. The movements of the 4th Army's left wing and the 5th Army's right wing are to be coordinated. During the course of the advance the 4th Army must be ready, at any moment, to turn south (direction Semois River) to assist the 5th Army against enemy attack. Also, later while crossing the Meuse River, the 4th Army may be in a position where it must enter a battle alongside the 3rd Army.
The 4th Cavalry Corps, while continuing to reconnoiter the stretch of the Meuse River Mezieres—Mouzon—Stenay—Verdun—St. Mihiel, will advance toward Cargnau and Damvillers. It is to ascertain if the Meuse River below Verdun is held in force or if French troops are advancing from the Verdun area.
The 5th Army's task is to maintain the link between the 4th Army and the wheeling point Diedenhofen—Metz. The 5th Army should remain prepared to advance from the line Bettenburg—Diedenhofen while maintaining its deep echeloned positioning. Once its advance begins, the 5th Army is to proceed in an echelon left formation, the right flank from Bettenburg through Mamer and Arlon toward Florinville, while the left wing holds its position by Diedenhofen.
In order to repel a strong French counter-attack from the direction of Verdun, it may become necessary at anytime for the 5th Army to wheel about into a position with front facing southwest or south. Therefore preparation of the resources that are available in Metz and Diedenhofen for constructing and defending a fortified position are necessary. The allocation of the Hauptreserve Metz will be determined by circumstances.
When advancing further, the 5th Army will presumably capture Longwy and Montmedy.
The forces that deploy inside the Reich's territory south of Metz (i.e., 3rd Cavalry Corps, 6th and 7th Armies) are to be under the overall command of the senior army commander [in this case, 6th Army]. These forces are to advance toward the Mosel and Meurthe Rivers, while capturing Fort Manoviller, in order to bind the French forces deployed in this area and to prevent their transport to the left flank of the French forces. This task can become redundant if the French launch an assault with overwhelming forces between Metz and the Vosges Mountains. If compelled to give ground, the retirement is to be conducted in such a manner that the French are prevented from turning the Nied River position.
In case the 6th and 7th Armies are not met by overwhelming French forces, it could be possible to move with elements of the 6th Army and 3rd Cavalry Corps to intervene in the fighting on the left bank of the Mosel. To what extent the possibility of an advance upon the Mosel and Meurthe can be considered must be decided by the overall commander.
In case a French offensive extends into Upper Alsace, it would not be unfavorable for the entire operation as long as the opponent does not penetrate beyond the line Feste Kaiser-Wilhelm—Breusch Position—Straßburg. The defence of this line is principally the task of the Gouverneur of Straßburg.
During the deployment period the border area of Upper Alsace and southern Baden is the responsibility of the commander of the 7th Army. The covering forces in the Upper Rhine region, as well as the Stellvertretende Kommandierende General of the XV and XIV Army Corps, are subordinated to him.
The task of the 7th Army commander in Upper Alsace and southern Baden is only a transitory one. Therefore the overall commander in the Reich's territory must give consideration to bringing strong parts of the 7th Army into direct cooperation with the 6th Army.
If a superior enemy force advances into Upper Alsace the troops of the 7th Army are to retire toward Straßburg (XV Corps) and the right bank of the Rhine River (XIV Corps). The Rhine bridges and the RR lines on the left bank of the Rhine River are to be thoroughly destroyed.
After evacuating the Upper Alsace (and strong elements of the 7th Army have been made free for direct cooperation with the 6th Army) the defense of southern Baden is necessary. It must be determined if the designated Landwehr formations will be sufficient for this task or if they need to be reinforced.
26.6.1 Operational Objectives:
- FIRST Army: Antwerpen 52.16—Hal* 46.21. Primary objective: Brussel 49.21.
* Note this is a change from the original rules. A replacement counter is provided in the game 1914 Serbien.
- SECOND Army: Brussel 48.21—Namur 50.27. Primary objective: Wavre 50.23.
- THIRD Army: Namur 50.27—Givet 48.31. Primary objective: Dinant 50.30.
- FOURTH Army: Fumay 46.32—Neufchâteau 52.37. Primary objective: Paliseul 49.35.
- FIFTH Army (SPECIAL—see 26.6.3): Florinville 50.38—Montmedy 49.41—Diedenhofen 55.46. Primary objective: None.
- SIXTH Army (SPECIAL—see 26.6.2): Toul 48.53—Epinal 50.61. Primary objective: Manonviller 55.57.
Note: Hex 55.57 is considered captured if a German unit occupies the hex. The Fortress does not need to be destroyed.
- The SEVENTH Army has no Strategic Plan.
26.6.2 German Sixth Army: The German Sixth Army begins with its Strategic Plan idle. The plan cannot be activated prior to GT 3. During each Preliminary Phase of GT 3: 1) the plan is activated if the French SECOND Army abandons or has fulfilled its Strat plan; 2) if not, then the German player must roll 1d6; if the result is 1, 2 or 3 the plan is activated. Activation is automatic on the French Preliminary Phase of GT 4.
26.6.2a Effects: Units attached to the Sixth Army (that are not Inactive) may move and attack normally except for the following:
- Prior to the plan's activation, Sixth Army units are prohibited from placing PA markers.
- Prior to the plan's activation and while the plan is active, the Sixth Army is prohibited from attaching or detaching any Corps or Formation, with the exception that it can attach arriving reinforcements (16.1).
HISTORICAL NOTE: After checking the French advance at Morhangin (Morhange), the SIXTH Army went over to the offensive resulting in the capture of Manonviller and the Battle of the Grand Couronné by Nancy.
26.6.3 German Fifth Army: The Fifth Army cannot achieve or abandon its Strategic Plan independently. The Fifth Army's plan ends whenever the Fourth Army captures its objective or abandons its plan.
27.0 Determining Victory
Victory Points (VPs) are used to determine which player is victorious. See each scenario's Victory Conditions Rule for victory details.
Victory Points: During play each player will add or subtract VPs as they are earned or lost according the VP schedule found below. The current quantity of VPs accumulated is recorded on the VP Track. The VP marker is two-sided: if the Allied player is in the lead keep the Allied side face up and vice-versa if the Germans are in the lead.
27.1 Strategic Plans
No VPs are awarded for the achievement of a Strategic Plan; however, VPs are deducted if a plan is abandoned (26.3). The number of VPs deducted is variable and depends upon the proximity to the closest Infantry unit attached to that army to that army's primary objective. In the case of the German Fifth Army, no points are ever deducted.
| Distance from Primary Objective | VPs |
|---|---|
| 5 or more hexes | –15 |
| 3 or 4 hexes | –10 |
| 2 hexes | –6 |
| 1 hex (adjacent) | –3 |
EXAMPLE: It is GT 3 and the French Second Army decides to abandon its plan. The closest Infantry unit attached to the Second Army is 1 hex (adjacent) from its primary objective. The French player loses 3 VPs.
27.2 French Capture of Muhlhausen
Prior to GT 7, once per game at the end of any Player Turn, if the French control all of Mulhausen (hexes 55.70, 56.69 & 56.70) the Allied player is awarded 10 VPs.
27.3 German Advance into Lorraine
Prior to GT 7, once per game at the end of any Player Turn of the German Player's choosing, if the German controls Luneville (hex 53.56) and/or Baccarat (hex 55.59) and/or St.Die (hex 55.62) he may take an award of 5 VPs per city controlled.
27.4 German Furthest Advance
Starting on the 2nd Inter-Phase, and each Inter-Phase thereafter, the German player calculates the VPs earned due to his advance into France. To find the number of VP earned by the furthest German Infantry Formation (not cavalry or Asset Units), subtract the hex's column number from the hex's row number. Choose the hex that earns the greatest number of VPs. The sum may be a positive or negative number. Only hexes west of hex column 45.xx (exclusive) are eligible.
EXAMPLES: Hex 29.34 would earn the German player 5 VPs. Hex 15.32 is worth 17 VPs. And hex 25.23 is worth –2 VPs.
27.5 Contiguous Front Line
Starting on the 2nd Inter-Phase, and each Inter-Phase thereafter, each player suffers –1 VP for each hex in the southern part of his front line that he does not occupy with a Fort, Fortress unit (with external garrison), or Combat unit (excluding LOC units).
Exception: Hexes shielded by Mountain Ridge hexsides need not be occupied.
- The Allied player must maintain a contiguous line from the Swiss Border to Verdun (hex 47.45).
- The German player must maintain a contiguous line from the Swiss Border to hexrow xx.42.
27.6 German Marine Division
Starting on the 8th Inter-Phase, and each Inter-Phase thereafter, the German player suffers –3 VP if the Marine Division (ID Marine) is not stacked in a Coastal hex (i.e., the last hex of the hex grid along the sea; beginning in hex 01.21 to hex 42.10).
PLAY NOTE: The Marine Division enters play 3 GTs after the Surrender of Antwerpen (25.4.1).
27.7 Paris
If a German unit ever enters Paris Central (hex 16.36) the German player earns 25 VPs. If the German player controls Paris Central during the Final Inter-Phase, he wins the game.
27.8 Geographic Objectives
During the Final Inter-Phase both sides tally the VP earned for controlling Geographic Objectives. A player earns 3 VP for each city, town or location that he controls from the following list. If an objective is in more than one hex, all hexes must be controlled, or no points are awarded.
Oostende (37.10), Ieper (34.14), Lille (35.18+34.18), Aire (28.15), Dunkerque (31.11), Calais (26.09), Boulogne (22.11), Abbeville (20.19), Amiens (22.23), Albert (26.24), Arras (29.21+30.21), Cambrai (33.24), St.Quentin (32.28), Compiègne (24.31), Creil (20.31), Meaux (22.37), Château-Thierry (27.38), Soissons (29.34), Laon (33.33), Hirson (40.29), Mézieres (44.35), Grandpré (43.41), Reims (34.38+35.38+35.39), Epernay (33.41), Châlons-s.Marne (36.43), Vitry-le François (37.47), Bar-le-Duc (42.48), St.Mihiel (46.49), Col du Donon (59.60), Hartmannsweilerkopf (55.68).
27.8.1 Special Cities: A player earns 15 VP for each city that he completely controls from the following list: Antwerpen (52.16), Rouen (08.25+09.25), Troyes (28.50+29.50), Nancy (51.54).