Game: Russia Besieged

Thread: Re: The Family Resemblance Is Uncanny.

rubberchicken — 2008-10-24T09:51:38+00:00

I figure that you were not really comparing their photos but while reading your article I kept wanting to see their actual photos.

Thread: The Family Resemblance Is Uncanny.

da pyrate — 2008-10-24T01:06:36+00:00

Russia Besieged

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Two Player Simulation of the War in Russia, 1941-1945
Designed by Art Lupinacci
Published by L2 Design Group (2004)

I feel certain that if you saw John Edwards (the designer of The Russian Campaign) and Art Lupinacci standing side-by-side you would swear that they are identical twins. Their games, The Russian Campaign and Russia Besieged, are virtually identical.

This comes as no surprise as, even in his design notes, Art states that to a large extent he used TRC as a model for RB.

From a marketing point of view I am stunned that Art’s L2 Design Group would publish both titles – they are both great games but it seems to me that they are actually competing against themselves for sales with two ‘top-end-of-the-market’ games – RB sells for $75 plus postage while TRC sells for $76 (including the Southern Expansion Kit which brings TRC inline with the RB map). Do wargamers really need two games that are so similar (says he who has both)? It’s really nice for gamers to have a choice, I just hope that L2 don’t get their fingers burn financially.

This review will assume that the reader is familiar with TRC and look at differences between the two games. I will also make some comments about RB in particular.

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The L2 Design Group makes games that are physically big, having larger than normal hexes and larger than normal counters. This is really good – as I am getting older my eyesight is becoming worse and I must say that to play wargames with large components certainly makes the game more fun for those of us who are optically challenged.

In the spirit of Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union my edition of RB even comes with an adhesive page that can be cut up and placed on the map, the charts and some pages of the rule-book to fix up errors that occurred in the printing process. I think that this is only the third game I have ever had to stick things on to fix up problems and is almost certainly better than simply including a sheet of errata.

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The map measures 28” by 44” and shows Germany, the Soviet Union, countries between, Turkey, Iraq, Persia and Lebanon. At first glance the map is quite attractive, very functional and having bold colours for terrain features. The rivers in RB run along hex-sides, unlike TRC where the rivers run through hexes – but this doesn’t have any significant effect when looking at the differences between the two games. Upon closer inspection there are several graphic features that I personally find irritating. There are too many different styles of font used on the map (serif, san serif and rounded) and this gives the map a graphic lack of consistency. Also some of the terrain features have their name printed north-west to south-east while other features have their names printed north-east to south-west – while it doesn’t affect the playing of the game in any way I personally find it irritating and am surprised that a package that has been given so much loving care and looks so professional in other ways looks amateurish in this regard. On top of this the names of countries and seas have the same general slant (north-west to south east) but there is a difference as the names are going at a different angle - they are not running parallel. In regards to the Order of Battle charts at some places the location of the units is printed above the unit and at other places is printed below the unit - this sort of inconsistency in graphic design is difficult to understand. The map is printed on a single sheet of thickish board – I put a sheet of Perspex over the map to keep it flat and I think you should do the same.

The big change regarding counters is that most units are double-sided – rather than being immediately eliminated in combat units will be reduced first and then possibly eliminated during a later combat. From the point of view of playing the game, this feature reduces the luck factor from a single bad die roll significantly.

If you have played TRC, playing RB will seem like second nature. There will be a strong feeling of déjà vu. I have found the playing times for the two games to be similar.

RB is roughly the same scale as TRC – it has a more accurate Order of Battle and a small number of significant changes to the map. The most significant change to the map is the removal of the Lvow Hills – in RB these three hexes are now clear. In TRC the Lvow Hills are a significant obstacle to the Axis invasion as it launches Operation Barbarossa.

I feel that the most significant change to the combat rules are that units in major cities and units behind rivers are not forced to attack adjacent enemy units. In addition, units in a major city which receive a ‘retreat’ result in combat may take an additional step loss instead of retreating. These rule changes create a more accurate simulation of the sieges which occurred in Russia during WWII - it makes a dramatic difference to the German player as he tries to advance into Russia.

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The next major change, IMHO, is the addition of rules relating to Oil Wells and Victory Conditions. There are two changes here that work in conjunction to change the way the Axis player may plan their strategy. The first consideration is that to rebuild armour units the Soviet player must control oil wells – as most oil wells are in the Caucasus region the German player has good reason to spend time, effort and resources on sending forces south to capture the oil wells. In conjunction with this there is a new victory condition – if the German player captures Baku, Astrakahn, Stalingrad and Voronezh they will win the game. In RB, along with the additional areas in the south the Axis player also has some great reasons for heading there and trying out these new areas on the map.

Air Power is handled quite differently in RB and in such a way as to give players more decisions to make. Both players have air power. Players are allocated a certain number of air operations each turn. Each turn has two movement impulses and two combat impulses. To a certain extent players have to decide how much air to use in the first impulse and how much to save for use in the second impulse. In addition, air units are allocated to an air base rather than to a headquarters as is the case in TRC. Each impulse air units may either fly a combat mission or move their airbase – players who do not move their airbases will find that their air units will be too far away from the front-line to be able to assist in ground support missions.

There are several small but subtle changes and additions in RB that make it more than simply a rehash of an old favourite.

The Axis player has a minimum number of cities that they must hold at the end of each year to avoid an automatic loss. This is an improvement over the Avalon Hill Sudden Death Victory Conditions.

Production is handled in a slightly different way but nothing significant – just a different way of going about the same process and getting the same result.

Armour plays a more important roll on the battlefield and can gain a die roll modifier when attacking or defending in clear terrain.

Leader counters have been provided and may also be used to gain die roll modifiers in combat. I may as well add that combat is resolved with a ten-sided die and there are minor changes to the effect of combat results.

Terrain is also handled slightly differently with units being able to move through terrain, by paying additional movement costs, rather than having to stop as is the case in TRC.

The attacking player now has the option of making a Blitzkrieg Attack – this reduces the change of causing casualties but increases the chance of being able to make a breakthrough or breakout behind enemy lines.

An interesting change has been made to the use of Automatic Victory attacks made during movement. Only the German player is allowed to use them at the start of the game. Later on only the Soviet player is allowed to use them, initially in a limited way and later on in an unlimited way.

Artillery plays a significant role in the game as artillery have special stacking rules and can affect combat in the same manner as dive bombers.

Advanced Game & Optional Rules

I won’t go into specific details here but will say that to a large extent this part of the rule book does for RB what the Southern Expansion Kit does for TRC.

First Cousins Once Removed?

RB and TRC are different games. Even though there is a strong family resemblance the rules are sufficiently different to make the strategies and tactics used in one not immediately transferrable to the other. TRC creates a strong feeling of nostalgia but RB is a better simulation (you would hope so, being published nearly thirty years after its predecessor). Both games look great (despite my reservations about the indiscriminant use of fonts on an otherwise beautiful map) and create a positive impression before you even start to play. The rules are not excessively complex and both games can flow along at a good rate and both games can become quite free-wheeling experiences depending upon each player’s style of play.

If the German player has four cities at the end of the game he will win. He has a choice of going hard and fast for an automatic win or playing to conserve forces for a last minute victory. The Soviet player must fight hard enough to prevent the Axis achieving an automatic victory and conserving forces sufficiently to be able to go on the offensive at some point and head onto Berlin and final victory.

It seems to me that given the choice I would play RB. It is more clearly accurate and offers the German player more strategic options than is the case in TRC – if only Art had given more thought to those fonts.

As I sit here, looking at my photo of John Edwards and Art Lupinacci I think I am just beginning to be able to see some differences and tell one from the other.

“Dead Men Tell No Tales!”

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Thread: Re: Quick Question...

Llwch — 2008-09-21T15:20:23+00:00

I'll keep my fingers crossed. Though I love the game, I'm REALLY curious what the RB Player's Guide will contain. I'll have to wait until it gets released.

Thanks again!

Thread: Re: Quick Question...

wwscrispin — 2008-09-21T12:06:05+00:00

Well Art has seemed really focused on RB lately so I guess there is a good chance. It comes up every so often on Comsimworld in the RB forum. The Streets of Stalingrad one was never released but this seems closer to reality.

Thread: Re: Quick Question...

Llwch — 2008-09-21T11:29:50+00:00

wwscrispin wrote:
Does not exist yet.

Great... any idea on when/if it will ever be released?

Thanks for the reply.

Thread: Re: Quick Question...

wwscrispin — 2008-09-21T09:44:44+00:00

Does not exist yet.

Thread: Quick Question...

Llwch — 2008-09-21T09:11:46+00:00

The RB living rules make reference to a "Russia Besieged Player's Guide", yet I have yet to find where I can get such a beast...

Can anyone confirm its existence, and where I can get it?

Thread: Re: 9/16" counter availability/differences

Paleorodo — 2008-08-18T19:17:25+00:00

Thank you my good man for the info!
Much appreciated!
-Rodney

Thread: Re: 9/16" counter availability/differences

gamewyzard — 2008-07-22T18:47:25+00:00

Rodney,

The 9/16" counters corrected some errata on 4 or 5 counters. Are they better?

This is subjective. I honestly think they are better simply because they are slightly bigger. There is no errata on the 9/16" counters, so that in itself makes them superior. We are no longer supporting the 1/2" counters as we ran out of stock on that run of games. I am also in a LOW stock situation on the 9/16" games. 200 or so left.

I have plenty of 9/16" counter sets, no problem. $15 plus postage. USA address? $5.

email me at: art@L2DesignGroup.com

I don't frequent BGG that often and I just stumble on this message by accident!

Thanks

Art

Thread: 9/16" counter availability/differences

Paleorodo — 2008-06-21T01:57:00+00:00

Art, graphically speaking, other than size, are there any differences between the two sizes of counters sets? Ie. do the 9/16 inch versions look better? If yes, where do I order them, and for what cost?
Thanks Art!

Thread: Re: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

gamewyzard — 2008-04-12T05:03:32+00:00

Latest set of rules and charts can be found here:

http://l2design.nrandall.com/RussiaBesieged.html

They are April 11, 2008 Living Rules Set ....

Thread: Re: Staging Airbases

litebrite — 2008-02-07T14:00:01+00:00

Should have added that this is with the 2nd Edition rules.

Lembit

Thread: Re: Staging Airbases

litebrite — 2008-02-07T00:32:03+00:00

Hi Greg,

Since I was the "re-writer" of the rules, I thought I should expand on this. In 1941, if your German unit has moved into or through the city you wish to land in, or captured (by advance)IN A PRIOR COMBAT of this Impulse, you can now land in that city with your Stuka unit and stage the base up next turn. You can not land in a city that this combat just captured.

Lembit

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gamewyzard — 2008-01-31T02:34:34+00:00

Another sample of a page from the 2nd Edition Rules Book

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gamewyzard — 2008-01-31T02:33:47+00:00

Sample of the pages in the NEW 2nd Edition Rule Book

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gamewyzard — 2008-01-31T02:32:37+00:00

2nd Edition Rule Book Cover

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gamewyzard — 2007-12-20T19:21:31+00:00

Pics of a game in progress - Crimean Front

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gamewyzard — 2007-12-20T19:20:38+00:00

Pics of a game in progress - Kursk Front

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gamewyzard — 2007-12-20T19:19:59+00:00

Pics of a game in progress - Moscow Front

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gamewyzard — 2007-12-20T19:19:10+00:00

Pics of a game in progress - Leningrad Front

Thread: Re: Staging Airbases

gamewyzard — 2007-05-09T14:00:27+00:00

Greg,

I seldom play with optional rules. Not in RB and not in any of the other 1000 games I have or play. The only time I really used them was when we were developing and playtesting the game.

Why don't I typically use them?

I don't know, really. I play in tournaments quite a bit and typically focus on the rules for the tournaments. If there are options used in the tourney, I use those rules.

The Optional Rules in RB were primarily designed to give you alternatives and tweaks for play balance, and for interest. Some rules are there because they never made it into the mainstream set of rules as they impacted play too much in one direction or another, and/or, I consider them too much chrome.

When we complete the Gamer's Guide, there will be a series of new optional rules included in that as well. Again, to keep the game fresh and to present you with other options of play. Some rules simply don't belong in the standard game but are a blast to play as an option, once in a while. It is your call which you find the most compelling to try.

My rules design philosophy is to do the main body of rules as the ones I would use in a tournament. The optional rules are all for fun or realism or a combination.

Hope this helps.

Art

Thread: Re: Staging Airbases

grogers64 — 2007-03-26T20:00:45+00:00

Art,

It makes sense. I was just having some doubts about landing bombers into such a city once the Ground Support missions were concluded --- since it was at the end of the same impulse that the ZOC was first placed over the city and the airbase(s) hadn't been staged into the city yet.

I have the latest rules. I'm still trying to figure out the best strategy for the Germans to deal with the south. While Kiev can fall in German Turn 2, I don't see much room for making a lot of additional progress around the Dnieper river in Turn 2 without really having to rely on some lucky dice rolls on the BAT - and then watching everything slow down to a halt if they don't materialize.

BTW. Concerning the modification in the Optional Rules for having rivers and lakes freeze for movement purposes, do you usually implement this?

Thanks,

Greg

Thread: Re: Staging Airbases

gamewyzard — 2007-03-26T18:54:59+00:00

If you CONTROL the city at the beginning of the IMPULSE, you can stage into it. Control is denoted as being in your UNCONTESTED ZOC. So, if you captured ODESSA in the first impulse by having it in your uncontested ZOC, you can STAGE into it in the 2nd Impulse.

You DO NOT have to move into a city to control it or to gain control of it.

Does this answer your question?

Also, are you using the most current rules? Version 2c?

These are available for download.

Art

Thread: Staging Airbases

grogers64 — 2007-03-26T16:41:35+00:00

A quick question on staging airbases. If a city hex is held in an uncontested ZOC at the end of combat (say in the 1st impulse) but had never actually been occupied by a friendly unit (which happens quite often after a combat with no advance), can air units fly into that city after a Ground Support mission (i.e., at the end of the 1st impulse) and airbases stage into the city in the 2nd impulse (rules state that the city has to be in friendly control at the start of the impulse)?

The push from Odessa eastward is waiting for a response...

Thread: Download Latest Living Rules....Follow this LINK....

gamewyzard — 2007-03-24T17:35:31+00:00

Keep this link handy.

http://l2design.nrandall.com/RussiaBesieged.html

You can download the most current set of Rules for Russia Besieged here.

Also, we post our WBC Tournament Rules scenario here as well.

Art

Thread: Re: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

gamewyzard — 2007-03-24T17:32:24+00:00

We had stickers BEFORE we had the Living Rules. There is no real need for them now. Download the latest set of rules and you are all set.

Art

Thread: Re: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

milspec — 2007-03-24T16:58:06+00:00

Cleitus the Black wrote:
RB does have a lot of errata that isn't found in in TRC. L2 provides stickers that you can paste over the rulebook errata, as well as a few additional stickers for the charts and map.

How can I get the stickers?

Thread: Re: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

gamewyzard — 2007-03-24T12:44:42+00:00

Edward,

All good responses to your query.

Russia Besieged retails for $75 plus shipping by UPS.

You should check out the current Living Rules to compare RB to The Russian Campaign. When I decided to design RB, I used TRC as the foundation for building a good East Front game. In my opinion, TRC is a classic of its day.

The concepts in RB are similar but more expanded in scope. There are really too many differences for me to go into a short answer here. I suggest you download the Living Rules and have a read. Follow this link:

http://l2design.nrandall.com/RussiaBesieged.html

If you get Panzerschreck Magazine, from Minden Games, Issue #14 has a comparison article as well as some die cut counters for the game.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to email me at:

art [at] L2DesignGroup.com

No spaces.

Art

Thread: Re: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

mbalint1 — 2007-03-22T22:22:26+00:00

I have them both, and I glad that I do. Russia Beseiged adds a bit more depth, particularly with the step losses, shock armies, more detail for the air support rules and more detailed production.

With that said, owning Russia Beseiged has actually caused me to play the Russian Campaign more than I sued to. Very nice to bust that out when you want to do the east front and do not have as much time as you would like. Russia Beseiged is great if you have a entire day or 2 to devote to a game, the Russian Campaign when you need to move a bit faster.

I would reccomend both of them as, for me anyway, they both have their time and place.

Thread: Re: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

Cleitus the Black — 2007-03-20T21:35:26+00:00

I own both but have limited play on RB.

Here are the pro's and con's of RB:

-Very similar to TRC in most cases, fairly easy to learn.
-Fixed supply rules (cities must be on a supply net to generate supply)
-Leaders
-Step losses in RB
-Easier to hold a large city (no forced retreat)
-More detailed airpower with bases
-Longer than TRC, a bit more complicated.
-Map covers more geography to the south.

RB does have a lot of errata that isn't found in in TRC. L2 provides stickers that you can paste over the rulebook errata, as well as a few additional stickers for the charts and map.

The standard units are 1/2" versus the 5/8" in TRC and don't sport the cool armor silohouttes (all are NATO symbols). There are 9/16" counters avaiable (they split the difference in size) but they don't quite fit on the charts (the charts are still usable though, just a bit more crowded).

Most of the extra rules are appreciated and add to the depth of the game (and in two cases: supply and no retreat from large cities) effectively "fix" problems with TRC.

The game is expensive from L2 ($90 I think) but can be had cheaper on Ebay (Gamecloset- Tim a BGG regular- used to have it for $65, not sure if he still does.)

Plays great, just a bit more fiddly. Going back and forth is a bit hard since they are so similar but have significant differences. I still want to get RB on the table for FTF play.

In the end...easy to recommend if you love east front games, like TRC, but wanted a bit more depth. Otherwise, probably a pass.

Thread: Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign?

milspec — 2007-03-20T20:25:29+00:00

Is this worth buying if I own The Russian Campaign? Thanks in advance.

Thread: Re: Reserve

licinius — 2007-03-16T14:19:39+00:00

I think almost no one is using this rule, and I humbly suggest you don't, either. it's rumored to be unbalanced and unrealistic.

One of my friends told me that Art said somewhere that he thinks it was a mistake to put it in the rulebook as is.

Or am I mistaken? Perhaps someone correct me on this?

This is why I will not use it in my upcoming game. Too bad because I like the basic concept.

Thread: Question Unanswered- Answer why: Reserve

gamewyzard — 2007-03-12T21:09:02+00:00

> This question has remained unanswered for 9 months?! What's going on with L2?

Ben,

I do NOT frequent this board as often as I would like.

I do answer emails within 24 hours.
I do answer all questions in our company forum on Consimworld.

If you have any questions that need to be answered right away, simply send me a email and I will make sure you get a quick response.

Thanks

Art
art[at]L2DesignGroup.com

PS: Thanks Lembit!

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gamewyzard — 2007-03-12T19:23:57+00:00

Sample Page 2 from Rulebook

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gamewyzard — 2007-03-12T19:23:05+00:00

Sample Page 1 from Rule book

Thread: Designer Reply: ExpansionRussia Besieged planned?

gamewyzard — 2007-03-07T17:41:15+00:00

Harro

Scenarios were never indended to be part and parcel of the game. Russia Besieged was designed to be what it is. Namely, the entire Russo-German conflict.

The Victory Points at the end of each year force the players into playing the game as it unfolded historically and deny "gamey" situations from happening. It was always intended to put some scenarios in the Gamer's Guide or release them later, as free downloads.

Currently, there is one scenario, the WBC Tournament Scenario, available for free download from:

http://l2design.nrandall.com/RussiaBesieged.html

This will be updated this year as some tweaks are made for the 2007 WBC tournament in Lancaster PA.

Also, there is some work being done on creating a WESTERN FRONT game that will mate with Russia Besieged. I am not the developer of that project so this is the best I can tell you right now.

Andy Nunez, of ATO magazine fame, has researched and created the Order of Battle for the Turkish scenario.

Some have commented in their ratings that the Turkish space is a waste of space!!!

IT IS NOT. The geography was put in on purpose. A good game can be created without developing the area (the Turkish space and the middle east), as is the case with Russia Besiege. My intentions always were to develop "What If' scenarios to be published at a later date.

It took over two years of playtesting to get the game "right" with Russia Besieged. Adding scenarios, Turkey and more would have easily added another 2 years and that was NOT my intent. The primary game and focus for me is the war in Russian. The rest is icing on the cake.

Enjoy!

Art

Thread: Re: Expansion for Russia Besieged planned?

Harae — 2007-03-07T15:38:04+00:00

Excellent news!

I am really looking forward to Turkish units.

How about some scenario's?! This would complete the game and my first ever 10 rated game

Thread: RESPONSE FROM DESIGNER: Expansion for Russia Besieged?

gamewyzard — 2007-03-06T15:37:17+00:00

Howdy,

I do not frequent this forum often. It is best to email me with a question if you want a quick response.

There is a Turkey Expansion planned for Russia Besieged. It will be included in the Gamer's Guide to Russia Besieged, currently in the works. The guide will be an in-depth look at strategy, setups and techniques for the game etc. , including some scenarios and the Turkey expansion, complete with counters.

Also, just to get some misinformation clarified.

There is NO SECOND EDITION, per say. There is some confusion about this.

There were some 5 or so 1/2" counters that came with the game that had some errata. If you purchase Panzerschreck #14 (still a few available... $23 plus postage), Gary Graber of Minden Games was kind enough to allow us to use his magazine to print these counters (full color, die cut) that correct the errata and offer you some EXTRA stuff as well. (if memory serves, there are also some Guards Tank army breakdown counters and some Russian Rail conversion counters)

So, with this, you are good to go (but, you don't need it unless you are a purist at heart). Bonus, #14 is a great magazine that includes the fabulous Brady Station game, raved about by everyone who has played it. That issue has 2-4 games in it, if memory serves me as well. ( If you have not seen the new Panzerschreck, it is a professional format, typically includes 2-4 games in each issue that are small games, fast and easy to play and some good reviews and articles. Minden Games is on BGG and they have a web site. Look them up. )

The large counters were a special request by some enthusiasts who insisted on have bigger counters. I even received offers from one chap to fund a large portion of the printing. Generous, kind, but politely refused.

Why? Because we were flooded with orders to print larger counters, enough so, that we went ahead to press with not only the counters, but an additional CRT sheet, printed on full color, heavy stock similar to the high quality charts you get in the game. Popular game!

What is on it?

The same stuff as in the game but a more streamlined Bomber Chart.

The Super-size Me Counter Sheet (as it has been nicknamed) is basically 2 x 8 1/2 x 11" counter sheets and the extra Play Aid. Do you need it to play??? NO. You have all you need with the purchase of the game. It is a matter of preference.

Again, this is NOT A 2nd EDITION. This is not an EXPANSION KIT. Any dealer that advertises this as an expansion kit is MISINFORMED! When we are sold out of the 1/2" game, we may retire the 1/2" mold for good. Lots of gamers want bigger counters. As we age, things get harder to see.

Please, DOWNLOAD the Living Rules. This is our ongoing effort to print an errata free rule book. The Dec 15, 2006 version is the latest. Yes, there is some spelling and grammar errors. No big deal. We have a professional editor working on the final version of the rule book. It will be made available FREE, to download, or to PURCHASE, if you want a full color, paper rule book. Your call.

Hope this helps to clear up any misconceptions.

I strongly recommend you play with the most current version of the LIVING RULES. You can follow this link to download a PDF file:

http://l2design.nrandall.com/RussiaBesieged.html

Thanks and I hope you get hours and hours of enjoyment from the game!

(Looking to buy the game? Follow this link: http://www.l2designgroup.com/Russia%20Besieged.html )

Also, Russia Besieged made its debut at the World Boardgaming Championships last year with a hugely enthusiastic crowd. Over 20 people showed up for the demo and 16 entrants signed up for the tournament! Rob Beyma, the developer of the game, is the current reigning champion.

A professionally made ADC2 module is available for purchase as well that includes all the charts you need to play. If can be purchased as a STAND ALONE, SELF PLAYING GAME or as a module to add to your ADC2 collection (you need ADC2 Software to play the module).

More info? Follow this link: http://www.l2designgroup.com/Discs-ComputerModules.html

Art Lupinacci
art(AT)L2DesignGroup.com
Designer
L2 Design Group
http://www.L2DesignGroup.com

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gamewyzard — 2007-02-16T13:05:58+00:00

July 1942 German Victory - Moscow Falls!!

Thread: Re: Reserve

litebrite — 2006-12-28T17:19:18+00:00

Greetings,

An answer was found for this in a post on CSW that Art made in 2005. It does not clarrify everything, but helps alot:

USING THE OPTIONAL HEADQUARTERS RULES

II. German Player First Impulse -- German player moves normally -- German units may move onto an HQ and go INTO reserves at the end of the First Impulse -- UNITS that START in RESERVE may be released from reserves during movement -- Released reserves may then move on their own (movement limited by weather and also by optional rule 1.14, "1st Impulse" column). Released reserves may move and attack normally (per optional rule 1.13, first bullet, second sentence).

Russian Reserve Movement Phase
Combat Resolution Phase

Add up the Combat factors, figure out the ODDS and ROLL THE DICE!!

That is all that happens here.

When ALL COMBAT IS COMPLETED!, ALL OF IT, you may release reserves.

German Player Second Impulse -- German player may move HQ units their full movement allowance (per optional rule 1.01), then release reserves. Released reserves may then move on their own (movement limited by weather and also by optional rule 1.14, "2nd Impulse" column). Released reserves may move and attack normally.

Combat Resolution Phase -- As written

ALL COMBAT IS RESOLVED FIRST!!!!

Possible German Reserve Movement after all combat is completed. German HQ units may not move, but they may release reserves. Movement of released German reserves is limited by weather and also by optional rule 1.14, "2nd Impulse" column. Released German reserves may not attack and may not enter Russian ZOCs.

After this second possible German reserve movement, the "bookeeping" functions occur (adjusting railhead counters, etc.).

End of the German Player Turn HQ units only move in the SECOND IMPULSE. reserves could possibly be released at any of five times (as above plus after the combat phases in either impulse).

As further clarification, my interpretation is that an HQ unit can move then release reserves.

YES, it can move in the second impulse and RELEASE RESERVES AFTER IT STOPS MOVING.

Lembit

Thread: Re: Reserve

litebrite — 2006-12-26T06:56:40+00:00

I am currently working on a full edit and renumbering of the RB rules. I have contacted L2 and will post an answer to this question once I have received a reply.

Lembit

Thread: Re: Reserve

b5mith — 2006-12-22T06:04:36+00:00

This question has remained unanswered for 9 months?! What's going on with L2?

Thread: Re: Expansion for Russia Besieged planned?

Abraxx — 2006-04-07T06:09:22+00:00

Yes that makes sense. So I just ordered Russia Besieged, but how do I identify without opening the box if it is a 1st or 2nd edition?
(the online shop where I bought made no mention about it, though I assume it might be the 1st because I got it fairly cheap)
What was the size of the counters in the 1st edition?

thanks

Thread: Re: Expansion for Russia Besieged planned?

Herr Niemand — 2006-04-06T18:51:50+00:00

I think lmyrick is right. I've seen nothing online about an expansion set for RB.

Thread: Re: Expansion for Russia Besieged planned?

lmyrick — 2006-04-06T13:56:19+00:00

It could be that they're talking about the 'supersize me' kit that came out with larger counters than the first edition had plus updated rules. The edition I got had the larger counters, though I ordered the update kit at the same time, so now I have extra counters!

Thread: Expansion for Russia Besieged planned?

Abraxx — 2006-04-06T07:58:13+00:00

I've seen a "Russia Besieged expansion counters set" mentioned in the database of some resellers. (and no I'm not confusing it with TRC, though the resellers might)
Is there something planned, if so when will it be released and what will it include?

thanks
Marco

Thread: Re: Turkey?

gamewyzard — 2006-04-05T08:25:06+00:00

Tim,

Sorry you have not gotten a response emailing L2 Design Group. I typically answer emails within 24-36 hours of getting them,....if I get them.

It could be your email was blocked by my ISP's Spam filter.

To answer your question, you cannot go through Turkey and there are no units. The countries in play are Germany(including Poland), Finland, Hungary and Rumania.

Art

Thread: Re: Turkey?

Herr Niemand — 2006-04-02T20:12:27+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion Velusion and lmyrick, I did go to CSW and found no answers to my questions. I might have missed something since that site is so damn hard to parse.

I did find even more errata though... Ugh...

Since L2 will not answer my e-mails, perhaps I'll just have to call them and talk to a CustRep...

I guess I've just been spoiled by the excellent customer service of GMT, FFG, RGG, and Compass Games. I mean, those guys actually will answer e-mail inquiries!

TT

Thread: Re: Turkey?

lmyrick — 2006-04-02T15:29:02+00:00

Ditto John's advice. There's and L2 folder and a Russia Besieged folder over at Consimworld that the designer, Art Lupinacci, frequents.

Thread: Re: Turkey?

Velusion — 2006-04-02T00:14:45+00:00

Have you tried the L2 forum on Consimworld? Someone there might be able to help you out.

Thread: Turkey?

Herr Niemand — 2006-04-01T23:55:38+00:00

I just bought Russia Besieged and cannot get a response from L2 no matter how many e-mails I send. Maybe someone here on BGG can help me?

On the map, Turkey is very prominently displayed. However, there are no rules for Turkish belligerence, no Turkish units, and no mention in the rules that Turkey historically remained neutral throughout the war!

Someone who didn't know WW2 history could be forgiven for waltzing his units through Turkish territory without a second thought!

Am I missing some addenda, errata, or add-on module?

If Turkey is out of play, why include it on the map? If it is in play, where are the rules and units?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Thread: Reserve

billyfd — 2006-02-12T01:58:31+00:00

Hello All,

I have a question about units in Reserve. In Section 3 Sequence of Play, the opposing player has a Reserve move in the phasing players turn; the rulebook states see Optional Rule 1.

I see nothing under the Reserve Optional rule where the non-phasing player can move his reserve units during the enemy’s turn. . Rule 1.13 states “ At the owning players discretion during any part of the friendly movement phase; units in reserve may be released just after combat is completed.

Can someone help me out on this?

Thanks All!

Billy