Game: Leningrad

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Xookliba — 2008-06-11T14:56:17+00:00

cyberboard gamebox

Thread: Re: Leningrad: It's just a solo game isn't it, isn't it?

nickp — 2008-02-19T13:50:59+00:00

This was my first ever wargame, bought in October 2004 as a try out. I absolutely loved it and have never looked back. I still play this once a year and enjoy seeing the germans grind down in the leningrad defences, however well they seem to be doing first few turns.

My appetite wetted I followed this with Spires of the Kremlin! great components but, nearly four years later I still don't understand those air rules.

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MoraleCheck — 2008-01-06T00:55:56+00:00

Side of the Decision Box

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MoraleCheck — 2008-01-03T00:56:12+00:00

The Charts

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MoraleCheck — 2008-01-02T23:09:03+00:00

Decision countersheet back

Thread: Re: Column Shifts Chart questions...

Shad — 2007-12-17T10:04:00+00:00

saminurmela wrote:

Yes, but note that the second shift (armor bonus) applies only when attacking to a clear terrain hex.

Ahh... excellent catch Sami! I had missed that bit about only into a clear hex. That makes it a little less overwhelmingly powerful!

Thread: Re: Column Shifts Chart questions...

saminurmela — 2007-12-17T09:43:19+00:00

No one has answered these, so here's my take, as I just played a solo game of Leningrad.

Shad wrote:

On the Column Shifts Chart you are supposed to Shift Right One Column (thus benefiting the attacker) if:

-there is a defending air unit
-there is a defending Panzer Corps

Logically, I think those should both read "attacking" not "defending" -- am I right?

Yes, no doubt about it. I don't know why it isn't included in the errata.
Shad wrote:

Would a Panzer corps therefore get a double-shift in every battle its
engaged in seeing as how it is a complete corps and also an armor unit?

Yes, but note that the second shift (armor bonus) applies only when attacking to a clear terrain hex.

Thread: Re: Leningrad: It's just a solo game isn't it, isn't it?

buffmeister — 2007-12-15T18:30:12+00:00

What helpful people there are on the 'geek. Nice one Bertrand

Thread: Re: Leningrad: It's just a solo game isn't it, isn't it?

beta.lyrae — 2007-12-15T17:59:34+00:00

buffmeister wrote:

Good luck with finding a copy, it shouldn't be too hard.

No luck needed

http://wargamedepot.com/catalog/leningrad-p-401.html

$13.87

Thread: Re: Leningrad: It's just a solo game isn't it, isn't it?

buffmeister — 2007-12-15T07:28:38+00:00

Brian

Thanks for the reply, my first review so thanks for reading

It is very easy to get into and play: its portability is another plus, take out of and put into ziploc bag and hey presto the perfect holiday gaming time (subject to be allowed by wife/girlfriend etc)

Good luck with finding a copy, it shouldn't be too hard.

Thread: Re: Leningrad: It's just a solo game isn't it, isn't it?

fatso — 2007-12-14T23:13:59+00:00

Thanks for your post! Looks like a game that's easy to get into. I might have to track down a copy...

Thread: Leningrad: It's just a solo game isn't it, isn't it?

buffmeister — 2007-12-14T21:55:17+00:00

Leningrad

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Of course not, you may argue, it says for two players on the box and of course you are right it can be played by two, but...

is it that exciting for the Russian player? Personally I find continuous defending/running away pales after a while, but I know some who enjoy this 'backs to the wall' style of wargaming. If this is you then please don't take my criticism personally, whatever floats your boat and all that

On the other hand I have found games that I have played to be edge of the seat stuff when having the German mindset. Games almost always seem to go to the wire as to whether you can take those two Leningrad hexes. (Usually no is the answer!)

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I am not going to go into detail as to the rules as the review from David Cox does an admirable job.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/172897

Suffice to say that they are 8 pages long including designers notes and charts. Standard IGO-UGO sequence with a little chrome for Russian forts, Panzer integrity, etc.

The map is 11" x 17" with less than a 100 counters.

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Whilst not the first choice for grognards it still meets the requirement for a quickly set-up game that plays quickly and normally provides a cliffhanger of a finish. This makes it a great game for newcomers to wargames who will not be overwhelmed by issues of size or complexity. They will be able to learn the good old fashioned basics, such as zones of control,soak offs,overruns etc. A very good primer before moving onto more complex games that introduce other wargaming concepts.

Best of all it is a great solo game due to the untried Russian units and the lack of hidden placement,etc. So if it is your first wargaming purchase you can make all the mistakes with no one knowing I know I've made them all (still do if I'm being totally honest).

So back to the slighty tongue in cheek title of this review. I truly believe that where this game shines is a solitare examination of the advance of Army Group North, which also makes for a great intro into the joys of board wargaming. Of course if you like the starter that is Leningrad, you will love the main course that is Panzergruppe Guderian

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But that's a another story.......

To come full circle as it were to the title of this review; if you want to play a two player game, then go ahead and enjoy the experience, but for those oh too common days when an opponent is not available, time is short and you want a slice of classic wargaming fare; then I urge you to get out Leningrad,a solo feast that has stood the test of time.

Enjoy

Thread: Re: Retreating and Safe Hexes and ZOCs...

Shad — 2007-10-22T14:54:49+00:00

Then I have no further questions! Thank you!

Thread: Re: Retreating and Safe Hexes and ZOCs...

sdiberar — 2007-10-22T14:49:05+00:00

I would still think it is true, even given the wording above. Leningrad is based on PGG, where I know for a fact that EZOC blocks retreat throughout the retreat path (unless, as stated, a friendly unit occupies the hex with EZOC).

Thread: Re: Retreating and Safe Hexes and ZOCs...

Shad — 2007-10-22T13:58:13+00:00

Well that's certainly the AVL interpretation, but Leningrad is an old title so I'm willing to consider the fact that the rules aren't that well-developed.

I actually typed out the rules for this situation word for word in that first post. You won't find anything in the rules to help you make a ruling that's not in the original post up above.

What do you think? Still think it'd be an auto-kill?

Thread: Re: Retreating and Safe Hexes and ZOCs...

sdiberar — 2007-10-22T13:51:04+00:00

I don't have the rules in front of me, but generally in wargames retreat restrictions apply throughout the retreat; so yes an EZOC in the first hex would prevent that retreat path.

Thread: Column Shifts Chart questions...

Shad — 2007-10-22T11:36:36+00:00

This is not addressed in either the original errata or the "official" Decision Games errata... I find it hard to believe they missed it twice, but this doesn't make sense to me:

On the Column Shifts Chart you are supposed to Shift Right One Column (thus benefiting the attacker) if:

-there is a defending air unit
-there is a defending Panzer Corps

Logically, I think those should both read "attacking" not "defending" -- am I right?

Second question,

there are attack & defense bonuses (boni? ) for:

-forces that include an armor unit
-complete Panzer corps

Would a Panzer corps therefore get a double-shift in every battle its engaged in seeing as how it is a complete corps and also an armor unit? This seems logical when you consider how much more powerful Panzers were than Soviet armor at the time of the campaign but isn't explicitly addressed in the rules as far as I can tell. What do you think?

Thank you!

Thread: Retreating and Safe Hexes and ZOCs...

Shad — 2007-10-22T11:27:10+00:00

Units retreating must end up in a Safe Hex. Safe Hexes are when all the following are true:

**********
1. By entering the hex, a retreating unit increases the distance in hexes between it and the nearest Enemy unit that caused the retreat. If the Enemy unit has retreated, the distance is measured from the Enemy unit's original hex.

2. There are fewer than three other Friendly units in the hex.

3. The hex is not in an Enemy ZOC. The presence of a Friendly unit in a hex negates the Enemy ZOC in that hex for purposes of retreat.

4. Whenever possible, a unit must retreat into a vacant safe hex.
**********

Now, if there is no safe hex available the retreating unit is eliminated.

Here's my question:

If a unit receives a 2 hex retreat result, and the FIRST hex is an enemy ZOC but a "safe hex" is available 2 hexes away, is the unit eliminated? Technically it would be forced to retreat through a non-safe hex in order to reach the safe hex.

Does ownership(ZOC) of that first hex matter, or not?

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Shad — 2007-09-15T01:46:11+00:00

A typical opening setup...

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Shad — 2007-09-15T01:44:55+00:00

Dawn over East Prussia - The Carnage Begins

Thread: Re: A War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter'

chux — 2007-08-14T05:30:57+00:00

Very nice review of the game. I am getting back into wargaming after many years of NOT playing. I have never played this one but after reviewing the geeklists Leningrad comes highly recommended for newb's so I thought it would be a good game to get my hands dirty again.

I just got the game in the mail last week and I am anxiously waiting to play. I have a game setup for the weekend with a buddy who has not played war hex games, he plays axis and allies. So, this should be a good intro for him into the hex and counter scene.

I will report back with an AAR!!!

I also purchased The Russian Campaign which will be next up on the table if I can convert my gaming buddy to the hex and counter war games.

~Chux

Thread: Re: A War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter'

citizen k — 2007-08-01T02:01:00+00:00

Couldn't hurt

Thread: Re: A War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter'

da pyrate — 2007-07-31T23:14:49+00:00

In my experience I have won only once as the Germans using the standard victory conditions.

However, here in Australia, at wargame conventions, we use different victory conditions which fixes up the inherent balance problems in the game.

Perhaps I should post these onto the BGG website so others can use them.

Thread: Re: A War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter'

citizen k — 2007-07-31T16:46:53+00:00

A classic!

In your experience, how often does the German player win?

Thread: Re: A War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter'

duckweed — 2007-07-31T05:06:06+00:00

Nice review. I also like this game. I remember buying it back before I played a lot of hex and counter wargames, and the cheap price tag was the biggest draw. I think it was $13 or $14 new. This game probably offers more bang for the buck than any other. I find myself recommending it to newbies in a lot of "newbie wargamer looking for simple games" type geeklists.

I have not played the game nearly as many times as you (I've played it maybe 8 times) but I never finish in anywhere close to 90 minutes. It takes us twice as long. And maybe 3-4 times as long if I'm playing against a certain person...

Thread: A War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter'

da pyrate — 2007-06-25T00:25:02+00:00

[BGCOLOR=#9966FF][BGCOLOR=#9966FF]An Excellent War-game For Those Who Know ‘Size Doesn’t Matter’
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The first thing that you notice about Leningrad is its size – it is small. A thin box: an 11” x 17” map; 100 cardboard counters. In conjunction with the size you will also discover that it plays quickly. The 90 minutes specified on BGG is correct – it is that quick. What really surprises me is the intensity and excitement of the game. You get the kick out of this war-game that you would normally expect to get only from its larger cousins.

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Leningrad uses a modified Panzergruppe Guderian system. The game was originally published by SPI in 1979, although it has been reprinted (with some minor changes) by Decision Games. Even though I have both editions in my collection I have only played the SPI version.

Turn Sequence

The Germans move first – it is, after all, the summer of ’41 and we are watching Army Group North make its advance towards Leningrad. They initially have a replacement phase (depleted units in cities can build-up to full strength). The Germans move (over-runs take place during movement and provide a key element to German success). The Germans fight (combat is voluntary – it is hard to eliminate enemy units unless they are surrounded). The Germans place air-interdiction markers (in my experience the Germans are better to keep their planes to assist in combat).

The Soviets move second. They initially have a fortification phase (placing forts will help the defence of Leningrad enormously). The Soviets move (just like the Germans, except there will be few opportunities for an over-run). The Soviets will fight (there will be some opportunities to attack, but they will be few and will have problems due to Soviet units being face-down before their first combat, so the Soviet player may not know the actual strength of his units during his planing stage).

The game lasts for 12 turns – from June 22 until September 13.

Victory Conditions

Leningrad is made up of four hexes in the North-eastern corner of the map. The German player scores 30 points each, for the two most North-eastern hexes. If the German play does not capture either of those hexes they will lose. The Soviet player scores points for reducing and eliminating German units.

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How Does Leningrad Play?

Turn 1 should be a Soviet disaster. If there is no disaster the Germans will have a massive problem. The German forces start over-stacked in the South-western corner of the map. Their starting point is ringed by a cordon of Soviet units. No matter how the Germans come at it, they are unlikely to totally eliminate the cordon. On the positive side, the Soviets must counter-attack on the first turn (they are obliged to advance all units that can come into contact with the invading forces and must attack them). Providing that the German Panzer Corps have led the breakthrough the Germans will have a good chance of totally destroying the entire Soviet front line. This is because of column shifts for Corps Integrity, Armour and Air.

There are three (or maybe four) river lines that the Soviets can use for defence. These will still give the Soviets some tough choices. The further forward the Soviets defend the more man-power will be needed as the forward rivers tend to be longer. If the Soviets defend forward and then try to pull back, the greater the chance of Soviet troops being caught in the open. If the Soviets pull back quickly they have the advantage of a shorter river line to defend, the benefit of swamps and being closer to the source of reinforcements. The downside of this option that it gives the Germans more time to launch their final assault on Leningrad itself. What is more important - buying time with the lives of your valiant Soviet troops or minimising losses to give a maximum strength defense in the Leningrad suburbs. It is a difficult decision - and no matter which way you decide, your troops will die.

On game turn 7 the Soviets can launch a massive counter-attack with the benefit of a four-column shift on the Combat Table, but unless you can eliminate some Panzer Corps I don’t believe that this is a good option.

The Germans also have some choices. Do they attack from the west or do they attack from the south? Either option is viable but the Germans almost certainly lack the resources to attack on both fronts.

The Germans probably don’t have the strength to be able to eliminate fortified stacks on Soviet units that are defending behind the river. They do have enough strength to keep attriting the Soviet forces so that they may be able to make a breakthrough towards the end of the game.

Final Thoughts

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This is one gutsy little game. My initial reaction was to dismiss it because it is so damn small. Having played it nearly 50 times I know it to be a gut-wrenching experience. The Soviets will lose most of their troops most games. The Germans will have the sensation of virtual invincibility. And yet, each time, it comes down to getting across the Neva River into the northern suburbs of Leningrad. You can be the German, lose the game and yet still feel like a winner. You can be the Soviets, hold onto Leningrad and feel as though you have just been put through ‘the wringer’.

da pyrate

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BGG1KJM — 2005-06-23T12:04:45+00:00

Decision Games/SPI - Leningrad - map

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BGG1KJM — 2005-06-23T12:04:45+00:00

Decision Games/SPI - Leningrad - chits

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BGG1KJM — 2005-06-23T12:04:45+00:00

Decision Games/SPI - Leningrad boxcover

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Gangrel — 2005-02-18T12:14:24+00:00

With Japanese language rules