Czech 38 is a detailed simulation of a hypothetical invasion of Czechoslovakia in October 1938 by forces of the German Reich. It will cover the possibility of Soviet intervention in support of the Czechs, along with the spread of the war to most of eastern Europe. The game, designed by Jason Long, is currently under development for release by GRD sometime in the next three years. Future reports will follow as the project progresses. -RG

Germans: Flavio Carrillo
Czechs: Jason Long

Oct I 38.

The Nazi hoodlums attack the innocent Czechs, surrounding Plzen (Pilsen), and breaking through the tough fortifications next to Morava- Ostrava, capturing Ceske-Budejovice and occupying most of Bohemia up to the Moldau River, but their 4:1 (-1) fails to take Plzen.

The Czechs overrun a German border regiment and take the eastern hex of Wien (Vienna) from its construction brigade and flak regiment defenders. No sign of the Soviets.

Oct II 38:

Brno (Brunn) falls to Nazi sky gangsters (Slime in Moravia) as the Czechs had carefully guarded against this happening to Pardubice and other small airfields, but ignored. the partial hex city! The Nazis break through to relieve Brno, and capture Morava- Ostrava. They make a surprise attack against Praha (Prague) across the river and only on a two hex front. By flying the might of the Luftwaffe, the Germans hope to bring the odds to a 3:1 (-2), but the mighty gunners of the Air Defense of the Nation are not impressed by the hordes of bombers filling the sky and return enough to drop the odds to 2.89:1.

In a fit of incompetence, the Nazis roll "00" on the odds rounding roll, dropping the odds to 2:1 (a roll of 89 or less on the decimal dice is needed to obtain a 3:1, and a "00" roll is treated as "100'). Apparently shaken by the ineffectiveness of the Luftwaffe, the ground forces founder as well and proceed to roll a "1" on the battle roll. Attacker Eliminated!

(Join the Wehrmacht and roll the worst that you can roIll) The heroic defenders of Praha thus bloodily repulse the impudent upstarts, cadreing 4 infantry divisions and destroying most of the enemy artillery. The Plzen garrison is crushed as it tried to marry up with the Praha garrison.

Buoyed by the news from the Praha front, the Czech 4th Army attempts to isolate the occupiers of Brno in the south, but fail to do so when an "AS' is rolled at 4:1 (-1). However, in happier news from the district, two panzer divisions are cadred in other fighting. Still no sign of the Soviets.

Nov I 38:

Poor weather! Under grey skies the fascist attempt to recapture Wien from its liberators at 4:1 (-2) fails miserably, but without losses. An attack against a weak Czech corps is bloodily successful as the Germans roll an "EX" two hexes north of Wien. The drive on Praha continues from the south as the butchers of Plzen drive the valiant Czechs before them.

However, the Soviets have arrived! Unfortunately, they are not of any use this turn as they must start rail in, but they serve as a welcome reserve for the Praha region. The emphasis of the Czech effort is to recapture Brno and they are successful in killing the leichte division and assorted ash and trash defending the place at 5-1 (-1) surrounded.

Nov II 38:

Poor weather. The Czech intelligence service intercepts messages from Hitler threatening that heads will roll, unless some attacks are soon successful. Hearing and obeying, the assault on Wien in reinforced and is successful at 5:1 (-1).

The Praha assault force continues to gain ground in the south, pushing the Czechs reluctantly backward. The penetration of the Czech line is 27 points strong, but the Czechs and Soviets mass their forces and gain a 3:1 (-1) surrounded on it. Taking a lesson from the Germans, a "1" is rolled, which vaporizes the 18-point corps providing the interlocking ZOCs as it is itself surrounded by German ZOCs.

Dec I 38:

Winter weather. With 5 hexes available to assault Praha, the German musters a 4:1 (-3) without engineers against a Czech defense of 24 points. Another "1" is rolled which causes the fascists to retreat. However, motorized units immediately reoccupy two of the lost hexes to prevent their reoccupation by the Czech-Soviet Alliance forces.

A panzer division is annihilated surrounded in the ensuing counterattack, but the key hex remains unattackable due to the sacrifice of the panzertruppen.

Dec II 38:

The last turn of the game. The Germans muster their last attack and get a 4:1 (-2), but per SOP roll the "AS". Many high-level Wehrmacht officers are taken out back for a little talking to by fellow soldiers in black uniforms...

The Czechs mass for the liberation of Morava-Ostrava, and are successful at 2:1 (-1) when they roll an "EX". Hitler instantly becomes bald as he pulls his hair out and the Czechs win a tactical victory.