Deployment Notes

The following seven pages list six different initial placements for Soviet units of the border military districts for the game FitE/SE. All the authors deserve praise for putting their deployments under the microscope of the readership. It is easier to criticize an opening set up than to devise one!

The first five set ups have been checked for legality. While their authors don't claim that they are perfect, they should provide those who take time to inspect them with insights into some of the major goals Soviet players try to accomplish with their opening placements. Furthermore, they should provide solitaire gamers with a chance to match their skills against other Europa players. Note: The deployments of Gayler, Hauser, and Nelson are based on the updated terrain costs presented in Balkan Front; i.e., the cost for c/m and artillery to enter a swamp, forest, or mountain hex is 6 MPs (not 1/2M+1).

The sixth set up approximates historical Soviet troop locations on June 22, 1941. In game terms it is simply an awful (and illegal) deployment. A Soviet player with even a modicum of experience would not set up in this way. So unless you find it difficult for the Axis to compete using the rules as written, you should consider modifying the surprise attack rule (31F) as follows when using Mr. Sharp's historical Soviet set up: Delete the movement phase of the special surprise attack turn. German units may not move, but may attack adjacent Soviet units normally in the surprise combat phase, including advance after combat.

The surprise air attack against the Soviet air force is resolved as usual (Rule 31F2). Note that air units may be placed on the board to fly ground support and other air missions during the special air phase, if desired.

After resolving combat in the surprise attack turn, proceed to the regular Axis Jun II 41 turn.

Erratum

41st Rifle XX should deploy in 1B:4926, not 1B:4624.

Deployments for the interior MDs will appear next issue.

Note: The approaches are in seven pages of charts -- about 1.5MB in total. We have divided them into smaller files to facilitate downloads.

Soviet FitE/SE Deployment Six Different Approaches [E 22]

Introduction
Deployments: Page 1-3 (monstrously slow: 644K)
Deployments: Page 4-6 (monstrously slow: 664K)
Deployments: Page 7 (monstrously slow: 227K)

Soviet FitE/SE Deployment Six Different Approaches [E 22]

Introduction
Deployments: Page 1-2 (extremely slow: 474K)
Deployments: Page 3-4 (extremely slow: 460K)
Deployments: Page 5-6 (extremely slow: 467K)