The following is a game proposal for the TCS. If you like this idea, let me know. I already know of people who will fight this, so the only way it will fly if support is generated from you, the readership.

Many have suggested we do a TCS game covering an action on the Eastern Front, but no one has yet to be able to pin anything specific down to do. Several have suggested Kursk (or parts thereof) but that seems a bit too big. What follows is an idea for a solution.

The game proposed would be "representative" of East Front actions, but not specific to a real one. It would consist of a counter mix containing several different TO&E forces (different models of the German Infantry Battalion, as it evolved during the war, say) and a large mix of vehicles from both sides. A side might be capable of fielding a couple of infantry battalions and numerous tank platoons or companies. The mix would be made to maximize the ability of the player to generate his own scenarios.

There would be 5 maps in the game 4x 22xl4" maps, 1x 6x22" map and a 6x22" play aid. This is the same as a two map game, except the two maps have been split up into smaller parts. While not geomorphic, these small maps would give representative portions of East Front terrain. For instance, these might be Steppe, Hills & Villages, Forest, Urban (this would be the 6x22"), and Mixed terrain.

The Command System could be either ignored or abbreviated to quicken play. Since all the scenarios would be of short duration (8-12 turns), a single op sheet per side would suffice. I've been thinking about generating a number of op sheets per scenario for each side so a player could just pick one and go, or make his own as he desires. Since this pre-game op sheet determination would be a] I that would be needed, it wouldn't be hard to arrange a game in advance, and have both sides work on their "master plans" before the game-so they can show up ready to play.

A mix of methods would be used. A given scenario would have the capability of being done in the normal op sheet fashion, using game supplied op sheets, no command at all, or with simple Objectives given. As an example of the latter, one side might be given orders to "Defend hill 373" and the other orders to "Capture hill 373." The small size of the maps and the short duration of the game would help keep distortions caused by the Command system being truncated or ignored in this manner.

The game would come with some 20 scenarios with a great variety of actions in different types of terrain. Scenarios would place a premium on tactical handling of forces.

The potential for modules with new maps and forces from different countries would exist. Scenarios would be designed to allow play in a couple of hours or less and custom scenarios would be encouraged.

Such a game would be priced at the $34.00 level. Give me your opinion, if this project is to be started at all, it will need a high level of support.