1914 Twilight in the East by Dirk Dahmann Historical It is at the beginning of of August 1914, and in Europe go literally slowly those Light out. The us leagues world-political Events should to a large extent admits its. The murder at the Austrian Successor to the throne, the ultimatum that Danube monarchy at Serbia, despite very extensive concessions Belgrade, those is kept upright helpless attempts, but still the large To prevent disaster and finally the GAU, mobilizations and Declarations of war in fast consequence and as result two-front wars for Germany and Austria, because also Vienna must a not insignificant Portion of its troops for that "Walk to Belgrade "turn off. France is full hope, Elsaß To recover Lorraine and Great Britain prepares on in Intervene in favor of the neutrality Belgium forwards. Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania wait still; that we exclude the far east times. While the situation in the west owing to its dynamics, those at the Marne their provisional high point finds and then into an inexpressible trench warfare apparently without perspective flows, described and also in the simulation play appreciated is often multiple, exists after impression of the Rezensenten regarding the not less exciting Events at the east front often a large unawareness. From there is here somewhat in more detail on those Events in the summer autumn 1914 are received. Three participants are at the front between East Prussia and the Romanian Border actively. On the one hand the German Empire, itself after extensive Vorkriegsplanungen more or less purposefully at a modified Schlieffen plan with emphasis in The west had specified. In the east trusts one here on three things: 1. On those Impact force of only one army, those 8., those essentially within the range East Prussia is concentrated. It is forwards defensively act to everything. 2. on those ""slow and few effective admit Mobilization ability of the tsarist Army and 3. on its luck, because one can here already from the courage to the gap speak. Everything hangs considerably of the speed and effectiveness of the Advance in the west off, because after a victory against France (the Englishmen one does not have actually really on the role), are not fast those more needed troops against those Army of the tsar brought to the employment become. Now, at least one can do one of the three conditions confidently already forget after few days. Those Speed of the Russian mobilization, the Dislokation of the troops of the Tsars and their attack spirit surprise the German highest army command in each regard rather comprehensively. In then this surprising led remaining Strength of the Russian side also well-known measures in addition that itself that German supreme command fast arranges will see, from the quoted above To deviate courage from the gap again and nevertheless two corps from the west to take off. Those become then both there, and to the decisive battle with fir mountain in the east are missing, but in addition later more. In the south the Austrian Hungarian troops closes to a large extent (however evenly not completely) smoothly on those the German flank on. Austria decided, altogether 3 armies and two smaller flank federations at the Russian front in position to bring. The remainder of the troops becomes against Serbia, but this concentrates Theater of war plays in 1914 TitE, no role and is from there here also not to be discussed. Opposite altogether 6 stands Russian armies. Two of them, those 1. and 2. are ready, over East Prussia to advance toward Berlin, those other four (3., 4., 5. and 8.) are those k.u.k. - Troops down-struggle. Purely numerically can thus of a numerical Superiority of the Russian Side to be gone out, these is too this time however not really so largely, that one of one dramatic war process with encircling and destruction of large federations the Central Powers to go out can. Exactly this sees however the strategic Planning of the tsarist army command forwards. Desire and reality gape also here far apart, but those Operations become then in unawareness the exact situation and the entitled Confidence on the own fast Mobilization exactly in this spirit, thus offensively, spoken. It is perhaps something exaggerated expressed, but also the Russian side has its own two-front war too lead, because a genuine coordination the fight against the German and those k.uk. - Side is during the yearly 1914 to recognize not. Still more badly: that Boss of the 1st army, of running fight, and that the 2nd army, Samsonov (I use here once English Transkription of the cyrillic names), are intimate enemies. Consequence: Also those 1. and the 2nd army, those together against East Prussia to operate are, show no co-ordination of their activities. The constellation of the Russian-Austrian front is likewise most interesting. Can at the so-called southwest front (Russian View), quite of a numeric Superiority of the tsarist army , but exist these are gone out straight, where it to immediate War actions will come, i.e. within the range western Galizien south 1914 Twilight into the East Of Dirk Dahmann 1914 - - Twilight into the East lich within the range western Galizien south of Lublin, straight not. Here stand itself about equivalent strong Austrian and Russian federations opposite, locally a local even exists Superiority "of the comrade tying shoe "(once mean over here grandfather to quote, that considerably, i.e. within the range of the service support troop, was involved in the thing. Quotation: "Victory or death! We drive bread! "). We begin with this front section. More or less at the same time strike two Austrian and two Russian armies frontally against each other loosely. It comes to local important k.u.k. Initial successes, but not to the destruction of the heavily struck Russian 4th army (Battle of Galizien, approx. 22. 8. to 9. 9. 1914). In response different succeed Russian maneuvers, and one it creates, by fast troop transfers at the beginning of existing local To convert inferiority into a clear superiority. Finally begins, for instance starting from 9/4/1914, one powerful Russian Gegenoffensive, with heavy Austrian losses , but likewise not those ends Destruction of major units, as in planning intended, reaches. Everything in everything here the point victory concerns clearly the Russian side. Nevertheless, the starting situation was everything on one side but, and finally those won Side with the better guidance. In the north is likewise a clear winner to register. Slowly and methodically moves from running fight also the first army frontally to the west forwards: A goal king mountain. At the same time Samsonov is promoted northward from the south with the goal of reaching the Baltic Sea and, if it goes, the facing 8th German army between To grind hammer and anvil. This is not passive however. In first thereby 1. seizes sharp attack. Corps of the 8th army under the line of of Francois, Russian first Army on (17. 8.; Battle of Stalluponen) and some painful adds Defeat too; however in view of of the Balance of power this major unit not really for a long time to stop can. It is interesting that this without the instruction the army commander (of Prittwitz) happens. Three days later, to 20. 8. (battle of Gumbinnen) leads then the entire 8th army under that Line of Prittwitz `an impact approximately of running fight, because the initial success its subordinates must it impressed. This attack goes however fully beside and leads after Russian counter attacks even in addition that of Prittwitz an important Retreat instructs and that 8. Army several thousand prisoners loses. From Moltke, (still), is not amused German commanders in chief of this from its view unnecessary Retreat and takes the money from Prittwitz. Now the large appearance of Hindenburg comes. It the command becomes over the 8th army transfer, its Chief of staff becomes a certain Ludendorff, itself just now in the west with conquest acquired by Lüttich the Meriten had. From Hindenburg is so fast in The east that the 8th army the retreat instruction not yet in its entirety carried out. Of Hindenburg, Ludendorff and the 1st general staff officer Lieutenant colonel Hoffmann (the latter probably the actual author of the Plan) decide to give East Prussia up not completely but instead the 8th army to the south against Samsonovs 2. Army begin to leave. A particularly important detail is the transfer entire 1. Corps with the railway to the south in the left flank of the being promoted Russian 2nd army. Desr boss 1. Corps, of Francois, ignores at least 2 direct instructions Ludendorffs to premature attack and collects instead forces. Several communications between the 1st and 2nd Russian Army are intercepted deutscherseits, and the German supreme command it experiences in this way that of running fight itself a dirt around Samsonovs Fate shears. The result goes as battle from fir mountain into those History. Result: Nearly the entire 2nd army is included and destroys (about 25. to 28. 8. 1914), only 10000 of the 150000 Russian Troops create it back. Samsonov the life takes itself. The Russian Advance to East Prussia is once and for all terminates. The play 1914 TitE in all other respects covers temporally also still the following months the yearly 1914 off. But is it here with the description of the historical Conditions enough its. The material We are used to it, with GMT of to go out high standards. 1914 TitE no exception, are because Counter, rules and above all the programme are not only functionally (which with the almost mass and in particular also the unusual rules not naturally is). At least the map becomes of the Rezensenten however beyond that simply as picture-beautifully felt. Since this is however matter of taste, likes the reader itself in view of the shown Cutout an opinion form. Already truely, there is quite smaller Errata, some Counter wrong colors, the extremely compact representation of the Orders OF Battle carry are not like that customer-friendly, how it could be, but everything functions. And the thing IS a classical monster with 2240 Countern, 4 large maps (as well as a few smaller to to-put), one of it for a smaller scenario with a printed on back provide, 48 a lateral rule booklet and one for instance equal strong scenario booklet (the latter with many examples and comments). Besides it has extensive Organisationscharts for armies (to it later more) and tables etc. There are on-line Vassal and Cyberboard, unfortunately no ADC II more, but one must here already say that itself the whole not particularly for pbem offers, one must consider too much at details, so that one too many Einzelmails and to send ago must play, around it "liquid " to be able. This does ftf to the fun however, without the conclusion valuation to anticipate, no abort. It has altogether beside the complete Campaigngame with 47 courses several Scenarios. The learning scenario 1 describes the 1st battle in Masuren in Connection to the victory of fir mountain, those the German attack on the army of running fight and their Zurückdrängen simulated (comment: Once construct, two to three courses make, around the pure combat mechanisms too learn, then once and for all forget). Besides there is still the battle of Lublin, those on the part of a map one plays and likewise still reduced Rules has. Those makes already Fun, becomes however likewise only once fallen, there it too many artificial restrictions for a really free Operate required. The remainder (inclusive Fir mountain, above all however The Great Battle for Galicia) is genuine play. The Simulation We have it here with a typical To do labour OF Love. The designer , how it (naturally) loose-went in a garage into California, as it describes tried, The Cossacks acres Coming (of People `s was Games) to expand since the entire east front, therefore the system of Home before the Leaves To translate case on the east. As I at the beginning of the review these remarks read, sträubten myself me those Neck hair, because covered pulling the enormous Pöppelmassen led for me simply in addition that both mentioned plays do not make fun for me. Here thus the most important information in front: functions to 1914 "openly ", that is, that one in particular those own troops to see knows, however only the highest unit of an opposing stack, and the stack sequence is NOT freely selectable. Under the piles do not look is permitted. Thus the designer has a part of the Fog OF was saved feeling, but not as much bureaucratic obstacles production that it no fun more makes. All in all one must describe 1914 as rather complex. The Sequence OF Play, which is admittedly in detail formulated (it represents the most important play assistance when playing and one will use again and again) a complete page fills out dreispaltig. This also only, because those symmetrical player turn only once are reproduced (otherwise would come one loosely on two sides). The play has directly several fundamental innovations to offer, over in the following will have to be spoken. But first the essential structure of a typical Turn: Intermediate turn phase In a simultaneous intermediate phase book both players the respective now railway and Replacementpunkte the available. Then it goes into the actual turn, which begins with the weatherproof position. There we between high summers, normal temperatures and heavy rain move, are the influence of the weather however not as importantly as because and forwards Moscow 1941. The Russian course Now the Russian turn begins also all kinds of organizational one. Here it becomes on the one hand unusually, on the other hand relevantly, because one does not put no more and not less than the organisational structure its armies AND of them Operation field firmly. Concerning this becomes still to speak its. Also the organization the supplies belongs here. During in many situations Supply to some extent the continuation of the activities , is its role regulates in 1914 not at all to estimate importantly enough. Here regulates the Supply simply EVERYTHING, in particular the possibilities, attacks to speak. There actually only over those existing railways more operationally Ground gain effectively through Supplies to secure is, describe these railway lines accurately, where it too important and lasting fighting at all to come can. Where no railway line in the own Richly inside, must none leads really dangerous opposing activity to be afraid. One decreases/goes back somewhat and lets the aggressor in these places simply literally without supplies in the area verhungern. Supply can now from rear, always on a railway lying, army Depot to be pulled or also over free field (better over as functional a roads as possible) by means of horse cart of a depot over a certain Range to a corps Train (quotation of my grandfather: "Träng! "). From there then one exists determined range (simple or extended - the latters with negative effect) to the units of the concerned Corps. One should urgently also note that the Supply forwards AFTER everything the own Movement Phase will be needed. For me here first and important lie Realization gain about the process the fighting at the east front in the First World War, there one those possible directions of attack immediately recognize on the basis the Eisenbahnnetzes can. If I plan thus, the opponent to shift sensitive impacts, then this must happen in such a way that my Direction of attack more or less along an existing railway line goes. Naturally we have here again the nice situation as between that Streetcars of Duisburg (Breitspur) and meal (standard gauge), whereby the Umspuren an important activity of the own railway pioneers becomes. (NB: Thus I do not want to subordinate, that between these two Ruhr district cities fighting are approaching, as for instance as between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen) [note. that talk.: THAT would be nevertheless times a Cosim worth!!]. The railway lines can naturally also to be used, around important To accomplish movements of troops (see above, the description of the historical German victory with fir mountain). The logistic aspects of 1914 first-class, one is tried too say masterfully, simulated. An example, the course driving becomes säuberlich in Time increments divided. I need Time, at a station (only there!) into that To enter course and then, dependently of the quality of the lines to drive a certain distance. If I in a turn do not create: none Problem. Then I put in any case mean firm Zielbahnhof (I can thus not, as in many plays, the units on the railway without concrete Driving planning "park ") and compute, as be enough the complete trip (inclusive Step out) lasts. If then still Movement Allowance is remaining, becomes this the unit concerned made available. The whole IS considerable detailed, it lets itself master after some time however well and does not lead after my feeling NOT to an overloading. Back to the SOP: Now the Russian comes Movement phase. As already suggested, do not become points of movement only to simply pulling above ground used, but also to all kinds of other activities, like course driving and in of this vehicle and step out, Dig (also this can longer than ), Replacement last a complete course Points inkorporieren (see ), in particular however above so-called Prepared Assault marker put. Here becomes thus the foundation-stone for a successful attack in the pending Combat phase put. That gives on the one hand positive Modifier, on the other hand in particular points of victory. An important source of this in demand Pünktchen is the execution of such Prepared Assaults; im übrigen an elegant trick, around the players also that 1914 in all armies involved to equip existing attack spirit (if one not yet of nature out has). Clever planning one Attack takes place here, whereby above all placing the artillery one paramount meaning has, sees in addition later more. Who however spacious operating of guderianscher armored units in the sense has, becomes at 1914 by the way on normal measure zurückgestutzt. The movement rates of the infantry lead to perhaps three to 4 fields Ground gain in a typical Turn, which one can advance in such a way, Kavallerie is somewhat faster. All the more stupidly then the opponent looks, if in the flank a complete corps from the course rises at one time (see above). Now the fight? Stop, there was still which. The opposing Countermovementphase with half movement range, the BEFORE the fight still one switches on. Here those become most beautiful 4:1 of attacks on a healthy 1:2 downgraded, - if one as a defender still approaches to those Battle (happens unfortunately very rarely). By the way here now third comes Function of the Prepared described above Assaults for carrying: From those one cannot simply in that Coutermovementphase pull out, separate is fixed as defenders quasi. Which is simulated exactly here, withdraws itself my understanding. The designer , "such a thing implements move away (simply from a forthcoming battle) one would not have done at that time ". `S is therefore, with Prepared Assaults can one important opposing units nail down, which one can do then ashes (eh, if the opponent does not succeed, Reinforcement to advance, see above). Now finally it comes to the fight. This is now a further absolute Highlight of the 1914-Systems. First , as usual, the attacking becomes and attacked troop identifies. The artillery support becomes additional both sides determined. It can be intrinsische division artillery, which acts, or corps artillery with own Units. The Supplystate is that Ari importantly, which concerns their strength. But not only this. , LIKE the Supply must be also examined, speaks the shells, to the cannon comes. Simplified: If it is directly an army depot, which supplies, then come the shells in unlimited quantity. If however a Panjewagen that last leg of the supply chain of out represents to a corps Train, then one must after-to the points of ammunition. Longer combat under these Conditions leads immediately to Silence of the cannons (see above to the meaning of the Supplies and that Railway lines). The aggressor in all other respects also determines only now, which DETAILS itself in that Stack, which it has before itself and to attack wants, hides (Fog OF was). Now the relationship is determined, artillery is taken into consideration thereby, afterwards can as usual certain factors (z. B. Gelände) conditions change. Now 2d6 are gewürfelt and determined on the Combat Results Table a first result of the fight. There can for example retreats come out, in addition, still much different one more; preferably modifications for what still comes. Finished? Far been missing. Now those comes Step Loss Result Table. Dependent on the size of combat, thus the number the troops involved, the participation of artillery on the opposite side (, here the Ari becomes a second time important), the modification determined before (- 2 to +3) and many other nice conditions becomes with ever a cube the number of the steps Losses for each side determines and immediately separately on the units notes. Here we have thus not the division in "fully "or "half ", no, each particular Step Loss counts. Finished? No, because now becomes really violent it. Now comes again for both sides of the post office Combat Effectiveness check. Each unit has indeed an initial moral (in the area of approximately 9). Each step Loss out costs current combat here doubly, thus 2 points moral loss. Now becomes, after the last steps Losses are alloziiert, with 2d6 (!) for each pile against the Effectiveness gewürfelt. WW smaller or equal Effectiveness is called: confessed. Depending on, as high one it here cleverly, can do further Retreats and/or other catastrophic Events such as Demoralisation the consequence its. Per fight thus altogether 5 becomes Cube throws needs. Result is: No fight is like the other one. One can suspect at best, how it goes out. 3:1 of attacks with Rout for the aggressor, but (more probably) for the defender can occur. Thus better attack with 5:1. On the other hand: Quality-fully with the guard (high Effectiveness!) against a land military unit, can good-go also with 1:1. Very importantly however is another consequence. A substantial tactical moment is the continuous attack, that is, one should always try, a struck opponent further too lambast, because it becomes ever easier, to teach it catastrophic losses. The possibility of a problem with the effectiveness AND its Extent rises not proportionally, but because of the probability effect ("the 7 "is stop with 2d6 the most probable throw) ever more strongly, because originally with 9 or more highly lying moral of the opponent goes along rising speed after everyone Fight down. Somewhat problematic, but a tank driver not really obstructing, is the fact that also the own moral thereby into the cellar goes (although hopefully not so strongly). Is that a problem? Perhaps, because now the opposing comes (here those German) counter attack phase. In that Act have we here the unusual Game situation that it can come to an attack of the passive player. Also this an ingenious idea, because one knows these counter attacks like above stated in the Countermovementphase prepare. To impetuous attacking can by a determined opposing counter attack perhaps in that Flank quite painful surprises produce. Probably noticed, the descriptive SOP places only the most substantial activities . There is quite still relevant at the edge. So itself Kavallerie can to Example directly withdraw, if an opposing unit in of them ZOC pulls (and for it more points of movement pays exactly). One expressed elegant simulation of the Kavallerieschleiers, which was meant in addition, those Movements of the opponent before too obstruct. Oh, to clear up one can with Kavallerie also. The German course Now the German course with mirror-image comes Sequence of the above Actions. And here now a special lies Whistle. One can do one own main attack by a previous Counter attack in the phase of the Opponent prepare and attack as directly twice one behind the other (if everything folds in such a way, as one imagines). All in all one can do the tactical System only as expressed rich designate. And the very best is, it plays itself after completely short acclimatizing phase expressed liquid. The organisational structure So far the Sequence OF Play. I have however still another substantial play element suppressed: The organisational structure the armies themselves. The acting Unit is first of all the army. Each army (see historical Overview) has "place "for a certain number of corps, those for its part from divisions and "corps troops "(e.g. particulars Brigades etc.) exist. In certain One knows borders at the beginning everyone Course the organisational structure that Armies change. So one can to Example a complete corps from that Austrian 2. into the 3rd army umwidmen. In addition it requires however a certain Expenditure. So each army has an area of operations assigned by the player, that on the map through Sticking borders to beginning of course marks becomes. Only in it operations can are instructed. If a corps now to a neighbour army is to have, then these units to foot or by Course there. In the next course can one it then reorganizes, i.e. those appropriate organization marker move on the army displays, if the organization capacity of the new Army in addition is sufficient. In all other respects exists here a substantial strength that German armies, it can importantly more corps administer, than to Example the Russian. How does it play itself? The fascinating mixture of a erlesenen simulation places 1914 TitE also completely large play fun. Why is that actually so? As it creates 1914 TitE to give the feeling those material events (finite?) somewhat better to understand, and why that makes Whole then also still such fun? I referred already above to it, like very logistics the material War process particularly with the paramount meaning of the railway controls. This to make clear would be however surely already a large merit/service of the Design. It has however still by far to offer more. There is first of all the question, how the play it employs, out the ours today's view "senseless "offensive spirit of almost all contractors to show. Senselessly? The question is entitled, because the trench warfare the later War years of the 1st world war with the outstanding Meaning of the defensive was not invented yet in Europe. One had the lessons of Petersburg, Virginia, to the knowledge taken, but does not internalize yet. Present was however the process of the war between Prussia and France 1870/1871, that completely different picture, determines by the movement war, had ordered or to have ordered schien.us to offer more. Possesses 1914 TitE, how already described, that quite crucial Mechanism that one Points of victory above all through Prepared Assaults gets. Besides it gives this for reaching certain geographical goals. Above all however one remains offensive, because one always the feeling has, the just now tactically struck opponent (usually in Corps, in addition, a division) only to have again correctly Anna towards, so that its moral goes completely into the knees. Then strength losses are produced directly. The unit literally dissolves. In all other respects has exactly this effect Samsonov in addition enticed, continuously northward and the there German troops to proceed and the 1st corps with fir mountain, emerging in the flank to ignore "only this mark ". There was the bag then however too! Additionally there is still another further ingenious idea of the designer, still one did not mention. The armies step indeed with finished operational plans on. With beginning of play the respective have individual armies firm defaults, which geographical goals it to reach have. Those are partly realistic, partially however however however and almost unattainablly. One suspects it already: Samsonov would have indeed very far come, in order to reach they. Is ingenious but now that one as an army general of these plans to deviate may. Into those Ton with the instruction, the resistance is too strong. Correctly thick points of victory it gives however, if one the goals perhaps, and that really reaches even still before the taken into account time. Turned around there are point departures, if one the instruction refuses, all the more, ever rather this happens. One really original way, those magnificent victory plans, those generally speaking General staff before entrance of the emergency and without considering the annoying opponent, developed were, to take into account in the play happening. The fun comes from the same Direction. An example: The Austrian Northwest front sees at the beginning an easy tactical superiority that Tying shoes (see historical background). Now it concerns, those individual Russian standing in the way To lambast army so well that one on the one hand perhaps up to the aim of operation (Lublin) comes and if possible also still small wood ( CORRECT small wood) from this army makes. Thus it means: To remain do not diminish and. (Quotation of mine Grandfather: "Always firm druff! ") With it the own Cohesion also proceeds perhaps the dogs, but the flank federation holds, for that the Russian relief troops (nevertheless the guard corps) to block is, for a long time enough, thereby this goal to be reached can. This Design default with this slow In addition-get to federations, is simple Point. The largest difficulty before the actual Play lies however unquestionably in fighting itself once by the rules additionally perhaps still to motivate fellow players in addition. The rules are well written, but simply unbelievably extensively. In addition it comes that one constantly before new , It stands for play concepts first once to digest is valid. One should thus quite with the Introductory scenario begin, it one permitted, relatively to dive directly into the tactical system. In addition one needs about 2 courses, then one ate it, because it everything is unusual, "feels but correctly on "and particularly is thereby easily intuitively accessible. Afterwards can one still the second introduction scenario try (Battle OF Lublin), in that still are added a few rules (for example beginnings of the railway nature). I recommend however, now up To go The Great Battle for Galicia ideal-proves in the Teamplay, for 1914 TitE particularly well is suitable. If everything runs normally, one becomes SAFE with the next Hexacon at least such a portion see. Their WW1 Fanatic there outside, you in this Year the appropriate monsters flogged have: Here is really were worth Object for your longing! Conclusion valuation This can fail briefly: Who also only the mindeste interest in first World war has, that must this play have and to play. Who much fun on sophisticated and lengthy simulations and to "the epischen width "has, that must have and play this play. It is perhaps less suitable for the people, which attach importance exclusively to short and focused simulations (for instance according to kind of the Card Driven Games) (or because of place and lack of time to put must). The monster is back and it is here to stay!