Combat Leader: Core Rules¸ Solitaire Module & Ostkrieg SET
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COMBAT LEADER SET: CORE RULES¸ SOLITAIRE MODULE & COMBAT LEADER: OSTKRIEG is a set that allows you to play Combat Leader solitaire as well as any game/module in the series¸ plus equips you with all the components needed to simulate infantry action during Operation Barbarossa in 1941. The game ranks high in both playability and historicity¸ using an intuitive¸ interactive sequence of play consisting of just six phases per turn. Here's what is included in this set.
COMBAT LEADER: CORE RULES is a 52-page book that contains the rules covering the tactical WW2 Combat Leader game system. The game ranks high in both playability and historicity¸ using an intuitive¸ interactive sequence of play consisting of just six phases per turn. Combat Leader is a game meant to be played and experienced. Core Rules includes all standard¸ advanced¸ and optional rules to play any game/module in the series.
Besides standard rules¸ advanced rules covering gun jams¸ desperation rally¸ weather¸ fire penetration for automatic weapons¸ field promotion¸ etc.) are provided. In addition¸ specialized squad characteristics (SS squads¸ green squads¸ assault engineers¸ Russian commissars) and specialized weapons (such as flamethrowers¸ demo charges¸ antique rafles¸ pistols) are covered. This allows the gamer to inject the level of detail desired. Game results are generated from a standard deck of playing cards¸ and a single six-sided die.
Combat Leader: Solitaire Module contains rules and scenarios allowing you to play the game system on your own. It includes: 20-page rule booklet detailing the solo system¸ along with six solitaire scenarios; Quick Scenario Generator enabling you to create your own scenarios for games in the system; German & Russian counter sheets (sheets E & F); game markers; Reference Card; one game map (#6). With the accompanying Ostkrieg module (below)¸ you will have all components necessary to take full advantage of the Solitaire Module system.
Combat Leader: Ostkrieg module contains: German soldier counter sheet A; Russian counter sheet B; German-Russian countersheet C; game marker sheet; six Scenario Cards; Reference Card; four-page module folder; and two game maps (#1 & #2). Components are compatible with all other games/modules within the system. Enough individually rated solder and leader counters are provided¸ enabling you to create several unique 10-man German squads and several different 12-man Russian squads. Game components are from the now out-of-print Combat Leader: East Front & Expansion¸ but presented here without rules¸ which is why you need the Core Rules book. This is the primary German-Russian East Front Combat Leader module; it is an excellent initial module to own¸ as all rules and weapons needed to recreate small unit actions in the East are described in the Core Rules book.
In Combat Leader¸ Counters represent individually named soldiers and officers¸ rated for morale¸ firing ability¸ melee ability¸ and leadership. A hexagon grid is used to regulate movement. A hex represents about 17 yards across. Each turn represents about a minute of actual time. National characteristics and weapon characteristics are included (you'll see--and feel--the difference between a GewehrK98K Mauser¸ a MP38 machine pistol¸ a Russian 1891/30 rifle¸ and DP 1928 LMG (and so on) in terms of range¸ reliability¸ and lethality). Game results are generated from a standard deck of playing cards¸ and a single six-sided die.
Combat Leader illustrates two principles of tactical WW2 combat: large groups of men stacked together maximize firepower¸ but are a magnet for incoming fire. Finding a balance between group size and function (maneuver¸ or fire groups) will depend on the tactical situation¸ and what your scenario goal is. The use of sound historical fire and movement tactics will be rewarded on the tabletop just as they were valuable on the battlefield. The importance of leadership and morale are emphasized by the design¸ not just weapon characteristics. Finally¸ Combat Leader is an infantry wargame; rules do not cover vehicles or tanks.
Combat Leader has been designed as an introductory World War II tactical firefight game for two players¸ involving individual soldiers. It uses a "design for effect” system to reflect battlefield realities; it is playable enough for those new to wargaming¸ but sophisticated enough to hold the interest of veteran gamers. Several nationalities are currently available in other modules¸ with more planned.
Combat Leader Set: Core Rules¸ Solitaire Module & Ostkrieg module set is now available in PDF format. Designed by Gary Graber. Published by Minden Games.