From: William Sariego CAPSULE REVIEW: A BOLD STROKE William Sariego SUMMARY: 280 counters, 22x34 map, 46 page rulebook, four double-sided charts, one ten sided die. Designed by Jack Radey, Graphics by Joe Youst, published by Spearhead Games. Retail: $35.00 A Bold Stroke simulates the last two months of 1943 which saw the Germans lose Kiev, capital of the Ukraine. Despite the catchy title, I'm not sure how "Bold" the stroke really was. Applying overwhelming force at the critical point (Schwerpunckt) should be standard military procedure, at least at the Command Post. The campaign was a success for STAVKA so it was A Good Stroke! The rules are typical of Jack Radey; chatty and narrative in style and somewhat hard to reference. Still, I prefer this to the dry "14.213" case style format. The rules are understandable and the game is playable and historical results are possible, which is more than can be said for many games. With that in mind we can forgive Mr. Radey's occasional rambling and digressions about why he simplified the aircraft basing procedure, to cite one example. The game is quite appealing physically. The map is well done and the counters informative. An amazing amount of detail is contained in a 1/2 inch square. A units personnel, artillery, and anti-tank strengths are all quantified, as are the movement class, stacking value, and quality rating. Movement points are all standardized but each unit pays different costs based on their method of transport. The rules are vaguely reminiscent of Kanev and Black Sea*Black Death, two early releases by People's Wargames, Radey's old company. Thankfully, A Bold Stroke plays quicker than BS*BD. Airpower plays a vital but secondary role. Reserves are a key to good play, as units placed in reserve get to move in the opponents turn to plug gaps or upset attack odds. Combat is the heart of any wargame, and here ABS shines. The die roll is modified due to various considerations, including air support, terrain, and armor/anti-tank strength. Column shifts are also possible based on efficiency ratings. Extreme results can result in breakthroughs or partial breakthroughs, allowing such units (and reserves) to exploit success. Losses are expressed in terms of obligations, which can be taken as step losses or retreats. Other than the monumental campaign game, seven smaller scenarios of varying lengths are included. My stab at the campaign game saw my Soviet legions capture all but the southern portion of the map, with the Germans holding on to Kanev and Kazatin and points in between. Problems? A typo or two and a little confusion on some scenario set-ups, but nothing major. Write Spearhead for any errata. If you are tired of simulating the same old Eastern front battles or campaigns, give this one a shot. A Bold Stroke is a must for any fan of The Great Patriotic War. Others may think twice before spending the cash, but go ahead and get a copy. I think even Rommel and Patton worshippers will like this game.