Manstein: A Brilliant Back-Handed Blow (2001)

Struggle of Army Group Manstein covers the battles in South Russia 1942-43. Turn length is ten days, and the map area is Kremencuk to Stalinglad. Players take the role of General Manstein or the opposing Russian General. Victory conditions are based on occupation of cities and removal of Axis units. This game uses command chits to allow HQ activation. The Soviet player has a STAVKA command chit that allows all Soviet HQs to activate when drawn. The German player receives Manstein command chits that provide increased activity late in the game, and may even allow the legendary "backhand blow" to take place. Components: 252 counters (units are divisions and corps) 59 x 84 cm map (printed in English) 7 pages of rules (in Japanese)