Game Rules

Von Manstein´s
Backhand Blow
A Schwerpunkt Series Game

© 2002 GMT Games

 2 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
The Situation: Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow simulates
the Soviet offensive in southern Russia in February/March
1943 and the German counterattacks. The Red Army tried to
liberate the farmlands of the Ukraine and the important
Donets Basin and to trap two Axis armies against the Sea of
Azov. With a considerable superiority in men and material
(more than 1,800 Soviet tanks were facing 354 German
Panzer), it seemed logical from the Soviet point of view to
continue the advance and extend the success of Stalingrad
from the Soviet point of view.
However, the Red Army faced two strong adversaries: an
overstretched logistical network and Erich von Manstein,
probably the most brilliant operational commander of World
War II. The wide frontages and scarce resources, combined
with the massive commitment of mobile formations by both
sides created an extremely wild, fluid, and dynamic battle.
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow represents the high water
mark of operational art during the 20th century.
The Game: Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow is a two-player
operational simulation and is basically intended for two
players, one on each side, although it is also suitable for
solitaire play. One side represents the German forces of
Heeresgruppe Süd while the other side controls the Red
Army forces of Southwest and Voronezh Fronts. The
cardboard playing pieces represent the actual units which
participated in the campaign, while the map represents the
terrain over which the battle was fought.
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow is the first game in GMT´s
Schwerpunkt series of World War II games. Certain concepts
and mechanics of Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow can be
found in other games of the designer, especially Turning the
Tables (published by Moments in History in 1998), Drive
to the Baltic! (Published by Moments in History in 1999),
and Velikye Luki (published by Moments in History in
2000). However, even veteran players who are familiar with
the other games should study these rules carefully.
Note: GMT Games published a game titled Lost Victory on
the same topic in 1994. The game covers the campaign in
greater detail.
Course of Play: The game is played in game turns, each
representing three days of real time. During a game turn a
player moves and fights with his units and expends C3I
Points.
Object of the Game: The Soviet player must liberate the
farmlands of the Ukraine and the important Donets Basin.
The German player must hold the cities in order to keep the
Ukraine and the Donets Basin under his control.
© 2002 GMT Games
Each copy of Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow includes:
One 22 x 34 inch map
280 die-cut counters
One Rules Booklet
7 Player Aid Cards
Two six-sided Dice
If any of these parts are missing or damaged, we apologize
for the inconvenience and ask that you contact us to receive
any replacement parts needed.
Please send your correspondence to:
GMT Games ATTN: VMBB
PO Box 1308
Hanford CA 93230 USA
Phone: 559-583-1236 (800-523-6111 toll free in
USA and Canada)
Fax: 559-582-7775
E-Mail: gmtoffice@gmtgames.com
2.1 The Rules
Each major section of the rules is assigned a whole number
(1.0, 2.0,...). Subordinate rules are assigned a corresponding
number to the right of the decimal place. For example: 2.1,
2.2,...under rule 2.0; and 2.11, 2.12,... within sub-section 2.1.
This system allows quick and easy cross referencing of rules.
2.2 The Game Map
The game map represents the area of southern Russia in
which the fighting took place. It is based on contemporary
German military maps, Red Army military maps captured by
the Wehrmacht, and contemporary Soviet topographical
maps. Each hex on the map has a four-digit identification
number, used for game reference purposes only.
Example: The city of Kharkov is located in hex 2510.
2.3 Charts And Tables
The Player Aid Cards contain charts, tables, tracks and
displays used to assist players throughout play. These are
listed below, in alphabetical order:
Activity Table - lists possible actions of one player during
one Schwerpunkt Segment.
Attrition Table - resolves Attrition Checks.
Combat Results Table (CRT) - resolves combat.
Game Turn Record Track - shows the passage of time, lists
C3I Points and Victory Points.
Game Turn Sequence Track - lists the segments and phases
to be undertaken each game turn.
General Records Track – records Action Points, C3I
Points, and Victory Points.
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow 3

German Combat Chits Chart - lists the effects of German

Combat Chits.
German Substitute Unit Display - holds the counters of
German units currently not in play.
German Variable Reinforcements Table - brings German
Variable Reinforcements into play.
Random Events Table - resolves Random Events.
Reinforcement Schedule Chart - lists reinforcements
entering play and the removal and addition of Combat Chits.
Soviet Combat Chits Chart - lists the effects of Soviet
Combat Chits.
Soviet Substitute Unit Display - holds the counters of
Soviet units currently not in play.
Terrain Effects Chart (TEC) - lists the number of Reinforcements have their turn of entry printed on the counter
Movement Points to enter each hex on the map, and how the instead of a setup hex.
different terrain types influence combat.
Terrain Key - shows the meaning of the various map colors
and symbols.
Weather Table – determines the weather conditions of the
current game turn.
Weather Track – shows the weather conditions of the
current and previous game turns.
Variable Reinforcements are marked with an “R” in front of
2.4 The Playing Pieces their setup code, Units that do not exert a Zone of Control
German Variable Reinforcements are marked with an “R” in (ZOC) are marked with a “No ZOC” band. Units which may
front of their setup code. German Verfügungskräfte and not attack have their combat strength in brackets.
Soviet Uprising forces are stationary and may not move; they
have a movement allowance of zero.

The example below is the 586th infantry regiment of the

German 320th Infantry Division. It is a non-motorized
infantry unit with a combat strength of 6, a tactical rating of
2, and a movement allowance of 2. It may benefit from
integrity (16.6) and is initially deployed in hex 3822. It is a
two-step unit (shown by having factors printed on both sides) 2.4.1 Color Scheme
with a reduced strength of 3 on its reverse side. A unit’s nationality is shown by its color scheme. In addition,
it differentiates between Soviet Regular and Guards units and
German Heer, Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS formations.

A. German
Heer gray
Luftwaffe blue
Waffen-SS black
B. Soviet
Soviet Regular gold
Soviet Guards red

2.4.2 Historical Identification

A. German
Many German units are designated by two groups of
numbers/letters. In most cases, the group to the left of the unit
identification box identifies the parent formation; the group
to the right of the unit identification box identifies the unit
itself. Example: 320-586 reads 586th infantry regiment of
320th Infantry Division.

© 2002 GMT Games

 4 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow

Nor: Nordland (unit designation)

Some German units are designated by only one group of NSF: Nachschubführer (supply quartermaster)
numbers/letters. The numbers/letters identify the units itself. PD: Panzer-Division (tank division)
Example: FJ11 reads Fahnenjunkerregiment 11. Polt:Poltawa (city; Poltava)
Pol: Polizei (police)
B. Soviet SDK: Streifendienst-Kommando (patrol services
Soviet units are designated by one group of numbers/letters detachment)
to the right of the unit identification box identifies. Example: SS: Schutzstaffel
41G reads 41st Guards Rifle Division. UFS: SS-Unterführer-Schule (Waffen-SS NCO school)
Sta: Stalino (city)
The following abbreviations appear on Soviet units as part of TB: Transport-Begleit-Regiment (transport guard
their historic identification: regiment)
TE: Theodor Eicke (unit designation)
C Cavalry Tec: Technisches-Bataillon (technical battalion)
G Guards Thu: Thule (unit designation)
T: Totenkopf (unit designation)
List of German Abbreviations Tur: Turkmenisch (Turcmenian)
Arb: Arbeits-Bataillon (labor battalion) Url: Urlauber-Bataillon (battalion formed out of men
Bau: Bau-Bataillon (contruction battalion) returning from leave)
Bel: Bjelgorod (city; Belgorod) Ukr: Ukraine (area)
Cha: Charkow (city; Kharkov) VK: Verfügungskräfte (security forces)
Dne: Dnepropetrovsk (city) W: Wiking (unit designation)
Don: Donets (river) Wac: Wach-Bataillon Hermann Göring (guard battalion
DF: Der Führer (unit designation) Herman Göring)
DR: Das Reich (unit designation) Wes: Westland (unit designation)
Dsch: Deutschland (unit designation) WWB: Wehrwirtschaftliches Bergbau-Bataillon (mining
EIW: Eisenbahninstandsetzungswerk (major railway battalion for war economics)
repair shop) Zap: Zaporezhe (city)
FBB: Führer-Begleit-Bataillon (unit designation)
FEB: Feldeisenbahn-Betriebs-Abteilung (field railway 2.4.3 Unit Types
battalion) All units in the game belong to one of the following three
Fel: Feldwirtschafts-Bataillon (field distribution categories - motorized, non-motorized, or stationary.
battalion)
FJ: Fahnenjunker-Regiment (regiment of officer A. Motorized
aspirants)
FSS: Frontsammelstelle (collecting center) Armored/Mechanized Infantry
Füs: Füsilier (unit designation)
FUS: Feld-Unteroffizier-Schule (field NCO school) Armored Reconnaissance
FZK: Feldzeug-Kommando (staff for technical services)
G: Genesenen-Bataillon (convalescent battalion) Tank
GD: Grossdeutschland (unit designation)
Ger: Germania (unit designation) B. Non-Motorized
GFA: Grenadier-Feldausbildungs-Regiment (field
training regiment for riflemen) R Alarm (Variable Reinforcements)
Gre: Grenadier (unit designation)
Her: Herzog (commanding officer´s name) Infantry
HGN: Heeresgruppen-Nachrichten-Regiment (signal
regiment of an army group) C. Stationary / Static
Süd: Heeresgruppe Süd (Army Group South)
HIW: Heeresinstandsetzungswerk (major repair shop) Verfügungskräfte (security forces)
KG: Kampfgruppe (task force)
KoR: Rückwärtige Dienste eines Korps (base services of
a corps)
LAH: Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler (unit designation) Uprising forces
LGN: Luftgau-Nachrichten-Rgt (air sector signals´
regiment)

© 2002 GMT Games

 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
2.4.4 Unit Size
The unit-size-symbols printed on top the unit type boxes
mean:
[II] Battalion-sized ad-hoc unit
III Regiment
KG Kampfgruppe
XX Division
XXX Corps
2.4.5 Steps
Step is an arbitrary term used to describe one increment of a
unit’s ability to absorb losses. Most units in the game have
two steps, shown by having factors printed on both sides of
their counters. The second step comes into play after the unit
has lost a step in combat; the unit is flipped over to its reverse
side (with lower factors). If a one step unit, or a reduced unit
takes a loss it is eliminated and out of play for the remainder
of the game.
All Soviet Tank and Cavalry Corps as well as certain German
units have four steps. Certain Soviet Infantry Corps have
three steps. These units are represented by two counters, only
one of which may be in play at any one time. The lower-
valued units are marked with a black dot in the upper right
hand corner. At the start of play, these units should be
positioned on the Soviet and German Substitute Unit
Displays until needed (i.e., they are only introduced into play
as combat losses are absorbed).
2.5 Game Markers
The Game Markers are used as record-keeping devices on the
map board or play aid cards. Their use is covered in the rules.
Activity Points Markers - used on the General
Records Track to mark the number of available
Activity Points.
Administrative Movement Markers – used to
mark units that conducted Administrative
Movement.
Combat Chits - used for combat resolution.
C3I Points Markers - used on the General
Records Track to mark the current C3I Points
available to a player.
© 2002 GMT Games
5
Frontnahe Auffrischung Markers: marks
units that are undergoing Frontnahe
Auffrischung (see 13.1)
German Force Markers – numbers 1 to 10, are
included to make handling in “high density”
areas of the map easier for the German Player
(see 10.3)
Soviet Controlled Marker – may be placed on
the map to indicate if an objective or important
point is controlled by the Soviet Player
Game Turn Marker - indicates the current
game turn.
Segment Marker - indicates the current game
turn segment.
Soviet Front Markers – indicate the supply
head of a Soviet front.
Victory Points Marker: Used on the General
Records Track to mark the current Victory
Points (19.21).
Weather Markers – indicate the
weather of the current game turn,
the previous game turn, and the
number of continuous game turns with Deep Mud.
2.6 Game Scale
Each hex on the map sheet covers approximately eight
kilometers (8 km / 5 miles) from side to side.
Each game turn represents three days of real time. Military
units are corps, divisions, regiments, Kampfgruppen, and
battalion-seized ad-hoc units.
There are several standard conventions and basic concepts
used during play.
3.1 The Die
The game uses a standard six-sided die to resolve probability-
based events like combat. Certain game mechanics require
the roll of more than one die. In these cases, the results of all
dice are added. The actual die roll result often will be
 6 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
modified by a positive (+) or negative (—) number. This
number is called a Die Roll Modifier (DRM).
3.2 Fractions and Rounding Rule
When making a calculation for a unit that produces a fraction
in combat, retain the fraction. When the values for all units
on the same side are added, round any remaining fraction
down to the next whole number.
Exceptions: No unit has its final tactical rating reduced to
less than one. The final combat strength of all units on the
same side may not be reduced to less than one.
3.3 Cumulative Effects
All modifiers are cumulative. Thus, a unit attacking a Town
in a Forest hex would get a DRM of -3 (-1 for the Town and
-2 for the Forest). A combat value halved twice is quartered.
3.4 Hex Control
Hex Control is the term used to describe which side is "in
control" of a particular hex at each instant during play. Hex
control is important for Administrative Movement,
Reinforcements, Supply, and Victory Conditions.
Hexes into which a unit exerts a Zone of Control (ZOC, see
6.0) are called controlled hexes. A unit always controls the
hex it occupies (even if it does not exert a ZOC). If both sides
extend ZOCs into a hex, the hex is mutually controlled by
both players.
Hex control is immediately lost if a unit no longer exerts a
ZOC into the hex in question. A hex free of units and ZOCs
is controlled by neither player. Hex control changes are
immediate, and may occur and reoccur in the same hex any
number of times during play.
Note: Unlike most wargames, hex control is lost as soon as a
unit does no longer exert a ZOC into a hex in Von Manstein’s
Backhand Blow. This was done because both sides had
insufficient forces available to cover the entire front at all
times.
3.5 Fog of War
STACKS: Only the topmost military unit in an enemy stack
may be viewed at all times by the opposing player. After an
attack has been declared (the target hex and all attacking units
have been named), the opposing player may examine the
contents of the enemy stack in question. If a stack contains
more than one unit, the topmost unit must be any motorized
unit (if present). If the stack contains two motorized units, the
owning player may choose one unit. Ignore any game
markers on top of the topmost military unit.
TRACKS AND DISPLAYS: Both players may inspect all
tracks and displays at all times with the exception of units in
the Force Marker Display.
© 2002 GMT Games
3.6 Formations
Certain German units are permanently grouped into
formations. All units belonging to a specific formation can be
easily identified by their designation to the left of the unit
identification box; this designation signifies the unit’s parent
formation. In addition, the unit identification boxes of all
units part of the same formation are colored identically. The
Wiking and 19th PD formations consist of four elements, all
other formations consist of three elements each. Formations
are important for Stacking (10.0), Moving German
Formations (see 15.10), Administrative Movement (see 15.7)
and Integrity (see 16.6).
Once players mutually agree upon a scenario and choose
sides, they should be sure to follow all special instructions for
the selected scenario that supersede the standard rules. Each
side places units and game markers on the mapsheet
according to the "Initial Deployment" instructions. Once
placement is complete, begin normal play.
A scenario is divided into several "Game Turns". Each
complete game turn is divided into several player phases and
segments. The sequence of play must be followed in the order
presented below. Hence, once a player has finished a given
phase or segment and gone on to another, he may not go back
to perform a forgotten action or redo a poorly executed one
unless his opponent graciously permits it.
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow is divided into a maximum
of 17 “Game Turns“ (or less for Scenario One: “Red Army’s
High Water Mark”).
4.1 Move or Fight
During each Schwerpunkt segment,
each player will have the opportunity
for one movement phase and one
combat phase. The player in question must declare in what
order he will carry out his Movement and Combat Phases in
each of his player segments. He may choose to have his units
move first and fight second, or fight first and move second.
The decision is always up to that player.
Each player only makes one Phase Order Declaration per
segment that is applied to all his units throughout that
segment. He may never choose one phase order for some of
his units and the other phase order for others. Neither player
may have two of the same kind of phases during the same
segment; they must always take one movement and one
combat phase.
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
4.2 Outline Sequence Of Play
I. Administrative Segment
II. First Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment
III. First German Schwerpunkt Segment
IV. Second Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment
V. Second German Schwerpunkt Segment
VI. Soviet General Segment
VII. German General Segment
4.3 Expanded Sequence Of Play
I. Administrative Segment
A. Advance the Game Turn Marker.
B. Both players simultaneously check for Supply. Mark units
Out Of Supply, and conduct Attrition Checks if required.
C. The Soviet player determines the Weather (5.0), and
places weather markers in the corresponding boxes of the
Weather Track.
D. Starting GT 7, the German player conducts Frontnahe
Auffrischung (13.1).
E. Starting GT 7, The German player may announce Rochade
this game turn if the weather is frozen (8.4).
F. Starting GT 2, the German player determines his Variable
Reinforcements, and places them on the map (11.4).
G. The Soviet player places his eligible Reinforcements
either on the map or in his AMB #1 (11.2).
H. The German player places his eligible Reinforcements
either on the map or in his AMB #1 (11.2).
I. Starting GT 2, the Soviet player receives and spends
Replacements (12.0)
J. Both players add and remove Combat Chits according to
the Reinforcement Schedule, and adjust the C3I Markers on
the General Records Track (8.1) according to the Game Turn
track.
II. First Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment:
Skip this segment during Deep Mud game turns. The Soviet
player conducts the following activities:
A. Move Front Markers (14.2).
B. Conduct Administrative Movement (15.1):
(1) Move any one unit from AMB #2 onto the map.
(2) Move all units from AMB #1 to AMB #2.
(3) Place any one unit from the map into AMB #1.
C. Declare in what order the Combat and Movement Phases
will be conducted.
D. Spend C3I Points. Decrease the number of available C3I
Points on the General Records Track by the number of C3I
© 2002 GMT Games
7
Points spent. On the Activity Table, roll two dice and consult
the column corresponding to the number of C3I Points spent.
Divide Activity Points received as evenly as possible
between the two Soviet Fronts.
NOTE: The segment ends immediately if the Soviet player spends
zero C3i Points.
E. Conduct either the Combat or Movement Phase.
F. If the Combat Phase was conducted first, now conduct the
Movement Phase, or vice-versa..
III. First German Schwerpunkt Segment:
Skip this segment during Deep Mud game turns. The German
player conducts the following activities:
A. Conduct Administrative Movement (15.1):
(1) Move any one unit and any number of Variable
Reinforcements from AMB #2 onto the map.
(2) Move all units from AMB #1 to AMB #2.
(3) Place any one unit and any number of Variable
Reinforcements from the map into AMB #1.
NOTE: all units part of the same German formation counts as one
unit for Administrative Movement purposes.
B. Declare in what order the Combat and Movement Phases
will be conducted.
C. Spend C31 Points. Decrease the number of available C3I
Points on the General Records Track by the number of C3I
Points spent. Go to the Activity Table. Roll two dice and
consult the column corresponding to the number of C31
Points spent (or use the Rochade column on the Rochade
game turn). Adjust the Activity Point Marker on the General
Records Track according to the result..
NOTE: The segment ends immediately if the German player spends
zero C3I Points.
D Conduct either the Combat or Movement Phase.
E. If the Combat Phase was conducted first, now conduct the
Movement Phase, or vice-versa.
F. Conduct Personalersatz for non-motorized units (13.2).
IV. Second Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment
Skip this segment during Deep Mud and Mud game turns.
Same as "First Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment".
V. Second German Schwerpunkt Segment
Skip this segment during Deep Mud and Mud game turns.
Same as "First German Schwerpunkt Segment".
VI. Soviet General Segment
The Soviet player conducts the following activities:
A. Move Front Markers according to the Soviet Front Marker
Movement Table (14.2).
B. Conduct Administrative Movement in the following order:
 8 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
(1) Move any one unit from Administrative Movement Box
#2 to the map.
(2) Move all units from Administrative Movement Box #1 to
Administrative Movement Box #2.
(3) Place any one unit into Administrative Movement Box #1.
C. Declare the order in which the Combat and Movement
Phases will be carried out.
NOTE: No movement can be conducted during the Combat
Phase, and no combat can be conducted during the Movement
Phase.
D. Conduct either the Combat or Movement Phase, provided
that no unit can conduct both combat and movement in this
segment.
E. If the Combat Phase was conducted first, now conduct the
Movement Phase (units that attacked cannot move). If the
Movement Phase was conducted first, now conduct the
Combat Phase (units that moved cannot attack).
VII. German General Segment
The German player conducts the following activities:
A. Conduct Administrative Movement in the following order:
(1) Move any one unit (or all units part of the same formation)
and any number of Variable Reinforcements from
Administrative Movement Box #2 to the map.
(2) Move all units from Administrative Movement Box #1 to
Administrative Movement Box #2.
(3) Place any one unit (or all units part of the same formation)
and any number of Variable Reinforcements into
Administrative Movement Box #1.
B. Declare the order in which the Combat and Movement
Phases will be carried out.
NOTE: No movement can be conducted during the Combat
Phase, and no combat can be conducted during the Movement
Phase.
C. Conduct either the Combat or Movement Phase, provided
that no unit can conduct both combat and movement in this
segment.
D. If the Combat Phase was conducted first, now conduct the
Movement Phase (units that attacked cannot move). If the
Movement Phase was conducted first, now conduct the
Combat Phase (units that moved cannot attack).
E. Conduct Personalersatz for non-motorized units (see
13.2).
VIII. Victory Check Segment
Both players accumulate Victory Points (19.21) and adjust
the Victory Points Markers on the Victory Points Track.
Determine if the game proceeds or is won by either player.
© 2002 GMT Games
Weather affects the number of segments in the current game
turn, the number of available C3I Points, and (Regular)
Movement. The weather is always Frozen on the first game
turn of the game. Starting with the second game turn, the
Soviet player determines the weather of the current game turn
by consulting the Weather Table, and places Weather
Markers in the corresponding boxes of the Weather Track.
5.1 Procedure
The weather is always Frozen on the first game turn of the
game. Starting with the second game turn, the Soviet player
determines the weather of the current game turn by consulting
the Weather Table, and places Weather Markers in the
corresponding boxes of the Weather Track. The Soviet player
rolls two dice and applies any modifiers. The result will either
be Frozen or Mud.
DEEP MUD: If the result is Mud and the previous game turn
has been either Mud or Deep Mud, the weather for the current
game turn becomes Deep Mud.
NOTE: The weather is always Frozen when playing Scenario
One Red Army s High Water Mark (19.1). Simply ignore the
weather determination step.
5.2 Effects of Frozen Weather
Use the Frozen columns on the Terrain Effects Chart.
Both players receive their full number of C3I Points (the
left number on the Game Turn Record Track).
The game turn consists of two Soviet Schwerpunkt
Segments and two German Schwerpunkt Segments, plus one
General Segment for each side.
5.3 Effects of Mud Weather
Use the Mud column on the Terrain Effects Chart.
Both players receive a reduced amount of C3I Points (the
right number on the Game Turn Record Track).
The game turn consists of one Soviet Schwerpunkt
Segment and one German Schwerpunkt Segment (skip the
2nd Soviet and 2nd German Schwerpunkt Segments), plus
one General Segment for each side.
5.4 Effects of Deep Mud Weather
Use the Deep Mud column on the Terrain Effects Chart.
Neither player receives C3I Points that game turn.
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
The game turn does not have Schwerpunkt Segments for
either side. Only the General Segments for each side are
conducted.
5.5 Historical Weather
The historical weather of each game turn is printed on the
Game Turn Record Track for reference purposes. In addition,
players may decide to use the historical weather instead of
weather determination.
Note: We recommend weather determination.
5.6 Weather And Movement
Please keep in mind that frozen weather means that the
Donets is not a major barrier to movement.
6.1 Which Units have a ZOC
Most units in the game exert a Zone Of Control (ZOC) into
the six surrounding hexes at all times. Units that do not exert
a Zone of Control (ZOC) are marked with a "No ZOC" band.
6.2 Negating ZOCs
It is possible that both sides exert a ZOC simultaneously into
the same hex(es). A friendly unit in a hex containing an
Enemy Zone Of Control (EZOC) does negate that EZOC for
the purpose of tracing supply lines (including for Attrition
Checks, see 7.5) into and through the hex; it does not negate
that EZOC for (Regular) Movement, Retreat-after-Combat,
and Administrative Movement.
6.3 Effects of ZOCs
A unit must stop its movement in a given Movement Phase
in the first hex it enters containing an EZOC, and may move
no farther that phase. A unit beginning its Movement Phase
already in an EZOC may move out of that hex provided the
first hex entered contains no EZOC. The presence of a
friendly unit and/or ZOC in a hex into which an EZOC is
© 2002 GMT Games
9
being projected does not negate that EZOC for movement
purposes. Units are able to make a one hex EZOC-to-EZOC
Advance after Combat move during their Combat Phases.
Units may not conduct Administrative Movement when
entering or exiting an EZOC.
NOTE: Friendly ZOCs do not affect the movement of other
friendly units.
NOTE: Units do not exert a ZOC into City hexes in Von
Manstein´s Backhand Blow.
Units require supply to operate with their full factors. Units
are always either In Supply or Out Of Supply (OOS). It is
permitted to move units into hexes where they will, or likely
will, become OOS.
7.1 When to Check for Supply
Both players check the supply state of all units
simultaneously during the Administrative
Segment of each game turn. In Supply units
remain In Supply, and Out of Supply units
remain OOS until the Administrative Segment
of the next game turn. Out Of Supply units are marked with
an OOS marker. Units marked OOS during the
Administrative Segment of the previous game turn and are
still OOS conduct an Attrition Check.
Procedure:
• Units with OOS markers that can trace a supply line have
their OOS markers removed.
• Units with OOS markers that cannot trace a supply line
retain their OOS markers. Flip their OOS markers to the OOS
 10
Attrition sides. These units must conduct Attrition Checks
(see 7.5).
• Units without OOS markers that cannot trace a supply line
receive OOS markers.
7.2 How Units Are Supplied
A unit is In Supply when it can trace a supply line to an
appropriate supply source. A supply line consists of an
uninterrupted line of contiguous hexes traced from the unit in
question back to a supply source. Such a Path may be of any
length, but may not:
 Enter hexes occupied by enemy units;
 Enter hexes containing EZOCs unless there is a friendly
unit in the hex to nullify that EZOC for supply tracing
purposes
7.3 Supply Sources
German supply sources are all hexes on the western map
edge. Soviet supply source hexes are all hexes on the eastern
map edge from hex 4400 (inclusive) to hex 4426 (inclusive).
Units in the Administrative Movement Boxes are
automatically In Supply
A Supply Source ceases to function when it becomes enemy
controlled. Supply sources regain their function the instant
they are either friendly controlled or controlled by neither
player. This process may occur any number of times for each
hex.
7.4 OOS Effects
MOVEMENT: OOS units may move, but have their
Movement Allowance (MA) reduced. Regardless of their
regular value, all motorized OOS units have their movement
allowance reduced to 3 Movement Factors. Regardless of
their regular value, all non-motorized OOS units have their
movement allowance reduced to 1 Movement Factor
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
GUARANTEED MOVEMENT: An OOS unit is guaranteed
to move at least one hex per movement phase even if
insufficient Movement Factors are available. Important: All
other movement restrictions and rules are still in effect (a unit
may not move from EZOC to EZOC etc.).
COMBAT: OOS units may participate in combat, but have
their Combat Strength and Tactical Ratings halved (see 3.2).
7.5 Attrition Check
All units bearing OOS Attrition Markers (see 7.1) must
conduct an Attrition Check immediately following the
Supply Checks.
Roll one die for each unit in question, and cross reference the
result under the appropriate column of the Attrition Chart
after applying all modifiers. The unit suffers one step loss if
the modified die roll is equal to or greater than the number on
the table. An Attrition check may result in the elimination of
a unit.
C3I is the abbreviation for
“Command, Control,
Communication and Intelligence”.
The series uses C3i points as an
abstract term to show one side’s abilities and resources in
conducting mobile operations. Unlike most other wargames,
in this series units are not guaranteed the ability to move and
fight in any given player Schwerpunkt segments. Instead,
players must spend C3I points in order to let their units move
and fight during a Schwerpunkt segment.
8.1 Receiving C3i Points
During the Administrative Segment of every game turn, both
players check the Game Turn Record Track and adjust their
C3I points markers on the General Records Track according
to the number listed. The weather of the current game turn
may influence the number of C3I points available to a player.
NOTE: C3I points may be accumulated from game turn to
game turn.
8.2 Spending C3i Points
C3I points are spent on the Activity Table during each
Schwerpunkt Segment (not in the General Segment). After
declaring in what order the Combat and Movement Phases
will be carried out, a player spends zero to three of his
available C3I points, rolls two dice and consults the Activity
Table. He then adjusts the Activity points Markers on the
General Records Track according to the result.
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
Exception: A Player spending zero C3I points does not
consult the activity table; his segment immediately ends.
EXAMPLE: Player A has three C31 Points left at the start of
his second Schwerpunkt Segment. After declaring that he will
carry out his Movement Phase first and his Combat Phase
second, he decides to spend two C31 Points. He could have
spent either zero (immediately ending his current
Schwerpunkt Segment), one, two or all three C31 Points
instead. He reduces his
current C31 Points on the General Records Track by two,
consults the Activity Table and rolls two dice. He adjusts his
Activity Points Markers on the General Records Track
according to the result.
8.3 Weather & C3I Points
The weather (see 5.0) of the current game turn influences the
number of C3I Points available to a player.
Frozen: Full amount of C3I Points (left number on the Game
Turn Record Track).
Mud: Reduced amount of C3I Points (right number on the
Game Turn Record Track).
Deep Mud: No C3I Points
Example: The weather is Mud; the Soviet player receives 2
C3I Points on Game Turn 6.
8.4 Rochade
Starting with Game Turn 7, the German player may declare
the Rochade (“Castling the King”) once during a game on
any one Frozen weather game turn.
Effects:
The number of German units that may conduct
Administrative Movement is increased.
The German player may neither receive nor spend C3I
Points during the Rochade game turn (C3I Points
accumulated on previous game turns are unaffected). Instead,
the German player rolls on the Rochade column of the
Activity Chart during each of his two Schwerpunkt
Segments. Dring one German Schwerpunkt or General
Segment of the Rochade game turn, up to five German units
or formations (plus any number of Variable Reinforcement
units) may move from the Administrative Movement Box #2
to the Map.
Activity Points are used to generate movements and combats
during Schwerpunkt Segments (not in the General Segment).
During a Schwerpunkt Segment, the phasing player decides
how many Activity Points he will spend for movement and
© 2002 GMT Games
11
how many for combat, but the total may never exceed the
number of available Activity Points (see 8.2 above). A player
may even spend all Activity Points for movement (leaving
none for combat) or vice versa.
Activity Points may not be accumulated from segment to
segment; unused points are lost. See also 15.0 and 16.0.
9.1 Soviet Fronts
The Soviet player must divide the number of available
Activity Points as evenly as possible between Southwest
Front and Voronezh Front. If an even number of Activity
Points are generated, each Front must receive the same
amount of Activity Points. If an odd number of Activity
Points are generated, one Front (Soviet player’s choice) will
receive one more point than the other. The Soviet player may
spend Activity Points assigned to a given Front for movement
and combat without further limitations.
The German player is not restricted in this way.
Stacking is the piling of more than one unit into the same hex.
The number of units allowed in each hex is called the stacking
limit. Stacking limits are only in effect at the end of each
Movement Phase or upon completion of Retreats or
Advances after Combat. Stacking limits do not apply during
movement; any number of friendly units may move through
a hex at no extra MP cost. Markers have no stacking value
and may be added to any stack.
If a hex is found to be overstacked at the end of a Movement
Phase or upon completion of Retreats or Advances after
Combat, the owning player must remove the excess units
(owning player's choice) from the game.
10.1 Soviet Stacking
The Soviet player may stack up to three military units
(divisions and/or corps) in one hex. Soviet Uprising markers
stack for free. Soviet units that have their combat strengths in
brackets ( ) stack for free.
10.2 German Stacking
The German player may stack up to four
Kampfgruppen/regiments in one hex. Two, three or four
Kampgruppen/regiments from the same parent formation
counts as two units when stacked in the same hex. German
units that have their combat strengths in brackets ( ) stack for
free.
EXAMPLE: The 19th Pz and the SS Wiking Division (total
eight units) could stack in the same hex, because each
German division counts as only two regiments.
 12
10.3 Force Markers
The German player has Force Markers (numbered 1 to 10)
available. He may substitute units on the map with a Force
Marker to make stacking/handling in crowded areas on the
map easier. Take the units located in a hex and put them into
a box on the Force Marker Display. Place a Force Marker of
the corresponding number onto the map hex. Force Markers
are not combat units and move across the map according to
the lowest MA of the units in the box on the Force Marker
Display. Substituting units with Force Markers and vice versa
does not cost MPs. The opposing player may always ask for
the identity of one unit in a Force Marker Display box (see
3.5 Fog of War).
Reinforcements are units entering play after the game begins.
Check the Reinforcement Schedule and the game turn
number printed on the counters to determine at what time
they appear.
11.1 Reinforcement Arrival
Players place eligible Reinforcements either on the map
(determine the entry hex on the Reinforcement Schedule), or
in the Administrative Movement Box #1 during the
Administrative Segment (player's choice). All
reinforcements enter play In Supply and at full strength.
Reinforcements may not be delayed.
11.2 Administrative Movement Boxes
A reinforcement placed in an Administrative Movement Box
may enter play only by Administrative Movement.
Reinforcements must be placed in the Administrative
Movement Box if the entry hex is enemy controlled, or
placement of the unit in question would cause overstacking.
11.3 Reinforcement Arrival
German Reinforcements enter the game:
• Via their Entry Hex (refer to the German Reinforcement
Schedule).
• Instead of entering the map at their Entry Hexes, any or all
reinforcement units or formations may enter the German Ad-
ministrative Movement Box #1.
German Variable Reinforcements (see 11.4) may be placed
on the map (only).
Soviet Reinforcements enter the game in one of three
different ways:
(1) Via their Entry hex (see the Soviet Reinforcement
Schedule);
(2) Via Administrative Movement Box #1;
(3) Soviet units may also be placed on a Soviet Front Marker
(subject to stacking restrictions):
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
Soviet reinforcements arriving at entry hexes 4100
or 4403 (see the Soviet Reinforcement Schedule)
Voronezh Front
Soviet reinforcements arriving at entry hexes 4413
or 4419 (see the Soviet Reinforcement Schedule)
Southwest Front
11.4 German Variable Reinforcements
All units marked by an “R” are German Variable
Reinforcements. Following the Setup Instructions, all
German Variable Reinforcements have to be placed in one
container or cup from which they can be easily drawn at
random. Starting with Game Turn 2, the German player
consults the German Variable Reinforcements Table once
during each Administrative Segment. He rolls one die and
cross-references the result under the appropriate column. The
result indicates the number of German Variable
Reinforcements drawn by the German player at random. This
process stops for the remainder of the game if all German
Variable Reinforcements have been drawn.
PLACEMENT: German Variable Reinforcements show a
setup code next to their “R” marking. They must be placed in
that hex, and may not be initially placed in the Administrative
Movement Box. A German Variable Reinforcement is
permanently lost if its setup hex has been Soviet controlled at
any time during the game. The German player may not re-
draw other German Variable Reinforcements in such a case.
ZERO STRENGTH UNITS: German Variable
Reinforcements come with either a combat strength of 0, 1,
or 2. If a 0-strength Variable Reinforcement is drawn, it is not
set up on the map but placed to the side. It will not enter the
game. The German player is not allowed to draw another unit
for a 0-strength Variable Reinforcement. 0-strength Variable
Reinforcements do not count for VPs (19.21).
The Soviet player receives Replacements to strengthen units
that suffered step losses. Replacements come in two types:
Motorized and Non-motorized. Starting with the second game
turn, the Soviet player determines the number of
replacements by consulting the Soviet Replacement Table
during the Administrative Segment of each game turn, and
places Replacement Markers in the corresponding boxes of
the General Records Track.
Replacements may be accumulated from game turn to game
turn. It is not necessary to divide them evenly between the
two fronts.
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
PROCEDURE: A Soviet unit that has suffered one or more
step losses during previous game turns may receive one
replacement (maximum) during the Administrative Segment
of any game turn if the unit is In Supply, in range of a Front
Marker (12 hexes), and an appropriate Replacement is
available. Eliminated Soviet units may not receive
replacements and may not be rebuilt in that way (eliminated
Soviet units are out of play for the remainder of a game). Each
replacement rebuilds one step; motorized replacements are
limited to motorized units, and non-motorized replacements
are limited to non-motorized units. Simply flip the unit in
question to its front side, or bring into play the “stronger”
counter in case of a tank or cavalry corps. Reduce the
Replacement Markers on the General Records Track by “1“
for each replacement spend. Replacements may set up in an
EZOC.
Note: Units located in the Administrative Movement Box
may receive replacements.
MOVEMENT EFFECTS: Soviet units that received
replacements are permitted to move and attack as normal on
the turn they receive replacement steps.
The German player may strengthen units that suffered step
losses by Reorganization. Reorganization is done in two
ways:
Frontnahe Auffrischung for motorized units
Personalersatz for non-motorized units
13.1 Frontnahe Auffrischung
The German player receives two markers labeled Frontnahe
Auffrischung (“reorganization near the front under battlefield
conditions”) on Game Turn 7. One marker is grey and used
for German motorized formations of the Heer, the other
marker is black and used for German motorized formations
of the Waffen-SS.
PLACEMENT: The German player may place the markers
on any German motorized unit(s) during each Administrative
Segment starting with Game Turn 7. The unit(s) in question
may be either on the map, or in the Administrative Movement
Boxes. The unit(s) must be In Supply and may not be adjacent
to an enemy unit during placement. Both markers may be
placed in the same hex.
EFFECTS: All units that are part of one formation (German
player’s choice) located in the same hex receive up to two
steps each during the Administrative Segment of the next
game turn. Previously eliminated units of the formation in
question may be rebuilt in that way; they are placed in the
same hex. A formation may not conduct Frontnahe
© 2002 GMT Games
13
Auffrischung if all units that are part of the formation are
eliminated; these units are out of play for the remainder of the
game.
RESTRICTIONS: Units undergoing Frontnahe
Auffrischung may neither move (apart from moving from
Administrative Movement Box #1 to Administrative
Movement Box #2) nor attack during the game turn in
question; they defend normally. The grey marker is limited to
formations of the Heer; the black marker to formations of the
Waffen-SS. Therefore, the German player may conduct
Frontnahe Auffrischung with all units of one formation of the
Heer located in the same hex (or Administrative Movement
Box), and with all units of one formation of the Waffen-SS
located in the same hex (or Administrative Movement Box).
Starting with Game Turn 7, both markers are available each
game turn.
NOTE: In order to rebuild a previously eliminated German
motorized unit, the eliminated unit must be placed in a hex
containing one or more surviving units of the same formation
that bear the appropriate Auffrischung Marker.
13.2 Personalersatz
A German non-motorized unit that previously has suffered a
step loss may be flipped back to its front side by disbanding
one German Variable Reinforcement unit during any German
Segment (Schwerpunkt Segment or General Segment). Both
units must be either stacked in the same hex, or be located in
the Administrative Movement Boxes (the units may be
located in different Administrative Movement Boxes). The
units may be Out of Supply. Disbanded German Variable
Reinforcements are out of play for the remainder of the game,
but are not considered eliminated for Victory Point purposes.
Eliminated German non-motorized units may not receive
Personalersatz ("personnel replacements") and may not be
rebuilt. German non-motorized units are allowed to move and
fight in the segment they absorb Variable Reinforcements.
Note: The units receiving Personalersatz may be located in
one or both Administrative Boxes.
The Soviet player controls two Front
Markers, labeled Southwest Front and
Voronezh Front. They represent the
command and logistical centers of the
appropriate fronts of the Red Army.
Unlike German units, Soviet units must
be in range of a Front Marker in order to conduct the
following activities:
Receive Activity Points
 14
Conduct Administrative Movement
Receive Replacements
Use full capabilities of certain Soviet Combat Chits
NOTE: When making multi-hex attacks, if one hex
containing a Soviet unit or units is within range of a Soviet
Front Marker, the Soviet player may expend Activity Points
to make the attack even if the remaining hexes containing
Soviet units are not within range.
A unit is in range of a Front Marker if it can trace a line of
not more than twelve hexes (count the Front Marker’s hex,
but not the unit’s hex) to the Front Marker. The line may be
traced through enemy units and/or EZOCs. The unit must be
only in range at the moment the selected activity (see above)
is supposed to occur. Units placed in the Soviet
Administrative Movement Box are always considered to be
in range of a Front Marker.
14.1 Restrictions on Front Markers
A Front Marker must be able to trace an uninterrupted line of
contiguous hexes (in the mind´s eye) back to a Soviet supply
source at any time during a game turn. Such a path may be of
any length, but may not:
enter hexes occupied by enemy units;
enter hexes containing EZOCs unless there is a friendly
unit in the hex to nullify that EZOC for this purpose
The Soviet player immediately displaces a Front Marker to
the next available hex the front marker could legally move
into closer to a Soviet supply source and fulfilling all
requirements if:
the hex is entered by an enemy unit;
the Front Marker fails to trace an uninterrupted line of
contiguous hexes back to a Soviet supply source
14.2 Moving Front Markers
The Soviet player may move each Front Marker either zero,
one, or two hex(es) during Soviet player segments. The
Soviet player determines the movement allowance of each
Front Marker by consulting the Soviet Front Marker
Movement Table. He rolls two dice for each Front Marker
and determines the result after applying any weather
modifiers. The Front markers are immediately moved after
their MA is determined. Terrain Effects, Terrain Features and
EZOCs are not checked. Like other units, a Front Marker may
not move into a hex occupied by an enemy unit..
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
In addition to “normal” movement, von Manstein´s
Backhand Blow uses Administrative Movement (see below).
Please check the Sequence of Play.
15.1 Movement and Activity Points
The maximum number of units that a player may move
during one Movement Phase during any Schwerpunkt
Segment is limited by the number of available Activity
Points. Reduce the Activity Point Marker on the General
Records Track by 1 for each unit that has moved. In general,
a player is free to spend none, some, or all available Activity
Points for movement purposes, but the Movement Phase
always ends when the player has no Activity Points
remaining.
15.2 Movement and the General Segment
Movement during the General Segment does not cost C3I or
Activity Points. However, a unit may either move or attack
(owning player's choice) during a single General segment,
(never both).
15.3 Movement and Supply
The supply state of a unit has no effect on its ability to be
activated for non-administrative movement during either a
Schwerpunkt Segment or a General Segment.
15.4 Movement Allowance (MA)
With the exception of static units that may never move, every
unit has a MA printed in the bottom-right corner of the
counter.
The MA is the number of Movement Points (MPs) available
to the unit in one Movement Phase. Units are not required to
expend all their available MPs before stopping. Units move
from hex to adjacent hex (no "skipping" of hexes is allowed),
paying varied costs to do so, depending on the terrain in and
around the hex being entered. The movement of each player's
units takes place only during his own Movement Phases.
Exceptions: Random Events, Combat Refusal, Advance-
after-Combat, Retreat after Combat.
15.5 Restrictions
Each unit may move only once during a Movement Phase,
and no unit may move farther than its MA allows. No friendly
unit may ever enter hexes containing enemy units or move
off the map. MPs may not be accumulated from phase to
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
phase, nor may they be transferred from one unit to another.
The movement of each individual unit or stack must be
completed before that of another is begun. A move may not
be redone unless the opposing player consents.
15.6 Terrain Effects
The movement costs to enter a hex or cross a hexside are
listed on the Terrain Effects Chart (TEC). Some terrain costs
are different for motorized and non-motorized unit types. In
addition, weather conditions may have an impact upon terrain
costs.
Major Rivers
Crossing a Major River costs a unit all MPs during Deep Mud
turns. The unit in question must start its Movement Phase
adjacent to the Major River hexside and may cross it by
expending all MPs. A bridge negates river movement costs,
for all types of rivers.
Road Hexes
A unit that is moving from one Road hex directly to another
adjacent Road hex through a hexside crossed by the Road
symbol ignores all other terrain in the hex entered (including
minor river hexsides) and uses the Road movement rate (see
the TEC).
15.7 Administrative Movement
Administrative Movement does not cost C3I Points, Activity
Points, or MPs. A player may conduct Administrative
Movement even if he spends zero C3I Points during a current
Schwerpunkt segment.
© 2002 GMT Games
15
Note: Both players should realize that proper use of
Administrative Movement will often spell the difference
between victory and defeat in von Manstein's Backhand
Blow—it is that crucial to game play.
Each player may conduct Administrative Movement during
each of his Player Segments in the following order:
(1) Move one unit (or all units that are part of the same
formation in the case of the German player) from
Administrative Movement Box #2 to any eligible hex on the
map. In addition, the German player may move any number
of German Variable Reinforcements from Administrative
Movement Box #2 to hexes on the map.
PLACEMENT: The unit/stack in question may be placed
adjacent to or stacked with friendly unit(s) (or a Soviet Front
marker in the case of the Soviet player in a hex to which the
unit/stack can trace an uninterrupted line of contiguous hexes
free of enemy units and/or EZOCs (a friendly unit in the hex
does not negate an EZOC for this purpose) to a friendly
supply source. The hex of placement may not be adjacent to
enemy unit(s). Stacking limits are in effect.
(2) Move all units from Administrative Movement Box #1 to
Administrative Movement Box #2.
(3) Move one unit (or all units part of the same formation that
are stacked in the same hex in the case of the German player)
from the map to Administrative Movement Box #1. In
addition, the German player may move any number of
German Variable Reinforcements from the map to
Administrative Movement Box #1. The unit/stack in question
is picked up from the map and placed in Administrative
 16
Movement Box #2. The “pick up hex” has to be In Supply
and may not be adjacent to enemy units.
Restrictions
Units may either use Administrative Movement or
(Regular) Movement during one player segment, never both.
Out Of Supply units may not conduct Administrative
Movement.
Units using Administrative Movement may not attack
during the same player segment.
German units undergoing Frontnahe Auffrischung cannot
conduct any kind of Administrative Movement.
Important: Neither player may conduct Administrative
Movement during Game Turn 1 (all segments).
15.8 Additional Soviet Restrictions
Soviet units must be in range of a Front Marker in order to
conduct Administrative Movement. This is true for units
placed on the map (from Administrative Movement Box #2)
and units picked up from the map (and put in Administrative
Movement Box #1).
15.9 Rochade
If the German player has declared the Rochade (see 8.4), he
may move up to five units (or all units part of up to five
formations) during any one segment of the game turn in
question from Administrative Movement Box #2 to the map.
The units may be placed in different hexes, but all units that
are part of the same formation must be placed in the same
hex. All other rules and restrictions are in effect.
Note: It is possible to “mix” individual units and formations;
however, the maximum number is five (e.g., the German
player could move all units that are part of three formations
plus two individual units.)
15.10 Moving German Formations
German units belonging to the same formation may move as
one stack. These units must begin their Movement Phase
already stacked, move together, and end their movement in
the same hex. Reduce the Activity Points Marker on the
General Records Track by “1“ for each stack that has moved
(not by “1“ for each unit that has moved) during a German
Schwerpunkt Segment.
Of course, stacked units of a formation may move
independently, however, in that case each unit pays 1
Activity Point.
15.11 Moving German Variable Reinforcements
German Variable Reinforcements move for free (always, for
the entire game). Do not reduce the Activity Points Marker
on the General Records Track during a German Schwerpunkt
Segment.
Note: All other rules are in effect.
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
16.1 In General
Combat takes place between adjacent opposing units during
the Combat phase of a player's Schwerpunkt Segment or
General Segment. The phasing player is considered "the
attacker", and the other is "the defender", no matter what the
overall situation may be. Attacking is always voluntary; a
unit is never required to attack. The attacker need not declare
all of his attacks beforehand, and he may resolve them in any
order he likes, as long as the resolution of one is completed
before the next is begun.
16.2 Combat and Activity Points
The number of different combats that a player may initiate
during one Combat Phase of a Schwerpunkt Segment (not
General Segment) is determined by the number of Activity
Points generated by the Activity Table. Reduce the Activity
Points Marker on the General Records Track by "3" for each
combat initiated. It does not matter how many enemy and/or
friendly units participate in a combat; each combat initiated
costs the attacker three Activity Points.
A B 6 2 2
13 4 6 18 5 6 7 2 2
6 4 7 10 4 6 6 2 2 6 2 2
The example above shows two combats during a German
Schwerpunkt segment.
A) In A, the Soviet player has Tactical Superiority (a 5
compared to the German 4's) and so may conduct combat
refusal (16.7). He declines, so the Soviet player draws
five Combat Chits. Because of Tactical Superiority, the
Soviet player may use up to three of his Combat Chits
and the German player may use only one. Note: had two
or more of the GD units been stacked together, they
would have qualified for the Integrity Bonus and their
Tactical Rating would have been increased to 5.
B) In combat B, both sides have the same Tactical rating
(2) but the German player has a Concentric Attack which
increases his Tactical rating by +1. This gives the
German Player Tactical Superiority in this combat, which
allows him to draw three chits and keep all three. The
Soviet player draws two and keeps one. Note: no chits
are drawn until combat A is completely resolved.
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
A Schwerpunkt Combat Phase may end either when there are
insufficient Activity Points remaining to conduct an attack,
or the Attacking Player declares no more attacks.
Combat during the General Segment does not cost C3I or
Activity Points. A player is not limited to the number of
attacks that may be made during the General Segment.
However, a unit may either attack, or move (owning player's
choice) during a single General segment, (never both).
The supply state of a unit has no effect on its ability to be
activated for combat during either a Schwerpunkt Segment or
a General Segment. An OOS unit has its combat strength and
tactical value halved (7.4).
In Soviet attacks, at least one participating unit must be in
range of a Front Marker if APs are to be spent.
NOTE: No unit is forced to move in order to participate in
combat (or vice versa). No unit may conduct Administrative
Movement and attack during the same Player Segment.
16.3 Combat Restrictions and Limits
An enemy occupied hex may be attacked in one combat by
as many friendly units as the attacker can bring to bear from
the surrounding hexes; however, no single attack may target
more than one hex.
No single attacking unit may have its combat strength divided
and applied to more than one combat. Likewise, all defending
units in a hex must be attacked as one combined defense
strength. A unit may neither attack nor be attacked more than
© 2002 GMT Games
17
once per Combat Phase (Exception: 18.0 Random Events).
Units that have their combat strength in brackets may not
attack; they may only defend.
16.4 Combat Resolution
STEP 1: The Attacker declares an attack (during a
Schwerpunkt segment, at least 3 Activity Points must be
available on the General Records Track for an attack to be
declared). If sufficient points are available, reduce the total
by 3 for each attack declaration.
STEP 2: Each player determines his Tactical Points Value
(see 16.51). Compare the Attacker's Tactical Points Value to
the Defender's and determine Tactical Superiority (see
16.52).
STEP 3: The defender may conduct Combat Refusal if he
holds Tactical Superiority and the defending force consists
entirely of motorized units (see 16.7).
STEP 4: Each player draws, selects and reveals Combat Chits
according to the Tactical Superiority determination (see
16.5).
STEP 5: Determine the Combat Odds by applying all
modifiers (see 16.8 & 16.9).
STEP 6: The Attacker rolls two dice and cross-references the
result under the appropriate column of the CRT. Treat final
dice roll results of less than "2" as "2", and results of more
than "17" as "17".
 18
STEP 7: Apply the result immediately (defender first),
including any mandatory or voluntary Retreat-After-
Combat/Advance-After-Combat results. Place drawn
Combat Chits back into the containers (see 16.5).
STEP 8: Resolve any Random Events that occurred because
of a natural '2' or '12' rolled on the CRT (see 18.0).
16.5 Combat Chits
The Combat Chits are placed in two containers or cups—one
for each player—from which they are drawn at random.
Some Combat Chits are added to and removed from play
during the course of the game according to the Reinforcement
Schedule.
16.51 DRAWING COMBAT CHITS: To determine their
Tactical Points Value, each player looks for the unit with the
highest Tactical Rating involved in the combat. Each player
randomly draws a number of Combat Chits from his
container equal to the Tactical Rating of the selected unit.
Keep in mind any modifier to the Tactical Rating and any
modifier for Concentric Attack (see 16.92). Chits are drawn
hidden and kept hidden. Both players place the drawn
Combat Chits back into the containers at the end of Combat
Resolution.
Solitaire guideline: Draw Combat Chits normally. Then
select chits first for the player who does not have tactical
superiority and then for the player who does. In the case that
neither player has tactical superiority select first for the
defender and then for the attacker.
16.52 TACTICAL SUPERIORITY. To determine who has
Tactical Superiority in a given combat, compare both players'
Tactical Points Value. The player with the higher Tactical
Points Value has Tactical Superiority.
• The player with Tactical Superiority may use up to three of
his drawn combat chits, and his opponent may use only one.
• If neither player has Tactical Superiority (both have the
same Tactical Point Value), each player may use two of his
drawn combat chits.
NOTE: Neither player is forced to play Combat Chits, nor
may a player ever play more combat chits than he drew for
that combat. A player may not draw additional chits because
of Tactical Superiority.
NOTE : Certain Soviet Combat Chits require the defender's
hex to be in range of a Soviet Front Marker.
16.6 German Integrity
The Tactical Rating of a defending or attacking German unit
that is part of a formation is increased by two (+2) if it
qualifies for the Integrity Bonus. In order to receive the
Integrity Bonus, a German unit must be part of a formation
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
and stacked with at least one other unit of its parent
formation.
Exception: A unit that is part of Wiking or 19th PD
formation must be stacked with at least two other units of its
parent formation.
This bonus becomes unavailable when two units of any
formation have been eliminated, and remains unavailable
until those eliminated units are rebuilt through Frontnahe
Auffrischung.
16.7 Combat Refusal
A defending force consisting entirely of motorized units and
holding Tactical Superiority may (defending player's choice)
retreat two hexes if neither of the two retreat hexes are in an
EZOC. Defending units conducting Combat Refusal must
retreat two hexes (they may not retreat one hex). Following
the retreat, enemy units which were attacking the original
defender's hex may advance into it, but may not advance into
a second hex. The Activity Points spent by the attacker are
lost.
16.8 Combat Odds
Compare the combined combat strength of the participating
attacking units to the total combat strength of the units
defending the hex, keeping in mind all modifiers. Express the
comparison as a numerical odds ratio (attacker to defender).
Round off this odds ratio to the left in favor of the defender
to conform to the simplified odds ratio categories found on
the Combat Results Table (CRT). Note that the CRT does not
contain odds ratio categories for all odds ratios; move
downwards in favor of the defender in such cases.
The column headings on the CRT range from 1:2 to 19:1.
Attacks which are worse than 1:2 yield an automatic combat
result of “4/0“ (but roll two dice for possible SNAFU
(16.10.1) or Random Events (18.0)). Attacks which are better
than 19:1 are treated as 19:1 (but roll two dice for possible
SNAFU (16.10.1) or (Random Events (18.0)).
EXAMPLES:
(1) The Attacker’s total combat strength is 29, the defender's
total is 13; the odds ratio in this combat is 2:1.
(2) The Attacker’s total combat strength is 3, the defender's
total is 4; the odds ratio in this combat is 2:3.
16.9 Combat Modifiers
As detailed below, certain situations provide modifiers to the
final combat result. All modifiers (DRMs, modifiers of the
combat strength, modifiers of the tactical rating) are
cumulative. In these cases, round down all remainders, but no
unit or stack ever has its combat strength or tactical rating
reduced to less than one. In addition, the final combat
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
strength of all units on the same side may not be reduced to
less than one.
EXAMPLE: If three 1-strength units in a stack are halved, the
stack would have a combat strength of one.
Important: The final DRM of a combat may never total less
than "—10" or higher than "+10".
NOTE: There may be some Combat Chits that let you round
fractions up. In this case, the Combat Chits take precedence.
See the Combat Chits Charts.
16.9.1 COMBAT CHITS: The selected Combat Chits are
simultaneously revealed by both players. The effects of
Combat Chits are explained on the Combat Chits Charts.
Some combat chits may be useless in certain situations or
their effects may be reduced. Combat Chits which increase
the number of Combat Hits are set in effect first. After that,
each player may determine the order in which they play
Combat Chits reducing Combat Hits. Following the spirit of
this rules section, each player may reduce losses in the order
most favorable for him.
EXAMPLE: The German player plays Combat Chits #4
Fanaticism and #8 Mission Tactic. His Combat Hits are
unchanged while the Soviet ones are increased by one.
16.9.2 CONCENTRIC ATTACK: Whenever a defending
hex is attacked by units in directly opposite hexes, or by units
in three hexes with one hex between each one and the next,
or by units in more than three hexes, a Concentric Attack is
taking place. The Tactical Rating of attacking units is
increased by one (+1) if the attacker is attacking
concentrically.
The presence of other units of the same side as those being
concentrically attacked in hexes next to the attacked hex does
not negate the effect. A Concentric Attack can never be
© 2002 GMT Games
19
created by units attacking into a City hex or across a Major
River hexside.
16.93 TERRAIN EFFECTS
Certain terrain features generate DRMs favorable for the
defender. See the TEC for full details.
MINOR RIVERS: Rivers generate a DRM of —2 if all units
are attacking across River hexside(s). Rivers generate a DRM
of —1 if at least one unit is not attacking across River
hexside(s).
MAJOR RIVERS: Units attacking across a Major River
hexside have their combat strength halved and do not qualify
for a Concentric Attack.
NOTE: The combat effect of rivers apply in all weather
conditions.
Major Rivers and Retreats: A unit must stop a retreat after
crossing a Major River hexside; it may not retreat further.
A unit cannot cross a Major River hexside to extend a
retreat path to a second hex.
Major Rivers and Advance: Units may not advance a
second hex if attacking across a Major River hexside, or
if the advance would require crossing a Major River
hexside.
Bridges: Bridges do not negate the above effects.
CITIES: Units attacking a city hex do not qualify for a Con-
centric Attack. A defending force located in a city hex is
never forced to retreat; however, it may do so (defending
player's choice). The attacker receives a —5 DRM.
BROKEN TERRAIN: The attacker receives a —1 DRM
when attacking into Broken terrain.
FOREST: The attacker receives a —2 DRM when attacking
into Forest terrain.
MARSH: The attacker receives a —3 DRM when attacking
into Marsh terrain.
TOWNS: The attacker receives a —1 DRM when attacking
into a Town.
16.10 Combat Results
Combat results consist of two numbers separated by a slash
(" / "). The number to the left of the slash applies to the
attacking units and the number to the right of the slash applies
to the defending units. The numbers themselves indicate how
many Combat Hits a side suffers. Each Combat Hit must be
either absorbed as a Step Loss or a Retreat Hex (16.11). The
final number of Combat Hits may be increased or reduced by
 20
Combat Chits. A final combat result of zero ("0") means that
the side receiving that result is entirely unaffected.
APPLYING COMBAT HITS: Results against the defender
are always applied before those against the attacker. All step
losses must be equally distributed among all involved units;
no unit may absorb two step losses until all other units have
absorbed one step loss; no unit may absorb three step losses
until all other units have absorbed two step losses.
NOTE: The first hit DOES NOT have to come from the unit
with the highest Tactical Points Value.
16.10.1 SNAFU Combat Result
SNAFU effects are generated by unmodified die rolls of 3 or
11 during combat resolution (Step 6 of the Combat
Resolution Process). If an unmodified 3 is rolled, the
defender suffers one additional Combat Hit. If an unmodified
11 is rolled, the attacker suffers one additional Combat Hit.
16.11 Retreats
Only the defender may retreat; the attacker must absorb all
Combat Hits as Step Losses. Retreating does not cost MPs.
Retreat after-Combat allows the defender to cancel either one
(all defending units retreat one hex) or two (all defending
units retreat two hexes) Combat Hits from the total number
of Combat Hits scored against his force during that combat.
The defender may convert a maximum of two Combat Hits
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
to retreat hexes; further Combat Hits must be absorbed as step
losses. A Combat Hit taken as a retreat hex requires that all
defending units retreat one hex; if two Combat Hits are to be
absorbed by retreat, then the units must retreat two hexes.
RETREAT LENGTH: Defending non-motorized units (or
motorized units bearing OOS markers) may never retreat
more than one hex. Defending supplied motorized units
(only) may retreat up to two hexes. A mixed defender stack
of motorized and non-motorized units cannot retreat two
hexes.
NOTE: A motorized unit may not retreat two hexes if it only
got one Combat Hit.
MANDATORY RETREATS: If the final number of Combat
Hits exceeds the total number of defending units, the
defender must retreat all defending units at least one hex; this
retreat absorbs one Combat Hit. The defender may retreat
(voluntarily) a second hex if all requirements are fulfilled, but
the maximum retreat path length of two hexes is still in effect.
NO RETREAT POSSIBLE: If the defender must retreat, but
cannot, he has to absorb all Combat Hits as step losses and
takes one additional step loss.
RETREAT GUIDELINES: In general, retreating units must
try to retreat towards the nearest friendly supply source. Units
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow 21

that begin a retreat stacked may split up so long as each unit advance after combat; they simply hold their position.
in the stack retreats the one or two hexes declared by the Stationary units can never advance.
defender. A retreat can enter and/or end in a vacant hex in an
EZOC or a friendly occupied hex in an EZOC (subject to
stacking limits). Each stack retreating into an EZOC (even if
into a friendly occupied hex [6.2]) suffers one step loss for
each hex in an EZOC. A unit may be eliminated in this way.
The Soviet player consults the Soviet
RETREAT RESTRICTIONS: Uprising Table whenever a Soviet unit
 No unit may retreat off the map or into impassable first moves within three hexes of any City
terrain. hex. The result is either Failure or
 No unit may retreat into enemy occupied hexes, or into Success.
friendly occupied hexes causing overstacking.
 A motorized unit may retreat through a fully stacked hex Notes:
as long as it does not end its retreat in that hex.  Kramatorsk (4128) and Konstantinovka (4331) are
 Stationary units can never retreat. not treated as cities for Soviet Uprising.
 Motorized units can never retreat into Marsh hexes in  There is only one uprising attempt per city hex per
Mud or Deep Mud conditions. Motorized units can never game.
Retreat or Advance-After-Combat across unbridged
Major River Important: Uprising Results:
Failure: Nothing happens, play continues.
STATIONARY UNITS AND RETREATS: Stationary units Success: The counter showing the German stationary
may not retreat after combat. If the defending player retreats Verfügungskräfte of the city in question is flipped over to its
a unit after combat, he has to eliminate a stationary unit in the back side, showing the Soviet Uprising Forces. The
stack. This absorbs one Combat Hit. Verfügungskräfte are permanently lost. The city becomes
friendly to the Soviet player if no other German unit is located
RETREAT HEX IS ATTACKED IN THE SAME COMBAT in the city hex. The Soviet Uprising Forces are permanently
PHASE: If a unit retreats into a friendly-occupied hex lost if at least one other German unit is still located in the city
(including Combat Refusal, see 16.7) that is later attacked in hex.
the same Combat Phase, the unit retreated does not add its
values to the hex's defense. It cannot be used to absorb
Combat Hits and it cannot retreat. The unit is eliminated if
the unit(s) with which it is stacked retreat or are eliminated.
DESIGN NOTE: Players have more information than their
16.12 Advance-After-Combat
historical counterparts, can predict many events, and are
Whenever the defending hex is vacated in a combat, one,
able to prevent certain events from happening simply by not
some or all of the involved attacking units may occupy it
doing them. To reflect things beyond the control of the player,
(paying attention to the stacking limit). This is true even if
Random Events (REs) are inserted into the normal sequence
the advance is made from an EZOC hex directly into another
of play.
EZOC hex (but see below).
When conducting a RE, the normal sequence of play is
TWO HEX ADVANCE: If the attacker had Tactical
interrupted for the duration of the event. Each RE thus
Superiority during combat resolution and the defender
constitutes a sort of mini-phase within a combat phase. There
retreats his units two hexes, or all defenders are eliminated,
may be any number of REs during a given combat phase.
attacking In Supply motorized units (only) may advance a
second hex. Units may not advance a second hex if the
REs are generated by unmodified dice rolls of 2 or 12 during
advance is made from an EZOC.
combat resolution (Step 6 of the Combat Resolution Process).
After applying all combat results for that combat, including
Units advancing a second hex are not required to follow the
any Retreats-after-Combat and/or Advances-after-Combat,
exact retreat path of the defender.
the phasing player rolls two dice and consults the Random
Events Table. When the RE is done, continue with the normal
PROCEDURE: Advances are not mandatory, but the
sequence of play.
decision to do so must be made immediately before the next
combat resolution process is begun. Advancing does not cost
Movements and Combats generated by REs are free and do
MPs or MFs. Advancing units may split up. Defenders never
not cost Activity Points. A unit that has already moved

© 2002 GMT Games

 22
(including Administrative Movement) and/or attacked in the
current segment may move or attack again via REs. All other
rules are in effect.
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow includes two scenarios.
First, players choose which scenario they will play and then
select which side they will command. The Soviet player
commands all Soviet units, while the German player
commands all German units.
The first game turn of a scenario always starts with the 1st
Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment (see 4.2). Weather is always
Frozen during Game Turn 1, and neither player may conduct
Administrative Movement during game turn 1 (all segments).
Place the Soviet C3I Points Marker in the “5” space, and the
German C3I Points Marker in the “2” space on the General
Records Track. All other markers are placed in the “0” space
on the General Records Track.
Starting with Game Turn 2, the regular sequence of play is in
effect.
19.1 Scenario One - Red Army’s High Water Mark
This scenario starts with Game Turn 1 and finishes at the end
of Game Turn 4, covering the first 12 days of the campaign.
It can be completed in less than two hours, allowing players
to get their feet wet with the game system. Victory is
determined at the conclusion of Game Turn 4.
German Victory: No Soviet units are west of the Donets
River.
Soviet Victory: One or more cities on the map are Soviet
controlled.
Draw: Any other result.
19.2 Scenario Two – Von Manstein’s Backhand
Blow
GAME LENGTH: This scenario recreates the entire
campaign, which stretched over 51 days of fierce fighting.
The scenario starts with Game Turn 1 and finishes at the end
of Game Turn 17, allowing players to recreate the historical
campaign in its entirety. With an estimate playing time of 10
hours, this scenario is the centerpiece of the game.
19.21 VICTORY CONDITIONS: Both Players Accumulate
Victory Points (VPs) for enemy step losses and for certain
objectives; see the Victory Points Chart for details. VPs
awarded to the Soviet Player are added to and VPs awarded
to the German Player are subtracted from the Victory Points
Track.
© 2002 GMT Games
Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
Players receive VPs for inflicting step losses. VPs for step
losses are permanent. VPs awarded for enemy step losses are
recorded on the Victory Points Track the instant the step is
eliminated.
VPs awarded for enemy step losses are recorded on the
Victory Points track the instant the step is eliminated. Each
step loss eliminated as a result of combat or attrition is worth
1 VP, regardless of unit type. German Variable
Reinforcements disbanded for Personalersatz (13.2) and 0
strength German Variable Reinforcements (11.4) do not
count for VPs.
VPs awarded for objectives are recorded during the Victory
Check Segment once each game turn. An objective must be
occupied by a friendly unit to capture the VPs listed; Soviet
Uprising units do not qualify to earn VPs. The Unit may be
OOS and does not have to trace a supply line to a friendly
source to the objective. If an objective is retaken by the
German Player, the VPs are subtracted from the track.
VPs awarded for objectives are earned once (not once each
game turn) during the Victory Check Segment; VPs are
recorded only if there is a change from a previous turn. If an
objective is retaken by the German player, the VPs are
subtracted from the Victory Points Track. These events may
happen several times during a game, resulting either in VPs
added to the Victory Point Track (--> objective liberated by
Soviet player), or VPs subtracted from the Victory Point
Track (--> objective retaken by German player).
Victory is determined at the very end of each game turn. The
Soviet Player is declared the winner if the current VP number
exceeds the span of numbers printed on the Game Turn
Record Track; the German Player is declared the winner if
the current VP number is lower than the span of numbers. The
game immediately ends if one player qualifies for victory,
otherwise the game continues. The game ends in a draw if
neither player qualifies for victory at the end of Game Turn
17.
NOTES: "Soviet / German unit west / east of Donets River":
VPs are awarded / subtracted once (not once each game turn)
during the Victory Check Segment; VPs are adjusted only if
there is a change from a previous turn. The VPs are adjusted
if the Soviet / German player does not meet the requirement
any longer. These events may happen several times during a
game, resulting for example either in VPs added to the
Victory Point Track (if Soviet unit west of Donets River), or
VPs subtracted from the Victory Point Track (if there is no
Soviet unit west of Donets River any longer).
 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
Board wargames are constantly and - in certain areas -
dramatically evolving during the last decades. The
components quality, graphical presentation, and research all
have improved a lot. One evolution I dislike though. In the
seventies, games of moderate level complexity averaged
about eight pages of rules, one map and one countersheet.
Today, typical intermediate complexity games have
magazine sized rulesbooks, two maps and 600+ counters. As
a result, players spend a considerable amount of time getting
their feet wet with the game system, teaching the rules to an
opponent is very difficult, and finishing the campaign game
in one session is impossible. The hobby has lost a significant
number of gamers in this way because time and space are the
most critical assets for many players today.
The central ideas of the Schwerpunkt Series were developed
because of a strong demand by players for fast playing, easy
to learn, non-simplistic games with the following precepts:
(1) for an experienced player, learning the game is possible
in less than two hours
(2) teaching the game to an opponent takes no more than 15
minutes
(3) playing the game to completion is possible in one session
(4) each game consists of an easily assimilated number of
components (e.g. only one map)
Certain concepts of GMT's Schwerpunkt Series first
appeared in Moments in History's T3 system, consisting of
Turning the Tables (published by MiH in 1998), Drive to the
Baltic! and Velikye Luki (both published by MiH in 2000),
all by the same designer. However, the Schwerpunkt Series
is much more than a streamlined and revised version of the
T3 system. In addition to the incorporation of various players'
suggestions and ideas, the changes and modifications were
done in order to cover all important aspects of WWII
battles/campaigns in the ETO. As the result, the Schwerpunkt
Series is no longer limited to the Eastern Front but can deal
with every ETO WWII battle/campaign. The following
highlight some design decisions made while the Schwerpunkt
Series was conceptually outlined.
Basic Concepts: The Schwerpunkt Series is based on the
idea of "Mechanical Simplicity". Mechanical simplicity
means structuring the many complex elements of a game in a
way that does not overburden the player with memorization
or bookkeeping. Mechanical simplicity does not mean
simplicity; it means a clear definition and contrast of themes.
As a result, the game mechanics are realistic in effect and
smooth in execution.
In order to make a game really playable, I find it imperative
to concentrate on the most important factors of the subject
chosen. Therefore, I incorporated many aspects directly into
© 2002 GMT Games
23
the basic game system rather than portraying them as
independent functions under the player's direct control. In
other words, the Schwerpunkt Series concentrates on the
"interesting stuff' - maneuver and combat - and avoids
elements that are beyond the scope of the commander in
charge.
Friction: Serious students of military history will agree that
friction was and still is the most important aspect of warfare.
Battles and campaigns normally develop a dynamic course of
their own which can never be fully controlled by the
opponents. I dislike game systems giving players full control
over everything, allowing them to do almost anything they
want with their forces, resulting in completely synchronized
actions. This aspect has been integrated into many game
mechanics like Action Point determination and Combat
Chits. These concepts add friction with a minimum of
complexity to the game system, avoid unrealistic chess-like
game play, and force the player to fight his opponent rather
than the game system.
Sequence of Play: A traditional "Igo-Hugo" sequence of play
was out of the question because it is too limited to capture the
decisive aspects of ETO WWII battles/campaigns. By
dividing a game turn into Schwerpunkt Segments and
General Segments for each side, the sequence of play allows
a kind of interaction without burdening players with the
amount of work and bookkeeping of an elaborate interactive
game system.
Moreover, it forces players to plan Schwerpunkt for actions
and operations like their historical counterparts did. The other
important point of the sequence of play is allowing each
player to decide what action to carry out first in each of his
segments: Fight or Move. This easy mechanic gives the
player more control over his activities, thereby reflecting the
decisions of real-world HQs ("Assault followed by
Breakthrough" or "Maneuver before Combat") in a smooth
way.
C3I Points: This rather abstract term reflects each side's
abilities to control and run operations (command control
efficiency) as well as available resources (fuel, ammunition,
general supplies). Similar to the decision what action to carry
out first in each of his segments (Fight or Move?), C3I Points
give the player some control over his activities, but face him
with the dilemmas of uncertainty and friction. C3I Points
work hand in hand with the sequence of play, preventing
completely synchronized actions found in most games of this
complexity level.
Combat Units: Similar to my previous designs, the military
units in a Schwerpunkt Series game represent the fighting
formations actually used rather than the administrative
organizations. I really wonder why so many games are still
showing administrative organizations... Such an approach is
 24 Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow

misleading because administrative organizations may This rulebook edition by James Currie, 2023. It incorporates
seriously differ from the fighting formations actually used. all known errata as well as selected Q&A. For use by owners
of the Game.
Order of Battle: Research has always been an important
aspect of my designs. To my comfort, I live in Central Europe
with access to local primary sources. Important information
is available from native speakers and battlefield tours. My
military training and practice as well as extensive experience
in military history are of additional help. In short, I guarantee
that each game of the Schwerpunkt Series comes with a
stateof-the-art OOB.

Combat System: The combat system integrates various

important aspects of combat with a strong emphasis upon
uncertainty and combined arms warfare. The combination of
Tactical Superiority determination and Combat Chits made it
possible to go with a rather elaborate combat system without
increasing the complexity of the game or lengthening the
rules. Players will notice that the combat system captures the
flair of World War II warfare, provides a strong tactical feel
during resolution, and produces realistic results. However, it
is still easy to handle and can be quickly resolved.

The Schwerpunkt Series is a game system full of choices and

uncertainty yet still very playable. Its mechanics guarantee a
high solitaire suitability. Moreover, no two games will ever
be the same. In addition, the Schwerpunkt Series is made for
YOU, the player. I am open to all ideas and suggestions. The
large sized hexes as well as dividing the rules into Series and
Exclusive Rules booklets are just two examples that we are
listening to what you want.

Enjoy the games!

—Dirk Blennemann
2002

Should any questions concerning play arise, we will gladly

answer them.
dirk.blennemann@t-online.de (the designer)
UBlennemann@aol.com (the developer)
gmtoffice@gmtgames.com (the publisher)

CREDITS
Game Design: Dirk Blennemann
Development: Uli Blennemann
Editing: Bob Irelan, Uli Blennemann
Playtesting: Volkmar Böse, Detlef Borchert, Dirk
Dahmann, Edgar Forschbach, Robert Holzer, Bob
Irelan, Christoph Ludwig, Rainer Mattern, John
McGuffog, Norbert Möhring
Art Director: Rodger MacGowan
Counter and Map Art:Mark Simonitch
Package Design: Rodger MacGowan
Production: Tony Curtis

© 2002 GMT Games

Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow 25
 26
SEQUENCE OF PLAY
I. Administrative Segment
A. Advance the Game Turn Marker.
B. Both players simultaneously check for Supply. Mark
units Out Of Supply, and conduct Attrition Checks if
required.
C. The Soviet player determines the Weather (5.0).
D. Starting GT 7, the German player conducts Frontnahe
Auffrischung (13.1).
E. Starting GT 7, The German player may announce
Rochade this game turn if the weather is frozen (8.4).
F. Starting GT 2, the German player determines his
Variable Reinforcements, and places them on the map
(11.4).
G. The Soviet player places his Reinforcements either on
the map or in his AMB #1 (11.2).
H. The German player places his Reinforcements either on
the map or in his AMB #1 (11.2).
I. Starting GT 2, the Soviet player receives and spends
Replacements (12.0)
J. Both players add and remove Combat Chits according to
the Reinforcement Schedule, and adjust the C3I Markers
on the General Records Track (8.1).
II. First Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment:
Skip this segment during Deep Mud game turns. The
Soviet player conducts the following activities:
A. Move Front Markers (14.2).
B. Conduct Administrative Movement (15.1):
(1) Move any one unit from AMB #2 onto the map.
(2) Move all units from AMB #1 to AMB #2.
(3) Place any one unit from the map into AMB #1.
C. Declare in what order the Combat and Movement
Phases will be conducted.
D. Spend C3I Points. Roll two dice and consult the Activity
Table. Divide Activity Points received as evenly as
possible between the two Fronts.
NOTE: The segment ends immediately if the Soviet player spends
zero c3i Points.
E. Conduct either the Combat or Movement Phase.
F. If the Combat Phase was conducted first, now conduct
the Movement Phase, or vice-versa.
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Von Manstein’s Backhand Blow
III. First German Schwerpunkt Segment:
Skip this segment during Deep Mud game turns. The
German player conducts the following activities:
A. Conduct Administrative Movement (15.1):
(1) Move any one unit and any number of Variable
Reinforcements from AMB #2 onto the map.
(2) Move all units from AMB #1 to AMB #2.
(3) Place any one unit and any number of Variable
Reinforcements from the map into AMB #1.
NOTE: all units part of the same German formation counts as one
unit for Administrative Movement purposes.
B. Declare in what order the Combat and Movement
Phases will be conducted.
C. Spend C3I Points. Roll two dice and consult the Activity
Table. Adjust Activity Markers on General Records Track.
NOTE: The segment ends immediately if the German player
spends zero c3i Points.
D Conduct either the Combat or Movement Phase.
E. If the Combat Phase was conducted first, now conduct
the Movement Phase, or vice-versa.
F. Conduct Personalersatz for non-motorized units (13.2).
IV. Second Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment
Skip this segment during Deep Mud and Mud game turns.
Same as "First Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment".
V. Second German Schwerpunkt Segment
Skip this segment during Deep Mud and Mud game turns.
Same as "First German Schwerpunkt Segment".
VI. Soviet General Segment
Same as a Soviet Schwerpunkt Segment except movement
and combat does not require Activity Points and units may
either move or fight (not both).
VII. German General Segment
Same as a German Schwerpunkt Segment except
movement and combat does not require Activity Points and
units may either move or fight (not both).
VIII. Victory Check Segment
Both players accumulate Victory Points (20.21) and adjust
the Victory Points Markers on the Victory Points Track.
Determine if the game proceeds or is won by either player.