The Red Flag is Still: The Third Counter Encirclement Campaign 2017

风卷红旗 (The Red Flag is Still: The Third Counter Encirclement Campaign in Central Soviet) is a wargame on the third encirclement campaign against Jiangxi Soviet in 1931. The game starts on July 1931, after the failure of 2 prior campaigns earlier this year, Chiang Kai-shek arrives at Nanchang and took personal command of the campaign, concentrating 23 divisions and 3 brigades, totalling over 300000 in strength (including many of Chiang’s loyal professional forces graduating from the Whampoa Academy), aiming at eradicating the Jiangxi Soviet and CCP forces once and for all. In response, the CCP 1st Group Army rapidly reconcentrate its scattered forces to defend the central soviet once again. The struggle would go on for more than 2 months, ending in early September, where the White forces suffered numerous losses and are forced to retreat.

Each turn in game have multiple phases, where both side can move in addition to their normal movement, showcasing the difference in movement and command of the forces. The Red (CCP) units overall have high mobility, able to traverse difficult terrains, and can move up to 3 times per turn by utilizing forced march. While the White (KMT) Forces have both the numerical and strength advantage, but are limited in traversing the mountainous terrains. Still, Chiang’s elite units can move in the pursuit phase, allowing them to move twice per turn.

Both side operated very differently in this campaign, and numerous rules are included to showcase these: Th red army are not restricted by supply, have numerous local militias that can aid them, and can launch devastating surprise strikes on isolated enemy units by using support for HQ and tactical chits. While the white army enjoys the superior manpower and firepower advantage, been able to conduct hasty attacks during movement, deploying the elite units into assault formations for extra strength, and also use scorched earth tactics on occupied regions to permanently control it.

The game includes 3 scenarios: Red Flag is Still – the full campaign game from July to September. Breaking in – the learning scenario, covering the first month of the campaign A most dangerous time – Starting in august, this is the time when the bulk of the Red Army is on the brink to be surrounded by overwhelming White forces. The scenario put players right into actions.

Components: 1 Rule book 1 Double-sided mounted Map (840x580mm) 390 Counters 2 Dice 14 Cards 2 Player aid cards