Turns 1-12
Soviet motorcycles (5) probe towards (6), with one IS-2 platoon covering them from the woods around 1 km east. They detect a motorized scout platoon in the woods. One German vehicle is destroyed by an AT gun from (3). However, the gun is detected and neutralized by a tank force at (4), which is composed from at least 2 PZIVs and 2 King Tigers. Meanwhile, at (7), the T34/85, one T34/76 and the tank rider companies occupy the woods. Tank riders move forward to protect the tanks, while 2 T34/85s find out that they have LOS at (4). They open fire and soon a PZIV goes up in flames from 85mm AP shells. The same fate awaits one T34/76, which is hit by StuGIVs from around (8) to the very south of the map. Movement in the open proves to be very dangerous, so at the moment, Soviets consolidate their positions in the woods.
To the north, Szydlow comes under attack from (1) by a panzergrenadier company and a PZIV platoon and from (2) by a King Tiger platoon, a PZIV platoon and more panzergrenadiers. The attack from (1) catches the Soviets off balance and soon a Guards platoon is wiped out too the last man. Germans now have a foothold inside Szydlow. One ISU-122 opens fire but is eliminated by very heavy fire from the PZIVs. German artillery also hit the positions inside the town. Soviets have to rush reinforcements and the T34/76 company that is uncommitted moves towards Szydlow.
Thus, in the beginning of the game, both sides made advances. But it is the Germans who showed the most aggressiveness, assaulting Szydlow with a considerable force. Soviets have to stabilize the situation to the north and find a way to progress to the south.