Neil Thomas Wargaming: an Introduction Pt II. - Random Unit Selection

Both the Soviet and German army lists provide 5 mandatory units (not reproduced here), and allow selecting the remaining units from a choice of 15 German or 16 Soviet units in the army list; with mandated limits on proportions of tank types by year. 

Since I play mostly solo except when I’m by myself, rather than select units I will use the following process to randomize the non-prescribed units, while allowing some degree of influence. Of course it can also be used by non-solo players who like the concept. 

First, for scenario forces that have both units that start on table and units that are reinforcements during the game, I will allocate the 5 mandated units to either starting or reinforcement groups. Initial tanks are always Pz IV or T34. 

Then to make up the remaining units, I will draw cards. The deck will consist of 18 cards made up of one set of black cards Ace – King, and 3 red cards Ace, King & Queen, plus 2 jokers, with these values.

Card (s)	German ‘42	German ‘43	Soviet ‘42	Soviet ‘43
Black 2 – 7	Rifle	Rifle	Rifle	Rifle
Black 8	Heavy Weapons	Heavy Weapons	Heavy Weapons	Heavy Weapons
Black 9	Barrage	Barrage	Barrage	Barrage
Black 10	Antitank gun	Antitank gun	Cavalry	Cavalry
Black Jack	Pz III	Pz III / Pz IV   *	T34	T34
Black Queen	Pz III / Pz IV   *	Pz III / Pz IV   *	T34 / KV I   *	T34 / KV85   *
Black King	Pz IV	Pz V / Pz VI   s*	KV I	KV85
Black Ace	Assault gun	Assault gun	Assault gun	Assault gun
Red Ace	Assault gun	Assault gun	Assault gun	Assault gun
Red King	Armored infantry	Armored infantry	Tank riders	Tank riders
Red Queen	Discard & replace	Discard & replace	Tank riders	Tank riders
Jokers (summer/winter)	2 / 1	2 / 1	1 / 2	1 / 2

Notes: 
*Represents the type of which there are least currently selected (including mandated units) at the time the card is turned. If number currently selected is tied at 0, choice; if tied at 1 each, must try to maintain type restrictions. 

s* In July and August, 50/50; otherwise Pz VI. 

Jokers: If only allowed a maximum of one joker, the first one drawn is discarded and replaced. When a legal joker is drawn it is allocated as a unit placeholder to initial or reinforcement groups. After all non-joker cards allowed are drawn and allocated, pick up the remainder of the draw pile and select 3 units of choice. Lay them out, left to right, 1, 2, 3 (d3) or 1,2; 3,4; 5,6 (d6), then roll one die per joker selected and add those units. If a tie, the 2nd unit is choice of remaining 2 units not rolled. 

Method: 
For each set of 3 or less units being selected, draw 4 cards at once; turn them over one at a time to determine what type that card represents; then keep the requisite number (up to 3) and discard the rest (not available that game). 

Soviet assault guns are mandated by year. For German assault guns 2 types are available in either year, so I will roll 50/50 and determine what type ALL selected assault guns will be for that game. 

For the surprise attack and escalating assault scenario, I might try allocating 2 out of each set of 4 cards to either initial or reinforcement group, and the other 1 to the other group, discarding 1 as usual. 

Later I will probably add Antitank guns for Soviets and Recon units for both sides. Meanwhile of course I should really be painting infantry instead of working on this kind of stuff. Ah well.