During the Planning Phase players can put Orders on the map. Each Area with units in it can be given one Order. Orders are placed on the map secretly (face down) and revealed simultaneously when both players finish their planning. An Operations phase begins during which players alternate executing Orders placed on the map.
There are two types of Orders. Regular Orders and Special Orders.
Regular Orders are used for basic actions such as unit movement, defense or support. Each faction has its own Regular Orders’ pool, which is determined by the game rules. For example, Western Allies faction starts with only 2 Move Orders, but as the war goes on, they will get more orders of that type. When a Regular Order is executed it returns to owner’s pool and can be used again in the following turn.
Special Orders give unique abilities, but need to be purchased for Production Points. They’re also one-time use only: when a Special Order is executed it is removed from game permanently.
Following Regular Orders are available:
Move – allows to move units to an adjacent Area. If units enter Area occupied by enemy units a battle starts. One Move order can start only one battle. The turn resumes after the battle is resolved. Move order can also be used to transport units by Sea between friendly controlled areas with Ports.
Defense – gives strength bonus to units in the Area.
Support – units with Support order add their strength to battles in adjacent Areas. Land units can only support land battles, and naval units can only support naval battles.
Strategic Movement – can move units to any friendly controlled Area connected by land. Strategic moves are executed after all regular Moves. Strategic Move cannot be used to attack enemy units.
Build Fortification – builds or upgrades fortification in the Area. Fortifications give bonus to defense strength and can be used to absorb losses.
Feint Attack – allows to ‘burn’ opponent’s order in an adjacent Area. Move and Defense Orders cannot be burned.
Following Special Orders are available:
Maneuver – allows to move units to an adjacent Area. Armored units can move up to 2 Areas. Maneuver cannot be used to attack enemy units and to transport units by sea.
Amphibious Landing – allows to move units from Area with a Port to an enemy-controlled coastal Area.
Shore Bombardment – can be given to naval units only, allows supporting land battles in adjacent coastal Area by the naval units.