Tips for a new wargamer?

[Abrslam]

I am an inexperienced wargamer who recently picked up Middle East. I have done the training scenarios and played around in a few missions. I am able to ~do~ all the things (move, attack, assault, choppers and artillery etc) but I don't seem to be able to do them very effectively. I was hoping for some tips from the more experienced players.

For example the last scenario I played (Attack the bloc) as the Jordanians and it seemed like I spent a tremendous number of turns shooting at Israelis inside of villages but after 7 or 8 turns I have not so much as disrupted a single unit. Are there certain terrains I should or should not be attacking from? Does attacking from more than one side increase effectiveness? When should I assault? Should I assault from more than one side? Should I assault after firing from other units?

Any and all tips would be appreciated!

[Jason Petho]

First Attack on the Bloc is a difficult scenario, especially if you decide to attempt a frontal assault. That particular scenario has a bunch of militia units, which are pretty useless against defended positions.

I might recommend not attempting an assault on bunkers and village and send your troops around the flanks and see what's hiding in the rear areas.

As for your questions:

Are there certain terrains I should or should not be attacking from?

Depending on the type of units you have and their capabilities, attacking strongpoints is best left to specialized troops (engineers, etc). If you don't appear to have any, then there must be another way to win the scenario... I'm an evil designer like that.

Does attacking from more than one side increase effectiveness?

If you are attacking armoured units with the armoured facing optional rule on, then yes.

Additionally, assaulting from multiple directions has an influence.

When should I assault?

Assaulting works best after you've "softened up" your target hex, reducing the morale of the defenders.

Should I assault from more than one side?

Generally, yes, if it is possible.

Should I assault after firing from other units?

Assuming your other units are causing some losses or disruptions, then yes, absolutely.

Jason Petho

[Abrslam]

Well I must say I wasn't expecting a reply from one of the designers! Thanks for the tips, I'm sure they'll be of some use. I must say it sure would be nice to win a scenario for a change!

[Jason Petho]

You can do it! Just keep practicing... Patience and dedication!

Don't forget to watch the video tutorials!

Jason Petho

[Abrslam]

Will do!

[Jason Petho]

And any other questions, don't hesitate to ask, of course!

Jason Petho

[BeirutDude]

What I like about tactical games is they tend to reward using actual military tactics like a bounding-overwatch, overwatch and armored formations a bit more than operational and strategic games. Many higher level games simply do not reward a player for doing stupid things like, well, maintaining a reserve. instead its an exercise i getting every available strength point into the battle. Same was true of many older board games. [:D]

[Crossroads]

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[Crossroads]

ORIGINAL: Crossroads

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