Matrix Games Forums

Regardless of any short-comings that the game engines may have for modeling historical aspects the way we want to, all of the Principles of War described by Carl von Clausewitz or Sun Tzu apply to playing the game. I use the following guiding principles (US Military):

• Objective - I plan my operations so they have a clearly defined objectives that are decisive. Over the entire map, you should look for two or three principle axes of advance agaistthe opponent, then put the resources into those.
• Offensive - Maintain the operational tempo to keep the initiative. Force the opponent to fight your battle.
• Mass - Don't spread out your prinicple combat power. Rather concentrate it into the key, must win battles.
• Economy of Force - Employ forces judiciously. Allocate only the minimum necessary forces to secondary efforts. Use delay or limited operations to disrupt the opponent's efforts. Keep the majority of your forces for the main effort.
• Manuever - Use mobility to force the opponent into positions that can not be sustained, then attack. Fight only when you can win. Use manuever to place the enemy into positions of disadvantage.
• Unity of command - WITP doesn't properly penalize for violating this. Regardless, the application of this principle is to keep forces that are committed to a principle effort, committed. Don't constantly move things between efforts when it disrupts the efforts.
• Security - Don't post your plans on the forums and expect that your PBEM opponent isn't reading it. Move your large forces around in such a way as to avoid detection prior to full commitment. Be careful in using deception. Most people aren't as good at lieing as they think they are. I am not sure how the AI works in playing against the computer, but I awlays operate in a way that assumes it will react to my movement of forces. Therefore, I try to keep my big movements out of detection range as long as possible.
• Surpirse - Hit where your opponent does not expect you to.
• Simplicity - Be methodical in your planning. Follow clear objectives. Don't rely on synchronization of vast efforts with multiple complex objectives.

The above is good advice, the only thing I would add (especially as the Japanese) is to strike when the opportunity presents itself. In this game, that means do as much as possible as soon as possible without overexposing yourself. There are many locations that Japan can capture early on that it will never be able to capture again, so plan wisely.

As the Allies, with the firepower they possess, it is prudent to wait to attack until the opportunity and firepower is there.

One more piece of advice:

DO NOT OVER-EXTEND YOUR SUPPLY LINES.

This sounds like a no brainer, but it is very easy to do, especially as Japan. Logistics are what wins the war, to the point that a comment about 'the war was won by very unmilitary looking cargo ships'. Never overestimate your ability to supply troops in the field, and never under-estimate your opponants ability to to choke your supply lines to a trickle.

Take this into context when making your strategic level plans. The rising sun flying proudly over the Australian Parliment building is a beautiful dream...but it is just that, a dream...that turns into a nightmare when you try to keep the army marching on Sydney supplied.

From the very early stages it is important to know which bases will serve as your forward supply depots and begin sending supply convoys from day 1, or as soon as it is conquered.

I would add another : Caution - if an opportunity looks too good to be real, it's a trap (ask Admiral Akbar[;)]).  Don't be overconfident, and especially don't forget that your opponent (even the AI) has plans of his own.

If I might suggest.....Scout, patrol and perform reconnaissance. And again. And again. Know where your scouts are , where they overlap , and where the gaps are. Watch those storms. I have one regular opponent whose KB has a habit of going stealth, and eluding my scouts by hiding in them. [:(]

'Security - Don't post your plans on the forums and expect that your PBEM opponent isn't reading it.'

I have faith that we are a trust worthy gang and 99% of the time as long as you make your oppenent aware that it's not to be read then it won't be read. I know I wouldn't even though it might have me pulling my hair out.

ORIGINAL: heenanc

'Security - Don't post your plans on the forums and expect that your PBEM opponent isn't reading it.'

I have faith that we are a trust worthy gang and 99% of the time as long as you make your oppenent aware that it's not to be read then it won't be read. I know I wouldn't even though it might have me pulling my hair out.

It was my wry sense of humor, when I said that one... or was it my rye sense of humor? Well if not wry or rye, then perhaps a case of barley or two.

ORIGINAL: Shark7


Take this into context when making your strategic level plans. The rising sun flying proudly over the Australian Parliment building is a beautiful dream...but it is just that, a dream...that turns into a nightmare when you try to keep the army marching on Sydney supplied.

Have you checked Raver-Honda AAR? [:D]

ORIGINAL: Xxzard

The above is good advice, the only thing I would add (especially as the Japanese) is to strike when the opportunity presents itself. In this game, that means do as much as possible as soon as possible without overexposing yourself. There are many locations that Japan can capture early on that it will never be able to capture again, so plan wisely.

As the Allies, with the firepower they possess, it is prudent to wait to attack until the opportunity and firepower is there.

I agree with all written above. Just one more thing. As a japan start training your asw groups early! And put as much planes on asw as possible [8|]( some people consider this to be gamey but... subject to house rules )

Edited because of too much stupidity of myself and nearly off topic.
Sorry for the inconvenient.

I'm feeling a bit queezy after that.

I will add some general principles:
Know yourself and your enemy!
What are your strenghts? How you can use them? How he can counteract them? How do you counter his counteractions?
What are your weak spots? How he can us it against you? How you can prevent it?
All other things beeing equal one need 3:1 supperiority to get "not to be defeated" assurance.
Has he regiment dug in on atol? Well you need at least fully prepared division plus support.
Plan foreward.
Form basic campaign plan. Make preparations (supply, fuel, recon). Pursue the plan and its aims.