Matrix Games Forums

If new players were to start a PBEM game, what advice can the more experienced players provide based on their games so far? I understand that much is a question of taste but maybe some rules have cristallized out.

1) I assume all play "balanced" game difficulty?
2) There were some past suggestions re PP transfer limitations or even to start some countries (USA) at negative starting PP? Is that recommended? Do any current PBEM use this?
3) Any house rules that work well in addition to what the game allows you to do?

4) I have never played any PBEMs, not just RTV. Is there a certain etiquette to obey? (well, other than not to insult your opponent or just walking away from the game without notice). What I mean is: How do you handle if you mis-click when playing a PBEM turn? Happens to me all the time playing the AI. (after air attack you try to setup a multi-unit attack and then accidenticly the first unit attacks alone since the target is already pre-selected from previous air attack). Can you redo the move or is this considered inappropriate? Is it even technically possible?

Thanks for your insight.

The only house rules Chuck I have used are limits on PP transfers by/to neutrals and minors. See several posts on that.

If I had my druthers, we'd use a rule saying no 'salvage' and no strategic move for units that are completely surrounded.

I think the 'repo.dat' file is pretty good at making sure that no one can redo a move or turn. It certainly stops us (read me) when one of us has gotten confused over who's turn it is.

The pocketed unit "problem" must be remembered constantly.  The Allies are in full supply after the Axis pockets them, and this applies to the Soviets also.  The Axis are out of supply.  The Strategic Move out of a pocket only applies to the Allies and Soviets as the Axis cannot do it anyway.
 
I am not as bothered by the disbanding as Gary, as I know troops can escape pockets.  The costs for disbanding units are very high, and I believe appropriate.
 
There are a million ways to cheat in this and most other email PBEM type games.  The developer knows this and most PBEM-ers know it too.  One has to simply not do it because it is wrong, and destroys the fun in the game.  These games are not about winning, but about playing.
 
The problem with "do-overs" for mistakes like that false "I want to attack" click, (which I despise, and have learned to avoid as I would a plague carrier) is that the "die rolls" are never the same the "second" time.  PBEM does have differences from the games against the AI, and it requires a special care and discipline.  I wish the developer would allow more "undo move" options.  Why can't you undo a air unit move to the wrong area?  Full undo on sea moves would be great too.  And, for Petes sake, let us unload the poor sea sick troops off an attack transport without making an invasion with them!
 
If you play with a good player you will love PBEM.  Playing Gary has been a wonder, a great joy.
 
Chuck

Thanks to both of you for the good insight.

I guess it is OK not to undo moves if one knows it upfront and hence can be more careful. After all it applies to both sides. Just wanted to know how it works.

I hope the strategic move out of pocket is addressed in the next patch.

Good point re amphibious transport. I never tried to unload an amphibious transport again at home. But I think it is possible to unload or land them on controlled land. (e.g. I unloaded follow up amphibious units on land area already controlled but before the country was fully conquered) SNot sure if you can do it in your own home land.