The Marne: When to Attack

[MPHopcroft1]

I am in the early stages of a PBEM game of the Marne scenario (Allied side) and am in an awkward position. I am starting to make substantial contact with the enemy with my infantry, especially on the southeastern flank. The thing is that most of the main units in this scenario have defense strengths about six time the size of their attack strength.

This would seem to make attacking a losing proposition, and so far I've avoided it. Apparently units that are adjacent to each other are not required to fight immediately, so I've been able to make contact with the enemy and not fight. The question is whether I can force my opponent to attack, since he has the same problem. The victory conditions seem to require me to be somewhat of an aggressor, but the actual fighting looks like it would probably go against me if I launched a full offensive. At the same time my German opponent faces the same problem and could possibly take a similar wait-and-see approach.

So, here's my problem; should I go on the attack next turn or wait for my opponent to attempt to attack.

[Shazman]

Never played this but if you didn't read the briefing I would suggest you do so.

[1_Lzard]

Micheal,

Basically, your situation is one of defense, so the only attacking you should be doing is in the counter-atk (to regain hexes neccesary to your line).

What you need is to set-up a line, move your artty to cover the expected enemy approaches, and dig in all the time! The best place(s) for the line would be the leading edge of hills and woods.

While there isn't much of a briefing, there IS google, LOL, which I reccomend to you.

[ogar]

Absolutely agree with Lzard.

I had a tough time against Elmer with this on 3.2, I imagine a human opponent will be a little less straightforward.

What I can remember :

Use your artillery. It is WWI, altho 1914.

Use the terrain.

Watch your left. The game is usually won/lost on the Allied left.

The Brits eventually wear out -- do not waste them in attacks until and unless the goal will win the game/keep your opponent from winning.

Use your artillery. It is WWI, altho 1914.

Good news : There is no air power to worry about -- at least the early turn end will not be because Fighter Wing X97 got the sniffles and went into reorg.

[Oberst_Klink]

Again, I have to post my favourite clip 'We'll have to hack our way through', it explaines how it 'worked' at the Marne.