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Is there a way to understand how cvs are calculated? The little preview on the pop up is one of the most useful numbers in the game, still not understanding where the numbers come from could be frustrating...

Manual page 71

7.1. Combat Value (CV)
All ground units have a combat value (CV) that is used to
determine the results of a battle. The unit CV is equal to
the sum of the individual CV’s for each ground element
in the combat or support unit. The CV is representative
of the ability to take or hold territory, often referred
to as “boots on the ground.” Thus the CV ratings of
ground elements are weighted toward infantry and
AFV ground elements, while artillery and other guns,
though they have good firepower, tend to have low CV’s
(26.1.4). Unlike fixed combat factors that are found in
other games, the CV in Gary Grigsby’s War in the West
is a calculated value that can only provide players an
idea of the combat ability of the unit. Displayed Unit
CV’s are determined by a complex formula that takes
into account the different ground elements making
up the unit as well as unit morale, experience, fatigue,
leadership and supply. CV values displayed for units
are non-random approximations of what in combat is a
series of die rolls and thus somewhat random values, so
no single CV can be more than a guide to how the unit
will perform in any particular combat. When Fog of War
(FOW) is enabled the accuracy of the CV will be further
degraded as the detection level (DL) decreases (13).

Yes, that's exactly the point. Too vague. If you peek at the preview numbers on the pop up you just see a number. I was asking if there is a way of seeing how much of that number is ground element, how much unit, how much fort and so on... sadly it seems there is not such a way.

You get a feel for it if you play the game for a while. I tend to ignore the CV since combat greatly changes the number anyways....and take more 'real military' into account. If I have 3 divisions attacking a single one out in the open...I will probably win...a dug in regiment in a mountain hex will probably lose as well to my 3 divisions.

If I have air power, artillery etc.....his CV will drop enormously. I cant calculate it, but then no real commander would anyways. I just make sure that I shock and awe any hex I really want to take, and have reserves available to exploit my success.

Hi - agree with LiquidSky (not saying that already got to the point of having a good feel for it [:D] )

I think this article from Bruce Geryk (written about WitE) does a good job of explaining the mindset that is helpful with these games http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/0 ... he-detail/

Of course, there are people who look at (and understand) all the details in WitE and WitW but then --at least for me-- it becomes an almost mathematical and mechanical exercise that's not realistic either. When real commanders made their decisions, no one on their staff was able to give them the perfect insight into the expected performance of their (or the enemies') troops either.

Yes, the Bruce Geryk articles are really nice, I've read them all.
Anyway you guys are right, perfect information is not something desirable in a game like WITW. I guess I'd like to learn how to handle this size of operation (I'm more a tactical kind of player).