Matrix Games Forums

I'm more a fan of armor, but need some tips on how to properly utilize it. Mainly, how do I go about using combined arms tactics with infantry? It seems that if I go slow enough for the infantry to keep up on foot I'm wasting my mobility, and if I load them on something, by the time they're deployed in a good position and have LOS on the enemy, the battle has already moved forward.

Then, how's a US player supposed to counter German armor in mid-44? I try spotting with my Greyhounds and Stuarts, and drawing fire from the panthers and tigers, then moving my Wolverines into position and hoping for a lucky hit. But I never seem to have enough Wolverines to go around, and I just now got access to hellcats and 76mm Shermans that I only have a handful of. The only way I can reliably kill them is to draw their attention elsewhere then have someone shoot for their rear turrets. I can never get in a good flanking position, because on their flanks are either more tanks or the map edge.

Jh316: There's an old song from the 40's that might help....."Smoke gets in your Eyes"....hint hint

Also I get side/flank shots by hiding and letting the hun come to me, he will, if he (AI) thinks your chicken.

I like to send my infantry to look see, then set up my armor.

And when all is said and done I usually get a Draw......hehehe

I've never had the AI come for me when I'm Advancing or Assauling, no matter how long I wait. They just sit there, dug-in.

Then, how's a US player supposed to counter German armour in mid-44?

With Air power, Artillery and then ATGs or TD's. Pretty sure US army doctrine wasn't geared toward armor vs armour conflict during the war. Try to supress the Germans first then go with the TD's. Try to get a local advantage in numbers in the area you wan't to hit. Be careful about attacking the German armour when their dug in without artillery or numerical advantage. Avoid prolonged shootouts one on one with the same unit because the enemy gains his target range. Try to move new unit in so enemy goes for the new target and then fire with the first again then flanking is more useful. Don't drive long distances and then engage in shootouts with stationary targets, you won't fire accurately but they will.
Of course all easier said than done and still expect losses.

ORIGINAL: Jh316

Then, how's a US player supposed to counter German armor in mid-44?

Play by Email against a human opponent and watch the replay every turn.
If you are not succeeding you may be choosing the wrong force mix.

In 1944-5 the allies relied heavily on air strike ability and artillery. With the 10% rule which favours the German player anyhow, the allied player is always at a disadvantage.

So play with few points (3-6000 and 30+ turns) limit the armour and do not limit artillery. Play with command control ON and rarity ON and you will see how the war was won.

Want to give it a try? Send me a PM

No thanks, I think I'd prefer learning how to manage to get better than a draw against the AI before playing a human opponent.

Hey JH,

The Major has given some good advice. Playing against a human is a great mental workout, and personally I found that it's actually harder to do well if you get used to playing the (dumb) AI, and then trying to adapt the same tactics to a real life (smart) opponent.

Just jump in, know that you'll probably get your backside handed to you for a while, and you'll improve exponentially IF you pay attention and learn from the people who are beating you.

There are some good guys out there who are willing to offer friendly advice while they're killing all of your units!

[:)]