Hello and a couple of questions

[manwar]

Hello all,

I'm new to Civil War Warfare and these forums. I must claim ignorance on the tactics of this form of warfare but am quite interested. I currently have campaign Gettysburg and am having a blast so far. A couple of questions for the grognards as the level of tactical and strategic understanding on this board seems like to chess. That's what I'm looking for. My questions, so far that is, are these:

1. In the first scenerio (as union) I've crossed the river south of the station and have ran across a couple of ammo dumps, unguarded as it was. Question is what are my options, destroy them, by shooting or melee? Or can I use them somehow?

2. Secondly, a bit more subject, the use of cav. Should I use them as purely mobile recon, not dismounting to trade some shots? Or should I try to move to a flank then move in and mix it up a bit? I realize that this maybe up for debate, (or possibly not) but like I said I'm new to these tactics and would love the debate.

3. Lastly as far as MP is concered is it worth it to jump in to a PBEM game and suffer the buttwhippin' or should I go at it a little whileagainst the AI? My pride is not the issue I just don't want to be a waste of time to a good player.

Thanks guys, I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Mac

[Lord_Valentai]

Hello all,

I'm new to Civil War Warfare and these forums. I must claim ignorance on the tactics of this form of warfare but am quite interested. I currently have campaign Gettysburg and am having a blast so far. A couple of questions for the grognards as the level of tactical and strategic understanding on this board seems like to chess. That's what I'm looking for. My questions, so far that is, are these:

1. In the first scenerio (as union) I've crossed the river south of the station and have ran across a couple of ammo dumps, unguarded as it was. Question is what are my options, destroy them, by shooting or melee? Or can I use them somehow?


The manual doesn't cover it, and it wasn't until I talked to one of the designers I realised. I had THOUGHT they were there to top up supply trains, but apparently not. They just stop your troops being isolated if they can't trace a non-ZOC line to the map edge, but can to the supply dumps instead. Well, that's what they do in Campaign Peninsula anyway!


2. Secondly, a bit more subject, the use of cav. Should I use them as purely mobile recon, not dismounting to trade some shots? Or should I try to move to a flank then move in and mix it up a bit? I realize that this maybe up for debate, (or possibly not) but like I said I'm new to these tactics and would love the debate.


Up to you, remember, cavalry fires at 3/4 their strength, so they can't beat infantry head on. Cavalry is good for scouting, yes, also perfect for getting behind the enemy, grabbing supply trains and dividing their forces (this works well against the AI).
Avoid cavalry charges against foot or horse as they are almost always doomed to failure simply because the enemy will shoot your riders down.
In general, I avoid melee of all kinds if possible, I only melee artillery I have attacked frontally, the rest I just shoot and let that do my job for me. (NOTE: This works better in the old BG games than in the HPS games!).
So cavalry...use it for scouting and ambushing, but avoid fighting infantry or artillery.


3. Lastly as far as MP is concered is it worth it to jump in to a PBEM game and suffer the buttwhippin' or should I go at it a little whileagainst the AI? My pride is not the issue I just don't want to be a waste of time to a good player.

Thanks guys, I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Mac


My advice, play the AI until you know the system down pat. Like, really know it, know what works and what doesn't, and know the army you will lead - the best brigades, the weak leaders. Then, and only then lay down the challenge. Against an experienced player, you might lose, but learn, and you will get better!

Hope that helps. :)

[Gary McClellan]

Actually, I'd suggest not playing the AI more than just enough to learn the basic movements and the like. Simply stated, the AI is pretty bad, and most of the "lessons" you'll learn against the AI, you'll have to "unlearn" in a hurry against a completent foe.

It's not pleasant or fun to dive in feet first, but it's a far better way to learn.

[Dale H]

Play against the AI all you want until you feel comfortable then cross over to PBEM. The AI isn't that bad & it is very good to play against when you are just starting out; I wouldn't underestimate it. However nothing beats play against another sentient being.

I am sure you could find someone here who would be happy to introduce you to PBEM & I know I would be happy to also. You can also think about joining the ACWGC here

http://www.wargame.ch/wc/acw/

& after you join they will invite you to play against an instructor at West Point or VMI to introduce you to PBEM play in their club.

Contact me by email if you want. You won't be wasting my time 'cuz I ain't that good:laugh:.

Dale

Hello all,


3. Lastly as far as MP is concered is it worth it to jump in to a PBEM game and suffer the buttwhippin' or should I go at it a little whileagainst the AI? My pride is not the issue I just don't want to be a waste of time to a good player.

Thanks guys, I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

Mac

[rahamy]

Mac,

I'm with Gary on this one...learn the basics of the system against the AI then get a PBEM game or two going. You can learn a lot from another person - who is willing tot alk with you during a game. And many of us are. :cool:

The ACWGC is ok...and there's nothing saying you can't be a member in both places (I am, as are many here), but they also place requirements upon you to must, keep a game going at all times, etc. Used to be my thing, but really isn't any more...I just like to game when I have time, and not when I don't. But no matter what, don't consider the two sites mutually exclusive please.

As for cav, it depends on the situation...if you have a place you really need/want to hold, then cav might need to hold it for a while...but try not to keep them in the line, as your army will be blind without them.

[KG_RangerBooBoo]

One thing to consider with cavalry in a firefight is how much their casualty points cost versus what infantry losses count for. Cavalry losses will cost you a lot more so usually it is better to keep them mounted and on the flanks and save the combat for when you are up against other horse. The exception is when you need to hold or delay the enemy for some pretty important reason and it is all you have to work with, such as early on Day 1 of the historical battle.

I'd advise using the AI to learn the basics and experiment with some tactics but then find you a PBEM game, preferably against someone experienced and who will be willing to give you advice as you go along. You'll learn a lot faster and a lot better.