Squalie's Stuff

[Lance]

Was wondering about that.  I have the Market Garden book and Overlord book that I read in bed every night. Bought a bunch of the older books off of Dean Dodge. 

  I have a few lists made in EasyArmy and they're all 1650 points is that right?  I've made an 11th Armoured Recce squadron (Market Garden), Desert Rats 7th (Overlord), and an 11th Armoured from the Taurus Pursuant PDF.

  The theme is always the same:

2 Cromwell HQ, Crom ARV (possibly 2 Crom CS)
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
Motor Platoon, 4 M5's and dudes
4 M10's

This is known as a "Direct Fire List" - it does very well versus other tank lists. However, as you are playing LW. In LW the Germans just really struggle to compete with a LW Tank list -  there are a couple from Desperate Measures and Herman Goring that are in my opinion competitive but for the most part - you are facing German infantry supported by tanks. In which case a tank is a tank is a tank - not making much sense am I? Of course it is a tank. Exactly - infantry don't care if it is a Cromwell or a Sherman or even a Lee or a Grant - they have a big gun or two and two MGs. And, honestly infantry prefer you to have your Fireflies or Challengers - why? No HE & 1 less MG = less defensive fire.

[Lance]

  I have a few lists made in EasyArmy and they're all 1650 points is that right?  I've made an 11th Armoured Recce squadron (Market Garden), Desert Rats 7th (Overlord), and an 11th Armoured from the Taurus Pursuant PDF.

Sorry - yes - so far this year that is correct!

[Lance]

2 Cromwell HQ, Crom ARV (possibly 2 Crom CS)
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
Motor Platoon, 4 M5's and dudes
4 M10's

Now let's get back to infantry and your list.
You have no Recce.
So? Well, some people (alot) play without Recce. So no big deal - well in a direct fire list it actually is a big deal - more so than other lists that have indirect fire. Direct fire usually means more points which equals less shots (alough most British lists have 6lbsders in them - if they can get 'em) and without Recce to reveal GTG (gone to ground units) you will struggle to hit with your direct fire. Here let me show you some math (sorry - only way):
+Infantry (let's say Veterans) 4
+concealed in their fox holes 1
+GTG (they didn't move or shoot) 1
+long range 1
= 7s on a 6 sided dice
Which means your direct fire list has to get to short range. With a British list that means you just lost your Semi indirect fire.

[Lance]

2 Cromwell HQ, Crom ARV (possibly 2 Crom CS)
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
Motor Platoon, 4 M5's and dudes
4 M10's

Is it reeaaaally that important to have platoons of 4 tanks over 3?

Let's talk a little bit about math again as it really come into "play" in this game. With this list you have four platoons total. Which means on the half on half off missions - of which there are quite a few - you will only have two platoons on (with your HQ warrior teams). Now, this is usually how it goes with Tank lists - you have few platoons because of the point cost = the way it is. However, with Recce instead of your M10s you should have enough points for a 6th platoon. However, before you scrap this list - try the darn thing out! Facing a tank list you will think this is a fantastic list - because to be honest it is a pretty darn good list. It will move quickly and have a pretty darn good amount of shots heading towards your opponent.
Now, back to math - three tanks over four. Is it important? Well, yes & 'know' -> morale checks are made when you lose over half of your platoon. When you lose two tanks in your three tank troop you have to make a morale check. When you lose two tanks in a four tank troop you are not over half. Simple enough?

[Lance]

I only have nothing for AA.  Is AA that important?  I suppose only when you need it!

Well - it can be - the Germans have a few lists with Jets in them that cannot be intercepted by Allied planes and those that use Air either use Rudel or Jets. Now, is it important to shoot planes down - if you can great! If not  hunker down and hope your opponent flubs one of his many roles getting the pesky planes to hit.
1. Must rolls planes in = needing 5 or 6's
2. Must make sure not to have own units within 12-16"'s(there are a couple of list that allow them to come closer)
3. If your units are 2" from a tree or a building they have to range in
4. Now they have to face any AA guns
5. Now they can finally roll to hit
So, with all that - who uses AA? Well to be honest lots of people who have tank lists.
Why?
They need more direct fire shots to dig out enemy infanty or at least to pin them down before assaulting them.

[Lance]

I don't understand the game well enough to realise the value difference between the Desert Rats Reluctant/Veteran and the other lists Confident/Trained.

R - Reluctant = worst motivation rating = needing 5's to stay in the fight
C - Confident = good motivation= needing 4's (50% to stick around)
F - Fearless = best motivation = needing 3's
but what does that mean? It means if you assualt with your Desert Rats they probably won't counter attack a second time and will have to break off. Meaning you have to shoot more enemies dead before going in (which means a round or two more longer)
C - Conscript = worst level of skill (needing 5's for skill checks or 2's to be hit)
T - Trained = decent level of skill (needing 4's for skill checks or 3's to be hit)
V - Veteran = best level of skill (needing 3's on skill checks or 4's to be hit)
This means your Desert Rats while they may not stick around in an assault will hit more times. They will also be harder to hit than their trained "equals".
For the record - I play veterans & either CV or RV

[Lance]

 
  More newbie questions to follow...

Please!

[Lance]

Any questions or is it game time?

[Lance]

2 Cromwell HQ, Crom ARV (possibly 2 Crom CS)
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
3 Crom, 1 Challenger
Motor Platoon, 4 M5's and dudes
4 M10's

Have you seen the Comets yet?

[squalie]

Just pictures.  As soon as Tramps has the book and Tanks - I will have the book and Tanks.