Battle Tactics 101

["Steve Tyng" <stevet-at-stcharlesmd.com>]

I'd thought I'd throw out a few thoughts on battle tactics.  If you've read the 
battle reports you know that I like to stay in motion and close with the enemy.  For 
me this makes for a more exciting game which may or may not lead to more hits on the 
T34.  But I usually have a good number of points at the end to make up for it.  
Here's some observations I've made concerning tactics,

  - The more vehicles on your side the better.  Self evident!

  - In a 1 on 1 tank versus tank destroyer duel.  The tank can usually win if it 
closes with the TD and veers to one side while rotating your turret for a side shot. 
 A fast rotate and trigger helps here.

  - Send the fastest tank in to breakup the enemy lines and the slower ones to 
support.

  - When running away do it in reverse to keep your front armor to the opponent.  If 
you can't do this at least swing your turret towards the opponent.

  - If facing one tank and another shows up to try and flank you, either reverse 
away or blow by the facing tank the side opposite from the flanking tank and go for 
a couple side or rear shots.

  - When battling two tanks, try to stay in line with them to deny the second tank a 
firing solution.

  - Use cover to your advantage.  If an opponent is hiding behind a bush, circle 
around out of range until the bush is between you and him then close and engage.

  - If your in a forward base with an enemy waiting for you to come out, back away 
from the base from the side opposite the enemy.

  - Teamwork, figure out which tank on your team has the widest and best protected 
front and send them to face somebody down.  While he's doing this flank the opponent.

  - Keep an eye on the other side for malfunctions.  If an opponent loses turret 
rotate in one direction guess which side you should attack on.

  - Do not get fixated on the guy your attacking.  Always keep an eye out for 
flankers or long range shots coming in from a sniper.

  - If you and a teammate are attacking someone and you run out of ammo.  You are 
not necessarily no longer an asset.  You can still use your tank to limit the 
maneuver of the opponent making it easer for your teammate to take him out.

  - Snipers are snipers for a reason.  They don't like to mix it up.  If you can, 
close quick with a sniper.  He'll get flustered and since you've been practicing 
your close-in fighting skills, can take him a majority of the time.

  - Don't waste ammo shooting while your chasing someone unless your relatively 
close (15ft).  Shooting and hitting on the run is doable but difficult.  He's moving 
and your gun is bouncing all over the place.

  - Long range shooting or sniping.  I personally feel sniping a four point tank is 
a waste of time but its an excellent way to get a supply vehicle that is being 
convoyed across the field by a group of combatants.

  - A well stocked forward base is one of your best assets.  Remember to keep an eye 
on your truck driver and protect them when required.

  - Take a basic kit of tools, an extra CO2 bottle, plenty of ammo, gun lubricant, 
etc, to your home base for the battle.  Time spent fetching stuff from your car is 
battle time wasted.


Steve Tyng