Things to try

[martin goddard]

The most successful force in PBI should be 5 units, average, some tanks and foot with AT. This is because we want forces to be "typical".

However there are some things that are unusual but should work OK if the circumstances are favourable?

1. No tanks, but a unit of 3 big AT guns (17pdr, 88mm).
Might use surprise to move them about. Does  need opponent to love having tanks. Helps victory points.

2. Scenery choice of hills only.
Might give more open fields of fire with roads as there are fewer buildings.Good for mortar units.

3.AC unit of 4 vehicles (MG armed)
Helps piggy chase. Looks nice. The MGs can be very effective at stopping opponent foot units. Vulnerable to AT and taks.

4.Veterans with only two foot platoons but two support units.
Support units might assist in assaults by pinning down targets.Support unist would need the full 7 bases.

5.AA unit.i.e no tanks/AC or towed guns.
Gets some interesting models onto the table. Good at stopping infantry at range.

6. Lots and lots of smoke.
Changes the game into close range fighting. This helps raw assaulters and allows more manoeuvre options without getting shot to bits. might be windy and the smoke all blows away.

7.Setting up the scenery to trap attackers into empty objectives and then counter attack.
Needs plenty of building/ tree cover behind the objectives. Fire can be concentrated on the single objective square.

Other thoughts?


martin

[Smiley Miley 66]

The last 2 points could be tested on the Monte Cassino table ? Even the first point too ? With Pak 38s - Pak 40s
The leading 4 x 2 ft will be packed with built up terrain.
Miles

[Colonel Kilgore]

I don't get #7. Why would you give up a building for free, knowing that the Assaulter has to win (not draw)?

I'd rather have open ground in front of the objective and shoot up the Attacker there.

Simon

[martin goddard]

The idea is that the attacker can move into the objective unopposed which may well crowd his bases.
The defender would need to ensure he has woods or buildings in contact with the objective (or even a dug in).Those defenders will be taking cover too.

The defender might leave a single base in the objective as a temptation?

This gets worse for the attacker if it is the road entrance objective.
This square can then be shot at by MGs using the 4D6 per shot and they will only save on 3,4,5,6. Then do a  short assault which should damage them a lot???

Of course I need to keep this idea secret so that attackers do not suspect.

martin

[martin goddard]

The AC thought might encourage those nice looking German 8 wheeled ACs?

Maybe 2 x Puma with guns (or the pAK 40 version) plus an MG version. Light armour but they look so good.

martin

1= 20mm autocannon turret (MMG in PBI)
2= Puma 50mm turret
3=short barrelled 75mm  or 20mm autocannon
4= open top pak 40 75mm

[Colonel Kilgore]

I'm not sure I'm convinced by your "open door objective" idea, Martin. I assume this is all part of a masterful disinformation campaign. 

Simon

[Colonel Kilgore]

I do like the idea of more armoured cars being used. Like towed guns, they feel much more useful in this latest version of PBI.

Simon

[John Watson]

No 4 I have used quite a bit in the past, but you do have to prevent your vets from getting killed needlessly.
No 1 is a possibility now that the gun effect limit has been raised. I think it used to be 3 guns or 22 points of gun effect which meant the best you could use was a 7 effect gun such as a 6 pdr. With the 28 point limit you can increase this to a 9 point gun, so the bigger AT guns come into use.
John

[Nigel_s]

Regards "open door" objective in my games it is not uncommon to leave one objective unmanned. Usually the partial road one. As Martin says try to set up good lines of fire onto that square and ensure you have a covered approach. Plan for your reinforcement platoon to challenge for it. Remember that you only need to be in the objective on the last turn to secure the VPs.