Tank Tactics

Bacillus98 · 06-25-2009, 08:49 AM,

Hello! I am currently eating away at M'41 title, playing the small scenarios to get a feel of the system after a recent hiatus. I had some questions regarding tanks.

1.) Do you guys normally use them to go behind enemy lines and avoid enemy units all together? They don't seem to be too effective against inf., as their direct fire doesn't do too much damage, and assaulting w/o inf. support isn't wise either. I always thought armor should slice through infantry w/o atg's in open terrain, which does not seem to happen for me.

2.) Do you stack tanks together in mega stacks or do you have multiple tank counters strike deep behind the lines?

I would like to get better at tank usage, since I would like to play some more tank favorable scenarios. Any ideas or especially screenshots would be welcome!

Dog Soldier · 06-25-2009, 09:35 AM,

It really depends on the game title and nationality.
Are you currently trying to get to an objective hex to win or just do a round up for prisoner VP?

Axis tanks in M41 were inferior tank for tank than the T-34 and KV1. They could take on the more numerous but less armored T26, T70 and various BT type Russian tanks. So it depends on the situation. If you have some nice Pz38 all alone, unsupported rampaging in the Soviet rear, expect to run into some T-34s or an nasty concealed 76mm AA battery to take the wind out of your sails by good or lucky Soviet play.

The Soviet infantry in M41 is not helpless because the infantry Bn have some inherent 45mm guns that were part of the units of the time. I think this accounts for the HA values of the Russian infantry. This was in addition to the divisional and higher level AT Bn that are represented by gun only units.

Being in stacks could make your armor surrounded if the units protecting those stacks flanks are not up to the task. With secure flanks massed panzers is something to fear. Being spread out can lead to nasty counter attacks by swarms of Russain units in some cases. That depends on if there are fresh Soviet forces in the area and close enough when you end your move. In any case, if one is playing the Russians, hit with a big meaty fist, do not feel with the fingers for local counter attacks on exposed Axis units. in S41 and M41 it is rare to destroy an axis unit outright. A good counter attack can disrupt and fatigue some Axis units so the offensive is stalled and time runs out for the Axis to win the game.

So it really depends on what you know, or do not know about the enemy in the area, the current tactical situation and temperament of the player you are playing against. Some play defense quite passively, others are very aggressive defenders.

Dog Soldier

Dog Soldier · 06-25-2009, 09:43 AM,

Bacillus98,

The quickest way to learn is to do. Join the HPS OPS ladder and play one of the scenarios you have been interested in in a PBEM game. Make it a small one at first so you can "get out of boot camp."

Since digital soldier do not leave digital widows and orphans do not be afraid to try different tactics in PBEM. Sometimes, things you think will not work will surprise the heck out of the other player. In any case, a lesson learned on the battle field is well learned indeed.

Dog Soldier