Determing Purchase Points for Map Size

[gRaider2001]

Hello all, first I would like to say that I really enjoy this website. I have not played a pbem game yet, but hopefully I will have the chance to play one soon:-)

The question that I have is how do you go about determining the number of purchase points to use based on the size of the map? Or, what size map is best for the number of purchase points that you use? For example, I have determined I like use 100-150 units. What size map would be good for that number of units, and how do I determine that number of purchase points that will allow me to buy that amount of units?

I understand a lot has to do with the time period and country. For my example above lets say it is based off of the U.S. during the 1960s.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this question.

[roman]

Hello all, first I would like to say that I really enjoy this website. I have not played a pbem game yet, but hopefully I will have the chance to play one soon:-)

The question that I have is how do you go about determining the number of purchase points to use based on the size of the map? Or, what size map is best for the number of purchase points that you use? For example, I have determined I like use 100-150 units. What size map would be good for that number of units, and how do I determine that number of purchase points that will allow me to buy that amount of units?

I understand a lot has to do with the time period and country. For my example above lets say it is based off of the U.S. during the 1960s.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this question.

Ever asked that question. It is best to try. You can try with about 5000 points. And see if the number of troops is fine. Maybe in a medium map of 100x80, 100x100.
If you use air units should be a bit more.
I do not know a rule, just try.

[gRaider2001]

Hello all, first I would like to say that I really enjoy this website. I have not played a pbem game yet, but hopefully I will have the chance to play one soon:-)

The question that I have is how do you go about determining the number of purchase points to use based on the size of the map? Or, what size map is best for the number of purchase points that you use? For example, I have determined I like use 100-150 units. What size map would be good for that number of units, and how do I determine that number of purchase points that will allow me to buy that amount of units?

I understand a lot has to do with the time period and country. For my example above lets say it is based off of the U.S. during the 1960s.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this question.

Ever asked that question. It is best to try. You can try with about 5000 points. And see if the number of troops is fine. Maybe in a medium map of 100x80, 100x100.
If you use air units should be a bit more.
I do not know a rule, just try.

Thank you roman for taking the time and responding and for your suggestion. I have been messing around with it today and I realize for the 1960s era I like using around 5000 points. I like having my core made up of about 4 companies. You hit it right on the head:-)

I tested it on a 140x120 and I think that map is to big for only having a core of 4 companies. I will try the map size you suggested. Thank you again:-)

[low_bidder]

I don't consider the number of troops that big a deal. Range of weapons is more important. In the modern era, weapons have 120 hex range and the targeting systems to hit and kill at that range. Numbers really matter if the map is very rough so you don't get long LOS or the visibility is low enough to need NVG (night vidsion gear). The person setting the game up should take these factors into consideration. I play for fun, not the ladder so if it looks like there is a mismatch between the map and forces, I fix it. I'll either request a new random map (one button) or adjust the visibility. Then I tell my opponent what I did and why so if he has a problem with it, we can kick off again.

[Weasel]

The amount of points you need for a given size is going to vary depending on year of battle and forces involved, along with quality of troops, so you can't narrow it down to X points. I still find every now and then I have to redo the points or map because they don't fit the situation. Just have to experiment.

[Cross]

If you’re looking for historical norms, then you may want to ask these questions:

1. How many battalions do you intend to field?
2. What’s the ‘normal’ frontage for a battalion?
3. How much does a battalion cost?

1. How many battalions do you intend to field?

Map height
The number of battalions is the most important issue for choosing a map size, because we’re really talking about ‘frontage’, or how much frontline (map height) should each battalion have.

Keep in mind that if you purchase three battalions (Regiment /Brigade) then it would be normal practice to have two battalions up front and one in reserve, which may mean a 2 battalion frontage (map height) plus a little extra for gaps between battalions and the map edge. Maps go up to 200 hexes (10KM) height maximum.

Map width
For forces of regiment size, or larger, you may also want to go with a map wider than the standard 100 hexes. Map width goes up to 160 hexes (8KM) maximum.

2. What’s the ‘normal’ frontage for a battalion?

In WWII (sorry but I’m more familiar with WWII) an Infantry Battalion would be roughly expected to defend somewhere between 1,000m and 2,000m, under ‘normal’ circumstances. It may be far less in the jungle and far more in the desert, and the Russians may have attempted to cover twice that ground; but SOP for German, UK and US Battalions wouldn’t be far off the 1KM to 2KM frontage.

When attacking, a battalion would narrow their frontage down to about half that, or only 500 to 1,000m.
But if our concern is the average unit density on the front line, the defensive norm is probably far more representative in most cases. Commanders would usually have to shuffle forces around in order to build up the unit density for an attack on a narrow part of their front.

Also keep in mind for planning, that normal defensive battalion formation would be 2 infantry companies up front and 1 in reserve. If the battalion has 4 infantry companies, then you can put 3 up front and 1 in reserve, or form a box of 2 up front 2 in reserve. Your HQ/Support Company would normally be in the rear, near or with the reserve infantry company.

You also have to add ‘gaps’ between battalions and the map edge.

Therefore, historically, 2 or even 3 battalions may only require a map height of about 60 or 80 hexes (3 or 4KM).

For SP gaming purposes, I usually prefer less densely populated maps, which seems to offer better strategic options. I would probably go with a 140 hex (7000m) map height for 3 battalions; which means if I had all 3 battalions on the frontline (company reserves, but no battalion reserve) each would cover 2000m (plus small gaps between battalions and map edge).

But if you want a more historical static frontline battle, then 60 or 80 hex map height may be about right for 2 or 3 battalions.


3. How much does a battalion cost?

I’m going to use approximate WW2 figures, but this will give you an idea of the issues involved.

If I was going to create a Regiment/Brigade it would normally be 3 or 4 battalions. For a SP battle I would probably build 2 Infantry Battalions, and 1 ‘Heavy’ Battalion with armoured support.

Infantry Battalion
An Infantry Battalion might include:
3 Infantry Companies (900 points)
1 HQ / Support Coy (200 points) with:
-Mortar platoon
-Anti-tank platoon
-MG platoon
-Truck platoon

The above ‘typical’ infantry battalion would cost about 1,100 points.
With 1,100 points – depending on the quality of the infantry - you may not be able to purchase both a MG platoon and an ATk platoon; though the Soviets may be able to afford to purchase 4 infantry companies.

Motorised Infantry Battalion
If you want your second Infantry Battalion to be motorized or mechanized you’d want to add about 500 points for a total of 1,600:
1 Halftrack coy (200 points)
2 Lorry coys (300 points)

Heavy Battalion
A ‘Heavy’ Battalion with armoured (tank) and artillery support may cost around 3,400 points. This could include:
3 Infantry Companies (900 points)
1 Tank Company (approx. 12-15 tanks) (1500 points)
1 Artillery Battery (500 points)
1 Regiment/Brigade HQ/Support Company (500 points)

The HQ/Support coy may include:
FOO
Engineer Platoon
Scout Platoon
Anti-tank gun Platoon
Heavy Mortar Platoon
MG Platoon
AAA Platoon
Ordnance Section
Transport Platoon

Add another 500 points to make the Battalion motorized:
1 Halftrack coy
2 Lorry coys

Motorised ‘Heavy’ Battalion with artillery support could cost around 3,900 points.

Regiment/Brigade cost:

1,100 Infantry Battalion
1,100 Infantry Battalion
3,400 ‘Heavy’ Battalion

5,600 Total

6,600 Total if two of the Battalions are Motorised

---

[roman]

Cross. The last thing you say.

Regiment/Brigade cost:

1,100 Infantry Battalion
1,100 Infantry Battalion
3,400 ‘Heavy’ Battalion

5,600 Total

6,600 Total if two of the Battalions are Motorised

Is to map that size?

[Cross]

Cross. The last thing you say.

Regiment/Brigade cost:

1,100 Infantry Battalion
1,100 Infantry Battalion
3,400 ‘Heavy’ Battalion

5,600 Total

6,600 Total if two of the Battalions are Motorised

Is to map that size?

Sorry, I don't understand your question.

Cross

[roman]

Cross. The last thing you say.

Regiment/Brigade cost:

1,100 Infantry Battalion
1,100 Infantry Battalion
3,400 ‘Heavy’ Battalion

5,600 Total

6,600 Total if two of the Battalions are Motorised

Is to map that size?

Sorry, I don't understand your question.

Cross

For the formation you name above, what size map suggests.

[Cross]

For the formation you name above, what size map suggests.

For a 3 Battalion Regiment/Brigade with 1 battalion in reserve:
Historical norm: 60 - 80 map height

Personally, I'd want a low density front of about 120 - 140 map height

Here's a rough WWII historical guide that may help as a reference point:



The above assumes an average cost of 2000 purchase points per battalion.
The historical norm would depend on the nation, date, theater, type of battalions and support etc.


Cross