Request for an Important Thread: "Rules of Engagement for PBEM Games"

[RADO]

Wow! And to think all this came up now because of little 'ol me!



Here are the ROE's some of us play by (simply copied from an email from RD_DeathDealer):

1) Halftracks - Most halftracks on the battlefield lack weapon systems to defend themselves alone, so if they are not loaded with infantry, they can really only be used to transport units or perform in a defensive manner. They can not be used to 'scout' ahead of your tanks to draw OP fire from enemy tanks...which would allow you to use your tanks to counterattack the enemy tanks safely after the enemy armor has exhausted their action points (in late war West front scenes where the Germans have very few panzers and the Allies have many halftracks and tanks this can really nullify the effective us of German armor for the Axis player). As a caveat, halftracks armed with weapon systems (the special ones with HMGs on up to 88mm guns) are allowed to scout, assault or draw OP fire on their own. Unarmed or unloaded halftracks are only allowed to participate in assaults if they are loaded with infantry or infantry armored vehicles with weapon systems also concurrently assault the same hex. The Japanese would have a complete exception to this rule due to their suicidal nature in combat.

2) Trucks/prime movers cannot be used: to block off assaults (assisting in encirclement); 'scout' ahead purposefully to determine if enemies are in a hex (the game will not show the enemy unit, but will say that the hex is occupied by an enemy unit and the truck cannot proceed); 'scout' by placing them in locations with good LOS on the battlefield (enemy units will appear as question marks in LOS); or used purposefully as roadblocks.

3) Leaders cannot block off assault hexes unless they participate in the assault.

4) HQ units cannot block off assaults or move towards the enemy to> attack (if they are in supply). They can only be used in a defensive manner or fire on units in defense.

5) All units must stay on the battlefield unless they can be exited by scenario design to create points. It is up to the player to use them wisely and protect them while keeping them on the field of play.

Of course, not everyone will agree with this. We have been having an ongoing string of emails on this subject for a few days with some really good points & counter points.

It's always great to see how others react to what one feels is a proper method of play. Some of us here at The Blitz are simply gamers and others take the game as a bit more of a historical simulation.

Either is fine but it has become apparent to me over the few 200+ games I have played that ROE's are worthwhile having & discussing with one's opponents.

My 2 cents worth.