Skimming the Red Line.

[Ace Rimmer]

Just a quick tip on bombing targets. Hopefully we all know about the I Beam and waves and other such tactics, but sometimes we overlook the simpler moves. So, here's one that maybe you hadn't thought about.

When using bombers against close targets, I've noticed that some players launch bombers backwards or behind them in order to give the mode counter some time, but this is unnecessary in my opinion. What I like to do it to use the launch range of the bomber (the red circle) as a guide and then "skim" the target with the outer edge of the range and launch from there.

This works great on coastal radars especially as you can stay way out of range with your bomber and put it as less risk. Simple, but effective.

See here:







Ideally, you'd want the bombers to turn away from the enemy and return, but this was just to show the method. In short, it's intentionally hitting targets at a 90° angle with bombers on the outside edge of their range.

[torig]

Not only a pro tip and very well written up, but you have to love the attention to detail.
Target in Kremlin

[ynbniar]

I think I saw Weps do this a while back...

...his bombers flew along the USSR/Asia border (more or less) nuking Asian stuff on the way.

[Hyperion]

Excellent tip but it must be pointed out that if someone is stupid enough after playing a long time to put installations like airbases/silos inside enemy border radar range then they deserve to have them taken out

[Ace Rimmer]

Excellent tip but it must be pointed out that if someone is stupid enough after playing a long time to put installations like airbases/silos inside enemy border radar range then they deserve to have them taken out

That was the CPU. I took those screenshots at work, thus the CPU was the only opponent I could find.

[Pater]

Obvious stuff..

Am I just so smart I realize these things right away, or is everyone else here sub-par? =(

[MikeTheWookiee]

Obvious stuff..

Am I just so smart I realize these things right away, or is everyone else here sub-par? =(

Are there any good tactics you didn't start using within your first week of playing the game?

Just noticing a trend in your posts in the SAC, that's all

[shinygerbil]

I have to say, I've not given it much thought, but subconsciously that's often what I try to do.

[xander]

Obvious stuff..

Am I just so smart I realize these things right away, or is everyone else here sub-par? =(

If you know so much about Defcon tactics, why do you never post interesting topics in the SAC, helping newbs learn how to play the game?

xander

[hi there (name sux)]

Because Pater believes you can learn the game by yourself, and I agree with him. It's a simple game, really. You just have to play the cards. Like Weps once said, 6 player defcon is simply a game of tic tac toe. Now, I'm not shooting down the SAC section, because I like to read the topics, but I think that a complete new player (or n00b ) can learn the entire game on his own if he thinks it through and uses his brain.

[KingAl]

Like Weps once said, 6 player defcon is simply a game of tic tac toe.

You don't lose the least in Tic Tac Toe - you just draw

[Pater]

Not sharing my strategies and tactics is a part of them.

And what hi there said also partially stands. You help the newbs if you want.

..although lately I have posted more than I should, thats because I feel sad I dont have the time to actually play..

On the other hand I dont agree that 6 player is a simple game. 6 player is much more strategic, whereas 1v1 is more tactic.

[Ace Rimmer]

First, I agree that any player with any sense can learn the game on his own. That is, without direct instruction from others. Simply playing the CPU will get you nowhere in the world of multiplayer. So, you must face human opponents to improve you game and in doing so at least learn indirectly from others.

Now, I may not be as smart as Pater and I've never played against him but I find it smarter to help others learn faster than they normally would than sitting around waiting for them to catch up to me. It's better for myself (more competent opponents, more challenging and thus fun games), better for the community, and better for those willing to read and implement.

Second, I've seen it with many players, an absence from playing defcon typically leads to a significant drop in the level of play.

Third, I like to see my strategies from other points of view. For example, the Star of India setup. Hyperion has claimed he has 3 (I think?) different methods with which he believes he can effectively neutralize it. I myself was only able to think up and implement one tactic which worked. However, it worked against a Star of India setup that was not 100% up to (my) standard and I still only won by 2 measly points. It his (Hyperions) tactics are viable and work, then I'll have learned something that I otherwise wouldn't have.

[mrobertsonesq]

First, I agree that any player with any sense can learn the game on his own. That is, without direct instruction from others. Simply playing the CPU will get you nowhere in the world of multiplayer. So, you must face human opponents to improve you game and in doing so at least learn indirectly from others.

Agreed.

I'm picking up on this point because I played Defcon for about 4 months just against the CPU before advancing to players (we started a little tornament at work).

I think the massive jump from AI to person is one that any defconner needs to go through, but only once they have learnt the game itself and what each unit can do.

Rather like any multiplayer game, the CPU doesn't get mad, feel tired, feel daring, need to have a comfort break or anything else - it plays things by the numbers. Thus, playing, say Ace for example will differ greatly from the CPU.

Therefore, taking my point full circle, I think all players should "learn the game" either with forum help or just AGAINST THE CPU and then advance online for real life warfare. Only when you know what each unit can do can you start to appreciate what is normal (i.e. mixed fleets and no concept of diplomacy) and what is a player pulling the rug from under you by "flying over your S.Africa with 10 carrying bombers to scout enemy territory"!!