OK, can we take this premise is a slightly different direction?
what makes a great A&A player?
[Not sure if these are in order of importance of not, we can argue that after we create a list]
Also assuming a 1-on-1 game. Team dynamics are a whole other discussion.
1). Experience
Knows the game and the ‘better’ strategies and more important territories as well some of the nuances of the game (like sub / DD interaction / vulnerabilities as well as how to coordinate moves with your allies countries)
2). Vision / Ability to see 2-3 rounds down the road in a game.
If you can not see what your opponent is trying to do to you or have a strategy for your side (at least a general one), it’s hard to win. Knowing HOW to win is not hard (your objectives), you can gleen that from the rules, knowing HOW to achieve those are much more vital
3). Understanding / mitigating the risks
Take good odds battles, unless you are falling behind, you might starting increasing your risks in order to increase your chances of winning.
4). Determining who is winning / losing (very tightly related to 3)
If you think you are winning when you are in fact losing, your moves may be counter productive. An example helps to explain my point. If I think I am winning, I may have no sense of urgency to force my opponent to counter my move(s), or properly increase my risk exposure.
5). Being able to realize AND take advantage of an opportunity
Many times in games, a battle may go awry for/against you (dice will do that!). Sometimes it can be so bad that no level of contingency plan you have created can save you EXCEPT for your opponents failure to realize and exploit this weakness. Good players recognize these situations.
6). Realizing any unit is disposable to meet your objective(s)
Often times, a player is hung up on the COST of some units that are risked/lost. “Oh, I took france but it cost me 3 bombers to do it!”
Well that just might be the best move for the situation, ESPECIALLY if you can afford it or needed that battle to get back into the game (see #3 about mitigating the risks)
Please feel free to add to my quick list. I am sure there are many more.
Very solid list.
