Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well)

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [American Civil War] >> Gary Grigsby's War Between the States >> The War Room >> Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well)

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Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 12:14:16 AM

tran505

Posts: 133
Joined: 11/11/2007
Status: offline

I am in the later stages in my 2nd game as the Union. I think I am still struggling a bit as to how to best use (and who to use) the TC's.

In game 1 -- Scott died on turn one. Yeah, some introduction to the game system! I soldier on until the end of '62 when all looks hopeless. I never did figure out who can step into Scott's shoes after he kicks the bucket and at least be semi-effective. McClellan?

In game 2 -- Scott is immortal. I'm starting '64 and he still soldiers on in charge of the East. I have Halleck in the west, but he is still 3-star. Thomas is dead, and Sherman is taking the year off to write his memoirs. He'll return right after the campaigning season is over. I did a lousy job capturing forts (will do better next time), but at least they are all bottled up. Question is, how to capture New Orleans and Mobile. At least at first glance, the system almost forces you to do it via naval invasion, since the TC will need to go to Memphis or somephere like it in order to keep the AC within radius. Since Memphis is enemy territory, it will cut the TC's effectiveness in half. Any thoughts? Is overland viable? Or should these important Southern ports be taken via invasion?

And just curious, to TC's ever promote if they are less than 4-star?

Any sage wisdom is greatly appreciated.....

P

Post #: 1

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 1:18:46 AM

elmo3

Posts: 5820
Joined: 1/22/2002
Status: offline

Here are two excellent points about TC's by willgamer in the Initiative thread in this forum:

"2. Put the Theater Commander in a region where the number of population centers and factories add up to at least 4 (manual p. 76).

3. Choose Theater Commanders for maximum command points, administrative and rank. No other abilities matter."

Also, you have to manually promote TC's just like you do with AC's.

(in reply to tran505)

Post #: 2

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 1:30:31 AM

JAMiAM

Posts: 6165
Joined: 2/8/2004
Status: offline

Every game works out differently, but I think that Butler can be trained to make a good TC. He gains 4 Cmd when you make him an AC, due to his high political clout. If you picked easy fights and groomed him up to 16 before you make him an AC, then he jumps immediately to the magic number of 20 Cmd. Then, especially if you have him close to 4 star status, his high Adm rating makes him a decent candidate.

Halleck and McClellan also make good TC's if you groom them up too. Otherwise, invest in Barnum's Miracle Snake Oil Tonic and hope that it helps keep Scott around...

(in reply to tran505)

Post #: 3

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 1:53:23 AM

tran505

Posts: 133
Joined: 11/11/2007
Status: offline

I have to admit -- I overlooked "The Beast" Butler. I have to broaden my outlook I guess....

I am not sure what to do with my game 2 problem -- other than get ready to revv up the navy. The major ports are out of reach for any TC's to be based in friendly territory. (I tried Memphis, and then discovered that TC activation help is much reduced if the TC is in enemy territory -- AFTER watching Grant sit around for a couple turns of course.)

Yes, finding Dr. Ebineezer Frothingslosh's miracle cure to keep Scott around longer is good strategy too.

Amazing how much difference the old boy can make, and I can't think of another ACW game that has ever given him such a place of distinction! Thx...

- P

(in reply to JAMiAM)

Post #: 4

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 4:55:48 AM

madgamer2

Posts: 1235
Joined: 11/24/2004
Status: offline

could you give a couple of good choices for the East & West if I buy you a beer next time I am in town LOL

Madgamer

(in reply to elmo3)

Post #: 5

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 9:36:21 PM

tran505

Posts: 133
Joined: 11/11/2007
Status: offline

Beer? No problem. Goose Island -- Chicago's finest....

P

(in reply to madgamer2)

Post #: 6

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 6/27/2008 10:40:39 PM

GShock

Posts: 1245
Joined: 12/9/2007
From: San Francisco, CA - USA
Status: offline

Appoint, not promote, unless strictly necessary due to losses or illness. The game has fair chance to be always different due to the mortality factor....and if u play semi historical stats then it's even more intriguing you really got to look for the right man ...then if u hide them, it's done even better...lol.

I think it doesn't truly matter where the TC is provided you have the population under you...what matters is that he must be on same grid as the AC and within 6 regions distance to help with initiative. So start in Washington is perfect along with your best trainer-AC but then it depends on what your conquests in the western theater especially. You've got to get used to mobility.

(in reply to tran505)

Post #: 7

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 8/11/2008 5:40:58 PM

Treefrog

Posts: 702
Joined: 4/7/2004
Status: offline

In my current pbem I promoted McClellan to four stars and made him the Western TC, putting him in Springfield, Ill for invasion of Ky and eastern Tennessee and then Cairo (with a factory built there) for operations in Mississippi and Alabama. As a four star with 20 CR and admin 4 he is as good a TC as one can have (66 2/3 % chance for initiative).

Although it is considered heresy by some to spend PPs to promote, my thinking is that there are vast regions of the western theatre in which to maneuver and gain PPs but you need a TC with initiative to be aggressive to do it (plus it is just more fun and afterall, this is a game we play for fun,

right?) . In the long run the ability to consistently attack should be worth the political point cost. I wanted to attack towards Atlanta and Vicksburg simultaneously.

Of course, by fall '62 I was down to something like 870 PPs

after the promotion, 3 drafts and the EP. Such a low PP score is concerning to someone in his first real game.

However, I had plenty of troops and was able to attack across a broad front and down the Mississippi. The Union should be up to about 1000 PPs by the end of December '62 with the capture of Little Rock, Shreveport and New Orleans in October/November '62.

_____________________________

"L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace."

(in reply to tran505)

Post #: 8

RE: Questions on Using Theater Commanders (well) - 8/11/2008 10:19:47 PM

tran505

Posts: 133
Joined: 11/11/2007
Status: offline

Treefrog -- You have some guts (or just plain 'ole confidence). I agree -- I can't believe I'm saying this -- McClellan is the best guy available to promote, especially since you need to do this early in the game to get the most out of your 'investment'. He seems to be healthy, as I have never seen him go on leave. And it also sets you up to move Halleck in as the Eastern TC should something happen to Winfield Scott.

I see the advantages

but ohhhhh

the 100 points!

- P

(in reply to Treefrog)

Post #: 9

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