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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Decisive Battles: Korsun Pocket >>

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- 9/11/2003 5:46:34 AM

Adam Parker

Posts: 1848
Joined: 4/2/2002
From: Melbourne Australia
Status: offline

Knavery try this.

Some war games are odds based and use what's called a "Combat Results Table" (CRT) listing outcomes based on the various odds of the combatants and the various rolls of a dice or die. KP is one such game.

In some of these designs, various factors add or subtract to the dice rolls - these are called Dice Roll Modifiers (DRM). Therefore usually the 2 sides will determine their combat odds corresponding to a column on the CRT and the DRM will make the dice roll within that particular odds column go up or down to determine the column's combat result.

In KP an additional system is used in which not only do the combatants calculate their combat odds but various things cause that actual odds ratio to "shift" left or right on the CRT in determining the specific odds column that will be used.

A "shift" therefore is merely a KP game design term, relating to the mechanics of how combat odds are calculated and the combat resolution column selected, against which a dice will soon be rolled.

(in reply to Belisarius)

Post #: 1

- 9/11/2003 5:49:47 AM

Capitaine

Posts: 1043
Joined: 1/15/2002
Status: offline

The "odds" represented on the CRT being shown reflect the relative advantage of either side winning a combat. Historically, 3-1 has been deemed to be a kind of minimal ratio for an attacker to avoid a disaster (doesn't necessarily assure a victory). Of course, how KP uses its "odds" might differ from classic theory. But in any event, a shift in your favor means you gain more of an advantage.

This advantage is determined by the game designers' assessment of the value of certain combat situations as defined by what causes a shift one way or the other. So, just think of the "shift" as one more element of advantage to the side that gains it. As noted, the defender starts with 4 shifts suggesting that merely by defending, it is in an advantageous position vice the sheer attack factors of the attacker.

It is semi-subjective, but like all things in war, that is simply how it goes. Lifetimes have been spent attempting to quantify the elements of warfare, without absolute success and clarity in any case. It's too fluid and dependant on too many factors to quantify absolutely.

(in reply to Belisarius)

Post #: 2