From: curt@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Curt Welch)
Newsgroups: rec.games.pbm
Subject: Re: Galaxy help needed
Date: 8 Jan 93 19:24:44 GMT
Reply-To: curt@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Curt Welch)
Organization: Carderock Division, NSWC, Bethesda, MD

Let me add some thoughts...

In rec.games.pbm, M22367@mwvm.mitre.org writes:
>1) Build small cargo ships (like 1/0/0/0/1) rather than big ones

This is for at least three reasons.  1) you get more effecent use of
cargo space, 2) they act as chaff to draw fire away from your other
ships in case you get attacked, and 3) if they are attacked in battle
you will loose less cargo and shipping for each shot fired.

>2) In combat *more* ships is better that *bigger* ships (send a couple big ones
>      escorted by a lot of small ones)

This isn't always true, but as a general rule it works.  In battle, it always
depends on the exact make-up of the fleet you are going against.  In general,
the larger fleet will win the battle, but any fleet can be defeated by a
smaller fleet if it has the correct type of ships.

There are two ways to shield your attack fleet.  You can add more shields to
your ships, or you can build chaff.  In general, it's always more effecent to
build chaff, but if your enemy knows the exact size and make-up of your
fleet, they will always be able to defeat you with a smaller force.

Shields don't work very well (especially on large ships), and they slow
down your fleet.  Shields are needed on large ships to protect them from
small ships, but don't bother trying to build shields strong enough to
protect them from other big ships - it can't be done.  It's much more
effictent to use the indsutry to build a swarm of small fighters to act
as chaff.

2a) It's easier to defend than to attack.

    You can build forts and stationary guns twice as fast as an
    opponent because you don't need drives.  And without the
    drive, your shields work better.

    But you can't win the game just be defending your planets - you have
    to build an attack force.  It's one of the many trade-off you have
    to make.

2b) Let the other guy attack first.

    You can't always do this however.

2c) Don't start a war unless you think you can win it.

2d) Don't lose any battles.

This might all seem obvious, but it's important.  The winer of a battle
will normally lose a lot less ships than the looser.  For example, you
might try to send in a small 500 ton fleet against a force that was
made up of 2000 tons.  You might think that even if you lose your 500
tons of ships, he will also lose that many.  But it almost never works
that way.  It's more likely that he would lose 50 or 100 tons to your 500.

In short, don't fight until you have to, and don't lose when you fight.

>3) Make friends

3a) Don't piss off your neighbors.
3b) Make friends

>4) Shield research has the most gradual payoff (don't bother with cargo
>      research unless you have an insanely peaceful galaxy)

>5) Don't let your enemy get "Incoming Groups" reports if you can help it

5b) When you attack, try to surprise your enemy.

5c) Keep them guessing.

    The less they know about you the better your chances are at wining.
    For example, if you have a battle, then your enemy will learn what
    type of ships you have - and they will start building ships that
    can defeat them.  Start building something different to surprise them
    with on the next battle.

>6) It's just a game (I have to keep reminding myself about that ;-) )

It is?

>- Mike (Tintin, Game 4)

7) Don't get caught off guard.

The only way to learn how to do this is to play a lot of games and learn
from your mistakes. (i.e. you will be caught off guard).

7a) Defend your homeworld
7b) Defend your homeworld
7c) Defend your homeworld

8) Don't get too far behind or ahead in industry or research.  Stay with the
   pack.

9) Try to build your attack force so all the ships travel at the
   same speed.

Curt Welch