From: billc@mpd.tandem.com (Bill Carter)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.paintball
Subject: Re: A Discussion of Tactics
Summary: When to hold 'em & fold 'em.
Date: 11 Sep 92 20:34:40 GMT
Reply-To: billc@zippy.UUCP (Bill Carter)
Organization: Tandem Computers, Austin TX


   Good issue!  This ought to keep us rolling for a while.

In article <1992Sep10.232243.3055@selway.umt.edu> sh666@selway.umt.edu (Wolverine) writes:
>Total Attack or total Defense.  I have NEVER had a succesful combination
>
   I have definitely had succesful combinations, and have experienced
   failures with both Total Attack and Total Defense.
   With the constant attack-mode game you run the risk of getting chewed
   up by experienced players firing from good cover.  Suddenly you've
   lost half your team and the jig is up.  Only use this tactic if
   you are playing a team you know is several notches weaker.  It works
   for the Iron Men because they are excellent players and they all
   work together so well.  They find a weak spot and flood it.
   Total Defense is usually so static that you slowly get picked off.
   Also, how do you win if you aren't going for the flag?

   I have found the Sagging Defense to work pretty good.  You run
   forward to first encounter at the start of the game, then drop back
   little by little.  They always have to come to you while you are
   relatively hidden, so you should have the advantage.  After they
   have lost some players to your sniping you go on the offensive.

>When you have 3 - 4 autos bearing down on you there is just about
>nothing you can do.  Our side elements then begin a pinching move.
>This only works if the point elements keep up a huge covering fire.
>Usually our flanking teams get little to no resistance when moving in.

   Around where I play the teams load the flanks up with plenty of
   manpower.  You can't easily get around outside of the opposition.
   This time of year the woods in Texas are especially thick.  Heavy fire
   is great, but it only helps if you are actually firing at someone
   you can see or guess about.  Most likely someone is crawling toward
   you on their belly while you're making your racket.


>Another thing I have noticed:  NEVER RUN.  This just might be me,
>but whenever I flee I get taken out.  Its best just to hole up and
>return fire anyway you can 

   Well, maybe you don't run until it's too late?  In paintball you
   have to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.  If you start
   getting that bad feeling about your position, sometimes it makes
   sense to trust your instincts and run elsewhere.  On the other
   hand, I agree that if you are pinned you have little choice but
   to dish it out just like you are getting.  I usually try to shoot
   one-handed until they back off a little, then either dart away
   or go on the offensive.

>Another item.. always keep the team together.  When we first started

   Complete agreement.  Strength in numbers is key.  Only thing is,
   if a rabbit gets past you there better be a defender back by
   your flag.

   I have noticed that teams who respect (read fear) each other
   tend to play the game in three phases.  First the initial encounter
   shortly after the start where they run forward and duke it out at
   midfield.  They usually back off and take inventory of their
   losses.  Next comes the midgame, where they jockey for position
   and attempt to attrite each other.  Finally, if things remain even
   until the last few minutes, one team will muster forces and push
   hard against one area in an attempt to break through for the win.


   -Bill Carter