Tips for the new folks

[ShotMagnet]

Despite how old this game is, there appears to be a consistent flux of new people who are either learning the game for the first time, or are rediscovering it after a prolonged absence.

Being as the game can be a handful for the uninitiated, I'm putting together here a list of tips and tricks and so forth that will help we who are new (or returning) to the game.

My first tip is to go to the Anti-Frustration Kit, which can be found at http://afk1.29tharmor.com/. You can also access it through the menu on the left, under Online Play, then finding Anti-Frustration Kit. Lots and lots of good stuff there, put together by Hell_Hound, and with contributions from LoneStar49, 3Star, and others.

Most of your questions will find an answer there. For the ones that don't, hopefully this thread will fill the gaps.

Shot

[ShotMagnet]

Using your tanks

The game is about tanks, after all.
Split up your platoons- A single platoon maneuvering and/or defending from one spot is an easier target than the same platoon, split into sections.

Move fast, move often- There will be times when you want your tanks to move slowly, even stay put if need be. There won't be many of those times. Guderian said it best 'The most powerful weapon a tank has is its engine...'. Tanks are supposed to exploit penetrations of enemy lines. They need to be moving for that. Tanks are supposed to surprise the enemy. They need to be moving fast for that.

Take the first shot, take the most shots- The Israelis were the first to codify this one. You'll notice that your tank can kill pretty much whatever it hits, on the first shot. There's a reason for that. Not allowing the enemy the opportunity to shoot back means no return fire coming your way. Hitting (and usually killing) him first, is a good way to make sure that he'll never shoot back.

If you don't kill on the first shot, hide. If there's no spot to hide (and there will be the occasion where you can't hide), run. Go into reverse. Throw smoke. Turn, pivot, do all of the above. you may still get hit, but you'll also be doing everything you can to avoid getting hit. If you dance well enough, you may even avoid getting hit.

If the other guy shoots and misses, take the next shot. You should get a kill, in which case you've '...take[n] the most shots'.


More to come.


Shot

[3Star]

Split up your platoons- A single platoon maneuvering and/or defending from one spot is an easier target than the same platoon, split into sections.

I'm on record as not being an ardent advocate of that policy, particularly in the offense. In the defense, however, that can become another issue.

NTM

[TopKick]

I Agree.

[TankHunter]

Reconnaissance and maneuver are what wins in an attack. Multiple defensive lines and separate BPs is what wins in the defense. Keep units together in plt or section formation is only good if they are ATGM units and if you have an enemy assaulting your position which are about 1K away from you. Or, if you have key hole shots available.