Order Groups...

[SK-BLitz]

In the Order Groups section on P22 the last paragraph states that if the CO/HQ fails any command roll he may not command any other order group during the current player's turn.

So why would a commander split his forces into groups? If he fails the first roll nobody can do anything. But if he succeeds he has to run the risk of rolling again for the next group. Wouldn't it be better to keep everyone together? That way if the first roll is successful every unit under command can move...

[fred.]

Generally yes - but sometimes you want different parts of the command to do different things due to the tactical situation, or the modifiers to the command roll. 

[Genom]

Tactical disciplines will also make a difference here if you're using them, or if you are using specific orders of battle that are grouped together.   You may well be limited in which units you can form into groups and possible bonus if they're all doing the same thing (rigid tactical discipline) etc.

Just checked and always leave your CO till last as once he's failed a test, no more tests can be made.

[Big Insect]

That is correct.
Having a number of HQ's commanding different groups is also very effective.

But the 'trick' is knowing (guessing) when to drop a group, and move to the next of your groups.
Sometimes you can get a run of luck on the command dice, and deliver a series of successful orders in sequence, but often it best not to 'push' your luck!
Splitting into groups allows the same HQ to continue to order more troops, as long as he hasn't failed a command role or blundered.
Remember, each new group resets the Command value back to its base number. In effect allowing your HQ to start again.
Players often make the mistake of trying to over-stretch the dice.

So you might have your on-table artillery &/or mortars in a group - and issue them with a single fire order. If that hits the target and damages it or suppresses it, you might then drop that group and pick up your AT guns Support group, that can fire at long range at the now suppressed target enemy units. Once they have fired and created more damage, you drop them and move to your Infantry with with AT upgrades and order them to fire at the target and then assault.
It's about using each type of unit to work with the others, but to deliver at their most effective. If you had all 3 types of units (as outlined) in the same command group, your mortars & on-table artillery might be too close to the enemy, and you cannot order either of them or the AT guns to make an assault move - as you can with the Infantry.

Try it and see how you get on. The big temptation is to try and get your HQ's to do too much with a single order.

I hope that helps a bit?

Mark

[SK-BLitz]

Thanks all. I'm heading for my second game in a week or so and the advice you've given is very helpful. Limited points (1500) so my defending German conscripts are going to be well and truly dug in. They will, hopefully, be well supported! 😯

[Big Insect]

Thanks all. I'm heading for my second game in a week or so and the advice you've given is very helpful. Limited points (1500) so my defending German conscripts are going to be well and truly dug in. They will, hopefully, be well supported! 😯

Good luck with that - some off-table guns and an FAO might give them a fighting chance 

[SK-BLitz]

Good luck with that - some off-table guns and an FAO might give them a fighting chance 

Already done my list. Two Hummels and two FAOs included (hope my opponent doesn't read this!)...

[Big Insect]

Already done my list. Two Hummels and two FAOs included (hope my opponent doesn't read this!)...

Of course you need your Hummels off-table to be most effective and make best use of your FAO's (NB: 2 FOA's might be a bit of an overkill) as they can only order the Hummels to fire one per game-turn & once they have fired once for one FAO the other has nothing to do.
On-table they can be commanded by your HQ or CO of course. And can fire as many times as they receive a successful order, but they wont shoot using templated fire - just hitting a single target unit.

But good luck with it, whichever way you choose to play it.
Cheers

[SK-BLitz]

Thanks.

The reason I chose 2 FAOs is to increase the chances of spotting a target. And can they control one gun each?

Chris

[Big Insect]

Thanks.

The reason I chose 2 FAOs is to increase the chances of spotting a target. And can they control one gun each?

Chris

Hi Chris
They can control one gun each or any number of guns each. But if they fail an order, the guns they were attempting to order, cannot then be ordered by the other FAO.

So having 2 FAOs, each commanding 1 gun, does give you more of a chance of getting the order through, but just to one gun. It might give you to option to also roll a double 1 (twice) to get a Command bonus, or equally there is a potential for 2 command failures, or worse 2 Command blunders. There is no certainty with a dice roll 

Cheers
Mark

[SK-BLitz]

Hi Mark
The idea of 2 FAOs was not to increase the chances of a successful firing but to give more chances of finding the juiciest target. I imagine two Hummels using a concentrated bombardment (12 dice?!) could be quite effective.
Still not getting my head round the rules yet (there's a lot to consider) but hoping I'll learn a bit more in game two, next Friday.
Chris 

[Big Insect]

Absolutely Chris
Plus it gives you a back-up if one is KO'd or suppressed.