Effects of Variable Reinforcement on Japan Shipbuilding

[Anachro]

Hello,

In preparation for a PBEM, me and my esteemed opponent are trying to iron out the various settings and home rules, though we'd like to keep set rules to a minimum.

One of the things we are looking at is defined reinforcement of units or variable +/-15 days reinforcements. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing variable reinforcement? Or, rather, what are the effects? My opponent seems to be under the assumption that using variable reinforcement disadvantages Japan in terms of being able to affect its shipbuilding. Is this true?

[Alpha77]

Tbh I do not think so, Japanese player can "affect his building" himself (stop, accelerate etc.)

[Anachro]

Would you say the additional variability makes a PBEM more fun or more "fun" for a PBEM?

[Alpha77]

ORIGINAL: Anachro

Would you say the additional variability makes a PBEM more fun or more "fun" for a PBEM?

Yup, so you do not exactly know when some unit arrives by just looking in the lists. Adds some uncertainty.[:)]

[dr.hal]

Anachro, welcome! Yes I think it makes it more "fun" in that it adds fog.... one of the disadvantages of most gaming is that the players KNOW TOO MUCH! For example an allied player can "look up" when the next Jap aircraft carrier is due to enter the game... this is unrealistic. Having the +/- puts some of that "known factor" into doubt.... I always play with at least +/-15 but see the value in +/-30 too.

[pontiouspilot]

I have used variable reinforcements in 3xPBEMs. I agree with the comments above concerning IJN ship-building. It adds an element of uncertainty for the Allies in the critical 1st 6 months. Variability in the arrival of the Brit 18th and the Aussies can make a substantial difference to the Allies. As regards the arrival of the 4th and 5th USN CVs I have found that if you are in desperate straights they tend to arrive early and vice versa if you don't. I haven't any empirical evidence on this latter point but it certainly has been my experience. When you stop and think about it that may well be a realistic variation for ship arrival in any case.

Because the IJA doesn't get the same masses of reinforcements in any case I could never really say I saw variations make much difference on that side of the equation.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I have used variable reinforcements in 3xPBEMs. I agree with the comments above concerning IJN ship-building. It adds an element of uncertainty for the Allies in the critical 1st 6 months. Variability in the arrival of the Brit 18th and the Aussies can make a substantial difference to the Allies. As regards the arrival of the 4th and 5th USN CVs I have found that if you are in desperate straights they tend to arrive early and vice versa if you don't. I haven't any empirical evidence on this latter point but it certainly has been my experience. When you stop and think about it that may well be a realistic variation for ship arrival in any case.

Because the IJA doesn't get the same masses of reinforcements in any case I could never really say I saw variations make much difference on that side of the equation.

Arrival dates are generated at scenario start and never change.

I believe the variability also applies to Japan, but my Japan game has historical dates so I can't say for certain.

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I have used variable reinforcements in 3xPBEMs. I agree with the comments above concerning IJN ship-building. It adds an element of uncertainty for the Allies in the critical 1st 6 months. Variability in the arrival of the Brit 18th and the Aussies can make a substantial difference to the Allies. As regards the arrival of the 4th and 5th USN CVs I have found that if you are in desperate straights they tend to arrive early and vice versa if you don't. I haven't any empirical evidence on this latter point but it certainly has been my experience. When you stop and think about it that may well be a realistic variation for ship arrival in any case.

Because the IJA doesn't get the same masses of reinforcements in any case I could never really say I saw variations make much difference on that side of the equation.

Arrival dates are generated at scenario start and never change.

I believe the variability also applies to Japan, but my Japan game has historical dates so I can't say for certain.

Correct, which is why the reinforcements don't appear on turn one because the revised dates are determined in the production phase which occurs during the end of turn resolution.

Alfred

[Barb]

Just keep in mind, that for allies the variable reinforcements really mess-up the situation at arrival ports for reinforcements... Like Wasps escorts arriving early and have to wait for carrier, or the carrier arriving first and escorts trickle in slowly. Also some ground troops would arrive before "their" transports show up.

One can always make up the situation by providing extra escorts or keeping some transports at the ready...

[pontiouspilot]

Thanks for clarifying the arrival date issue.