briefing scenario

[mcgallons]

I think that best way to lear new game is playing short scenario and with few units.
Can you sugest me some situations (scenario) that I can use with new player? probably in next month we'll organize a wargames day, I want to present Frontline generals.

grazie

[Byron Collins]

One great way to introduce players to the game is to start with combat. This is something I do during demos of the game at Conventions. If convention-goers would like to try the game in greater detail, I usually then take them through a complete operational turn or additional combat examples.

The way I usually approach it is this-- Simply have an opponent choose a unit- say a Panzer IV G- or a type of battle (air to air, tank vs. tank, infantry, etc.)- or have opposing units pre-selected. Run through the combat sequence with just those units, 1 vs 1. After combat is complete, do another battle with more units. For example, 3 Sherman Tanks vs. a single Panther Tank and two German Tank-Hunter squads. You can then continue to resolve combat- getting successively more complex- adding air and artillery, for example. First learning how combat works in the game seems to be a great tool and gives players a look at what to expect when engaging Units in an actual scenario.

As far as an intro scenario- I recommend creating a simple fictional scenario where the units start in close proximity. Follow the guidelines for setting up a 'standard game' in the rules. Both you and your opponent select forces that total up to a pre set limit- say, 150 Cost. Choosing forces to deploy before starting the game allows a new player to 'look through' the Unit Cards available to them- and become familiar with some of the units. Place the forces in accordance with the rules (and keep the stacks secret if you can). Create a single primary objective- for example, taking a Key City. Create a turn limit if desired, and then begin the Operational Turn Sequence.

Another great way to introduce new players to the game (assuming you have three or more players) is to use the Team Play Command rules. Add the new player as a "Commander" on one of the teams. The experienced player acts as the "General" and can help the new player along. This works quite well as the Commander has fewer responsibilities to learn and is mostly concerned with movement and combat. You can also assign certain forces to that player- such as responsibility for 4-5 tanks and some infantry- instead of having to control an entire country's forces.

I'm working on a new scenario right now for use with the Intro game that will be released in Issue 13 of Frontline General News. Once more testing is accomplished, the newsletter and included scenario will be available to you for free. After a "standard game", I recommend trying the Foggia Scenario or this new (unreleased) scenario. Look for it soon!