Axis advantage in PBEM

[gchristie]

From the GS victory stats thread it seems that matching equally skilled players is essential to having a balanced game. And a more balanced game means a more fun game, IMHO. So it would seem appropriate to allow less skilled players some advantage versus more skilled players. Setting aside how one would objectively assess skill levels between players, especially those new to CEAW GS PBEM but perhaps quite experienced in other PC war games, I'm wondering how common is the practice for PBEMers to extend/accept advantages when playing against a player of inferior/superior skill levels?

Maybe a poll would be interesting, if I knew how to construct one, but essentially:

Do you offer advantages to less skilled players?
Would you accept such an offer from a more skilled player?
If no, does your pride forbid your accepting an advantage?

Just curious how often handicaps are used by PBEMers and whether it makes for more balanced play and reduces frustrated players from bailing out?

While I'm at it, has there been discussion of tournament play in this forum? The AGEOD forum has had some great success with tournament play for their American Civil War game (which I highly recommend). A tournament could be good fun and might help rank player skill level.

Great game, great mod.

Regards.

[rkr1958]

Do you offer advantages to less skilled players?

N/A - I play opponents who are as good or better than me.

Would you accept such an offer from a more skilled player?

No.

If no, does your pride forbid your accepting an advantage?

No. If I have fun and learn so what if I lose as long as I've given it my best shot. It's just a game.

Just curious how often handicaps are used by PBEMers and whether it makes for more balanced play and reduces frustrated players from bailing out?

I've never heard of anyone playing with handicaps and I'm not sure how you'd do than in a PBEM game.

[gerones]

Is there a way to know if your pbem opponent, playing with axis, has set a minor, moderate or major advantage from the start of the game?

I think that this could be interesting to know since a player could set this advantage wihtout knowing it.

[gchristie]

I assume you would know if your PBEM axis opponent gave themselves an advantage by seeing that your PPs per turn were reduced (as allies) . You can start a new game vs. the AI as allies with no advantages assigned and compare starting PPs, oil and manpower with the PBEM game to see any differences.

Am I assuming correctly?

Plus, I trust my opponents as I hope they trust me

[pk867]

Hi,

I made a chart showing the at start numbers for the Axis and Allied factions (PBEM game) The one at the top is for the 'EVEN' setting.
If your numbers do not match then I guess you will have to work it out with your opponent.

The percentages stay the same the starting number is different. So in Germany's case the starting manpower is always 82% .

pk867

[gerones]

This should be enough for knowing it. Thanks!