Hold Fire

[AndJury]

Hoping for an explanation of the rules and limitations of the Hold Fire option. I guess it is designed primarily for ambushing but I had hoped that it would also avoid valuable tanks squandering shots and then becoming vulnerable to "suicide" attacks with no ability to return fire? Slightly galling to lose a Tiger 2 (with Jag, Panther, Mk IV and AT in close support) to a T-70 rushing in unopposed from distance after all my "Hold Fire" shots were wasted on complete non-threats like Half Tracks simply moving in the far distance!
In passing, whilst I surely have been guilty of some blundering, two T-70s have now accounted for two MkIV Gs, two Panthers as well as the Tiger 2 in current game (maybe I should take up knitting)?

[pipfromslitherine]

Hold fire only applies to units which cannot be seen IIRC (no point holding fire if the enemy already knows where you are). No automated reaction fire system is going to always make the decision you want. Ideally you wouldn't have units in a position to be mobbed

Cheers

Pip

[AndJury]

Thanks Pip and fair point. I accept the limitations of automated reaction fire but wonder if there could not be some facility whereby Hold Fire saves shot(s) for use against a direct (threatening) attack rather than loosing off pot shots at distant half tracks and/or infantry.
In passing my Tiger was "mobbed" by a single T-70 suicide mission that drove up from maximum distance in plain sight of four tanks and artillery all poised in Hold Fire mode for just that eventuality, but they instead fired at distant fleeting shadows.
Great game by the way, despite minor gripe.

[stephenterrell]

I agree entirely. It is rather annoying to see my tank shots "wasted" on some non threatening infantry or half track after which enemy tanks rush over unopposed and shoot me to bits!

[BLSTK]

@ AndJury

"...maybe I should take up knitting"

Don't underestimate the pleasure to be had whilst knitting.

Besides, now that Slitherine is no longer in the business of developing software for this series they may be looking to join you.