Chapter Two: Strategy, Tactics, and Statistics



Connecting Strategy, Tactics, and Statistical Analysis


A strategy is a plan or set of plans that a commander has for an entire army. Tactics are the means by which a strategy is achieved. The success or failure of a strategy depends on the efficacy of the tactics used to implement that strategy.

Successful tactics depend on accurate prediction. A commander must be able to predict the results of an action before it is undertaken, and decide, based on the predicted results, whether or not that action should be taken.

Comprehensive statistical analysis will give accurate predictions, if and only if all variables and options are taken into account. But including all the variables and options available to an army in a set of calculations is a very time-consuming process (as following chapters will show.)

Calculating the statistical relative worth of common units will allow an army commander to predict the outcomes of various courses of action. However, a commander can't calculate statistics in the middle of a game; as previously mentioned, such calculation is very time-consuming. A commander can't calculate statistics before the battle begins either; calculating all the possible outcomes of each of the possible situations that could come up in a battle would take weeks, if not months.

Without access to computer-assisted algorithmic analysis, army commanders must use heuristics to plan strategies and tactics. Currently working on a C++ analyzer program; check the FAQ section for details.


Algorithms and Heuristics


An algorithmic battle plan is a plan composed entirely if-then statements. If an opponent does something, then you automatically do something else; you simply follow the directions outlined in the algorithm.

Creating a complete algorithm for a battle is unpractical due to the vast number of possible situations that could arise. Most battle plans that are based on algorithms will run into situations that the algorithms do not cover. Thus, commanders must use a heuristic approach to strategy and tactics. A commander using a heuristic approach won't base strategic and tactical decisions solely on calculations; he or she will base strategic and tactical decisions on what he or she believes will happen. In short, a heuristic plan is a plan that involves guesswork.

Of course, as a commander gains experience, the commander will predict the outcome of various battlefield events with more accuracy.


Preface to Chapter Three


An experienced commander will be able to predict the outcome of various situations that can occur on a battlefield, and will act so as to achieve the most favorable situation.

To illustrate the various heuristic and algorithmic principles that will form the basis of any well-made battle plan, the following chapter provides an example of Dark Eldar Warriors and Space Marines in various basic combat situations. Those using different armies will still find the example useful, as the described examples and principles may be modified for use with different armies.

Follow this link to the next chapter.


Table of Contents


Home Page

Prologue

Chapter One: Basic Principles

Chapter Two: Strategy, Tactics, and Statistics

Chapter Three: Calculating Basic Cost Effectiveness

Chapter Four: Formation

Chapter Five: Terrain

The Unofficial Warhammer 40,000 Army Cheese Purity Test

Sector Occultus: Background Information

Sector Occultus: Participants

Army Selection (Example: Blood Angels)

Frequently Asked Questions.

Models and Books For Sale.

Painted Units For Sale. (Pictures mean long download time!)

Copyright Details.







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