I’m coming back here with my final version of a balance AAA house rule which can fire every round instead of only during the opening phase but don’t interfere with SBR (or at minimum, optional).
Here is my earlier version:
@Baron:
@BJCard:
There’s already a lack of strategic bombing in the game anyway, why are you guys making it harder to do??
I agree with you. :-)
I was waiting this comment about SBR.
You have see the whole picture. :mrgreen:
(Actually, I think both of you help me out finding a HR to increase the number of SBR and interceptions).
It is another point against Active and Always Active AA gun.
And that’s why I prefer to improve AAA in combat-zone first and foremost.
(Because of the SBR, it was one of my other reason to promote the AAA at 1/12 instead of 1/6.
But anyone can keep OOB rule on SBR and in-built IC AAA at 1/6.)
Thus, (with a lesser hit ratio 1/12) I think we get a much more balance and interesting AAA unit:
Preemptive strike still on for the first combat cycle.
AAA keep fodder capacity to take 1 hit.
Up to 3 planes attacked per AAA on first cycle.
Every round after, each AAA got 1 shot @1/12, up to the max of 1 per each attacking plane/ round.
And any plane flying over a territory with an AAA during CM, had a “chance” to be destroyed.
And you can have a HR with Always Active (CM/NCM) and In-built AAA all @1/12.
This way AAA will always be in touch but not overpowered.
Example: 1 StrB his escorted by 2 Fgts. There is one AAA in the IC territory.
1- All 3 planes must endure the “1” on D12 fired at them.
2- After fighting the interceptors, the StrB endures the in-built AAA fire still 1/12.
3- And if you like Always Active AA gun then the surviving StrB in NCM is under a last fire still 1/12.
(I’m not quite sure for me, but Uncrustable will love it.)
In this example, the StrB faces 3 shots at 1/12= around 3/12 = 1.5/6
Just a little higher odds as a OOB SBR rule. :-)
The AAA is no more boring, always part of something when planes are near but not that killer 1/6.
That’s all.
Here is my last version:
First, you keep the basic:
A) preemptive strike of AAA gun and
B) 3 shots at plane per AAA gun up to a maximum of 1 shot for each plane.
C) Now, you are allow to fire up to 3 shots (preemptive) on every cycle of a battle with a single AAA gun.
D) The odds to get a hit is 1/18.
It is achieved by a first roll of “1” and, when obtained, then a second roll of “2” or less.
E) For SBR on IC, AB and NB, since it is only a single shot, keep the 1D6 roll/plane and hit on “1”.
Option: for those who want to simulate flying deep over a well-defended territory, you can decide to allow active AAA gun in a SBR against IC or NB and AB.
So, in addition of in-built AA gun fire after the combat between aircrafts, you can precede the dogfight by an AAA first strike at 1/18.
Condition: if a territory (under SBR) have AAA units on it then you can also roll a 1 cycle shot of preemptive fire against StrBs, TacBs and Fgts. (Limited to 3/AAA and up to max 1/plane).
Why did I reduce from 1/12 (8.33%) to 1/18 (5.55%)?
It is to get uniformity: no more first shot against 3 planes, then 1 regular shot against 1 plane thereafter.
Always the same: 3 first strike against 3 planes, every round.
Why is it more balance?
Because it give around 1/6 (16.66%) chance to hit for each AAA for each round, no matter how long is the fight.
How is that?
The regular AAA give 1 single shot against 3 planes.
This mean around 3x1/6 to hit a plane (near 50%) on the first round, then it is over.
By giving 3x 1/18 to hit a plane, odds is near 1/6 to take down 1 plane.
A low 1/6 each round for AAA (when against 3 planes) is equivalent to other weak attacking unit like Inf @1/6 each round.
AAA seems less powerfull against a single plane?
True, if the battle last only 1 round (5.55%) or 2 rounds (11.1%).
It is equal if it last 3 rounds (16.66%). I think 3 rounds is an average battle, don’t you think?
After 3 rounds, the odds to hit aircrafts are better and better.
In fact, a slow increase of 5.55% for each plane under AAA fire, per additionnal round past the third.
Now AAAgun can always be useful and take a part in the battle, and are not just ridiculous cannon fodder.
(As if they were plainly silence in a very long battle, taking place during many rounds.)
The way to roll 1/18 is not gracious (but not that complex either), very true.
But I believe it is nearest equivalent (odds vs odds) of the OOB rule on AAA 1/6 first strike.