Smoke: does it have to be opaque?
 

Smoke, especially from smoke dischargers, makes defense almost impossible. Especially with the Z key.

Here's what I run into: I'm on defense, I have inf and AT assets awaiting ambush. The opponent comes, z firing, suppressing my guys. Then it's my turn. My infantry and AT is suppressed to where they can only get 1 or 2 shots, after rallying. I let off one shot, boom, smoke discharger kicks in and the enemy tank is out of LOS.

I know smoke wears off and you only have so much, but it's almost killing the game. Any plans for changing this?

Re: Smoke: does it have to be opaque?
 

Smoke wont change there is a reason its used & that technology was developed to see through it, you are witnessing how powerful smoke can be especially on the attack.

Sounds like your more gripping about excessive z fire use though in this case having extra shots wont help though your hit chance will be higher.

Have some house rules for z fire or have a staggered defence if terrain allows remembering you can use smoke to.
High amounts of Z fire gives away positions & slows movement, call in your arty.

Re: Smoke: does it have to be opaque?
 

Another thing you can do is put a few cheap screening units forward of your main defensive positions. Let your opponent waste time, ammo, and smoke on them so (s)he has less available when they hit your actual main defensive line.

Re: Smoke: does it have to be opaque?
 

If you are playing with unlimited Z-fire you could area fire your opponent's guys hiding behind the smoke too. It won't do much against enemy tanks but moving infantry will not like it. If enemy units are stacked with several units per hex it can hurt plenty.

Use heavy calibre weapons and HMG teams...

Re: Smoke: does it have to be opaque?
 

Excessive Z-fire should always be discussed beforehand.
I've been down that road of gamey people who don't play fair and only want to win games to improve their stats on the blitz board and there many of them.
Give a warning when it starts to be much,if ignored dump the game and find a more reasonal player,, they are out there.
Good luck!