PBeM game length (in real time)?

[Double_Deuce]

Just curious, for those that play PBeM for fairly small Company+ battles on about 40x40 maps.

How long do your games usually take in real time to complete based on a 20 Turn game? I am considering a future group project (if enough interest and assistance) and basically I am looking for a average turnaround time in days for a 20 turn PBeM game.

[Double_Deuce]

In most cases it takes me about 30 days at the most depending on any RL issues that may pop up. Usually closer to 20 though.

[Imp]

Did not use poll but in most cases between 20-30 days say average return of 5-7 a week. For a small one like that though have done 6-10 turns in a day passing back & forward

[gila]

It really depends on who you are playing.
I can submit up to 10 turns a week (one turn a day sometimes more on weekends)that's when i can find a real active player which is rare.
With a slower player 2 turns a week that's why i like multiple games going at once,
In most cases it's a month or longer.

[Cross]

I like to play at least 10 turns a week, and sometimes find opponents who can play that or more; but the average - in my experience is about a turn a day.

I think one of the main issues is the time zones where the two players live. If I send a turn in the early evening, and my opponent is asleep already - and won't get to his PC for another 18 hours - you can figure it's going to be a slow game.



cheers,
Cross

[c_of_red]

I did a total of 10 turns today, spread over 4 opponents. About normal.
What sort of help do you want/need?

[Double_Deuce]

Originally Posted by c_of_red

What sort of help do you want/need?

Probably a tournament of some type. I am trying to determine average 20 Turn PBeM turnaround time so I can plan accordingly. In previous attempts I have found some it frequently gets dragged out longer and so I am trying to determine the approximate time frame where I need to start really nagging and dropping non-compliant participants.

[Imp]

I think nagging email after a month automatic loss after 5 weeks is quite acceptable to keep it moving & make it fair on the faster players. Even if you are on hols for 2 weeks with game size you are suggesting & short turn time easy enough for most people to arrange an evening at the computer & knock out half a dozen turns. Even with diffrent time zones I have done this its the tourney players resposibility to complete on time. that being said perhaps asking for peoples hols dates might make sense if both are off for a few weeks could be tricky. 5 weeks is 4 turns a week so state if you cant manage 4 short turns a week please dont play.

[Double_Deuce]

Originally Posted by Imp

5 weeks is 4 turns a week so state if you cant manage 4 short turns a week please dont play.

Agreed. One thing I think aggravates the whole tournament "flow" is when a fast play get paired with a much slower player. In some instances, the faster player tends to nag the slower player until the slower player says screw this and bails. I don't mean a regular prodding, but outright antagonism. I know this is not the case in the majority of situations but I have been doing this multiplayer stuff for a few years and have gotten feedback over time that indicates it is more prevalent then one might think.

[Cross]

Originally Posted by Imp

I think nagging email after a month automatic loss after 5 weeks is quite acceptable to keep it moving & make it fair on the faster players.

Over at The Blitz wargaming club, I think you are given an automatic win if an opponent is MIA for 3 weeks. Fortunately, I have never had this happen.

In my pre-game preferences I always mention 7-10 turns a week; because I get antsy after a couple of days of no contact. But always keep the emails polite.

My main concern is that I will start to 'lose the plot' if I don't remain actively engaged in a battle.


cheers,
Cross