PBeM game length (in real time)?

[c_of_red]

I have a drill that I use to keep track of the plot as much as possible for a game with this many variables. Of course, that makes me vulnerable to OODA looping. I'm pretty predictable for the first couple of games. Plus I lose a lot. That's OK because if it bothers me, I just start making notes.
When you think about it, the basics are, well...... basic. You go up the middle, left flank, right flan or both flanks. Terrain pretty much dictates which approach is better. Of course, your opponent can see the map also. If he is working of the same platbook as you are, you both pretty much have an idea of what the other will do. Surprise is still possible, but it's mostly in the details.
I just got crunched by an opponent who had pretty much what I thought he did only more. I figured him for a dozen or so ATGM's, which is what he showed me. So when it got down to nut cutting time, those extra 30 or 40 ATGM's he didn't show me reaped a huge harvest. So surprise IS possible. If I had known he had that many ATGM's I would have just built a wall of smoke ( we are playing pre-40 vis era) and ran my tracks up to it , off loaded my Mech squads and had me a fine old time slaughtering ATGM's. So next time I'll know to buy lots of smaller arty, so I can put down more smoke and still stay within the 10% limits. I'll also load up on HMG's. They are great for 'z' keying the area where you think an ATGM is.