How do I Beat Back Rush Tactics?

Velusion · #1 February 27th, 2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Baalz said:
Again, not saying this is clearly superior, just that it's a viable choice in some circumstances.

I agree with all your observations really. I do think it can be viable with the right nation.

But the main question for the post was "how do I avoid\beat an early rush." Like you said - the benefits might outway the risk - but if the issue is how to avoid/beat the risk most effectively then an awake combat pretender or counter bless is the best bet.

It's all just risk assessment and desired playstyle IMHO. I've never wanted to feel or look weak early in the game so I've always put having a strong early game high on my priorities. As a result (IMHO) I've never been rushed early and I often make it into the late game. Of course... for all my 2nd and 3rd place medals I've never actually won a large game... so take what you will from my view

thejeff · #2 February 27th, 2008, 05:12 PM

Even without a counter bless of your own, some nations can counter bless rushers with other "troops", elephants being the obvious example.

Sauromatia's hydras and poison archers where brutal to Vanheim glamor sacreds in one game I played. Maybe massed skinshifter or trampling Minotaurs? At least against some sacred types.

Especially if you're only trying to delay long enough for a sleeping SC to wake up and get equipped.

llamabeast · #3 February 27th, 2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

And, being he game host, perhaps players do not want to rush you right away? Just a thought, since I have not played in any of your games.

It had occurred to me, though I certainly hope it's not true. The server's automated guys, feel free to take me down!

Zeldor · #4 February 27th, 2008, 07:07 PM

Nah, simply everyone loves you and it is rare to play with you, so why would they want to kill you fast? Anyone harming llamabeast early would surely be ganged on fast

Aezeal · #5 February 28th, 2008, 12:51 AM

I think that llama does have some extra protection being the host.. I'm pretty sure it made me want to be your friend

of course you keep being a #(*)$&*&#*) so it never works out

vfb · #6 February 28th, 2008, 01:50 AM

Don't worry llama ... I have no compunctions about attacking the game host, and I'm sure there are many others like me too. So you aren't missing out on all the fun.

As far as rushes go, I've rushed in the past. And been rushed more than once too. It's never been in turn 12, it's always around turn 6 or 7. This is on 15-province-per-player maps.

It is necessary to prepare for a rush if you don't want to get creamed, I learned. But preparing to defend against a rush usually means you're capable of your own rush (unless your defense is monkey PD !!!!11!!). And when you see that your closest neighbor has no bless, and has not popped out a god yet ... well, the temptation is there.

Not only that, being prepared for a rush means you aren't going to have problems with expanding into indies, in the normal case where no rush occurs.

Digress · #7 February 28th, 2008, 04:16 AM

I have launched a rush or two but it always seems to trigger instant bad karma.

The moment I attack one opponent I discover new and insanely aggressive neighbours who attack me immediately. This seems to happen very early and well before anyone has had time to do much in the way of scouting (before turn 12).

AlgaeNymph · #8 February 28th, 2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

thejeff said:
[T]rampling Minotaurs[.]

The one of the things I'm having problems with. Any suggestions on holding back the running of the bulls?

Baalz · #9 February 28th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

DryaUnda said:

Quote:

thejeff said:
[T]rampling Minotaurs[.]

The one of the things I'm having problems with. Any suggestions on holding back the running of the bulls?

Gah, I should almost certainly refrain from answering that at the moment, but I'd suggest looking through the fairly comprehensive list of suggestions for dealing with elephants and see if any of them seem likely to translate well to minotaurs. A lot of them won't, but some should.

http://www.shrapnelcommunity.com/thr...&Number=540554

Gah, I can't catch it, it's slipping out....

I'd set everybody towards the back of the battlefield and have your Augurs use body ethereal, body ethereal, then start with the evocation spells. This should hopefully buy you the time you need to bring down the minotaurs.

Shadow blasts should work reasonably well.

Flaming arrows will effect all those javelins.

theenemy · #10 February 28th, 2008, 01:37 PM

One tactic I like to use against rushers is the scout spam(maybe someone here has mentioned it already, I haven't read all posts). Like Baalz mentioned, rushers tend to be aggressive so they PROBABLY invest most of their resources into steamrolling you. They mostly don't care about PD.
So what I like to do is to build a lot of scouts and them into the rushers territory. Remember: An undefended province can be taken over even by a scout.
Then I buy some PD in the newly conquered provinces and laugh an evil laugh.
Hopefully this will get the rushers attention and make him turn back his armies to reconquer his provinces...unless of course he thinks that he can steamroll you anyway.
This is not some kind of perfect plan, but it has worked for me a couple of times.