Do we need larger mines than small?

[Dralasite]

But, they are just as easily swept away. And, the 100 large mines cost a lot more than 100 small mines

I know, I never research or build more than small mines, but I was just pointing out that there are situations where a bigger mine could be better.

[Slick]

In general I agree, but I like throwing in a few turn's worth of small-1-warhead mines followed by a turn of "Big Berthas", then repeat. This way, if (for whatever reason) not all the mines are swept, the "Big Berthas" thrown in here and there will do significant damage.

BTW, if you are just interested in overloading the minesweepers, you can build really cheap small mines with NO warheads, then sprinkle in some with warheads occasionally. You really can build a lot of zero-warhead mines in 1 turn. Of course they can't knock out a half-dead mosquito if they hit...

Slick.

[Fyron]

Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
If they are going to be swept, why not minimize the resources and time spent building them?"

It is, IMO a matter of having enough mines to overwhelm any sweepers they bring AND enough firepower to kill them off. In the unmodded game a single 300 point warhead will probably kill off most smaller ships; larger ones might need two. If the enemy is using armor still, you need more firepower.

In mods where armor is an affective choice, you need lots more firepower.

Phoenix-D

By the time they get big ships, they should have no problem sweeping 100 mines at all. Mines are only useful in the early game, when small ships are used.

[geoschmo]

Ok, how is this for a one sentance rule?

LAW OF MINES:
Use the biggest mines you can afford that will be built by the time you need them.

A mine that is not done when you need it is useless. It's not even a mine, it's a construction queue entry. And if resources are scare there is probably something better you could spend them on than mines to begin with. But if you have the resources to spare and the time to build them, there is no reason not to build the biggest mine you can and cram it full of warheads. That way if any do get through the sweepers they will do the maximum damage possible.

Geoschmo

[ January 11, 2003, 02:15: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

[Fyron]

But once the game progresses, mines become next to useless because sweeping is cheap and easy.

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
But once the game progresses, mines become next to useless because sweeping is cheap and easy.

If the question asked had been "Do we need mines?" then your statement would be relevant Fyron. But the question asked has to assume that mines are being used. And if mines are being used then you should use the biggest mines you can afford that will be built by the time you need them.

Geoschmo

[Fyron]

Yeah, and all those resources you spent on mines are wasted. My cheap mines waste less.