Improving Richard Bradley's Solo Rules

[Blackronin]

For some time now, I've been playing extensively with Richard Bradley solo rules. I've made some minor changes of my own, using a Table for the rolls of 1 and 6 in the die to give more options to the AI plane as to make it less predictable and more aggressive.

This is the table I use and that I inserted in the new Manuever tables:

Die Roll: --------- 1 --------------------------- 6 --------
1/12 Stall/Straight/Stall --------- Straight/Straight/Loop
2/3 Hard Turn R./Stall/Hard Turn R. -- Straight/Straight/Loop
5/4 Straight/Loop/Straight -------- Straight/Loop/Straight
6/7 ---------------------- No changes ----------------------
8/9 Straight/Loop/Straight -------- Straight/Loop/Straight
10/11 Hard Turn L./Stall/Hard Turn L. -- Straight/Straight/Loop

But recently, as I had to adjust some of the results given by my table to the AI plane, I start considering that just rolling on the sector wasn't enough. The facing of the enemy plane was as important as the sector where he was. But I didn't want to complicate matter to a degree that it was boring and took a lot of time to make the AI maneuver. So I came with the simple idea of Sector plus Closing/Moving Away permutations.

These are the Deck maneuver card for all the decks.
(I'm sorry for the low quality. But I wanted some of you to try them out before I - or someone better than me in this - will make a good graphic table.)

DECK A & B & S
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38046&d=1333151112

DECK C
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38061&d=1333152294

DECK D
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38062&d=1333152316

DECK E & I
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38047&d=1333151133

DECK F & N
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38048&d=1333151157

DECK G
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38063&d=1333152337

DECK H & K
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38058&d=1333151523

DECK J
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38064&d=1333152361

DECK L
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38049&d=1333151177

DECK M
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38050&d=1333151199

DECK O
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38051&d=1333151222

DECK P
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38060&d=1333151570

DECK Q
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=38052&d=1333151243

[Blackronin]

As images went down, I uploaded the decks above. ;)

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Righto.
I'll give it a go.
Rob.

[Watchdog]

There already are some tables on Richard Bradley's site:

http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

Take a look at the WW1 Wings of War Solo Adaption - [Updated 15/01/2012] section, there are such tables for A,B,C,D,H and P decks.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

There already are some tables on Richard Bradley's site:

http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

Take a look at the WW1 Wings of War Solo Adaption - [Updated 15/01/2012] section, there are such tables for A,B,C,D,H and P decks.

They are more refined Jan, but still don't account for the annomaly of two planes heading away from each other.
Rob.

[john snelling]

Nice work. I'll try them.

[john snelling]

I must assume that the pilot is an ace with the ability to loop without going straight afterwards? That is OK just asking the question.

[Odin_Knight]

There already are some tables on Richard Bradley's site:

http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

Take a look at the WW1 Wings of War Solo Adaption - [Updated 15/01/2012] section, there are such tables for A,B,C,D,H and P decks.

The modified rules in the site use target plane facing (Nose, Left, Right, Tale) to determine if it's closing or moving away. They also account for the plane leaving the field.

[Blackronin]

I must assume that the pilot is an ace with the ability to loop without going straight afterwards? That is OK just asking the question.

No, John, I forgot to add that rule: The rule is simple, a common pilot will have to make a straight maneuver in his next turn and the next set of manuevers loses the last maneuver. It isn't perfect at 100%, but it better.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

No, John, I forgot to add that rule: The rule is simple, a common pilot will have to make a straight maneuver in his next turn and the next set of manuevers loose the last maneuver. It isn't perfect at 100%, but it better.

Well that clears that up before I ask the question. Thanks. That is what I call anticipation. I'm glad that I don't fly against you for real!
Rob.

[Blackronin]

Well that clears that up before I ask the question. Thanks. That is what I call anticipation. I'm glad that I don't fly against you for real!
Rob.

Mmmm... I guess you would be a hard bargain in a dogfight, Rob.

[Blackronin]

As for the AI pilot leaving the game mat, I usually use this tactic. If the plane maneuver will make him leave the game mat, I roll again in the 6/7 sector, and the plane usually stays in game. Nothing difficult and there is no need for extra rules and maneuvers.

[Nightbomber]

Impressive job, Quim. I like the new tables of yours a lot:)

[Blackronin]

Impressive job, Quim. I like the new tables of yours a lot:)

Tomorrow I'll make a four AI plane fight against each other to see how much Intelligence these tables really have. :lol: :lol:

[john snelling]

No, John, I forgot to add that rule: The rule is simple, a common pilot will have to make a straight maneuver in his next turn and the next set of manuevers loses the last maneuver. It isn't perfect at 100%, but it better.

Thanks. It looks good. Well try this week end.

[Hunter]

This is a neat idea, I will have to try it. Looks fun.

[Odin_Knight]

Tomorrow I'll make a four AI plane fight against each other to see how much Intelligence these tables really have. :lol: :lol:

Just an idea: Fight them against Richard Bradley's AI and the improved one from the site:
http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

[Blackronin]

Just an idea: Fight them against Richard Bradley's AI and the improved one from the site:
http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

Alexandre, I've already tried the improved AI solo rules. They are balanced, and much more detailed than the original. The problem is, they are also more time consuming and less intuitive. I am after a set of tables that are more fast and with enough detail that the AI's won't do stupid things.

[Blackronin]

AI Ace rules: "After doing damage to a plane, if the damage is special (wounded pilot, fire, or engine hit), the Ace will continue to react only to that plane he damaged, with the following exceptions: The AI Ace pilot rolled to withdraw from battle; The enemy plane is at the distance of 3 or more rulers away; The Ace AI pilot is being tailed."

[Blackronin]

I've adapted some more decks from those I usually use. Here they go, the G, I, J, N and P. The N specially for my friend an pilot F. O. Kyte. ;)

See above.

[Watchdog]

That is great work, Joaquim. Would you care to make a J deck table for our Albatros D.III's and Pfalz D.III's? :pray:

[Blackronin]

That is great work, Joaquim. Would you care to make a J deck table for our Albatros D.III's and Pfalz D.III's? :pray:

Jan, Jan, Jan! Look above. ;) :lol:

[Watchdog]

Jan, Jan, Jan! Look above. ;) :lol:

Meh, too many pictures and scrolling too fast. *blushes*

[Blackronin]

Meh, too many pictures and scrolling too fast. *blushes*

Play one or two scenarios with these rules and give me some feedback on them, if you can. :thumbsup:

[Watchdog]

Play one or two scenarios with these rules and give me some feedback on them, if you can. :thumbsup:

Sure, I will try to find some time in the evenings.

[Nightbomber]

:thumbsup: Quim, I must study the tables and your explanations for a while.>.:)

[Blackronin]

Thanks, Andrzej. I hope you like the tables.

[john snelling]

Tried your rules last night. 4 Italian Spad VIIs (AI) vs 2 A-H Albatros D.IIIs (53 series J deck) and 2 Brandenburg D.Is. Special rules: A-H the Albatros gets a red or green jam it goes from the A damage deck to B damage deck if it receives another it can no longer fire. The Brandenburgs only jam on red and they can no longer fire.
The results were:
Spad #1 received 3 damage cards: 3 engine, 5 pilot wounded and 0. After being wounded he stayed out of the fight and returned to base (RTB).
Spad #2 received 4 damage cards: 0, 2, 0, 1 shared in the victory over Brandenberg D.I #1.
Spad #3 received 6 damage cards: 0, 2 engine, 4 smoke, 3, 3 pilot wounded and a 5 pilot wounded (2 wounds equal a kill).
Spad #4 recieved 6 damage cards: 1, 2, 0, 4, 2, and 3 totaling 12 shared the victory over Brandenburg D.I #1.

Brandenburg D.I #1: received 4 damage cards by EA: 0, 2 fire, 2 no left, 3. His guns jammed and when RTB the fire caused 0 then next turn an explosion.
Brandenburg D.I #2: received 5 damage cards by EA: 1 smoke, 1 ro right, 0, 1 fire, 2 no left. His guns also jammed and the fire caused 1 damage before he RTB.
Albatros D.III #1: recieved 4 damage cards: 1, 0, 3 and 3 and 1 gun jam. He had the victory over Spad #3.
Albatros D.III #2: recieved 2 damge cards: 1 and 0 but both guns were jammed.

The game was evenly matched 19 damage cards to 15. I considered it a draw. The A-H were very unlucky to receive all the gun jams they had but that is part of the game.
I usually play the advanced rules. But your version is really good. I added to the moving away column "fleeing" when an aircraft receives to much damage, fire or when the pilot is wounded and has to RTB. Will be playing the same scenario again.
"BZ" well done

[Blackronin]

Thanks for testing the rules, John. Most enlightening.
No photos?
AS I understood, you played with 4 planes against 4 AI's, correct? And a draw? Amazing.
I'd like to read about the next game.

[john snelling]

I just got my first digital camera last week. I know I'm alittle slow. Yes it is 4 AI's vs 4 I control.
To make a long story short tried them two more times. The AI won by having all my planes leaving the mat because of gun jams, engine damage and pilot wounds. But the next game I won a convincing victory by shoot down 2 without loss of any aircraft. Once again I used 4 Spad VIIs for the AI and I used 2 Albatros D.III (J deck) and 2 KDs with a single gun and S-deck.
I will be trying the N17's next and 6 vs 6 also.
Thanks for sharing.

[Blackronin]

I'll wait for the next AAR. No problem.
Thanks for sharing the game summary.

[Herkybird]

If anyone is still using my original solo rules, I have added deck Q and the bomber decks to the downloads page at our club site: http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

I totally support anyone making variants of the rules -Incidentally, I found when trying to make more detailed variants myself that the icons had to be so small on a piece of A4 card they were difficult to see! - so good luck!

I am glad there are differing difficulty variants available, as not everyone is an expert at the game, and children play this too!

We still use my original set at my club, However, I am always interested how others modify them to provide more challenging opponents! - we tend to use more opponents to balance the games.

Happy gaming --Richard.

[Blackronin]

Thanks, Richard.
I start playing with your rules and I love them.
But as I played more and more solo scenarios, I needed a wider and faster response from the AI planes.
But I will keep your rules always.
Three small nephews that are starting to become airmen.

[Watchdog]

If anyone is still using my original solo rules, I have added deck Q and the bomber decks to the downloads page at our club site: http://tynesidewargames.co.uk/wowrules.html

I totally support anyone making variants of the rules -Incidentally, I found when trying to make more detailed variants myself that the icons had to be so small on a piece of A4 card they were difficult to see! - so good luck!

I am glad there are differing difficulty variants available, as not everyone is an expert at the game, and children play this too!

We still use my original set at my club, However, I am always interested how others modify them to provide more challenging opponents! - we tend to use more opponents to balance the games.

Happy gaming --Richard.

It is good to see you here, Richard. :)

I cannot see the Q deck and the bomber decks anywhere on the Tyneside website, though. What am I doing wrong?:confused:

[Watchdog]

While the Aerodrome was down, Richard was so nice to send me the Q deck and the bomber deck tables, as well as templates to modify them or create our own tables.

The Files section still seems to be unavailable, so I cannot upload the templates. I sent them to Andrzej as he is the only one whose e-mail I have.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

While the Aerodrome was down, Richard was so nice to send me the Q deck and the bomber deck tables, as well as templates to modify them or create our own tables.

The Files section still seems to be unavailable, so I cannot upload the templates. I sent them to Andrzej as he is the only one whose e-mail I have.

I will PM you.
Rob.

[Nightbomber]

For all of you Dear Friends:
Let's exchange our email addresses here in case we lost contact again:
Andrzej: nightbomber.as@gmail.com; sieradzki@civ.pl

[Watchdog]

I am a bit hesitant to display my e-mail publicly in a forum thread, Andrzej. Could you, please, forward my e-mail message with the templates to the others?

Thanks. :)

[Nightbomber]

I am a bit hesitant to display my e-mail publicly in a forum thread, Andrzej. Could you, please, forward my e-mail message with the templates to the others?

Thanks. :)

OK, I will.

[Watchdog]

Thanks.

Oh, and the Q and bomber decks are available on the Tyneside website.

[Blackronin]

If you need my email, ask me for it through a PM, my friends. Please feel free to use it or not. ;)

[flash]

Joaquim - you will have to post your alternate decks again old sport they are missing from your first post now. cheers Dave

[Blackronin]

I've uploaded again the decks at the beginning of this thread and I've also uploaded all the remaining decks that were lacking. Happy solo hunting :)

[Flying Officer Kyte]

I do not think it a good idea to publish your E-mail information on the open forum chaps.
It is open to abuse. I would delete it and only forward it to friends by P.M.
Rob.

[flash]

I've uploaded again the decks at the beginning of this thread and I've also uploaded all the remaining decks that were lacking. Happy solo hunting :)
Thanks matey, I will give them a go sometime.

[Baldrick62]

I do not think it a good idea to publish your E-mail information on the open forum chaps.
It is open to abuse. I would delete it and only forward it to friends by P.M.
Rob.

Given what's gone on with this site over the last week I couldn't agree more. Posting details like that are an open invitation to hackers and spammers.

[Blackronin]

Very well. It's taken out. Anyone who wishes to send me an email, feel free to ask me for it with a PM.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Thanks for the update on the tables Joaquim.
All now printed off into my nice new file for solo games.
Rob.