“When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum; When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War, V 13 & 14
Two wargame armies, both built with a specified number of points, face off against each other. How can one win and one lose if they are truly balanced?
Dice and bad luck? Yes, that will cause a loss and is out of your control. But would you like to base your strategies on the hope your opponent is having an off day?
Be like the rain
Time and time again I see budding generals spreading their forces across the table top in an effort to control the whole board. If the enemy is equal to you and also does the same, then begin saying your prayers to the dice gods, because only they can help you.
However, if you concentrate your forces to achieve numerical superiority in one area, you should overcome that. Make your army like the water of the torrential rain, able to toss the enemy where you will.
Be like the hawk
Of course timing is important too. Make sure your flanks are guarded and strike at the right moment, just like the hawk. If you spend too long maneuvering, or get drawn into smaller battles, you opponent may swing around behind you and hit your force in the rear.
The next time you wargame, remember Sun Tzu’s wise advice before you lay out your men. Concentrate your force, build momentum and unleash it at the right time. You’ll find you have to pray to the dice gods far less often to get a win.
