Vacillator

From which side? 
I played it in a PBEM as Soviet (and won, for what it's worth). 
The idea of 'box formations' doesn't register with me.  I keep tanks in units in close proximity to each other if possible (within reason), and do things like set up for over-watch where I can, but I don't form 'boxes' as their positions are dictated by cover such as treelines, hills, etc.  'Boxes' reminds me of Waterloo, a different type of battle.
I might be missing your point though, apologies if so.

My take on using the combat recon patrol is you’re supposed to make contact with the enemy. Sometimes your lead vehicle is going to die doing that. 
 
When I’m doing recon with the Sov my vehicles are unbuttoned. I’m supposed to be seeing, and unbuttoned is way better for doing that. If I need to get intel dismounted, and I have time to do that, I’ll go that way. 
 
My take is the Sov tactics are about results: Hit the enemy at weak points with fresh troops that keep arriving in waves until you overcome resistance n break through. If your regimental commander is an idiot this can look like trying to jam a meat grinder by feeding it your arm into it. 
 
H

You choose it as an option at the start of each battle.  Not sure you can switch mid-battle, it's a thought though.

I think we all have to adopt a different approach. Mainly because George wasn't able to create a "everything stops for tea" battle plan for the Allied AI. 

We all know that's not simple.  Oh hang on, you're talking about RL 🤣.
As for the Lone Tiger tactic, when I played George's version, I adopted a different approach.  And it worked.

We all know that's not simple.  Oh hang on, you're talking about RL 🤣.
As for the Lone Tiger tactic, when I played George's version, I adopted a different approach.  And it worked.

Everyone knows Patton was gamey.  He never followed the house rules.

I play WeGo, and usually do one or more replays of each turn to get an overview of 'things happening'.  I then zoom in and replay things that look exciting or which might bite me in the *** if I ignore them.
But it sounds like you're playing Real Time?

Me too Wim, and a few other CM titles.
And don't forget some CMBN goodness is on its way...

Me too.  Two's company, three's a crowd.  If you're one of the couple 😉.

And you've ended up playing me 😂.  I am reasonably flexible.
On a serious note I think playing other humans is the best way to be challenged.  You may or may not find that with me, but you surely will with others.

Lucky on that day, less so some weeks later...
By the way @George MC's versions of both of these battles are excellent if you haven't tried them.

That would be disappointing if it doesn't end up finishing. People can have disagreements, but I would hope that an "invitational" tournament would have people who want to play and finish games against the best the game has to offer. @Artkin last said that he was busy when I last was able to contact him on the 20th of March, so hopefully he will have some time freed up so we can complete.

Lucky on that day, less so some weeks later...
By the way @George MC's versions of both of these battles are excellent if you haven't tried them.

Lucky on that day, less so some weeks later...
By the way @George MC's versions of both of these battles are excellent if you haven't tried them.

Who missed Chelly, here it )
 

I play CMBN every day. Usually playing through CMBN's campaigns co-operatively with a friend at the rate of two moves per day. Playing co-op is a great simulation since you have control of only half of the force and personalities differ. Lots of fun.

Thank you for putting me right on that one. Slightly off topic. We visited a National Trust property yesterday. They had an Edisonophone, so I asked the guide if she would play something. She obliged by putting on some ragtime. I then had to explain to both her, and my girlfriend how the wax cylinders were recorded.
Meanwhile back to the first mission. My Canucks didn't sound "British", they sounded like they came from the wrong side of the pond, just as they should do.

I think you'll find that the Brit Awards are not just for ****e electronic dance music.  In fact the electronic dance category might be the least ****e category eligible for an award 😉.

Yesterday I was asked to fill out a survey, part of which was 'Ethnicity'.  Under the 'White' heading (other headings were available) I was surprised to find that I could only choose 'White British' or 'White Welsh'.  🤔.
I immediately called Tom Jones to ask if he considered himself British. He told me to **** ***, even though I know he has quite a bit of English 'in him'.

Death of a Panther
Minaev's T-34 stalks an unsuspecting Panther that has just shot up his platoon mates.


He spots and fires first, narrowly missing the Panther.

The Panther panics and starts to reverse...

Minaev's gunner adjusts his aim whilst the loader slams another shell into the breech.

Minaev's gunner does not miss the second shot. A flash and the Panther starts to burn...

 
 

I wouldn't be worried about that.  Different skills - blathering, helping, whatever versus playing the game proficiently.  The two might come together but they might not.  I always like to say I'm rubbish so as not to disappoint.

I definitely prefer playing against a human regardless of whether I win or lose. Part of the difference for me is the dialog that may accompany a battle.

Yesterday I was asked to fill out a survey, part of which was 'Ethnicity'.  Under the 'White' heading (other headings were available) I was surprised to find that I could only choose 'White British' or 'White Welsh'.  🤔.
I immediately called Tom Jones to ask if he considered himself British. He told me to **** ***, even though I know he has quite a bit of English 'in him'.

And you've ended up playing me 😂.  I am reasonably flexible.
On a serious note I think playing other humans is the best way to be challenged.  You may or may not find that with me, but you surely will with others.