RE: Measuring things...

If you do allow pre-measurement, exactly what can I pre-measure? 
[Bri] Anything.

When can I measure? 
[Bri] I usually allow any measurement during the write orders phase. But
only allow a limited amount of time to write orders. During the
Fighter/Missile phase, I allow measurement but only from the starting
point
of the fighter group(s) that a player controls. During Ship movement
from
the starting point of a ship movement, but not from the end point of
ship
movement. Combat Phase, Distance between all ships may be measured, but
the
time to fire a ship is limited (if you want PBS for this, sensor
technology
allows for very exacting measurement of distances, but the amount of
time to
choose which one and press the fire button is still limited).

Can I pre-measure distances to all ships?
[Bri] Yes, but see notes above about a limited time to fire a ship.

Can I measure angles?
[Bri] Yes.

How about to arbitrary spots on the table?
[Bri] Yes. Required for Salvo Missiles.

Can I measure prior to movement? 
[Bri] Yes

If not, how would you stop me from pre-pre-measuring movement during 
previous fire phase?

Can I place measurement markers on the table?
[Bri] Until the next turn phase.

Can I write down the measurements I take?
[Bri] Yes, but see notes about limited time.

Can I use graph paper?
[Bri] Yes, but discouraged.

How about a computer?
[Bri] Yes, but discouraged.

Can I bring my own record sheets?
[Bri] Depends on the type of game. Most scenarios will provide ship
designs
and sheets. A lot of one-offs are set "bring x points of ships", so
require
a person to bring a record sheet. 

Can I bring my own dice?
[Bri] Yes. But must allow other player to use them on request
(discourages
loaded dice).

When are targets declared?
[Bri] Each ship must declare targets and the weapons used before rolling
for
damage. (Avoids the "gee, I did a lot with the P-Torp, I bet I could
finish
him if I use the Class-2s on him rather than on the other ship"

How much time do you allow for an action?
[Bri] This is somewhat fuzzy (variable). If playing with squadrons or
fleets
(4+ ships per player), I usually give about 30 seconds per ship a player
controls + 30 seconds per player in the game for orders. Take a typical
example: 4 players; each player has 5 ships; the orders phase time limit
is
4.5 minutes (this is total not per player as most of this can be done by
all
players at the same time). Fighter/missile launch should be only long
enough
to move the miniatures/counter. PDS/Fighter/Missile fire should take 30
seconds per figheter group. Pre-combat measurement should be the same as
the
time limit for orders (in the example 4.5 minutes). Fire for each ship
should be less than 30 seconds per ship per target (if a ship has 2 FCS
and
targets 2 ships give the player 60 seconds for that ship to fire) and
add 10
seconds per threshold check the target makes. Cleanup (removing
miniatures
and counters) and repair rolls should take 30 seconds per ship.  Again,
these are somewhat flexible and require a judge to indicate when time is
up.
On a one-off with no judge, it is much harder (or players must be more
flexible).

My answers marked by [Bri].

-----
Brian Bell
bkb@beol.net
http://members.xoom.com/rlyehable/ft/	  
-----

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mikko Kurki-Suonio [SMTP:maxxon@swob.dna.fi]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2000 3:04 AM
> To:	Ground Zero Games mailing list
> Subject:	Measuring things...
> 
[snip]

> Well, you have to draw the line somewhere. And, IMHO, the simplest
> possible line is often the best.
> 
> If you do allow pre-measurement, exactly what can I pre-measure? 
> When can I measure? 
> Can I pre-measure distances to all ships?
> Can I measure angles?
> How about to arbitrary spots on the table?
> Can I measure prior to movement? 
> If not, how would you stop me from pre-pre-measuring movement during 
> previous fire phase?
> Can I place measurement markers on the table?
> Can I write down the measurements I take?
> Can I use graph paper?
> How about a computer?
> Can I bring my own record sheets?
> Can I bring my own dice?
> 
[snip]

> -- 
> maxxon@swob.dna.fi (Mikko Kurki-Suonio)	    | A pig who doesn't
fly
> GSM +358 50 5596411 Tel +358 9 8092681	    | is just an
ordinary
> pig
> Länsimetsä 3B1 02300 ESPOO FINLAND	 Hate me? Try | 	- Porco
Rosso
> http://www.swob.dna.fi/~maxxon/      hateme.html  |