First Contact

In response to my SOBH’s introduction (Son Of a Bueno Hombre), I feel I have to contribute this little piece of wisdom before we engage in a two kitchens wide Corellian conflict (we play at each other’s place depending on mood).

Here it is : Helmuth von Moltke the Elder is a German strategist that once said, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” His thesis on the ground in the 1800s evolved into a fact checked experience over the course of many virtual 3’ X 6’ space battles.

Over many victories and defeats, I called meetings with all the serving commanders so they could build different armadas. No one fleet was launched a second time without modifications. Winning recipes they have found, but enemies tend to smell and recognize the food before it is served. Darth Vader has rarely given a second chance to his own crew, so imagine how my rebels felt about a second serving of flaming Imperial Star Destroyer with a hive of squadrons. They expressed need for change, just in case.

On just about every emergency scrums, meaning a few minutes before hell is unpacked on the table, my commanders managed to propose different ways to engage the enemies. All attempts to choose one over the others were met with skepticism and curiosity … even by themselves. “Not bad.” “Looks better but.” “Let’s try it.” If only they had a few more minutes to change it again!

At just about every encounter, there was one similar thought at the start of every round 2 : “What the … happened?” The enemy was supposed to move here, increase speed or stay grouped. He did not. Two of my ships even got to fire on an enemy in the first round, thanks to the ambush zone the Imperials got me into. Really!? None of my officers had predicted multiple hits on the first round before. Imagine the Imperials who thought they had surprised us!

So, why the quote? Well, my SOBH’s introduction speaks of strategy to come. In my opinion, the strategy happens way before you enthusiastically roll the dice, way before you over confidently place your ships in the setup area … and yet, way after you swallow a punitive humility lesson, because if you did not learn from that one, you’re in for another engine whoopin’.

Peter Plan