Strategy versus Tactics

[kiwitt]

I have been playing a number of RTS games and can tell you what I have learned.

IMHO: TW is a perfect game to show the difference between Strategy and Tactics.

Strategy is a Vision or Path to follow.
Tactics is how that Vision is executed.

In TW using Agents and Army stacks even on the "Strategic Map" is this tactics. What you build, where you aim to be is a Strategy.

TW allows you to have a "Peaceful" strategy, an "Agressive" Strategy and everything in between. You can play solely on the Strategic Map, but your actions are still tactics.

When you enter the Battlefield, the strategy you have taken can have a significant impact on the battlefield. You may have being "Peaceful", but built strong defensive troops. You may have been "Agressive" and built fast attacking forces. This will determine how you fight the battle.

I welcome some debate on whether I am wrong or not.

[Aymar de Bois Mauri]

Quote[/b] ]Aymar de Bois Mauri. Posted: Dec. 08 2003,18:12

Just of the top of my head:

Strategy - concerning to the study, planning, preparation and deployment of a campaign (not just military forces involved).
Tactics - implementation, coordination and execution, on the field of battle, of the structure (army & logistics) able to beat the enemy.

But you might want to read a good Military History book or manual where such concepts are defined. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smokin.gif
As I've posted in another thread, this a good aproximation of those concepts.

[kiwitt]

We probably need a third level then. Vision/Goals, then "Strategy & Tactics"

[Hurin_Rules]

Sometimes Strategy and Tactics are themselves divided into two categories:

Strategy: 1. Grand strategy (the highest level of planning; most abstract/general goals)
2. Operational Art (or campaign-strategy; the planning of large operations)

Tactics: 1. Battlefield maneuvers (formations, when to move whom where, etc.)
2. Individual tactics (swordplay, wrong-footing an opponent, etc.)

That distinction might help to cover all the bases.

[Ja'chyra]

Strategy is how you fight the war and tactics are how you fight the battles.

For example it would be a strategic decision to take Constantinople, it gives you a vital choke point and an excellent defensive land border. Whereas, it would be a tactical decision to put your archers on top of a hill, range accuracy etc.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif

[Idaho]

Quote[/b] (Ja'chyra @ Jan. 22 2004,04:21)]Strategy is how you fight the war and tactics are how you fight the battles.

For example it would be a strategic decision to take Constantinople, it gives you a vital choke point and an excellent defensive land border. Whereas, it would be a tactical decision to put your archers on top of a hill, range accuracy etc.

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif
Or taking Constantinople is tactics and domination of the key trade ports is strategy http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[katar]

find the enemy.... and kill them, seems to be working out quite well for me so far. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/handball.gif

[Servius]

Strategy refers to the Macro picture. In this game, it's the campaign map, and the decisions you make year to year.

Tactics refers to the Micro picture. In this game, it's the battle map, and the decisions you make second to second.

Going to college = Strategy
Doing your homework = Tactics

:-)

[hoom]

Damn my lack of tactics http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-wall.gif thats why I keep failing tertiary education http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-embarassed.gif