2007 BtB PBEM Tournament

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

For an extensive explanation of PBEM play, check out the PBEM Primer.

1. How do I play BTB over the internet using an electronic aide?

You’ll need to create an ACTS account to handle the die rolls and card dealing in an impartial way. ACTS does not track the movement of units on the map however so most players use Cyberboard which is another utility that keeps an electronic record of the map and units. You can of course, set up a physical game and use that to track the unit positions. (All of these utilities are free.)

2. How do I sign up for ACTS?

Go to http://acts.warhorsesim.com/newuser.asp and provide the requested information. (Please use your real name as your user ID as it makes it simplifies things for event administrators.)

3. Where can I get Cyberboard? How do I get the newest Cyberboard gamebox for BtB?

Go to http://cyberboard.brainiac.com/ and download CB version 3.0. You will need a gamebox for any game you wish to play including BtB. To get the current BtB gamebox go to http://www.gmtgames.com/nnbb/btb3.2.zip.

4. How do I get started with Cyberboard?

Cyberboard is a "virtual" copy of the map and counters that you can move around. Each player can track the movement of both sides independently or players can exchange "move" files that update each other's copy of the ongoing game. Go to http://cyberboard.brainiac.com/, as there are several resources there to help get you started.

5. How do I play using a MAC computer?

At the current time, you’ll need to use set up a physical map, or use a PC emulator, as Cyberboard runs on a PC.

6. I have never played in a tournament before. How should I get started?

You’ll want to become familiar with ACTS. Set up a practice game and get a feel for the user interface. Review some of the other active BTB games to get a feel for playing strategies and how folks play the game using ACTS.

7. What are AREA ratings?

AREA is a free rating service used by folks running ‘competitive’ events. Sometimes it helps with seedings, other times its useful for knowing whether you’re playing someone with experience or not. The GMs will submit all game outcomes; players don’t need to do anything.

Tournament Format

1. What optional rules are in effect?

No optional rules are mandated for this tournament. If you wish to play with any of them, obtain the agreement of your opponent before starting each game and make sure the ACTS logs indicate the usage of specific optional rules.

2. Why don’t we use a double-elimination format?

This format would require an additional rounds that would put the event duration to over two years. The tournament administrators, and presumably some players, do not wish to commit for that long a period.

Additional Clarifications from Consimworld

When does a DoW against Sweden or Turkey have to be announced?

At the start of a player's own action round, he may declare war on Sweden or Turkey. All spaces in the country immediately convert to the opposing side and the active player may now move and attack in the targeted country.
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When does the +1 hand size for Industrial Evacuation go into effect?

During the Draw Strategy Card phase 8 turns after IE is played as an event. Because cards are drawn at the start of a turn on ACTS (not at the end of the previous turn as per the sequence of play), this effectively means the hand size increases 9 turns after IE is played.
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When does the minimum hand size for the Axis drop to 2 cards?

During the Draw Strategy Card phase of turns 15 to 17 (turn 18 has no Draw Strategy Card phase).
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Can Round-up be played as an event after P-51 or Strangle are played as Yellow Events?

No. If P-51 or Strangle are played as Yellow events, Round-up is no longer playable as an event.
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Can you clarify activation costs for Axis units in the Caucasus and the Middle East?

Here are some examples and explanations.

During Turn 4 (winter, 1942), does an Axis space under attack that contains both German and non-German Axis units suffer the Winter 42 combat penalties (i.e., no terrain benefits apart from Trenches and 1L shift)?

Yes.
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Can a stack of units under a SF marker move together to an enemy space to remove the SF marker and then "split-up" (i.e., move to different spaces)?

Yes.
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Which takes precedence in a retreat: Retreating through or into an enemy controlled space to end the retreat in supply or retreating to a friendly space to end the retreat out of supply?

The former.
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If the Allied player declares he is performing no further invasions, can Avalanche or Shingle be played as a reinforcement card if the US 7th Army is on the map?

Yes.
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Easily Forgotten Rules