ArmChairGeneral wrote:The other exception to MTSGers not returning to their region is if they lose the battle, in which case they go wherever the retreat algorithm sends them.
Nope, since the last patch, MTSG'ed corps will retreat to their original regions, with the exception of if they have to cross a major river with any enemy gunboats; then they will search for another retreat target.
Mickey3D wrote:There are three things to consider with Atlanta:
- Union controls the railroads: if you can't cut them he can easily outmanoeuvre you.
Well I hope so! That's the whole point. I'd want Thomas to come charging in to attack, because it's his weakness.
Mickey3D wrote:- If you don't keep a force South of Montgomery, Union can easily take Pensacola and get supply from the sea.
It really depends on what is north of Atlanta. If Atlanta could serve as a viable supply base for the South while Thomas scurries off to Pensacola, I'd do the trade, especially if it meant being able to take back norther Georgia. Pensacola I've found is not a terribly good jump-off for re-invading Georgia, and on top of that, it means Thomas has to go in the offensive, which again puts him at a disadvantage.
Mickey3D wrote:- I'm not 100% sure (not in front of the game) but I don't think Atlanta is the only supply base of Thomas: Montgomery provides supply and he can received it through Columbus and Augusta from Savannah (I suppose it is in Union hands).
If Thomas doesn't move and Atlanta can be taken, then Columbus can too. Then Thomas is cut off from supplies and would have to attack over the Chattahoochee River to retake Atlanta or Columbus, or as you said, open Pensacola as a supply base. Again, anything that forces Thomas to attack is an an advantage.
Mickey3D wrote:The best would be if the fall of Atlanta forces the Union to move Thomas and Lyon in protection of a drive onto Savannah. For this you must have intelligence on what is the strength of forces in Atlanta, Newnan, Colombus and in Georgia.
Yes, that is the crux of the situation. If the Union has enough other forces near Atlanta that Thomas can basically stay put and let them keep or re-open the supply line to Montgomery, then there's no point to it, because Thomas won't attack.
Mickey3D wrote:Be careful also because there is a ranger unit on the railroad connecting Lee with the North of Alabama: your only way to quickly redeploy in the Chattanooga/Rome/Atlanta area.
There's a depot in Selma, which leads straight back to Meridian, where another depot should be. That should be too much of an issue, although pesky. Keeping the Meridian-Selma line open is however very important. A few gunboats on the Alabama River would sure be useful.