I'm having trouble figuring out the VP system. I read the Wiki article but it doesn't seem to be matching my game experience.
I'm trying the Western Scenario. I played with the Union, and was what looked like winning big time - but I could never seem to get more victory points than the Confederates; I started with 24 a turn, and they start with 33 a turn. I carved out a large part of the South but never could catch up on VP's/turn.
Btw, I'm using all default options.
I then tried the Confederates, figuring I could just hold on and win. But by the 4th turn they (US) were getting more VP than I per turn even though I was doing well in the war.
I was frustrated enough to try this real slow. I checked the victory regions by hitting the 3 key. I got it right, both players start with 17 victory regions .
The US stats with Dubuque, Des Moines, Council Buffs, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Springfield Il, Leavenworth, Lexington, Louisville, Cairo, St Louis, Springfield Mo, Bowling Green, Nashville, and Sacramento.
The Confederates get El Paso, Houston, Galveston, Dallas, Fayetteville, Little Rock, Madison, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Jackson, Memphis, Corinth, Mobile, Montgomery, Chattanooga, and Vicksburg.
When I hit F9, it says the Union gets 24 VP/s turn and the confederates get 33/turn. We both start with 50 so I have to get VP's either from taking these cities or other means.
On the first turn, I was pretty passive (really bad weather all around). We had two battles, I won both of them. Grant defeated Beauregard and Curtis defeated Van Dorn. The only are that changed control was that the Confederates took Fort Stanton.
I went to look at victory points. I now get 28 per turn (Ok that's good) but the CSA now gets 41/turn. What is happening? How can I determine how to win this game? I did notice that Tuscon was added to objectives – is Tuscon worth 8 VP's/turn?
It says Changes per turn (from objectives) 28.
In looking at the victory point tool-tip, it say 'changes from structure loss and capture (-6). Did I lose 6 VP's for Fort Stanton?
It then says 'Changes from objectives under control' 27. So I do have 99 VP's (I guess 50 to start plus 28 + 27 -6). I'm puzzled that the CSA also has only 99 – I'm guessing they played a card that cost VP's.
My 28 and 27 points speak to objectives. Are VP's only for the objectives listed on the F9 screen, or do they count the cities highlighted when I hit the 3 key?
Anyway, if anyone can help me out it would be good. Winning an instant victory by national morale is not realistic in this scenario, so I'd like to figure out the VP's.