The recent wildfires in California actually impacted a December Team Yankee tournament hosted by Game Empire in Pasadena, CA. Shipments of the new Stripes book, and new models for the US faction were delayed due to being re-routed around the fires. But, the in-store demo copy gave players enough of a glimpse to see what they might be able to run. A few new units, or upgraded equipment did hit the tables in this tourney.
Kevin and Christian in round 1
There were three US faction players (and a fourth player, in his first tourney with a borrowed list and models that did not use any new units or upgrades). Three Warsaw Pact players ended up in a three-way tie for first. The best showing from a US player was Kevin Morris, tied for fourth with Igor Torgeson (British). I, of course, managed to win a free set of dice to help me improve my win/loss ratio in the next tournament and climb out of last place.
This tourney was the first chance, albeit a very short one, to run units or equipment from Stripes for many of the US faction. I asked players from both the US side and their opponents to share their thoughts on what worked for them, and what they hope to see from the new force options after this initial foray into the new Stripes book.
TH: What is your opinion on the new Abrams?
I really like the new upgraded Abrams. The added survivability was noticeable in many games. I spent an extra 7 points, but I think the armored saved more tanks than extra shots I could’ve had by buying an extra Abrams. The side armor upgrade was nice in letting me ignore light recon elements if needed. By upgrading the Abrams I was able to ignore entire units that were previously smaller threats.
TH: What about the new scouts?
Critically needed. Really nice to have the Spearhead move. Having 1 hammerhead roaming around also nice. Value at 2 points for the platoon in my opinion.
In Round 2, Igor managed to get his Chieftains from reserve and rush Kevin’s objective.\
TH: Thoughts on the Chaparrals?
Having a 5+ save made them very vulnerable. Christian [Sorenson, another player] was able to throw waves and waves of his cheap [Soviet] transports after them and MG them down. Even when decently hidden. The Range is nice, but at 2 points a pop they might be too expensive for just 2 shots each. I might try out the Humvee, weaker range and 1 less FP, but at half the cost and easier to fit into a list that maximizes expensive Abrams.
TH: What is your overall impression of the new forces from Stripes?
American tank lists will have their weaknesses, but they are fun to play and with some luck can win, EVEN against missile spams.
Justin (right) takes on Hyato’s East Germans
Justin Rodriguez
(voted “Favorite Opponent”)
HQ M1 Abrams x 1 tank
Platoon M1 Abrams x 4 tanks
Platoon M1 Abrams x 4 tanks
Platoon ITV x 2 tanks
TH: What is your impression of the new Stripes book?
First, the book itself is an excellent presentation as far as quality, look and feel. I submit that VolkArmee has the most gripping cover but Stripes is a close second. Next, the selection and variation of army lists attainable with Stripes far outpaces the other forces in Team Yankee.
TH: What are your immediate plans for forces from Stripes?
Recently I was tempted to build an M60 Marine formation as I do like the models but I am going to stick with the M1 Abrams formation for near future games and tournaments as that is the army I have and is mostly built and painted. Kevin wisely helped point me in this direction.
TH: Why did you run this list for the tourney at Game Empire?
My copy of Stripes arrived last week so I have had little time to really create competitive lists so for this last tournament at Game Empire I decided to use a simple and quick formation to play. My formation consisted of only two full-count M1 platoons (4 tanks each) with a single M1 for the HQ and a single ITV Platoon (of which only one is allowed with this formation.)
TH: What changes would you make after running this list?
Kevin did give me a great idea to include two M1s in the HQ to maintain a higher number of main battle tanks on the table all the while freeing up points for support choices in the list. This is a critical error that I made when creating the list for this tournament and will be sure to make my future formations this way. I plan to include army HMMWVs in future lists and I want to try using four AV-8s for a quasi-hybrid army/marine list (I love Harriers).
TH: Thoughts on the ITVs and how they performed in the tourney?
The ITVs are fragile but if used in a supporting role are able to bolster the tanks ability to destroy most targets. The ITV cannot move and shoot so movement and position are tricky with this unit. A blitz move is helpful with a unit like this to keep it out of harm’s way or to get it in position to take out a target. I used a blitz move to enter the table from reserve and fire the weapon. Of course, the shot missed; or I failed the blitz move. Either way, the maneuver did not go as planned.
Hyato Tukakosi
(tied for 1st)
Soviet BMP-2 Force with East German T-55 formation in support
TH: What are your thoughts after facing the US with the potential for upgrades and new units from Stripes?
Johnny Vasquez
(tied for 1st)
East German BMP-1 company with some T-72s and Hinds
Johnny and Malcolm square off in round one
TH:What kind of new US units/equipment did you face, and how did they perform against your force?
The only new units I faced were the new IPM Abrams. No one had anything else ready for the tournament. The new Abrams is why I decided to bring Hinds even though I don’t normally run air. Due to the lower AT of East German equipment the IPM is generally immune from the front. I had to use smoke and just surround them in order to get one or two side shots.
The only US player I played was Malcolm and our game ended quickly. I used smoke and spearhead to get on the objective very quickly. This forced him to move his Abrams in order to contest/ kill stuff off the objective. I managed to bounce both of his shots. In return, my T-72 and Hind fire blew up his tanks. Without tank support, he had no chance of pushing my large infantry and BMP company off the objective.
“Comrade General” Christian Sorenson
(tied for 1st)
TH: What list did you bring?
I played a list from the glorious Red Army, of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. It had a BTR Motor Rifle Bn, as well as support.
TH: Which US forces/equipment did you face?
I played the imperialist Amerikaniski once, and faced the new IPM1 Abrams tanks as well as the Chaparral from Stripes.
TH: What can you report on the effectiveness of the Capitalist forces?
These expensive Americans equipments performed as expected, in that they left my opponent with nothing else to stop the people’s forces from charging across the board to engage them! His two-team Chaparral unit fled after my advancing BTR-60 unit machine-gunned one of them at the edge of a forest. Although my brave T-64 tank commanders charged they were unable to hit when presented with open flank shots and unfortunately died for the glory of the motherland when the capitalists woke up and counter-charged into their flanks!
TH: Overall, players on both sides of the table seemed excited by the new Stripes release. The US faction has been the one in most need of an upgrade, and the general attitude at the store that day was that the new book was a solid and welcome entry to the Team Yankee roster.
Troy is a long time gamer, and the author of themedieval fantasy series. He’s also the dude who strives to keep the typos under control on No Dice No Glory.
