So recently I stated playing on vassal and compared to who I usually play with, almost all players start in a corner as apposed to closer to the middle. I expected this, and after some games I realized that I am really having trouble flanking s. I usually fly interceptors, and now defenders and phantoms and I usually have elite 3 ship imperial lists with a ship approaching on each side and one in the middle. Whenever I go to do this against the corner, I end up with the middle ship to close to one of the others or sacrificing valuable shots to get behind them or in a better position. I know you can draw your opponents into turning and have another ship zoom up right at their side, but im sure there are many more ways. I know this has probably been asked many times before, but what is the best way to flank a rebel squad starting in a corner (lets assume mostly without a falcon or turrets and with around 4 ships) regarding approaching maneuvers and asteroid placement?

....What is the best way to flank a rebel squad starting in a corner (lets assume mostly without a falcon or turrets and with around 4 ships) regarding approaching maneuvers and asteroid placement?

Visualize the first few turns of their movement.

Figure out where they want to fight, and figure out how to position your ships so that their decision changes to a position where YOU want to fight.

Remember:

You start at opposing corners.

The fight will join around center-table.

The Asteroid Thicket is around center-table, and will therefore dictate positioning.

If you want to be able to flank, you want a Thicket that sets this up for you.

One that is dense on their end, but not on yours, means that they'll want to go around, but your flankers can go through.

One that is set up as a fightin' ring means that you can power around the rear of the ring as they engage your fleet in the target.

How do your flankers approach the fight? Do you skirt the edge of the map, or do you attempt to catch them on their external edge when they turn into the center?

I usually try to begin the fighting while they are still turning, and I set up on the same side as them to the middle of my side.

And thanks for the asteroid advice, I think that's what I need to work on the most

Part of it is your opening. Proper flanking, even when they start in the center, should involve two groupings. 1 Flanker group, and 1 primary work that is a significant portion of your force. At least 2/3rds.

If you split into three groups your opponent(assuming they play smart) gets too much control over the engagement. They go for whatever side is most convenient, blitz forwards, and engage 1/3rd of your force, get flanked by 1/3rd, and leave you down a lot of firepower in the early game when you need it most. It`s as good for them as you dropping a Firespray on an asteroid.

Splitting into two gives you more control of the match.

When it comes to flanking I wonder if the Phantom's don't really open up a world of possibilities. If you start them in a "corner" that will still allow them to "decloak" to the edge they are also much closer to the middle should the action go the other way.

Start with main group in corner, not faced downfield but 90 to the inside (so you fly parallel to your setup area).

Fast fly towards other side of your play area.

If your opponent started directly across from your corner , they will want to turn to pursue you at some point. K-turn before you run out of room and head back the way you came. Fly back along the way you came to meet them as they make their way down to your player edge. If they slow moved you will come up on them at their flank; if they turned to meet you they will cut through the asteroid field on an angle to get you lined up, stretching out their line of fire.

If your opponent started in the cross corner , fly slow towards their side to see when they turn to meet you. Try to get them to want to turn into the asteroids. When they do, boost around their sides to flank and get behind them. If they don't turn, cut up into the asteroids with a "bait" ship to flank (see if they bite) and then do as above (be ready to boost past or away with the bait ship if they do turn to go after it, DO NOT TAKE THEM HEAD ON WITH IT).

How IS X-Wing on Vassal? Can you usually find people to play with?

How IS X-Wing on Vassal? Can you usually find people to play with?

You will need the cards as they are represented but without text so you need the cards to play.

Go to Vassal.

Download 3.2.11 Engine.

Look for Star Wars X-wing miniatures vmod module in this link (top of the list):

http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Module:Star_Wars:_X-Wing_Miniatures_Game

Install 3.2.11 Engine

Open Vassal engine and start up. Go to file->Import->SWX-wing Game Mod 5.0.8.vmod

There is a "How To" on Team Covenant somewhere by mrfroggies that will help with the basics.

How IS X-Wing on Vassal? Can you usually find people to play with

Sergovan explained it pretty well, and I enjoy the variety of players, and everyone is very nice. Plus i'm able to use the wave 4 ships before I physically have them. I have been able to find games at all times of the day (because everyone is all over the world) Nice profile name by the way

And thanks for the advice everyone, is the general consensus to group my ships more and cluster steroids in the middle of the table, with it thicker on my opponents side?