First time doing escalation. what do people run? what is the strategy people use? Do they throw the 1st round to maximize the 2nd or 3rd round as game theory would suggest? Would this even apply in this scenario? so many questions.

I'm thinking of starting with this..

====== 60 Pts ======

Academy Pilot (12) Rear Admiral Chiraneau (46)

Then ending with the 150 pt level with this.

======= 150 Pts =======

Academy Pilot (12) x 3

Rear Admiral Chiraneau (54) VT-49 Decimator (46), Predator (3), Gunner (5)

Soontir Fel (36) TIE Interceptor (27), Royal Guard TIE (0), Push the Limit (3), Hull Upgrade (3), Stealth Device (3)

Omicron Group Pilot (24) Lambda-Class Shuttle (21), Darth Vader (3)

I have to start with the Admiral as I don't see how to add him later without throwing a round. But would it be better to add the shuttle first, Fel first with just PTL. (I don't have Auto thrusters hence the Hull upgrade). Or the additional 2 ties. I like the start and the final list, But not sure of the deployment options, or even if the list will work as an escalation list.

There has not been a lot of discussion on the escalation format and think it's worth a try to get people talking.

Huh. I thought Jabba's Jester would play Scum.

Anyway, I start these discussions with a challenge: Divide your list into the following 3 categories:

The Core:

That which you intend to see you to victory.

The Counterbuild:

The shield against lists that defeat yours easily.

The Fluff:
The upgrades/pilots you took because you had spare points.

Once you get back to me with that, I'll get back to you with my critique, followed by the pathing breakdown conversation.

5 Academy Pilots is 60 points even. That's about as strong if an opener as you can get. Next round you can add Howlrunner and a shuttle, an interceptor or an advanced. Next round add an Emperor and more upgrades into the swarm.

Assault missiles might be awesome against 150 points too.