Big units or small units?

[irwit]

Hi all

 

I'm putting an army together and have been browsing the army lists and unit of 10 GHs seems pretty standard unless you are podding in which case 9 or 8 to fit in the WG seems standard.  

 

Now tactics wise,  would 5 not give you more of an advanatge,  especially with our WG pack leader shenanigans.  

 

Example,   Im hearing about these stupid ammount of shots Tau can put out now,   well if they are going to take out a 10man squad in one shooting phase,   why not make them only take out a 5 man,  and have another 5 man left for next turn?  

 

Also this allows you more TDA WG hidden in GH units for 2+ save, and a free power weapon.  

 

I know we get the free plasma at 10 man but its only 10 points saved.   

 

This also frees up things like being over watched when you charge,  opponent only gets to OW 1 unit instead of 2.  

 

 

or am I just way off with these ideas?  

[dswanick]

Not at all. The limiter is 6 Troops per FOC. If you want bodies, you will be limited to 30 this way. I usually run a mix:1 ten-man, 2 eight-man, and 2 five-man (sometimes I envy Combat Squads).

[irwit]

Well I am thinking instead of 2 units of 10 witha WG with CML in each,   go for 4 units of 5.  CMLs on the rear units and combi plasma TDA WG with the front 2 units.   

 

Gives me an extra 2 plasma shots for a similar price but also lets me keep my CMLs out of harms way.    In this instance would 2 units of 5 and 1 of 10 be better do you think? 

[skeletoro]

Smaller units allow you to capitalize on overkill (opponent does more and you do less).

 

On the other hand, 5 grey hunters in a drop pod are paying 7 points per model for it (rather than 3.5).

 

One downside is that you won't deal very well with being charged. You'll get fewer over watch shots, and get to make fewer attacks back. Many enemy assault units will be able to wipe out each pack on the charge without taking as many casualties themselves. Sure, overkill might limit the damage they deal, but unless they were otherwise going to wipe out all 10 marines, it won't limit it by 50% (less still given that they'll take fewer over watch casualties) Your over watch fire will be limited by 50%, however, and your assault damage by 50-100%.

 

On the other hand, if they wipe out your 5 grey hunters, the other 5 can shoot them next turn. And they'll get their own over watch... It'll just come a turn too late to help the first pack.

 

There are pros and cons either way, IMO.

[skeletoro]

Well I am thinking instead of 2 units of 10 witha WG with CML in each,   go for 4 units of 5.  CMLs on the rear units and combi plasma TDA WG with the front 2 units.   

 

Gives me an extra 2 plasma shots for a similar price but also lets me keep my CMLs out of harms way.    In this instance would 2 units of 5 and 1 of 10 be better do you think? 

Did you mean 2 units of 5 with 2 CMLs each? We can't really do this. The only way would be to take 10 and WGPL out 5 from each pack.