Team: Flank Double

The Strategy

The Pocket player prepares for an early attack by building a second city towards his nearest flank. Both players ramp up for a 150 economy and prepare to launch a combined attack in early age 3 against a single flank player. By attacking early with a combined force, the strategy relies on virtually eliminating that flank player before the enemy pocket can support or relieve. With the standing army eliminated, the remaining attackers should have enough to hang on and repel a single pocket-player's attempts to recapture.

Early gains will capture initiative and put the opposing team on the back foot. Use cheap raiding to hamper the enemy efforts of recovery by keeping the pockets distracted at home while the weak flank is conquered.

The Roles

One flank and the pocket player both build up for an aggressive early attack. The other flank player adopts a defensive safe strategy

The Scenario

Usable by three or four player teams on open maps. This strategy can be deployed on any map where a combined assault is feasible.

The Bottom Line

As with all early attacks, they are vulnerable if discovered and prepared for. While it is likely that some early attack is discovered, a double may not be realised until too late. Another advantage of this strategy is that its defence relies on co-ordination between unprepared opponents.

Risk: Medium

Effectiveness: Medium