How Numbers (Or Lack Of Numbers) Can Win An Airsoft Game

One of the factors that airsofters often don’t fully understand the importance of is troop numbers.  Larger teams may think they will win the battle because the team has more troops to throw around and can take casualties with ease.  Outnumbered teams believe they will inevitably lose because they can’t match the force of the other team.  Numbers can help win a battle, but they don’t guarantee a win.  Being outnumbered doesn’t guarantee you will lose.  It all matters on how you use your resources on the field.

In this post we will examine how troop numbers (or lack of numbers) can affect your airsoft game and how you can use them to your advantage, no matter how big or small your team is.

 

Larger Teams: A Super-Sized Killing Force

Having more players can be one of your biggest resources at an airsoft game, and you should pay attention to how the extra players are used.

Advantages that teams with larger numbers have include being able to:

• Send out recon missions to locate enemy players,
• Initiate large scale outflanking maneuvers,
• Have dedicated defensive squads to protect key points.
• Control the battlefield better through force. 

Even in small scale backyard battles, numbers can have a big effect.  A two-player-on-one-player battle is an excellent example of this.  The two-player team is able to use many different tactics and options that the lone player can’t.  They can choose to outflank the enemy player while one player provides a base of fire and suppresses the single enemy. They are also able to effectively search for the enemy player if he decides the hideout.  Flexibility and firepower are the biggest strengths of a bigger team.

Numbers can also have a good effect on team moral. If you have five, ten, or even just one more player than the other team, you know you have an advantage starting out.  This allows you to feel more flexible and secure on the field.

 

Keys To Running A Large Team

Good organization, communications, planning and leadership are key to running a large team.  Without these, the war machine can quickly fall apart and become fodder for a smaller, elite enemy team.  Organize the team into buddy pairs and squads so you can keep track of team resources.  Try using radios to stay in touch with other squads on your team.  Have goals and a battle plan (even if it’s simple), and make sure everyone understands it.  If possible, have dedicated leaders for each squad. This way the team leader can communicate directly with them and be assured that his message reaches the whole team.

 

You may be wondering how an outnumbered team can survive against even an moderately larger team.  After all, you’ve probably seen how a large team can crush a smaller team first-hand.  But, small teams do have a few advantages on their side that, if used effectively, can win the day.  Let’s take a look at how you can win with an outnumbered team…

 

Outnumbered Teams: “Don’t Mistake Our Numbers As A Weakness”

As an outnumbered team, you have some disadvantages to the enemies’ large numbers. You can’t simply throw troops at the enemy team and expect to survive, but you can still win through a cunning use of tactics and mobility.

Smaller teams have the advantage of being able to communicate with one another more easily and form plans faster.  This can allow you to stay one step ahead of a larger enemy team.  Outnumbered teams can also move with more stealth on the field.

As a outnumbered team, defensive operations are usually the way to go.  Use a “rolling” defense to wear down the enemy.  Start with everyone near the front line and then slowly fall back to another defensive position.   Remember, although the enemy team may think they are making gains, you will be controlling the field and reducing the opposing team to a manageable size.  Once they’re worn down, you can make a counter strike!

Make sure your team has one or more small goals (like holding a point on the field, or taking down a certain number of enemies before falling back).   Often times, I have focused on taking out enough enemy players to make the numbers even (or to my advantage if possible).

As a smaller team you can make an effective offensive by setting up ambushes and also attacking smaller enemy squads that separate from the main force.  Always try to get the numbers in your favor and fight battles on your terms.  Keep the enemy team members guessing at every turn so they don’t have a chance to regroup and plan.  The key is to control the field.  Fight on your terms!

 

To recap:

• Large teams need to have leadership and a solid plan.
• Large teams have an advantage of flexibility over outnumbered teams.
• Outnumbered teams have an advantage in mobility and speed of planning.
• Outnumbered teams should always keep each battle on their terms and control the field.

No matter how many players you have, focus on using the unique advantages of being a larger or outnumbered team.  Never give up and always use every advantage you can.