First Skills for Elves "in general"

Xynok · Post by **Xynok** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 4:25 pm

From a "well-rounded" perspective (especially defensive), do you think Dodge is a better first skill for Elves than Block? Second, do you feel Dauntless is the best Doubles skill to give to Elves? Bear in mind, I am talking from an "in general" perspective, as certain specialized positions (notably Thrower and Catcher) have more crucial options because of what they do. Thoughts?

martynq · Post by **martynq** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 4:46 pm

I tend to alternate Block and Dodge for my line-elves. I actually tend to give Guard as a doubles skill to my line-elves and keep Dauntless for my Blitzers. It's also good to take Leader for one of the line-elves on a double.

Cheers,
Martyn

Valen · Post by **Valen** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 4:55 pm

I agree about alternating block and dodge, but eventually all lineman should have blodge, this really

off your opponents, as you can dodge freely and are very difficult to knock down. Then just add skills here and there, a couple of guards, a couple of dauntless, a leader, maybe a dirty player, etc, etc.

Longshot · Post by **Longshot** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 4:57 pm

alternate and give some tackle, sidestep,leap
Jump up on a double, or nerves of steel or leader is great too

Post by **DoubleSkulls** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 5:17 pm

1st 4 line elves that aren't otherwise ear marked (kicker/DP) I'd give block to sit on the line - and a spare.

After that I'd probably keep taking Block for HE/DE. Woodies I'd start going for Dodge.

You might take the 1st line elf double to be dauntless, but probably guard is better overall.

Ian

Munkey · Post by **Munkey** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 6:33 pm

I think I'd give Dodge to the three guy's on the line before block, but I have only played with Wood Elves so the other elf teams may find Block more useful.

First doubles I would be inclined to go with Leader, especially as you often have excess linemen to begin with so you can always dump him once he becomes surplus to requirements - although he will probably have aged first under the new rules.

After sorting out the guys on the line I think I would produce some specialists, who maybe have other skills to suit the needs of my team and league makeup but I do agree that all elves should end up with Blodge at some point if their career takes them that far.

manusate · Post by **manusate** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 7:26 pm

Agree with Ian, Block for High or Dark Elves, and Dodge for the Woodies. That´s it.

ScottTBBF · Post by **ScottTBBF** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 9:35 pm

I play a highly successful High Elf team in the TBBF and my strat was to go with Block across the board for basically all the line-elves, and dodge was the second skill. I currently have played 23 games, and have 12/15 players kitted out with Blodge.

Dwarfs are a hard team to play against (tackle kills your dodge), and the lack of tackle against other dodgy teams also sometimes hurts.

I've come to the conclusion that a couple of Tackles and Diving Tackles as the 2nd skill is a good idea for a bit of diversity and turnover-causing.

exceptions:
- Catchers should get Dodge before Block
- Thrower doesn't really need Block/Dodge. Focus on passing skills. Sure Hands is never wasted as a first pick.

Xynok · Post by **Xynok** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 9:41 pm

What about Strip Ball? Are people giving Players Sure Hands as an early skill? If not, why not at least 2 with SB? Especially with Elf AG and MA, this skill seems priceless? I mean Strip, Dodge, Pick Up, GFI x 2...wow...

Balrog · Post by **Balrog** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 9:50 pm

Dodge is far superior to Block for any line-elf. It keeps him alive and out of harm's way. I tried the Block route and all that happens is you fail dodge rolls and cause turnovers. Line-elves are 70k each, elves can't afford to have their high priced line-elves mared into a trench war. With Dodge you can always choose to get out of any hotspot pronto. And unless you're facing Dwarves, Dodge will keep you alive a lot longer.

Obviously you'll want a few elves with Block, and maybe one or two should take this as their first skill, but do not put them on the LoS.

-Dave

Xynok · Post by **Xynok** » Wed Nov 06, 2002 9:57 pm

My own experience, and most people I play with, is in line with Balrog's logic. Dodge is the superior choice for Elves. It affects the dice the same % as Block when getting hit, and it allows you to consistently Dodge away for assists you MUST have, not to mention getting in the way in general. Block is the obvious second skill, but Dodge is simply more versatile for an Agility team. Sure, lack of Block makes it more difficult to knock people down, but then again, so does lack of ST4+ players...this is not what Elves are good at (Wardancers, Dragon Warriors, and Witch Elves add this feature to these teams soon enough).

Balrog, what do you think about Strip Ball on a few of them, before Block (after Dodge)?

Zombie · Post by **Zombie** » Thu Nov 07, 2002 1:15 am

My elves never take block nor dodge on their first skill. They take dirty player, kick, pass block, tackle, strip ball, etc. For their second skill, they either get block or dodge (unless they roll a double), but until then, i strongly believe that variety makes your team stronger. Not only that, but it's more fun to play as well.

Korhil · Post by **Korhil** » Thu Nov 07, 2002 1:34 am

On Doubles with any LineElf I take GUARD, there is nothing else worth considering at all.

For normal skills, First Dude I usually give Block cos you tend to start light on Blitzer Positions with Elves.
After that Dodge is the better skill, but you often end up switching in a round about way.
It depends on when you get to make the skill rolls, if you get to make 2 after the same game you may want to grab 2 Block Elves right there to bring the Block & Dodge Balance back a bit.

The Other reason for starting atleast 2 with Block first is to develop them with Tackle & Diving Tackle as their next 2 skills, ignoring Dodge so they get up to speed in other places quicker.

---korhil

Post by **DoubleSkulls** » Thu Nov 07, 2002 9:34 am

I'd choose block before dodge because dodge can be neutered while block can't. So, in a league where most teams have a few tacklers, block is a better skill for keeping you alive.

Secondly block allows you to hit back. A 1 die block with the Block skill has the same chance as failure as a dodge, but gives you up to a 50% chance of knocking your opponent over.

For HE/DE this is the crucial factor since they don't have war dancers to leap into the cage, so must break it down by more conventional means.

Woodies on the other hand are soft and have to avoid the melee more. So dodge is a better skill, the reduction in TO's is well worth it.

On doubles it has to be guard, with an argument for dauntless if there are a lot of Big Guys in the league.

Ian

Nermal · Post by **Nermal** » Thu Nov 07, 2002 5:24 pm

i suppose you must look at your league. if there are lots of dwarves would you want to choose dodge.

block would be more of a priority.

but on the whole i think if you can get al your line men blodge great. it is an ideal. plus i agree with guard for the doubles.

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First Skills for Elves "in general"

First Skills for Elves "in general"

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