Abilene
Bid System Rules
SSR
Related (Important)
Friendly Advice
for Bidding
Scenario sides are determined by bidding, with the low bid receiving that side. Each scenario will list the available forces either as 'Given Forces' (allowed to setup prior to play or as reinforcements to be moved on after play has begun) or 'Bid Forces' (units that one side may attempt to purchase).
One side, The Bid Side, will present only a short list of Given Forces along with an 'Bid Forces' column listing units and an associated point value. The Bid side will automatically get the units listed under 'Given' column. However, it is the units in 'Bid Forces' column the players attempt to purchase.
Looking over the scenario, considering such factors as number of turns, the nature of the victory conditions and special limitations, the players determine their initial bid values from those units under the 'Bid Forces' column, adding the point value for the type of unit and the quantity. No units outside of this list may be used. Occasionally, there will also be restrictions concerning the quantity or quality of the units, but those will be explicitly stated by the scenario.
After both players have determined their initial bid total, they make a DR. The low roller (in the case of ties, keep re-rolling) reveals his total first. The other player now decides to either 1) accept the opponents bid, or 2) offer a lower bid himself. If he offers a lower bid value, the roles are now reversed and the other must decide to accept the new bid or lower the total again. Bids may be lowered by any whole number. This process continues until one player accepts a bid value. The player offering the lowest accepted bid value is the Bid Side.
After one player accepts the bid value, they assume the appropriate sides and prepare for Setup. The Bid Side may now purchase and select the units based on the accepted bid point value. Of course, the bid value may not be exceeded and any restrictions stated in the scenario must be followed. The other player is allowed to examine the purchased units prior to any setup. He should also verify the purchase total does not exceed the bid value and that any restrictions are enforced.
Each scenario will list a recommended point range. While players are free to select outside this range, be aware that higher or lower values may skew play balance. Please carefully consider values outside of this range. Naturally, each player will have to make that decision for himself.
SSR Related
The following are recommended for use with the Abilene Bid system. While players may always agree on other rules and styles of play, the scenarios presented here were designed with these mind. Therefore, changing any options may affect balance and players are advised to carefully consider this before bidding.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated in a scenario, only rules chapters A - E will be used. Since there is a wide latitude in player's rules versions, an understanding needs to be made among the players prior to bidding. Generally, the latest set of Avalon Hill color rules (1994) is assumed. Other companies' rules versions will not be recognized. Q/A from Avalon Hill's The General may be referred to as needed to clarify a rule but may not supersede or change it. Modifying rules, even if mutually agreeable, is not encouraged and may alter play balance of a scenario.
Unless stated otherwise explicitly by the scenario, the following rules apply.
* No unit may begin concealed.
* HSs may not be purchased, although normal Deployment is applicable afterwards.
* Half-hexes, if any are included in a setup, are not allowed for unit placement.
* Unless otherwise stated, EC is dry, no wind. Weather die rolls are not used.
* The Battlefield Integrity rule is a joke, therefore not used.
* Units entering on the same hex do so sequentially; that is the second unit pays twice the COT MF/MP to enter, the third unit pays three times the COT MF/MP and so on.
* Rolls which require secrecy (e.g., Gyrostabilizers) are allowed and the TD will witness those rolls.
* Sewer Movement not allowed.
Friendly Advice for Bidding
In determining the point total for a side, consider several factors. The length of the game, the nature of the Victory Conditions (exiting troops, casualties, occupying terrain, etc.) and special scenario limitations. Take special care to read about the weapons used and understand those restrictions or abilities. The Recommended Point Range offers play test results for opponents of similar experience. Please carefully consider accepting bids outside of this range. Naturally, account for your abilities, confidences and experience level when deciding on bids. However, when in doubt, bid high and negotiate down to a lower value.