Blackout Rugby - Beginners, look here...

Congrats on getting your team. This game can seem complicated at first look, but it's much easier than you think.

This guide is aimed at seeing out your first three seasons, with aims for improving certain elements which will make your team stronger in the long term.

One thing you have to look at straight away is the youth academy, generally I suggest it's not worth investing in immediately, but if you decide to, make sure you check out how many 19yr olds in your academy, less than 4, then it's probably not worth it this season. More than 4, well you will be running a tight ship financially but it can be done (I did it!). You will need to invest 50K each week, and most likely have to sell most of the guys you pull in the first season. It will take 8 weeks to see the benefits of this investment, you should pull those new players in the first season as soon as they arrive in your academy, they will probably be better than your current players. At the end of season, all your 19yr olds are replaced with a mixture of 16 and 17yr olds, and you can drop the investment level back so you can improve other areas of your team.

Either way, the following article still applies...


Season 1.


The first thing we need to look at is getting 4 trainees. These guys should be no older than 19yrs old. You may have some of these guys in your squad already, after reading what we are after, see if your current players fit the mould. As well don't forget to go to you academy and pull one of the 17yr old players and hope you hit the jackpot!

You can either go for 3 Backs and 1 forward, or 2 backs and 2 forwards. In your first season it's probably preferable to go with the 3 backs/1 forward training scheme.

All players require stamina. Make sure that your trainees do not have less than 5 (Moderate) stamina to begin with (same goes for any player you purchase)

Main things backs require are attack, speed, handling, agility and defense.

So to find these players do a search on the transfer market with these variables

Bid : Max 15K
Attack : Decent
Speed : Satisfactory
Handling : Average
Age : Max 19

This should show enough players who are able to be trained as backs. You do not really want to spend more than 15K on these players, as you have a whole XV to assemble.

As for the forward(s). Generally I suggest looking for a lock straight up, now this lock won't be your permanant lock, probably end up as a number 6 or 7, but currently you don't have the funds to buy the best ones. If your going for 2 forwards, I suggest looking for a prop as well (or a second lock, they can be your breakways down the track).

Bid : Max 15K
Strength : Decent
Technique : Average
Handling : Average
Height : Min 195
Age : Max 19

This should show up guys who in the short term can provide value in the number 4 role.

Once you have all your trainees, you will need to kick your L1 facilities off, as well as employee a L1 coach. Depending on what you decided to purchase as trainees, you will require to hire either 3 attach coaches and 1 defensive (if you went the 3 backs/1 forward), or 2 attack coaches and 2 defensive coaches (2 backs, 2 forwards).

Backs should get the following sessions

1xattack
1xhandling
1xspeed
1xagility
1xdefence

Forwards should get the following

1xattack
1xstrength
1xtechnique
1xhandling
1xdefence

This is for the first season only. If you not sure what players to get, or if you have suitable trainees already, head to the Mentoring section of this site and post your squad and a request for assistance.

As for team training, these are the key skills of the game, in order of how I suggest you apply them (each higher level coach provides an extra team training sessions to a maximum of 4).

Stamina
Attack
Technique (Once you have a L2 Coach)
Defence (Once you have a L3 Coach)

You will notice that I do not suggest training stamina or kicking, stamina team trained, and via ingame training goes up fast enough if you make sure you recruit people with a decent level of it to start with, while kicking is probably better off bought, the expense of hiring coaches, and taking away sessions from your players to train kicking properly, doesn't make it worth it. As well as decent kicker probably won't be requried for quite some time, hopefully enough time that you will have enough cash by that stage to buy someone else's guy on the transfer market!

I don't suggest spending much cash at the moment. As early on it's better to see how your finances are progressing. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your team. Though I do suggest recruiting someone to be your kicker, he should have at least a 9 for kicking, and some other skills to go with it, though don't overspend, plenty of cheap guys available under 15K with these skills!

Another thing to look at is trimming your squad down to 25 players to save money. Actually you need to trim to 20 players (So 5 decent reserves) and 5 players whose wages are as cheap as you can go. This will then provide you with extra income over the season, and hopefully accelerate the development of your squad.

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Now to setup your default lineup for games.

First tip is for the first season, and all friendlies, play using With Next Week In Mind (thats the intensity level), this will provide your players with a bonus ingame training. Though you should still aiming for making the finals, so sometimes you will have to select play Normal, or even Like there's no tomorrow (LTNT) - but expect a huge energy hit from this, and no ingame training!!!!

Another thing, as you don't have players with high technique, you should select play by the book. This will stop you team trying to steal the ball, but at the same time, you will minimise penalties you give away. This is very important early on, as it will provide you an advantage of your opponents because you will recieve more than you concede, and hopefully gain a lot more field position than the other team.

As well for the lineout and scrum, read this guide, as it's a little more detailed than whats available in the documentation.

Another guide to picking your lineup and tactics can be read by clicking here

Or even better there is a tool which will help you place your place in there optimum positions - click here

Or if you prefer to do it yourself, there is also a guide to the positions available by clicking here

You will have to repeat the same thing for your youth team. I suggest making sure all the youngest guys are in the team, and the older ones are left out.

If your still struggling, try the Mentoring section of this site, most of us are more than willing to help you pick your lineup, assist with tactics, or any other areas you may have questions about.

Make sure you click on save as default before you leave.
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Now that you have that done.

You need to look ahead to the second season. As you move along the season, if your cash is high enough, I suggest you look at upgrading to a Level 2 facilities, this will provide you with 24 sessions. I suggest you give those extra sessions to double up key skills on players already in training. No point this season in getting another trainee in.

Another thing you have to consider is your stadium. I suggest going with 10xyour members base to make sure you sell out. You can try some of the stadium calculators by clicking here

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Season 2

Hopefully you have been able to upgrade to a L2 facilities.

This is the first season where you can arrange a training program.

We are going to look at getting 2 new trainees in. They will both get 6 sessions each.

Forward

1xattack
1xhandling
1xdefence
1xtechnique
1xstrength

The last sessions depends on how you are going to use them. Flankers another technique sessions, Number 8 1xspeed, Hooker give them another handling, props get an extra extra strength session, locks 1xjumping,

Back

1xattack
1xhandling
1xdefence
1xspeed
1xagility

The last sessions depends on position. Scrum half an extra attack or strength sessions. Fly half/12/13 an extra agility sessions, 11, 14 and extra speed sessions, 15 give them an extra defence session.

The rest of your sessions will be spread amongst your previous seasons trainees.

3 will get 4 sessions, and one will get 3 sessions, you can make that decision. The one who gets 3 sessions will also finish his training this season, so remember that!

Aims of this season is to upgrade to L2 everything (including coaches), and also aiming to have enough money to get a L3 facilities, and maybe even a L3 coach!
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Season 3

From now on in you only need to employee one new trainee each season as you will be following this as a training plan. (Provided you got to a L3 facilities, if not dump the season E sessions and make season F 2xsessions).

Season A

7xsessions

Season B

7xsessions

Season C

4xsessions

Season D

4xsessions

Season E

4xsessions

Season F

1xsessions (Rotated around the areas until you get pops in all the main ones, once done transfer sessions to season 1 trainee).

For Season A + B sessions look like this.

Forward

1xattack
1xhandling
1xdefence
1xtechnique
1xstrength

The last sessions depends on how you are going to use them. Flankers another technique session and a speed session, Number 8 1xspeed and an extra technique session, Hooker give them another handling and another technique, props get an extra extra strength session and an extra technique, locks 1xjumping and an extra strength session.

Back

1xattack
1xhandling
1xdefence
1xspeed
1xagility

The 2 last sessions depends on position. Scrum half an extra attack and a strength session. Fly half/12/13 an extra agility session and an extra attack session, 11, 14 and extra speed session and agility sessions, 15 give them an extra defence session and an extra speed session.

Though this season, your probably better off splitting the season 2 trainees with 5 and 6 sessions each rather than the 7.

For season C, D and E

Forward

1xattack or 1xhandling (up to you, you can mix it around if you like, or double up on one of the other sessions, or for locks continue jumping training).
1xdefence
1xtechnique
1xstrength

Back

1xattack
1xhandling
1xdefence
1xspeed

Picking your team can be a lot easier if you know what to look out for.

That said, not all positions in the game are created equal, some have more importance than others, so I will attend to those first.

NB: Key Skills are in order of importance for that player type. Forwards (numbered 1 to 8) should have at least 100kg of weight, if not more.

Number 2 - Hooker

THe hooker is one of the most important positions in the game, he throws in the lineout, and complements your front row when in a scrum. That said, if he can do these two things well, then really it's not to important to have any other skills.

Key Skills : Handling, Technique, Strength

Number 4 & 5: Locks

The locks are similar to the hooker, very important in set piece plays. They are the main guys the hooker throws to, as well as providing most of the drive in the scrum.

Key Skills : Height (at least 195cm +), Strength, Handling, Jumping

Number 9 : Scrum Half

The scrum half handles the ball at most breakdowns, thus provides the team with the platform to build attacking moves off. So a key here is that he has the skills to do so. As well the scrumhalf does a lot of pick and go's, which mean at times he acts like a 9th forward. Kicking is also important as the scrumhalf may try and kick the ball away when under pressure, no matter if he has the skills to go with it or not!

Key Skills: Attack, Handling, Kicking - less extent strength.


Other positions

Number 1 and 3 : Loosehead and Tighthead props.

Very important for the scrum, they provide the foundation so the locks can push. Great props will complement the locks in the scrum.

Key Skills : Weight, Strength, Technique


Number 6 and 7 : Breakaways

Not as important in the scrum, they provide pressure on the backline after a movement. They also attend a lot of the rucks with an opportunity to turn the ball over. Can be helpful to have height to help in the lineout.

Key Skills : Technique, Defence, strength

Number 8

This role tends to be an attacking forward, it is suppose to be a guy who can link in with the backline to attack, maybe I play the wrong guy there, as mine doesn't seem to want to be involved unless he grabs the ball of the back of the scrum to dive over for a try. Either way he still provides a similar role to the breakaways in other areas of the field.

Key Skills : Technique, Defence, strength

Number 10 : Flyhalf

Similar to the scrumhalf, he sees a lot of the ball. He provides a link to the rest of the backline, but also can be a guy who will try and bit himself. Vital that he has some kicking as well, as he is quite adapt at having a shot a field goal from time to time.

Key Skills : Attack, Handling, Agility

Number 12 and 13 : Centres

The centres really build off what the scrum and fly half have given them. They are attacking players who need to be able to break the line, and also link with there wingers. Very occasionally they also are required to kick, but it's not important to scout for it.

Key Skills : Attack, Agility, Speed

Number 11 and 14 : Wingers are there to finish off attacking moves. By the time the ball has got to them, hopefully he is racing down the touchline to put the ball over the line. Speed is critical for these players. As well good defence on wingers combined with there speed, see's them very involved when a line break is made against your team. Something to keep in mind.

Key Skills : Speed, Attack, Agility

Number 15: Fullback

A good fullback should play like a flyhalf on the field, injecting himself into the attack when possible. The reality in the match engine is that he doesn't try to do this. That said, he will field a lot of kicks in general play, and also be required to kick himself from time to time. As a fullback, he is also there to stop a play when the line has been broken against your team.

Key Skills : Defence, Handling, Kicking.

Help Guide

Stadium and Staff

Once you are filling out your stadium week in week out, then you should really look to upgrade. It is best to upgrade your stadium in 1000 seats per upgrade. Once you have expanded your stadium, you need to get more staff.


The different types of stadium staff cost different amounts of money:
1 Cleaning Staff = $210
1 Maintenance Worker = $770
1 Security Worker = $350
1 Hospitality Worker = $250
1 Entertainer = $960
Q3. Does everyone think that the info on tactics below is misleading in any way?

Tactics
by spotthedog

Defence:
The defensive type you start with is probably the one you’ll take throughout your teams run on Blackout Rugby. Give great thought to the type you choose at the start as changing the defence type makes it less effective which could result in your team giving away many points in crucial situations.

Man-to-Man:
“A defensive technique where each player is responsible for guarding one particular member of the opposition.”
Basically, if your team has good defensive stats, and you feel they can match up to any challenges thrown at them by the opposition, play this technique. It’s risky, because if one man misses his defensive assignment a line break is bound to happen which could result in a try, but get it right, and your team will shut the opposition down at the gain line time after time.

Drift:
“A defensive technique where the defensive line shifts as the ball moves out towards the other team's wing.”
Probably the most conservative call and most recommended to newbs who aren’t sure about their team’s potential. Basically the defence will stand off the tacklers more than rush or man-to-man and take a group responsibility for the tackling and stopping of runs. Don’t expect huge tackles at the gain line but you won’t be broken open as easily either. This can be exploited by fast and agile centres and wingers who could take the ball across the pitch quicker than your team can make the ground up, but for most newb leagues, this wouldn’t be a problem.

Rush:
Again, risky but rewarding if you have the personnel. “A defensive technique where the defensive line press up and into the attacking positions of the opposition.” This requires quick, strong players who have the ability to sport a play developing and shut it down. The risks involved are a missed tackle or interception could leave a gaping hole in your back line for the opposition to exploit. If you have the players, this is potentially very good, but exercise caution when selecting any type. Remember each has their advantages and pitfalls; it’s up to you to decide which best suits your team.

Attack:

Pick and Go:
This technique of attack is where the players will take the ball from the base of the ruck and attempt to drive straight downfield in order to gain a couple of metres. At times this can be devastatingly effective against weak opposition but strong technique heavy defenders can counter it. The attributes needed for this tactic are strength, handling, attack and technique. Another key attribute is good discipline to ensure no silly penalties are given away at the breakdown. This tactic mainly utilises the pack (No’s 1-Cool so if you are thinking of using it, make sure they have the attributes in the right place and the right discipline for the job.

Driving:
A more attack minded form of the pick and go. The basic principle is the same, ball comes from the ruck to a player who lowers his head and charges but this technique involves backs as well and is usually passed out of the ruck. As a result, it can result in more lost ground but can have a bigger gain if the player breaks a tackle as he is still on his feet and can run downfield to exploit the gap. The key attributes are the same, and I’d add a little speed into the mix to make sure they can fully exploit the chances created. You’ll need as many heavy guys as possible to create the maximum effect. “This play usually produces a slow but safe advance and sometimes is aimed to absorb defenders in the subsequent rucks to contest the ball, opening gaps in the defensive lines for the backs.” Make sure you also have quick backs to expose the gaps created.

Creative:
Possibly the most devastating when used, sometimes devastatingly good, sometimes bad. Overuse this tactic and the penalties against you will soon add up, use it correctly and you’ll find many a line break occurring. This tactic involves usually the SH passing from the ruck or set play to a centre or Fly Half who will then perform a series of delicate passes and interplay with his back line partners in order too create gaps and confuse defenders. If successful, one player will have space to run into and will hopefully be back up by his fellow players. This tactic is mainly Scrum half and Centre orientated so make sure that if you use it, these players have high handling, speed, attack and agility points. This can occasionally involve members of the pack too, so keep in mind that overusing will invariably result in your props or flankers trying a little delicate passing which could result in a knock on or interception giving possession and possibly points away.

Expansive:
“An attacking technique whereby the attacking team produces open play by providing the ball to the backs who will vary the angle and points of attack of their runs so as to receive the ball in a position that will enable them to run through the gaps in the opposing defence.” As stated in the documentation, this play involves all of the backs but from experience, it’s generally agreed that it mainly utilises the wingers and Fly Half. To make sure you get the best out of this tactic, make sure your wingers have good handling, speed, agility and attack and that your FH is a good kicker as well as having the stats mentioned above.
Q5. Agree / Disagree with any of the below?

Kicking:

Kicking Level:
Still hotly debated among even the most seasoned players, Kicking has become one of the biggest bugbears for managers in Blackout Rugby. As far as it’s known, kicking consistently with a not so good kicker, will result in little to no improvement in field position, and possession lost. Obviously, some kicking is needed because defending on the opponent 22 is far better than attacking from your own 5, but bear in mind that kicking too often will result in lost possession and chances and potentially gifting chances to the opponent

Up and Unders:
One of the best tactics for a team with high jumping and good kicking throughout the team to use. If your 9, 10, 12 and 15 all kick well, and your team has good jumping (7 or above ideally), then up and unders can be a great way of relieving pressure yet maintaining possession. You won’t always keep the ball, as the kicking team is actively disadvantaged, but remember ground is still being made which is preferable to being tackled behind the gain line. If you spot the opposition Full Back is short then obviously kick more up and unders but take into account the fact that it’s not always the full back contesting them.

Kicking To Touch:
To kick to touch effectively, make sure you have the skilled lineout as described earlier in the guide. If you think your locks can steal a lot of ball, then kicking to touch will be more advantageous than up and unders as it’s also a little safer. But if you consistently lose line outs, expect your team to be under constant pressure if you do it all the time, as there’s even the chance the FH won’t make touch with the kick.