Tank Shocks

[Ragnarox]

Recently I have been experimenting with the tactical significance of conducting tank shocks with my Tau army. Although considering how frail and long range the Tau are supposed to be, I discovered that when a Broadside or Hammerhead or Fusion Blaster/Plasma Rifle/Missile Launcher isn't immediately available, conducting a tank shock with a squad of Fire Warriors armed with EMP grenades is the most effective way to take out enemy armor despite the dangers associated with tank shocks.

So, I wanted to ask anyone out there who has conducted a tank shock (or has had one happen to them) how effective you think tank shocks are and how they are best used as a pinch move.

[Ktan]

When you say Tank Shock, do you mean a Rhino Rush, Tau style? Tank Shocks can only be done with vehicles so I'm guessing one of two things:

1. You deployed the Tau and then used the vehicle to Tank Shock an enemy.
2. Fish o' Fury: Unloading a squad of Tau FW into rapid fire range and raping with 2 S5 shots per model.

Just trying to clarify, your description seemed a little at odds. Fish o' Fury is a commonly employed tactic though, if that helps. (Or at least White Dwarf gives you that impression)

[kongurous]

I play IG, and of course, IG means one thing, and one thing only: tanks. Because of this, EMP grenades are a favorite tactic of my Tau opponents. The trick with tanks is they have their weaknesses, and when confronted with said weaknesses, they will usually lose quickly because they lack the additional squad mates to potentially take the hit. This is why infantry screens are a good idea, and the only time I was ever tank shocked was back when I thought the Tau weren't dumb enough to get close.

But I have a healthy respect for the Fire Warrior armed with EMP grenades. You've no idea how many times my Chimeras have been ganked by Pathfinders and Fire Warriors working in conjunction.

[Ragnarox]

But I have a healthy respect for the Fire Warrior armed with EMP grenades. You've no idea how many times my Chimeras have been ganked by Pathfinders and Fire Warriors working in conjunction

From fighting IG a lot, I have a VERY good idea as to how many losses they incur from such tactics.

Sorry for the confusion Ktan, when I said Tank Shock, I was referring to "Death or Glory" assaults in which I can decide whether to move my troops out of the way or leave them there to attack the tank (that is assuming that they pass their leadership test which they have problems doing often.)

[TMNightmare]

i never really understood tank shock exactly
is it when you drive your tank straight at your opponent's troops and if they fail a leadership test they fall back? or if they pass it?
otherwise they get run over by the tank?
the rulebook wasn't too clear on it
and i play imperial guard too so i got tanks that need to know whether to run over the enemy or burn 'em