2011 US Masters Player Profiles: Erin Macheski-Preston In series of articles, we will be profiling the players who took part in the 2011 US Masters held in Philadelphia. See all result from the 2011 US Masters here...

Player Profile Name: Erin Macheski-Preston. Hometown: Valdosta, GA. Current city and state: Valdosta, GA. College or University: Georgia Institute of Technology. Favorite Movie: Serenity (I don’t really have only one favorite). Favorite Historical Period: World War Two. Army Lists: Erin's 715th Pionierkompanie...

US Rankings HQ Statistics (as of 24/11/11)

Rank ID Number Points Movement Tournaments 4. 7247 345.2499 0 6

Tournament Results For the Last 12 Months

Tournament Name Location Number of Players Nation Placing Points Earnt Flames Of War Masters United States 22 German 17 22.36 Hellfire Homestyle BAR-B-Q United States 23 Soviet 6 64.96 Midnight Train to Georgia United States 40 German 1 100.00 The South Georgia Grand Tournament United States 18   3 39.33 Battle of Atlanta, 1942 United States 18 Finnish 1 78.00 Wolfkrieg 11 United States 48 Soviet 2 97.92

Player Interview

Battlefront: What is your favorite Flames Of War army to play? Erin Macheski-Preston: Armor.

BF: Why?  EMP: I like to have the initiative in a game and not be at the mercy of the other player’s army.  Armor heavy lists tend to give you the initiative even if you often have the more difficult task in attacking.

Below: Erin's 715th Pionierkompanie at the US Masters.

BF: What is your favorite Flames Of War time period? EMP: Late-war.

BF: Why?  EMP: The cheaper points cost of armor means you can take more armor even in infantry lists.

BF: What is your favorite World War II battle or operation? EMP: Battle of Tali-Inhantala  if I have to pick one (though I’m more of generalized anything in the European theater).

BF: Why? EMP: It was the key battle that is the reason that Finland exists to this day.  I’ve always been amazed at what the massive outnumbered Finns did to keep from being overrun completely.

BF: What is your favorite part of the hobby? (Painting, playing, historical research, collecting, assembling, etc.) EMP: Playing the game is my favorite aspect of the hobby, though I do enjoy the excuse to buy books that the historical research aspect allows.

BF: Why do you attend tournaments? EMP: I enjoy playing games against new opponents, seeing friends, and the level of competition you don’t always get in friendly games.

BF: Your tournament mantra? EMP: No draws.

BF: What is your favorite type of tournament? (Points, theme, time period, style, etc.) EMP: Any and all.

BF: What are some of the most competitive armies to play? EMP: I think any that allow for solid platoons with armor support and that don’t bleed VPs are competitive armies.  Most armies can be competitive if played well.

BF: What is your favorite platoon type? EMP: Large infantry and solid 4+ stand armor platoons.  The veteran armored rifle platoon is a favorite as it can do just about anything you ask of it.

BF: What are you general tactics that you use almost every game? EMP: Interlocking defensive platoons  (especially armor and infantry) or massing in one area when on the attack.

BF: What army are you bringing to the Masters? EMP: Americans, Soviets, Germans or Finns.  Why?  I won’t know which until I decide in mid October.  The varied points and random missions leave a lot of room for thought. German or Soviet are most likely though nothings been ruled out yet.

Below: Erin battles it out at the US Masters.

BF: What mission are you dreading the most?  EMP: Hasty Assault (mostly due to the fact no one plays it down in the SE US).

BF: What mission do you excel at the most? EMP: It depends on the table and army I’m playing. I tend to do well in most and don’t think I stand out at any one.

BF: What points level do you like and dislike based on your army selection? EMP: 1000 points.

BF: Why? EMP: I don’t think the game is very balanced at low points levels and there’s too much of a rock paper scissors at those levels.

BF: Is there a particular points and mission combo that you are really looking forward to seeing? EMP: Not really, as I’m still in the trying to come up with balanced lists at all levels phase of planning.

BF: How do you think you will perform? EMP: It looks to be a quality field and I’m really looking forward to the games.  I think matchups and mission / points levels will play a major part and I have no real clue as towards the results.  I’m hoping to finish in the top ten, but it’s definitely not certain I’ll do so. I’d guess that Ed, Eric, or Bill will take top honors depending on when they meet up with some of the rest of the field.  Someone submarining the win’s a real possibility with this many solid players.  No matter where I end up I’m looking forward to a good weekend against quality competition.