Watch replays, yes or no?

[krmiller]

I keep my pbem game numbers down, normally 2-4 games in various eras.

For the Black Powder eras I watch the replay as you need to spot large flanking moves.  The larger WWI and WWII games normally have a large enough unit density that it is seldom a problem and for those like Smolensk where it could be the unit density is not so bad that watching the replay is a problem.

Also I agree with Outlaw Josey Wales on the amount of intel we get in the games.  Have played several completely blind scenarios at conventions where the GM has two tables and players only see what they could actually spot based on the conditions.  Have found these to be very enjoyable and much more realistic especially regarding the level of casualties being much more historical.