Fast and slow troops in Colonel Blotto game

Let us continue exploring Colonel Blotto game! In an earlier post, we became familiar with the basic premise of the model. Then, we have explored what happens when the castles (battlefields) have different importance. This time, let us consider a scenario with two types of troops: one that is slow and inexpensive, and another that is fast but more costly. What happens if we introduce this heterogeneity? Will you be able to beat AI strategy this time?

The game

Let us once again assume that all five castles hold equal value, and therefore, to win the war, each warlord must capture three castles. As before, warlord captures the castle if they have more troops at the castle than their opponent. This time, however, the warlords have access to two distinct types of troops.

The first type is slow troops. They cost only one resource but must be deployed early (in round 1). The second type is fast troops. They cost twice as much but can be deployed later (in round 2). Each warlord will have a total of 30 resources to spend on troops during their campaign.

In round 1, neither warlord knows the other's deployment before deploying their slow troops. However, at the start of round 2, the assignments of all slow troops deployed during round 1 are revealed. Therefore, the fast troops may react to the movements (deployment) of the slow troops.

Slow troops offer combat power, while fast troops offer tactical flexibility. 30 troops in round 1, or 15 troops in round 2, or something in between. Which army composition proves to be better?

Interactive app

This app lets you explore the modified Colonel Blotto game with fast and slow troops. You will compete against computer opponent who plays a semi-randomized strategy (similar to the one used in the original app). Unlike the previous apps, this one does not support automated repeated plays. This is primarily because the second round of the modified game requires important strategic decisions that cannot be easily automated for human player.

You can adjust your troop placements using the "-" and "+" buttons, which you can find below each castle. Once satisfied with the troop assignment, confirm it by pressing the ">" button. After reviewing the results of your current campaign (which is shown after round 2), you can start a new one by pressing the "<" button.