View source for Original Ten Principle Approach

[[Pharbo]] takes 
no responsibility for the current format of these tips which do not necessarily resemble the originals.  The wiki version is [[Ten Principle Approach|here]] in full:


== Principle 1 ==
Read and understand the [[rules]]!!!! You cannot expect to be good at this game without a basic understanding of how it works. The rules are VERY GOOD and should be read more than once.

== Principle 2 ==
Put in place a strong [[training]] system.(Ie, train one primary [[skill]] for at least 3-4 [[season]]s, and train 17-19 yo players) ([[trainees]] should be sold when they get older for profit, and replaced with new youngsters, as older players take longer to train)
This is how you will improve your [[team]] and make money. (NB. Always play a [[formation]] which maximises the number of players who receive training. (Ie, play 3 [[forward]]s when training [[scoring]])) Play different players in mid-week games than in your league games, and always play a mid-week game. This doubles your number of players being trained. Train at 100% intensity.

A passable [[coach]] with poor [[leadership]] is a good choice as a startup coach.

== Principle 3 ==
Make a plan and stick to it. HT is a marathon, not a sprint. (Always, however, learn from the forums and tweak your plan where it needs it. Learn who is trustworthy for advice on the forums and who isn't. Microscope is.)

== Principle 4 ==
Manage your [[expenses]]. When you start out, less backroom [[staff]] is better than more. (1 goalie coach, 5 assistant coaches, 3 spokespersons & 1 Physio(maybe) is good to start(if you're training outfielders))

Only spend money on anything if (a) you can afford it, (b) if you really understand why it is necessary to do so and (c) if you can spare the cash. You DO get charged interest if you're in debt, 5% every week. [[Bankruptcy]] isn't forever, but it's annoying waiting for a new team for a few weeks!

== Principle 5 ==
When upgrading a position (usually after the sale of a [[trainee]] and after the trainee replacement has been purchased), replace a player with a player that is 2 skill levels higher.(No more, or less. Teams with a single 'star' player can be predictable, or the 'star' can have a bad run of form, and thus they're easier to beat)

== Principle 6 ==
Win [[midfield]]. Although balance is desirable, midfield is still King.

== Principle 7 ==
Manage your TS ([[Team Spirit]]). Why? because it affects your midfield lots. (In it's simplest form, this means [[PIC]] (Play it Cool) games you can't win OR can't lose (NB. Principle 10), and Normal or MOS everything else) NB owning a "[[clown]]" does not affect TS significantly. The [[leadership]] of your trainer is far more important.

== Principle 8 ==
Play '[[Normal]]' (Ie, no tactics like [[AIM]], etc...). Only start using tactics if you know how they work and if they are necessary.(which mostly they are not)

== Principle 9 ==
Scout your opponents. Learn where they are weak and strong, and know your team. (''"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be beaten in a thousand battles."'' Sun Tzu)

[[Stars]] are not the best indicator of where a team is weak or strong. Look at match ratings for this. Stars can be deceiving/[[evil]].

== Principle 10 ==
Understand that there is some random factor at play. Expect unexpected results...they are part of HT-life.

[[Category:Newbie Tips]]