Video game tips-RTS-Rushing

As the title implies, todays post will be on strategy games.

In many strategy games there is something that is overlooked by many new players. It is a tactic called rushing. Rushing has two basic meanings: resource rushing, and combat rushing.
Resource rushing involves making a gamble that the amount of resources you could obtain in the long run justify temporarily overextending your economy and military, so that you can obtain early in the game a key resource (note: of course this only applies to RTS games that include a form of resource). Many players ignore resources because they are to cautious to go for them. The line between mediocre and advanced players is often the ability to discern when to play risky or when to play cautious.

Combat rushing involves (to various extent) overextending your military and economy, to attack your opponent. In its more extreme it involves literally putting all your eggs in one basket. Now if you are a experienced player this tactic will often work on players of lower skills. They will often be simply incapable of competing with adequate speed to the attack. However this tactic can be much less effective against foes of similar or greater abilities. Still however you can sometimes pull it off, and it sure looks fantastic when you can.
Military rushing in its more moderate approach basically involves keeping a steady stream of harassing troops flowing towards the enemies outposts and any weaker units/buildings. This tactic is highly advised in all situations, as it typically will not put you in a position of no return. Also if your opponent is a typical player they will be doing the same. An object worthy of note is that in all cases mentioned, there are cases were people do things differently to either a) simply be different. or b) throw you off of what they really are trying to do. Sometimes a experienced player will do things completely irregular, and in such cases you will have to act according to your wisdom. But be that as it may these should serve as a good starting guideline of when to rush, and when not to.

(You were right Calvin... that was easier)