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<blockquote data-quote="Artoomis" data-source="post: 108397" data-attributes="member: 111">The basic math is pretty simple (if I get this right)Let's assume you normally do 1d8 (average 4.5) damage.Further, we compare +21/+16/+11 and +15/+10/+5 vs. AC 20we get:.95*4.5 + .85*4.5 + .60*4.5 = and expected damage of 4.275 + 3.875 + 2.7 = 10.85and with 6 points of Power Attack(A 15 gives 80% chance to hit - onl;y a 1,2,3 or 4 will miss).80*10.5 + .55*10.5 + .2*10.5 = 8.4 + 5.775 + 2.1 = 16.275Assuming no errors, it seems you've made good choice.&nbsp; I'm sure SpikeyFreak (I hope I got that right) will post teh link to hi spreadsheet where you can figure out the best choice.Of course, each situation is unique.&nbsp; For example, though you will, on average, do more damage with Power Attack you will, of couirse, hit less often, so you will critical less often, and any special powers your weapons might have will come into play less often.I find it's very situational and I just try to have a good feel for it.&nbsp; My character with Power Attack also can Smite (paladin),&nbsp; so I will often use Power Attack with the Smite - a powerful combination.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Artoomis, post: 108397, member: 111"] The basic math is pretty simple (if I get this right) Let's assume you normally do 1d8 (average 4.5) damage. Further, we compare +21/+16/+11 and +15/+10/+5 vs. AC 20 we get: .95*4.5 + .85*4.5 + .60*4.5 = and expected damage of 4.275 + 3.875 + 2.7 = 10.85 and with 6 points of Power Attack (A 15 gives 80% chance to hit - onl;y a 1,2,3 or 4 will miss) .80*10.5 + .55*10.5 + .2*10.5 = 8.4 + 5.775 + 2.1 = 16.275 Assuming no errors, it seems you've made good choice. I'm sure SpikeyFreak (I hope I got that right) will post teh link to hi spreadsheet where you can figure out the best choice. Of course, each situation is unique. For example, though you will, on average, do more damage with Power Attack you will, of couirse, hit less often, so you will critical less often, and any special powers your weapons might have will come into play less often. I find it's very situational and I just try to have a good feel for it. My character with Power Attack also can Smite (paladin), so I will often use Power Attack with the Smite - a powerful combination. [/QUOTE]

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