Party composition (in tackle football terms) in early versions of D&D/AD&D

PARTY OF SIX

 

I've always maintained that a party needs:

 

2 bookend tackles (a football term)  These are 300 pound gorillas whose job it is to keep the QB (magic-user) from getting killed.  One should be a dwarf and one should be a fighter (or paladin or ranger).  Name of Conan is optional

 

1 tight end (cleric)

1 running back/wide receiver (thief)

 

These position titles reflect the potential for some blocking (ie fighting monsters in the front row) as well as the use of some specialized skills.

 

2 QBs these should be magic users.

Generally quarterbacks don't block and stay in the back and use special skills.

Not a perfect analogy but I like the front row/back row analogy that it brings to mind in terms of a football formation and a dungeon-crawling formation.

Alternate combination:

 

2 Tackles (fighters)

2 Tight ends (clerics)

1 Running back/wide receiver (thief)

1 QB (wizard)

 

Sub-classes are ok for a particular role 

 

Cooperation is important.

 

PARTY OF FOUR

 

For a party of 4 (again talking about Dungeons and Dragons (BECMI, BX, 1e, 2e)

 

I think the ideal party has

 

1 of each of the 4 main types.  Although the cleric and the thief will need to be ready to handle "front row" duties if necessary.