A attacks B successfully, B then counter attacks A but fails.

Then later B attacks A successfully, so does A gets a legit counter on B?

If A decided to counter will that effect his GDI with B? What about B's GDI against A?

[ Irrelevant ]

Ok, thanks Celphi :-)

You are right to take an interest in the way GDI works.

If, for example, you have been relying on GDI protection from special attacks and have no tanks it is prudent to acquire a few before making a second attack on any country.

Or, if you are heading towards a first place finish, and someone you have already exchanged hits with provokes you then you should sensibly consider whether you want to open the door to a war with the provocateur, losing your chance to win.

Where you are mistaken is in thinking that there is anything legitimate or illegitimate in what A decides to do. In Alliance playing in a clan, the clan's retal policy determines how a disciplined player retaliates. But there are no clans in Express. What regulates decision making about grabs and retaliation is what the player thinks will best benefit his country and also what will please him or her best. People get cross when they retaliate and are then hit back so if you contemplate a RoR it is worth taking that into consideration. In this case it is the respective strengths of the two countries, the availability of other targets, and how A feels, that will determine whether A hits.

By the look of it, if events are happening quickly, B has gone jet heavy to make his grab. In the which case if A is me B is likely to get hit two or three times (and will carry a grudge for the rest of the set).