 The primary objective of Spinola was to occupy a city of some entity that would allow secure their supplies and ammunition, thus anticipating the arrival of winter.The attention of the Marquis focused on Oppenheim, a town of strategic importance because their bridge guarded the entrance to the heart of the Electorate of the Palatinate.The town, however, was strongly garrisoned and was protected by strong fortifications, so an immediate assault was seen as an option inadvisable.