Global 1940 & 1943 Expansions Game Reports

[crockett36]

@The-Captain Thanks again!

It’s been a while, but I’ll try to remember in brief and then review in detail in a video. Gargantuan said to me once that the Allies goal must be to slow down the Axis expansion. So I plan on making it more difficult for Japan to get to 60 in oob or the equivalent here. In Europe, to keep the Germans under 63 oob or the equivalent here. (There is a lot of money in this game. And I kept a careful eye, aiming to be well above the Axis.) Suppress growth and income.

I accomplished this by demanding attention in four different directions in the ETO. The north Atlantic, the Med, The Eastern front and another area must call for orders and units. This makes battles smaller and I have the assumption that I can lose battles better than the Axis because of the income disparity. The other area in the beginning was Karelia. Later it was Spain. Later still I was able to make Turkey and the Balkans a hot spot. Death by a thousand cuts? I call it my pizza dough strategy. Ground units in particular can be rendered useless by a tempting easy victory that leaves them at the front line, but unable to reach a different front line. When I accomplished naval superiority, I was able to make the front almost any coastal territory at will.

In the Pacific, I like to go high. And on most occasions, I didn’t seek a large Napoleonic victory, but skirmishes with reserves to make it so that no front was ever settled. Some fronts were hotter than others. Some were drips that could be easily defeated if maintained.

One of my proverbs is for my enemy to win every battle but lose the war. The Rocky Bilboa strategy. I offered many battles in Asia that made my enemy feel good but controlled the position of his aircraft since the battle would only be easy if he brought them into the fight.

The pizza dough strategy means five different areas remain warm at least in the PTO. China for sure. Calcutta and southeast Asia with a focus on Malaya. The money islands convoyed, demanding destroyers. Or destroyer blockers that fill the ocean and make for many skirmish battles that occupy air units that are needed everywhere. Flood the zone might be the football analogy.

We all know that when we attack one unit, we want three units. Preferably two ground units and an air against a ground. Same for the sea. This is a strength and a weakness. That means your smaller enemy can keep more of you occupied. An enemy willing to go 1v1 or 2v1 might gain an edge in a lucky turn. And the Allies have ground to give.

Back to 5 areas.

1. China, particularly central.
2. Southeast Asia, Malaya more than Calcutta. This is the responsibility of the British.
3. Money Islands, Philippines. Anzac is to harass. If possible, UKP can pop out a sub. Kill any lone destroyer at any cost. Hyperbole but not much.
4. Sea zone 7 and then 6 and then 19. This is 100 percent the goal and the responsibility of the US navy and air force. My strategy was generally a 75/25 until Japan is sub 40 oob or the equivalent. That was never accomplished in this game.
5. Russia threatening and eventually losing to the Japan in Korea and Manchuria. Resupply area after the Japanese have passed through. Also fight the expeditionary force from the West or buzz them with lend lease air until destroyed.,

Caucasus became a battlefield that drained resources and went back and forth on account of the Higgins boats. I am sure I underused those. The super wacky subs that were unstoppable unless I took over Denmark caused me much angst. I’m glad they’ve been rolled back.

The constant purchase of bomber is so important to any allied strategy. They can reach areas that your enemy does not expect. On several occasions I treated them like cruise missiles that I knew would be destroyed in combat or easily killed upon landing.

Those are some quick thoughts. Maybe this is all old hat, but maybe I have revealed something new. Thank you Barnee. Much appreciated. You’re a gentleman and a scholar!

[Trout]

Global 1940, Game Report:
Game #2 between:
Axis player: Mussolini Pizza Emperor
Allied player: Trout

Early 1940
G1: Germany clears Sea Zones 110 & 11 but loses 106 as he only attacked with one U-Boat. France, Normandy, S. France, Yugoslavia all taken and Bulgaria/Finland activated. Collect 83 IPC’s after deploying five U-Boats in SZ 112.
J1: Tojo attacks Yunnan and Hunan provinces and builds two minor factories in Chinese provinces.
UK1: Captured Sumatra, killed the G Battleship anchored in SZ 111 and cleared SZ 96 while building a minor factory in Egypt.
Italy 1: Destroyed the Marine Nationale located in SZ 93 and captured Greece, Tunisia, Algeria
ANZAC 1: Activated Dutch New Guinea and Java
Late 1940
Germany 2: Axis strategy was to dominate the Mediterranean and Middle East after all his name is Mussolini Pizza Emperor. As such, the Luftwaffe performed an air raid on SZ 92 destroying the main UK Royal Navy anchored there which was two destroyers, two cruisers, and one loaded carrier at the price of three Luftwaffe fighters. Luttwaffe fighters and tac bombers landed in Algeria after the fight. Bismarck was built in Toulon/SZ 93
UK 2: The Luftwaffe based in Africa opened the door for the RAF to kill the cruiser & transport located in SZ 112 and the Allies at that point decided upon a strategy of the Soviets & Brits focused on European theater while the US & ANZAC focused on the Pacific theater.
Early 1941
Italy captured Gibraltar and dominated the Mediterranean while max German paratroopers built last turn staged to Romania and U-Boats continued to be launched in SZ 93 & 112. However, UK managed to detonate the Gibraltar naval base before its capture.
Late 1941
Germany launches Barbarossa taking Baltic States, E. Poland, Karelia, and Bessarabia but Soviets not too worried as the Axis focus on the Mediterranean kept the push from being overwhelming. Nonetheless, the Soviets retreated to Bryansk while building the Russian Guards and making some paratroop drops where possible in Axis-held European provinces. Meanwhile, Japan launched a surprise attack on the Allies this turn. Capturing Hong Kong, Indochina, Shan State, and the Philippines. Major battle in Kansu left the Chinese with just one infantry in Tsinghai but Japanese losses were not insignificant. USA activated the National Guard and attacked Iwo Jima but the Kriegsmarine anchored in SZ 91 prevented any offensive action in the Atlantic. UK believes that the fall of Egypt is eminent so the minor factory is moved underground in case detonation is necessary. Three UK fighters fly to Soviet Union to prepare for rearmament as Soviet aircraft. Italy repairs the naval base in Gibraltar & builds a shiny new air base in Greece.

Early 1942
Kriegsmarine reinforces SZ 91 with several additional U-Boats. Barbarossa stalled in E. Poland. Soviet Union calls up full Red Army Conscription and rearms three Spitfire squadrons for service in the Soviet Air Force. Japan completes the conquest of China. USA captures Caroline Islands with naval forces of USA & ANZAC now concentrated in SZ 33. Kriegsmarine U-Boats are so numerous that USA & UK move their Atlantic fleets to SZ 64 and build naval base in Central America to retain ability to reach SZ 91 and 106. Allies concede Atlantic to Germany for now and USA builds air transports in order to supply UK with infantry for London defense in case Axis consider winning via Sea Lion. Italy has massed forces in Alexandria and activated Iraq. Regia Marina surface combat ships anchored in SZ 98
Late 1942
Germany stages max paratroopers to Alexandria and begins full convoys of the UK & Scotland. Barbarossa remains stalled in E. Poland. Soviet Union pushes its main land force back into Belarus and captures Finland. Japan captures Malaya and Sumatra while the majority of the IJN is anchored in SZ 35. USA liberates Philippines after a massive naval battle in SZ 35 leaves USA as the victor barely with only damaged battleships left. UK decides to not retreat from Egypt but instead strafes Axis forces in TransJordan while capturing Iraq via amphibious assault supported by shore bombardment. UK income now under 40 due to loss of Malaya & Sumatra plus convoying naval units in SZ’s 109 & 98. Italy attacks Egypt with all available assets and wins with one tank plus the Regia Aeronautica remaining. ANZAC Navy moves into SZ 35 to prevent the IJN from sinking the USA Super Heavy Battleships.

Early 1943
Soviets capture Norway. USA’s first contingent of infantry on London defense duty arrive via air transport. Italy in its last turn prepares itself for German takeover. In the Pacific, Japan consolidates naval forces in SZ 36 along with newly mobilized navy in SZ6 which forces USA/ANZAC to retreat back to SZ 33.
Late 1943
Germany completes the Italian Takeover and builds majority of its cash pile on the Wehrmacht to stop Soviets from advancing into Eastern Europe. German paratroopers land in AES. Soviets push 1st Army into Persia along with a contingent of supporting infantry. Japan captures Borneo and recaptures Philippines. USA/ANZAC continue to mass naval ships in Caroline Islands. USA takes Okinawa and AZAC takes Formosa with transports as they had no defensive forces in place. UK attacks Burma in force and intends to hold. UK income drops to 22 as Africa continues to be assaulted by Axis while UK itself is convoyed without mercy.
1944/1945
By late 1944, Germany continues to turn the African continent into Lebensraum for the Reich, the Allied navies continue to be shut out of the Atlantic by the large Kriegsmarine flotilla in SZ 91. Middle East now firmly Axis as well. Only joy for the Allies in the European theater is Soviet Union capturing and holding Norway/Finland. In the Pacific, Japan continues to have China, DEI, and Philippines in firm control of the Rising Sun. ANZAC holds Carolines and USA has Iwo Jima.
In early 1945, a large land battle takes place in Eastern Poland and the Soviet Army is destroyed. Allies surrender. Photos follow

[Trout]

[Trout]

@Trout

[Trout]

@Trout

[Trout]

@Trout

[Trout]

@Trout

[The Captain]

@Trout

Hi Trout,

Is this an OOB game ?

If this is a G40 HRE game, where are the expansion units…?

What are the LEGO units in Middle East representing…?

[Trout]

@The-Captain Using LEGO in honor of the Captain’s heritage :) MPE is my 15-year old son and he still has his LEGO’s from his younger years. We have our own system for the HRE rules using G40, A&A WWI, A&A Classic and LEGO pieces. So for example:

1. Classic G infantry are SS infantry
2. WWI chips are 10 chips because our Eastern Front big stacks often run out of red chips
3. WWI Russian infantry are Russian Guards
4. Elite Infantry are an Infantry with a roundel under it
5. LEGO pieces are the Panzer Generals, Commissars, Waffen Armies, etc.

Maybe someday we will have enough games under our belts to earn the free HRE pieces then we can use the real stuff. Until then this is our system for our G40 HRE Board Games using pieces we have readily available to us.

[The Captain]

@Trout

Great invention - use what you have to make it work.

Please note:
The G40 HRE rulebook includes all the original Full Color game pieces (markers & roundels) that you need to play the game.

You just need to print out these pages in the rulebook - and cut/punch out the roundels & markers.

You can print and cut out the Army Boards etc. in the same way.

This is what most players do - as you can see on this Game Report thread - which also saves space on the game board.

[mkgionet]

**1/31/26 MA Axis & Allies G40 Game with all optional rules
Rounds 1-5

Germany - Josh S.
Russia - Mike K.
Japan - Mkgionet
USA - Pat H.
UK - Alex M.
Italy - Elliott G.

Early Action:

• Germany brings subs together to form Wolf Packs, sinks a few ships, takes nearby pro-Axis territories, builds 10 mines that are put on the Russian border, and takes all of France.
• Russia declares War on Japan, but doesn’t attack them, which puts the standard G40 Mongolian rules in play, builds 10 mines, pulls troops back from western USSR, reorganizes troops.
• Japan moves pretty much all naval forces into one massive force around the Caroline Islands, though the aircraft carrier & destroyer that were originally placed next to the Caroline Islands sail west off the coast of Fiji. Factory built on mainland, attack against China in full force, but part of Air Force flown to Caroline Islands.
• USA expands naval force on both coasts, flies a couple of fighters, and moves navy next to Philippines to Australia.
• UK builds a factory in Egypt and this becomes a focal point of the battle in the Mediterranean, with UK navy trying to defend it from attack by Germany & Italy.
• Anzac sends 1 unit out to capture a money island. China tries it’s best to fight back.

Next couple rounds:

• Germany takes the unusual strategy of focusing on the Mediterranean and building a wall of mines on the Soviet border. Also eliminates the UK navy in the Atlantic and starts building armies.
• Russia places a small line of troops on the China border, put their own line of mines on the German border, and starts moving into the Middle East.
• Japan attacks Queensland on Rnd. 2 and barely wins with one tank and a one tactical bomber surviving. Australia has no troops in the capital so on their turn they build 2 fighters & 2 tanks. Japan moves another wave of troops to the Caroline Islands but only leaves the two transports defended by one destroyer, with destroyers in the surrounding sea zones next to Hawaii. The US flies over the blockade and breaks through it, destroying the transports that were ready to support the Australia attack on round 3. There’s no going back! Japan attacks Sydney in round 3 via amphibious assault with the 1 tank the only ground troop, supported by a battleship bombardment, (3) fighters & (2) tactical bombers. With the bombardment missing the battle doesn’t start well but rolling 4 hits with the tank and fighters saves the battle, once again leaving a tank and tactical bomber as the lone Japan survivors. Japan lost about half of their air force but came out with the win and no allied ships anywhere close to take it back. Japan pushes deeper into China but meets heavy resistance on the Burma Road.
• UK and Italy committing a lot of resources to the Mediterranean battle.
• US builds up troops and navy to send a large force to Gibraltar.

Last couple rounds:

• Mediterranean cleared of allied ships. German navy blocking the US/UK forces from entering past Gibraltar. Italy and Germany combine to capture Egypt and force the remaining UK navy to retreat to India.
• Africa mostly dominated by Italy, with a few French and UK troops trying to hold ground.
• UK builds a factory in Iraq but loses it the following turn to Italy with some amazing rolls.
• UK and USA invade western France. We’ll see what response Germany has in round 6.
• Russian finally gets aggressive and sends all western troops to attack Japan. Counterattack destroys all invading troops.
• Japan expands control of China, but two territories on the Burma Road are still holding out.
• Russian troops attack Japan in China but are pushed back to their border.
• Japan has conquered a lot of territory but is running really thin. Have built a 2cd factory on the mainland to help try and revitalize the attack vs. India & China that has stalled. Escort off Japan carrying 3 naval mines to deploy in round 6.
• Several large Pacific battles but the USA is more quickly building back their navy
• Germany finally attacks Russia in round 5, with a counterattack by Russia.

Pictures below show where things currently stand. To be continued on Feb 7th

)

[The Captain]

@mkgionet

Great Game Report,

1. Are these pictures from Late 1942?
2. Are these pictures from the end of France’s turn, or…?
3. Did the Soviets produce Soviet Guards Infantry units in Late 1941 ?
4. Did the Soviets produce Red Army Conscription Infantry in Early 1942 - and if so - where are they on the game board…?
5. What did the Soviets purchase for the 10 IPC they received when Germany attacked in Early 1942 ?

It seems that Germany is under pressure… with the Allied landings in Western Europe - and the Soviets in Romania…

We really look forward to the next Game Report

Captain

[mkgionet]

@The-Captain
No, these pictures are from when we paused the game at the end of Round 5 (after France) - Early 1942. We’re about to start Late 1942.

No, surprisingly the Soviets didn’t produce Soviet Guard Infantry units.

Wow, the Soviet player was so focused on Paratroopers and the front line that he totally forgot about the Red Army Conscription rule. Being Japan, I wasn’t paying too close attention to what the Soviet player was doing if it didn’t involve my side of the world. Being a friendly game, I would have no problem with allowing him to do this in Round 6 unless you think it would disrupt game balance.

Ugh, thank you for that reminder, Captain, we were discussing that bonus a turn or two prior but I just confirmed that he didn’t take that bonus. We’ll let him do it before Germany takes his turn. I was focused on the Pacific side and didn’t pay close attention when Germany launched his attack.

Yes - big turn coming up for Germany!

[mkgionet]

@The-Captain CORRECTION!
I just talked with the Soviet player and he thought he could make them anytime starting in Early 1942, and overlooked the fact that he could ONLY make them in Early 1942.

[The Captain]

@mkgionet

We appreciate that you play with Gentlemanly Warfare.

We support that that the Soviet player should be allowed to purchase RAC Infantry in Late 1942.

We suggest that the Soviet player should receive 10 IPC - and use or save them - before the German player starts in Late 1942.

Important:
From the beginning of the Soviet players turn in Late 1941, the USSR receives 1 Free Tank unit in each round. See more information at pg. 13 in the rulebook.

Remember:
The Timetable should be available at the game table. This is a big help for each player.
Refer to the Timetable each time you start planning your next turn.

[mkgionet]

@The-Captain Yes, we did remember the tank in the Urals.

We do have the Timetable next to the army boards, it’s just a matter of remembering to look at it. I usually announce the new rules that come in effect each turn, but not sure I did that in Early 1942.

[The Captain]

@mkgionet

You could make it more manageable by doing the same as we do: see below.

I’ll also attach the pdf files later.

[mkgionet]

@The-Captain Yes, that’s a nice setup!

[mkgionet]

**2/7/26 MA Axis & Allies G40 Game with all optional rules
Rounds 6 - end

Germany - Josh S.
Russia - Mike K.
Japan - Mkgionet
USA - Pat H.
UK - Alex M.
Italy - Elliott G.

Due to an oversight USSR received 10 IPC from Germany attacking them, and was able to execute Conscription in turn 6.

First:

• Germany reclaimed their original territory from USSR and the stalemate between Russia and Germany continues where they just watch each other at the border looking over a large minefield. This would continue almost until the end of the game.
• Interestingly no lend-lease was given to USSR the entire game.
• Germany didn’t have the forces to push the ground troops out of France and sink the fleet off the coast of Gibraltar. They chose to move a large number of forces into Paris and Southern France, upgrade the Southern France factory, and build 12 U-boats (4 wolf packs). They invaded Gibraltar and with good rolling could’ve taken it but instead chose to let the ground troops (2) be killed instead of sacrificing a plane.
• USSR sent troops south and into China to try and push back Japan and the Allies succeeded in reclaiming the factory in Persia.
• Instead of attacking with the troops in France, the Allies sent as many remaining troops as possible to bolster the forces they already had there. They also reinforced Gibraltar.
• Italy staged an all-out attack on Gibraltar and succeeded in taking it, while pushing deeper into Africa up to the doorstep of South Africa
• Japan expanded into Russia and reclaimed a portion of the Burma Road. Started taking over the money islands and moved most of its navy to the Philippines as they were unsure where the US navy in Hawaii was headed.
• US spent more of its money to wage war in the Pacific, attacked and succeeded in taking the Caroline Islands.

Next:

• Germany launched a massive counterattack to remove all the troops that invaded its mainland and succeeded in clearing them out. The Wolf Packs were devastating and sunk almost the entire Allied Navy except for a group of UK transports that fled to Iceland. They then took up a position just off the coast of eastern/central America.
• Persia went back and forth, with the Allies finally holding it at the end of the game.
• The fight in China continued, with Japan taking most/all of the Burma Road and then the Allies taking all or a portion back. Japan was never able to fully take China, even at the end of the game.
• US started taking massive Convoy losses of 35+ a turn.
• US moved troops into Alaska, built a navy base there, and moved part of its navy there in preparation for an attack.
• Japan counterattacked the navy sitting off the Caroline Islands and was able to defeat it. Ships were put into position to defend Japan if necessary. More islands were taken, with Japan’s income on the Economic chart going into the 80’s.
• Italy brought troops over, took Brazil, and built a factory there.

Last:

• In Round 8 the Axis noticed before Italy’s turn that we were 1 point away from achieving an Economic Victory. After discussion, Japan was overruled, and Italy refrained from taking more territory so that the Axis couldn’t win this round because Germany wanted to finally make a massive invasion along the Russian border and he wanted to see how that worked out.
• US made some fairly ineffective attacks vs. Japan.
• In Round 9 Germany launched their attack, and you can see the result of where things stood at the end of the round after that attack.
• US built some ships in the Atlantic to try and form some kind of defense against the Wolf Packs
• Japan took more territory and was very close to capturing China - just one far corner territory couldn’t be captured.
• Although the Axis clearly had the upper hand the Allies were a bit surprised that we easily achieved an economic victory at the end of Round 9.

Woot! Woot! See pictures of what the board looked like at the end of the game.

[The Captain]

@mkgionet

Great game - and game report.

Remember:

Note 5:
Only the original owner of the Industrial Complex can upgrade to Heavy Industry Production.

See more information in the rulebook pg. 27.