If an Italian bomber attacks the Malta Convoy zone in where you have 3 Supply Tokens and 1 UK Fighter, his attack value is technically 6 with the Fighter having a defense value of 5. This is of course quite absurd that a slow bomber would be able to attack a Spitfire and have a stronger attack value. Has there been a complimentary rule on this in order to reduce the bomber attack value to well below the Fighters value to reflect the very slim chance of success
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Game Question On UK1 Attack Possibility
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Understood. I just assumed the “theme” of the game on Rommel’s Last Push would be that the set up would allow the Axis to reliable threaten taking Cairo in some meaningful way, i.e. the game begins with a race where the Axis really can push the UK back and the UK has to scramble to hold. If it fails, then the initiative switches to Allies to oust the Axis in time.
But the set up indicates that if the Axis either (1) moves forward R1 and gets obliterated by UK counter-attack UK1 or (2) takes 1 or 2 turns trying to build up, then Cairo slips away pretty fast. Assuming that Axis could only reliably threaten Cairo on or before R7, then it would have to take Mersa Brega the latest on R3. But waiting that long means it misses out on capturing supplies and the UK truck, etc. and the UK just starts dumping units into Cairo.
I guess if the idea is that Cairo is in play only if the UK either chickens out on the R1 counter attack or whiffs on the dice, then ok. But seems to preclude what I think would be the assumed drama of the early part of the game, i.e. Rommel chasing UK back.
Maybe the Axis get a bid, then?
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I don’t understand how this plays out, is there a replay somewhere?
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No replay.
But basically in Rommel’s Last Push scenario, if the Germans take Mersa Brega G1, the UK can counter attack very strongly and more likely than not wipe the German army out, making even threatening Cairo a near impossibility.
If the Germans/Axis wait to build up 1 or 2 turns, then the possibility of even credibly threatening Cairo likewise diminishes significantly.
Thus, the only reliable strategy for the Axis is to hold back and go for limited victory.
That’s how I see it.
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Interesting. I have yet to play N AF but I know you are a experienced A&A player.
Lets ask the creator @Matt-Hyra what are your thoughts ?
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Counterattack Mersa Brega Round 1 with 2 Infantry, 3 Scout Cars (1 round only), and a Bomber? Up against 3-5 German units and AAA. I wouldn’t call that counterattack “very strong.” On the outside chance it works, Italy easily retakes Mersa Brega and the UK has little left.
A Suez Bomber in setup is pretty risky. Axis takes Benghazi R2 and Tobruk R3, which leads to a high chance at an Axis Major Victory. Maybe a Total if Malta is starved.
Keep in mind that most Axis Totals happen in R6-9, not in R5 like you might want. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing Cairo fall. The ones that capture Cairo by R5 are usually due to bad rules knowledge or poor play (“I forgot to detonate landmines”).
Andrew’s comments are spot on.
~Matt -
Isn’t there a UK tank in the mix, too? Out of Benghazi? And a fighter?
I will look at the set up.
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Good catch. Yes, the Fighter out of Cairo helps the counterattack, but the UK still has poor casualty options in rounds 2+ of combat.
The Matilda is Move 1 in Tobruk.
~Matt -
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Ok, so that is the optimal UK counter attack UK1 assuming:
- Germany max attacked and only lost the scout car in attacking
- UK put a bomber in the Suez Convoy
Using low luck:
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UK has 18 power, so 1.8 hits R1
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Germany has 19 power defense, so 1.9 hits R1
Assuming both sides get 2 hits and take weakest units, then R2:
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UK has 14 power, for 1.4 hits
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Germany has 13 power, for 1.3 hits
Assuming both sides get 1 hit, then R3:
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UK has 12 power, 1.2 hits
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Germany has 9 power, for 1.9 hits
Assuming 1 hit each, then R4:
Uk has 10 power, 2 units
Germany has the AA gun for 5
If I were UK I would continue finish the job just to destroy the Germans.
There is a rules question, however: Can the mech in Tripoli use the road to move into Mersa Brega on non-combat move even though it was captured that turn? If so, obviously that would tip the battle. Not something maybe we understood at the time.
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FYI - changed the title, as it was too strong a statement, and probably not accurate
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