So if the Alpha setup becomes standard…...

Yeah it would still be G3 but since UK didn’t build anything for defense and they did something adventurous like attacking the Italian navy, you don’t have to bring as much.

@Frontovik:

do AC’s and fighters each block for 1 IPC too?

Aircraft carriers can be used to block enemy surface ships from passing through the sea zone in which the aircraft carrier occupies (if thats what you mean by block). Also, an Aircraft carrier may be used to disrupt enemy convoys if it meets the necessary requirements. However, in Alpha+2 games, aircraft on carriers or otherwise may not disrupt convoys (if thats what you mean by block).

Well, I got my FMG Italian units and tried setting up for a game of ALpha+3.  Unfortunately, I’m afraid that I like the FMG pieces a little too well.

Alpha 3 setup Europe 3.JPG
Alpha 3 setup Pacific 3.JPG

@Cmdr:

Spend 6 IPC to take out the Russian NO, Wrath.  A submarine in SZ 125 takes away the objective as well as a destroyer does.  It also requires the allies to send a destroyer to go kill it, instead of using only planes.

A submarine isnt a war ship according to our definition of the rules but I wont argue about that. The price of 8 ipc is still worth it.

Russia was buffed in Alpha 2 because many Axis players blew their strength on England, dedicating all of their power to taking it out and thus, not having enough to hit Russia with.  Now that England is no longer a prized posession, but more of a “well, I need one more VC to win, and it is underdefended” move, Russia is getting really easy to take out.

Dont care if russia is buffed, Germany is so much more buffed with their extra planes and units, thats why I find that theather a bit balanced.

Looking ONLY at the game board for the first 3 rounds (bringing you to Germany Round 4, Purchase New Units) one can see that the Axis are more than double Russia’s strength with more than double their income.  That means England and India need to be focused on sending reinforcements to Russia to prevent them from falling (and thus, negating the need to block SZ 125).  With the NonAggression arrangement being virtually nullified, there is no reason not to invade early and heavy with Japan and more reason TOO do it, to remove even more IPC from the Russians. 
So yes, Wrath, I agree, Barbarossa is probably the better avenue and makes Victory more assured, not assured, but more than attempting Sea Lion.    I don’t see Russia ever getting their Objectives (any of them).

If you go after russia on round 4 as germany you are to late imho, you are better off attacking round 2 (with a fake attack on yugoslavia) or on r3.

http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=21959.0

After india and china as japan I get russian/nuetral spots for extra income, while I work on those last few VCs.

Cheers man thats awesome……by chance where abouts in NZ do you live?

just printed mine out and they look great.  thanks again!