Japan strategy please

@Trisdin:

I am seriously considering attacking all the reachable US ships on J1. If I don’t, I feel I will be giving the US time (to build up) money (NOs) and position (consolidated fleet).

Be careful attacking America too early in the Global game.  Granted, the earlier that Japan attacks the greater the advantage that they have against the Pacific allies; however, an early attack not only bring America into the war against Japan, but against Germany/ Italy as well.

A J1 attack would allow America to start invading Africa on US2, and start pushing into the med on US3 and 4… this would be devastating for the Axis in Europe.  Germany and especially Italy need as much time as possible to make early gains against Russia/ Africa respectively.  If the US is allowed to enter that early, Russia should have no trouble holding back the Germans and it will be a quick game for the Axis.

In my group’s Global games, the best thing that the Japanese can do is force the US to devote its resources into the Pacific theater rather than the European.  If Japan can put pressure on the US and force it to take its eye of Europe, this will give Germany and Italy the time they need to topple Russia.  For that reason, I suggest attacking on J3 (at the earliest) or J4 to give your allies time to do their thing.  If you are playing a straight Pacific 1940, I see no reason not to attack on J1 or J2.

I have considered a J1 attack seeing that USA can’t do much in Europe with a cruiser you’d have to go heavy.  I prefer the J2 that way you can punch Anzac and Calcutta in the face and still try to stiffarm USA.

J2 attack is considered the “best” since you prevent the UK Pacific and ANZAC from grabbing the ENTIRE DEI FIRST from the get-go.  If you let these powers take the DEI first, there’s now defensive infantry there you need to shoot through, necessary amphibious assaults and more infantry/art needed for transports, carriers needed for air support; it becomes a huge mess very quickly.  While you do have the big fleet units and are better equipped to fight for the islands, if you can take the DEI first without needing their extra support the ships and air can used offensively elsewhere and not necessarily relegated to guard duty for your transports.  The UK and ANZAC also start with pathetic navy units in the area and generally can’t get to most of your transports or put up much of a fight in the first place (they’re really only there as blockers and to help drop off land units); another reason to beat them to the DEI first so you don’t have to fight landed troops already there.

However, if Germany is attempting Sealion, it might be a good idea to wait it out for another turn.  Just that you know you’ll be headed into the long slog for the Pacific theater with UK Pac at 30 and ANZAC at 20 with their NOs…  So possibly take it a bit slower.  (Though, with the new rule for the US being able to declare war on the Axis if London falls, there’s really not that much point of waiting till J3, the US will be coming after you anyway.)

Sarge, do you realize the UK and ANZ have to be at war with Japan to get their NO’s in Alpha 2?