HBG Global '39 Turn 5 pics

Hi everyone,

I’m interested in getting into Global War by Historical Board Gaming, especially Global War 1936 and Global War 1914, but I’m not completely sure what the best way to start is.
There seem to be many options (starter kits, expansions, maps, pieces, shipping choices), and as someone new to Global War, I’d really appreciate some guidance:
What is the minimum recommended setup to play and enjoy the game?
Is it better to start small and expand later, or buy a more complete package from the beginning?
Are there any must-have components or common beginner mistakes to avoid?
Would you recommend starting with 1936 or 1914, and why?
I’m especially interested in advice from players who started recently and learned what works best.
Thanks in advance for any help!

Yes to all your questions.
When Germany activates Finland (3 icps), Hungary (3 icps), Bulgaria (4 icps) and Romania (6 icps) Germany adds these amounts (16 icps) to there income total. Also each one of these pro-axis neutrals collects the same amount for there own income.
The pro-axis minors can buy each turn and place in there territories only. Finland only in Capital.
I actually had different colors for all pro neutrals in game. With Pro-axis neutrals for thee above 4 with different color armies you can see what the Germans are buying and not getting confused if you make them all German looking pieces. Keeps the buyer honest or others can see the buy.

The buy most times in game per turn is Finland 1 Inf, Hungary 1 Inf, Bulgaria 1 Art, and Romania 1 Tank or sometimes 2 Inf.

Germany also likes to buy a Major factory in Romania to get a bunch of Inf for fodder quicker to the front or Mechs, Art for blitzing or a stack of tanks to run down to Leningrad or push into Stalingrad or a naval base in Romania and if Russia income allows them to go to war against Germany turn 4.

And I didn’t realize that was a 1939 setup rule, so that is cleared for me as well!

Thanks for pointing out 9.20 as well. I’ll be sure to point that out to others, as they seemed misinformed on that front.

Overall, I definitely agree with you. This is probably a one time chance it works against an opponent. But, it may still alter the way the Soviets are played early on a bit!

http://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=38414.0

Has a few ideas I used for this exact issue. I’ve changed a few things since with the chips colours. It was a bit overwhelming at first.

Though over time I’ve started to buy or make some pieces to replace these chips from hbg. Occasionally they are out of stock on some stuff.  Some we used often and others we didn’t bother with. Torpedo boat destroyers for example were not worth it for us we just switched to destroyers for these at setup. For now….

HBG says you can play with global40 oob pieces. But a few items are nice to have extra.

Found it way cheaper to buy some units from hbg. The pieces from Pacific or Europe 40. Some are sold in a complete bag for a nation uk and usa most likely in stock. And spray paint any extra colours you want. Dutch orange, yellow comunist china and spain to augment the special units in the same colours i bought.

If money isn’t an issue I’d say call or email the folks at HBG and get everything you need there. They know their stuff and can assist you with the pieces and options required. Have had lots of communication with them. They are very good at getting back to you and assisting with your orders!

HBG 1936/39

Just a thought. You could roll a die for automatic retreats. What I mean is if defender wants to retreat, then roll a die and that many can retreat. Bad die roll and he may have to leave a good piece behind. Also could force the attacker the same thing.

@Rammstein:

Does ‘surface ship’ include transports? This is a big deal.

There is nothing to say you cant target transports. Even though the carriers were the high value targets, more troop transports were sunk due to Kamikaze attacks than any other type of ship.
So to answer your question….Yes.

Yoshitako,

Thanks for bringing up the 5.0 rules clarifications needed. Our group will be playing '39 next weekend with the new rules, revised map, and some of the optional battle markers from HBG. Like you, I’d like to see an updated set-up.

The new rules do look good and I especially like the changes regarding industrial complexes which I think will change things a bit in Europe (having the French complex as a minor will certainly help the Germans).

Thank you Variable for the answers regarding the rules. After we play next weekend I’ll post some more questions I am sure.