I just beat the computer in three turns…

I agree with everyone who said start simplier and work from that.

But I think the Rus-Ger dynamic really gives a pretty look at the overall game.  And for an AI, I don’t think looking at units is the best way to start.  I think LL rules  where an
“aggressive AI” attacks with a remainder of 2
“mederate AI” attacks with rem of 3
“defensive AI” attacks with rem of 4

Would work for combat purposes.  although that can easily be exploited by a human.

But that kind of goes out the window without a goal in mind, which mean holding specific territories should be priority 1.
And for that I suggest re-valuing the key ones, similar to concept IPC value but more pronounced and strategic.

Here are the key territories and my proposed Values:

Germany
Ger - 20
EE - 12
Ukr - 6
WE - 6
SE - 4
Fin - 2

Russia
Mos - 20
Kar - 12
Cauc - 6
Eve - 2
Novo - 8
Kaz - 2

Thus you get 12 territories for a total of 100 pts.  So a calculation at the end of each rd of who holds the most points could be shown to have the lead.

Ex, Ger lost WE and Fin but holds SE, Ger, EE, Ukr, Japan took Eve and Kaz But Russia holds Novo, Mos, Cauc so the Axis total would be 46 and the Allies would be 54.  Showing the Allies leading the game.  which I think could hold up since post Japan’s turn Russia still holds Novo.

A secondary equation tied to this that adds up all units within these key territories and calculates their defensive value and offensive value.  Since form all of these territories you can get to Kar, you could probably calculate how many turns of purchases it would take to:
(for side that does not own kar)
1)  be able to attack Kar and take
2)  be able to attack kar and take and HOLD from a counter.
(side that does own kar)
3)  continue to be able to hold kar
4)  find ter with most enemies units, is an attack or strafe benefical (based on LL attack rules)

Example, If units are equal at 100 Axis and 100 Allies, but Allies earn 80 and Axis earn 60.  It wouldn’t be to hard to say, well in 10 turns the Allies will 900 pts in unit strength vs. 700.  Perhaps that gives the Allies the needed adv to attack and hold.

I think the first order should be to set up the inital “rally points” or key territories that MUST be held.  But I do think it would be easy for a human to exploit.

The real adv for the AI would be it could calculate it’s army strength much further down the road provided it was set right.  Which I admit would be very hard.  But I think if you work with some initial parameters you might be able to do a pretty good job.  I’m thinking if you assume all other territories except the initial 12 I laid out are “bonus”, you could then have the AI “assume” it’s income for 5, 6, 7 turns based on the LL playing style you give it.  Yet when their turn actually comes around they maybe able to buy some thing more b/c they hold half of Afr as well.  But for your initial Calcs you don’t really need to take all that stuff into account.  I think Less would be more in this case and would actual build a strong AI.

I’m just thinking of how I play now and I treat everything but those 12 ter as secondary, and it works for me, Infact I even treat half of those 12 as secondary.  Position I think would be a greater asset for a strong AI, not IPCs or even army strengh (if it is out of position).

Sorry, I think you are stuck. You will have to be inventive in how poorly you play, rather than in how to make the opponent better.

Artifical intelligence is not easy stuff, and axis and allies is a pretty open ended game so I don’t fault them too much. I’d reccomend you find some opponents to play using triplea.

@theSexualHarrassmentPanda:

The extra trn allows attacks on both AES and Syr. The trn is only a nuisance after that. GBR fleet builds will be slowed down by the 2 Bmbs. And soon, the shift in cash flows to Ger.

Unless the Allies either land immediately into WAfr and then slow down Germany from completely consolidating their hold on Africa. What’s more the Germans can’t really afford to send more inf into Africa than a typicl PAfrica bid would do. Like I said I never mind a G1 purchase of a transport b/c it is easy to kill and therefore a waste of money. What’s more Germany really does need men in Europe if they are to ever WIN the game. Just mastering cash flow will not lead to certain victory.

I normally play RR, so no bids. The games posted indicate that PAf is superior to trn buy. Allies usu do not have enough ships to safely land in Afr until round 3 or 4.

Of course, opposition deployments and battle results should weigh in on any purchase decision.

I don’t bother taking Hawaii on J1, it is only 1 ipc and slows down the necessary Jap push in Asia. A smart US player will ignore this, and the possibility of Jap strat bombing the west coast isn’t too great a concern until much later in the game (when the game should already be decided). A smart Jap player will be better off strat bombing USSR - becasue the bomber(s) will be in position to assist other endeavers such as a possible capture of Moscow. However, if I am trying for economic victory as the Axis, I will likely take it (perhaps turn 7).

We’re playing with restricted first turn (USSR can’t attack first turn) and higher IPC allottment to every nation except (you guessed it) Russia.

This is the root of your problem. If your group feels that the Axis is underpowered, then your group should use bidding to determine the Axis player, and how many extra IPCs they get. Search the internet, and this board for more information about bidding.

Generally, RR is enough to balance the game for middle-experience players. Bidding is needed only when experience grows to the point where the axis can not win anymore than 10-20% of the time.

Yes, if you download it somewhere it runs very slow after a wile, the same thing happend to me, buy it instead online or somthing, its prety hard to find it in the stores now.

@fixitman:

triumph, i am interested in the Dogs of War game you mentioned, anyway i can get ahold of it?
i used to have the computer version of a+a, but i lost it in a move somewhere, and have very little $$ for buying a new copy :(
fixitman@earthling.net

I sent you a private message regarding it. I didn’t know if the email address you typed really is “earthling.net” or if you meant “earthlink.net”. :) hehe Enjoy.

Steve

I AM NOT SAYING ROLL ALL DICE FIRST TURN.
I am just saying that even though there is a risk in buying tech, don’t ignore it!
I usually roll tech when I don’t need an extra tank or inf next turn as Japan, US, or UK. Not all turns, not everything on one turn; one or two dice here and there throught out the course of the game.