Alright Cow, things are starting to become a lot more clear now that I’ve played several games…
Keep in mind this is only the 2nd time I’ve seen the J1 gambit.
A lot of mistakes in this game for me.
1. Sumatra was bad for me, but now I know what to do. Missed opprotunity. Could be a life-saver for India.
2. US planes shuck to Korea–> Moscow is too risky. Its not necessarily slow to get them there, but the cost is not worth it. I could get 18 planes to Moscow by round 7, however I believe by that time the Axis would probably be just as happy to keep me at seige in Moscow and land grab everything else around it- oh like maybe all of Asia, Middle East and Africa. Sure I’d save Moscow, but at the cost of giving Axis an huge economic advantage. Plus, US would not have an Atlantic navy, which is imperitive for them. They need to pressure that side at some point after round 3 or so.
3. 18inf, 2AA–>Korea. There is no purpose for this now b/c of point 2. In my mind, I’m convinced this is a dead strategy. The 18inf, 2AA might as well make the long trek to Moscow and help solidify the capital.
4. US Pacific navy- after a few games of trying different things. I believe US has 2 options here. They could stack Hawaii and ensure Syndey’s safety by whatever means and invest heavy on Europe side. The other option is to start with a heavy investment on the Pacific side and chase down the Jap navy through either the Carolines (ability to watch Tokyo and South Pacific) or Australia (quick route to India). I think the 2nd option is the best, I’ve seem to have some success at it especially if Japan does a J1.
In one game, I did this and destroyed the Jap navy by round 6 I believe, which also saved India. Now Japan still had some ground units to deal with in China (ICs and such) and an decent airforce in Germany, but they were much more managable without their navy. I almost feel US has to do this move b/c its so easy for Japan to switch gears and pop Australia if the US is not careful. Then India will truely be isolated. 6VC win possible if the US doesn’t invest enough on the Pacific side. India was safe, Australia was safe. India could shuck a few items to Moscow also and/or Cairo.
The problem with trying to knock out Japan is that it diverts the US from its main goal to save Russia and Cairo save from the Euro VC win. Plus, its costly with kamikazees and all. Japan can just turtle and give all its support to the Euro side.
My big question is what is the LEAST the US can invest in the Pacific to ensure Hawaii and Syndey’s safety so that the rest can be spent on Euro side??? Very tricky indeed. This will be the next level of Allied strategy.
5. Taranto vs. Tobruk- though I love my Tobruk move, Taranto just seems much better in every way. I’ve tried this from several different angles now. I still think Tobruk attack is playable, and I have yet to try it with an immediate minor on it which I still need to do, but the more I analyze it and play it, Taranto can do just what Tobruk does but better in the long-run. Taranto is risky especially is you want to sink z96 also. z91 battle is a toss up and crucial for both sides. If I wanted a bid, I would put a $6 SS in the Med to ensure I sink z96 and z97. I don’t see where else a bid could go right now. And here I said I wouldn’t talk about bids- oh well.
6. Sealion- I’m convinced that this is a fun move, but a losing strategy in the long run.
7. Cairo- Unfortunately, I’m starting to feel that quezzy feeling like we have solved the game. Yeah, yeah I know I said it would take a year to know for sure- and I still stand by that but I’m starting to see a trend here- One linear strategy for both sides (at least if you are playing to win). Cairo is where the game is won. Well, maybe you could say the Med/Middle East is where the game is won. The cream is beginning to rise to the top now. Optimal strategies for both sides. Once they do everyone will use it unless someone can come up with a few more creative opening strategy, but b/c of the vastness of the map and such I don’t really see much happening here in the future.
I would be interested in your comments on these 7 points. As far as our game, I would like to play on for curiosity but I can see well far ahead that it would be a tough road and I’ve already learned from my mistakes. I’ll be much wiser next time we play in a league game or something. Feel free to gloat…you earned it. :-) Good luck in the tourny.
Is it Axis advantaged game??? I don’t know yet. With proper play, I believe the game is even. However, that being said the better player should always play Allies. :wink:
