Global War 39 vs A & A Global 40

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!

I saw several of those expansions in their bins during the play-test weekend.  I would recommend contacting Mr. Friend about them.  I know for a fact that they have some Croatia and a few Winter War.  Didn’t really look into the others.

@billinjackson:

Hey Bill,

How did it go with your Commandoes? Specifically the fact that they can “glide” behind enemy lines and sabatoge without engaging in combat? I havn’t tested it out yet, personally.
Does that make them too powerful? Do you roll for them to damage factories? 1D6?

It went well. they played a role by hitting a factory in europe and one actually on mainline Japan. The japanese player actually missed him slowly coming up from India by way of a sea route. Once they hit a location, they tend to die as the player has to address them but, the distraction is worth it.

Changes i will be making will be that once they make a strike on a facility it will be only 1 point of damage regardless of how successful the role was.

Bill

Hmm, interesting interesting.
I could see that being a problem. Did they roll a six sided dice for damage? Did they roll high both times?
I’ve set mine up to roll a D6 dice and rolling a 6 eliminates them without damage and a 1 let’s them make a move after sabotage.
Thanks for sharing your results Bill. It’s helps in tweaking my setup.

I would love to play this game on line

3 points

we did mess up with regards to the minor axis, I assumed that the only reason the didn’t benefit from the second impulse is because they weren’t going to be at war with anyone.  So as a result you would have to wait until at least the second turn to invade Russia otherwise you can’t get enough men into Russia.

if on turn three the UK declares war on Japan and Japan retaliates on turn four that would not cause France and the UK to declare war on Germany. Only an unprovoked Japanese attack would effect German uk/french relations.

this strategy is hard mainly because the rules never considered france surviving past the second turn.  For example France can’t research.  Also pro allied status is hard because does an invasion of a pro allied nation cause war with the UK.  Not according to the rules.  Also can a non active allied player claim a pro allied nation.

The bottom line is if you aren’t willing to use house rules the strategy can’t work.  The designers never considered this strategy and as a result the rules are just too unclear in too many places for it to work without house rules.  The strategy is a bust.  I would like to see a consideration of this strategy in the next version of the rules.  But I don’t expect it.

Also sorry I haven’t provided pictures of the game.  We are on Italy turn three.  My friend and I smoked weed and I completely forgot to take pictures.  I will resume picture taking when we play again.  Ahaha.  Russia and the allies are looking very strong though.  Germany has more money than Russia but just can’t get enough troops to the front line with transports and the minor in karelia. They need to be able to build in enemy lands.

Anzac defender,

I would wait until HBG’s newest map comes out.  It’s far more aesthetically pleasing than the current version, and the rules will also be more encompassing.  It’s the 1936 map as far as I know name-wise.  They might call it something else when they release it.  I will mention too though that you might wait for a little while if you go for that one, because progress on development is still on-going.

I bought just the map 2 weeks ago… IT IS HUGE!!! i love it…  I have 5 sets of A&A and have been playing since the first version.  I don’t have the set to play global war but I just use all the pieces I have from all my sets I already own.    I have been playing a cold war mod too on the same board.  USSR and china VS USA Nato and UK.  Yes the games take a long time and it can be hard to find people to play but i love it and have a great time playing.  It makes the cardboard things that you get with the standard game look like garbage. Ill never play A&A on any other board…  If you need special units i just use a can of Montana hardcore to spray paint it another color.