@larrymarx:
9. Assuming skilled play on the part of both players, a neutral crush can help for the Allies (example - Spanish beachhead) but will not work for the Axis.
Neutral crushes absolutely have the potential to help the Axis. A favorable situation doesn’t arise in every game, of course, but the Axis players should not dismiss the possibility.
In addition to Spanish Beachhead, other reasons for neutral crushes include:
1. Opening up a surprise landing zone
2. Creating a surprise flight path
3. Side-steping into Turkey to outmaneuver an opposing army*
These can help win games for the Axis just as much as for the Allies.
- Late-game scenario - Moscow has fallen, but Axis forces in Caucasus are stalled on their way to Egypt by an Allied stack at Northwest Persia. If Axis step to Turkey, Allies must fall back to Iraq. Then if Axis steps to Syria, Allies must fall back to Transjordan.