I have some reflections on how Japan could counter Yunnan stack: two conditions are required
(A) the whole Japanese air force annihilating the Szechwan force in J2; and
(B) taking Yunnan with land force in J2 and holding it before UK2.
J2-3 DOW will make both conditions easier to attend as all J1 bombers can be directed to Yunnan, and the Kiangsi force can prepare for a J2 Yunnan attack, backed up by the two potential J1 transport forces in Kwangsi if necessary (those forces not attacing Philippine in J1).
Once China cannot take Yunnan back in C2, UK cannot fly 3 air units in Yunnan against J3 Yunnan attack, and would not move into Yunnan in UK2. Then the Yunnan stack cannot be formed. And Japan will have a stronger land force to march to India.
@taamvan:
Still not sure about the stack R1, but recent G40s are a reminder that this area is critical.
I think the Russian 2tank+2mech are crucial in making Japan costly in attacking Szechwan in J2.
Say, if Szechwan has 10inf+1fig, Japan only loses 4 fig to take it. If Szechwan has 10inf+2mech+2tank+1fig, Japan will lose 7 fig to take it. If there are bid inf units in Szechwan, roughly each bid inf unit will cost 1 additional Japanese fighter.
Here come some questions that I wish to ask for your comments: assume that Germany persuades Dark skies, Russia moves mechs+tanks to Kaza/Sikang, and withdraws from Amur, and US would probably go for KJF.
(1) Would you attack the Szechwan stack with Japanese air (assume China retakes Yunnan in C1)? If yes, how many Japanese planes are you willing to sacrifice to eliminate the Szechwan force, or at least make sure no Chinese units can retake Yunnan in C2?
(2) As UK, once your battleship survives in turn 1, would you move it to Queensland or to Europe? Since the battleship cannot help in Pacific attack, I am thinking whether I should move it to Gibraltar through South Africa, so US can build ~20IPC more in Pacific in earlier turns.
(3) As US, in case Japan stack the fleet on seazone 36 as in standard play, would you take Caroline or go to Queensland in turn 2?