What are some good strategies for newer players?

@Foxtrot:

Good morning! After about 7 years since I last played Global (Alpha 2?), I’m hoping to get a game starting with a friend. I’ve dusted off my old set, and computer folder of resources and aids, but it appears there have been a lot of developments, and I’m having trouble getting up to speed. I’ve return to the Boards here to ask for help. Below are some of questions:

1. Does “G40.2” refer to the Global rules in the Pacific Second Ed. rulebook?
2. What is the current/latest version of Global 1940 rules and setup?
3. Is there a new version or revision planned?
4. What resources should I download before playing; are there definitive FAQs or modified rules?
5. Is there anything else I should know, or be asking?

Thanks, Eph

1. Yes
2. See https://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=28703.0
3. No
4. Latest rulebooks and FAQ are linked here: https://www.axisandallies.org/forums/index.php?topic=28703.0
5. Just come back in case of further questions.
:-)

@Zarito:

I was just wondering if it is allowed to send more than two planes to a battle in a seazone when only one carrier could be there at the end of turn. The motivation would be that some of the aircraft would die in the battle and each individual aircraft can land on the carrier. Did not find an answer in the rulebook but probably didn’t look thoroughly enough.

Look here:

@rulebook:

Air Units
…
You cannot deliberately send air units into combat situations that place them out of range of a place to land afterward. In the
Combat Move phase, prior to rolling any battles, you must be able to demonstrate some possible way (however remote the
possibility is) for all your attacking air units to land safely that turn. This could include a combination of combat moves. It
could also include noncombat moves by a carrier or the mobilization of a new carrier.

In order to demonstrate that an air unit might have a safe landing zone, you may assume that all of your attacking rolls will
be hits, and all defending rolls will be misses. You may NOT, however, use a planned retreat of any carrier to demonstrate
a possible safe landing zone for any fighter or tactical bomber. Once possible landing spaces for all attacking air units have
been demonstrated, you have no obligation to guarantee those landing zones for air units in the course of battle. For example,
aircraft carriers may freely retreat or be taken as casualties, even if doing so leaves air units with no place to land after
combat (such air units will be destroyed at the end of the Noncombat Move phase). However, during noncombat movement
and new unit mobilization, you must provide for safe landing of as many air units as possible after all combats are resolved.
…

HTH :-)

@Dafyd:

I think that any question when we are trying to improve our skills is a good question…especially if we are really trying to learn.  The Hessian and ShadowHAwk are right.  The key to the Pacific are the two power fleets of Japan and the U.S.  The U.S. must go after the Japanese fleets.  Carriers loaded with planes are very important as well as the subs and detroyers.  As a side mission and with the permission of your Soviet ally, land troops in Siberia and help take back Soviet territories from the Japanese if they have begun to starve out the Soviet Far East.  It takes resources from the Japanese and can alter the attention of the Japanese player a turn or two if they are interested in defending Korea or pressuring the Soviets.

Good stuff here.  I’m a fan of 3 part attacks on Japanese fleets.  As an example:

Japan leaves a chunk of its fleet in SZ42 (off Java) for whatever reason.  They’re not worried about an attack because America doesn’t have the fleet off of Queensland to come after them.  What I’ve done in those situations is attack with the American ships, then follow up with India planes and Anzac ships/planes to finish them off. You’ll lose your American ships, some India planes and Anzac ships/planes, but if you wipe out half of the Japanese fleet it’s brutal for Japan because, as dominate as they can be, they can’t afford to lose too many major pieces.  America can lose a mini fleet and replace it; Japan cannot afford to be spending multiple turns rebuilding its fleet.

Correct, interceptors and escorts are not an optional rule the way they are in A&A 1942.2

Ok…. So another question. What would you consider the best naval defense against 1-3 German subs and 2-4 planes?

I superior force.  Use the battle calculator to tell you if they’d win or not, and if they would…don’t move in yet.  It’s up to you to place your units in harm’s way.  The US has the luxury of waiting until they want to or need to move in without fear of someone attacking their capital.

The “best” naval defense depends on what your strategy is.  I find carriers essential in the Pacific, and often judge if I have the upper hand by a carrier count of the Allies vs. Japan.  If Japan has 6 loaded carriers to your 2, Japan is probably winning at the moment.  In Europe, I tend to go with more offshore rolls if I’m feeling offensive, or just stick with destroyers and strat bombers that can land in Gibraltar and England and hit just about anywhere.

Back to your example.  I assume the subs are by Western Germany and the planes are in Normandy or carrier based.  I’d ask…why do you NEED to move in to Gibraltar this turn to put your fleet at risk?  Wait another round and add 4 more destroyers, another carrier and planes, or other round of purchases to your fleet.  Germany usually doesn’t have the same capacity to match your purchases if they want to make progress vs. Russia at all.  Take your time and build up, then move in.

One easy rule is to add up hits and attack power.  If they have 3 subs and 2 ftr 2 tac, that’s 20 atk and 7 hits.  make sure you have 1.5 times the number of hits and you’re probably good.  Go in with 12 destroyers.  or 2 loaded carriers and 4 dds.  Carriers are great because they bring extra 4’s into the fight, and if you’re hard up for money, the UK or France can land their planes on your carrier if you’re thinking pure defense.

Interesting idea and I have seen the Italians land in Syria and make a very big nuisance of themselves in the region. I am just wondering what turn you plan on dropping off your expeditionary force? It seems like you intend for a turn 3 (best case scenario) sneak into Syria an moving from there. If so then I woulnt worry too much about the South African IC as a German sealion would make it useless. While the Med. is war zone unto itself never lose sight of the greater Axis victory plan. Whatever Italy does it should be a facet of the over all Axis strategic aim.

wumeng874 thanks for the effort. I didn’t have to much trouble reading your post. Your points for each power were spot on. Its really cool to communicate with people around the world that have the same interest.

Germany:
I would sea lion only if UK left London weak, and I as Germany could take it with only 4-5 transports, with out risking my entire air force. Help set up Italy, then pound Russia is a must. Try to get to the oil in the Middle east if you can. I agree that the German air force is the key, I like to have at least 15+ aircraft. As far as navy, after the first couple of rounds I tend to go to sub warfare.

Russia:
I haven’t played Russia much, but what I’ve seen is normally a defensive retreat. Make sure that you don’t get caught out of position defending your minor complexes. You need at least 35-40 infantry for Moscow at the end for a meat shield. Buy some planes.

Japan:
Tough to play, have to be decisive, but flexible (if that makes sense). Have to defeat China, take the Dutch East Indies, and keep the US in check. Building many transports is the key. Keep a steady flow of ground units pumping into Asia, and use your over powering air force as a tool on the land. Don’t let land battles go more then a round or two.

US:
As the leader of the allies (money talks :-D), TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW TURN ORDER (especially in Europe). I think the US is the hardest to play, what you do will win or loose the war. As a team you must decide on a coarse of action, everyone is crying for help, and you can’t be everywhere. A weak US in to many places can be disastrous. I think your more effective when you can over power the opposition. You have to protect your ground troops, because it takes to long for them to get to the action. If you take a beach head, make sure that your allies can swoop in to defend your units. This is much easier now in Europe because of turn order (US leading the way). You should be able to get one of the French industrial complexes, or build your own in Norway to keep troop levels up.

China:
Your home nation. I’m glad to see them have a bigger role in Global 40. There is just something special about them being able to buy artillery. We don’t see it to often, but an early Japan attack on the Western Powers, or a crafty UK can make China more then just a speed bump.

UK:
As you said, must be an experienced player. Sacrifices will be made. Your normally all alone in the beginning, so be ready for a but kicking. We have come to believe that getting the Med fleet to safety, or joining it with the Indian fleet can be helpful in the long run (gives you options). Loosing the British fleets in attacks on the Italian navy just hasn’t worked out to well in our group. Defend London, and Egypt until the US arrives. Start rebuilding your fleet in Canada if you can.

Anzac:
You didn’t mention them, but they can be very helpful. They can be a distraction for Japan if they can threaten the Dutch East Indies, or can also reinforce US positions. Getting their income up really helps.

Italy:
Really depends on what you have when your turn rolls around. Can be dominate in the Med in the right circumstances for a few turns. You can earn a lot of income through NO’s depending on how things go with the UK. Gaining control of both sea entrances to the Med, and holding them is nearly impossible for long periods of time.  Trying to crack Egypt, control North Africa, and delay the US at Gibraltar is an unrelenting task. Oh yea, add the Mid East oil to to the mix, good luck.

France:
Make the most of any opportunity you get. Even if its just taking out a blocker ship for your allies, or helping defend somewhere in Africa. Hope they can liberate Paris, I like to see the “Smurfs” (blue cartoon characters) get to buy something.

Good gaming from across the globe :-)

In my opinion, it’s important to try and take out both UK DD’s, one SZ w/a BB in it, usually SZ111 and SZ112. And also take out the Transports, which means SZ109 has to go. I know that’s a lot to ask of the Germans, especially SZ109, since the UK can scramble 4 FTR’s. The only other strategy I believe is to take 2 Subs and attack the CC in SZ91, instead of attacking SZ109 and then use the 3rd German sub to attack SZ111. Or, you could take the 3rd German sub against SZ106 to ensure the DD’s & Trans death. That way, the UK only has 1 DD that can counter attack the 2 or 3 subs(depending on how many survive) in SZ106. You can use the German subs to take away some IPC’s in the convoy zones. The BB & DD in SZ111 is easily taken out w/the 3 FTR’s & 3 Tacs you can get on it. Yes, you may lose 1 FTR most likely but it’s well worth it to kill a UK BB.