1942 Japanese strategy

@axis_roll:

Part of the problem with the 1942 scenario is how strong Germany is.  She can grow quickly due to her large income base.  The needs of the European Theatre will dictate what USA can do in the Pacific.  As in the real war, Europe was the main target initially.

Yes I agree, most of my games I cannot ignore Europe as the US because Germany gets very powerful. However most of the time if I do go pacific I am always looking to sink Japanese fleets which just seems overwhelming but I will try your advice and position groups together near the islands and work on defence.

Appreciate the input guys.  :-)

@afterword I like to put a IC in Burma and move troops down to FIC. I like to force a response from the Allies either with a IC in India by the UK or Russia moving to support. Anything that takes money or troops away from Europe helps.

Test summary from TripleA, engine version: 1.7.0.1, time: 20:52:08

@Cmdr:

I have to admit, I really enjoy the idea of closed dardenelles.  I like tech, but life is SOOOO much easier for Russia if Italy cannot attack them directly.

Perhaps, I guess, 1 allied player vs 3 axis players would also balance things.

I also like closed Dardenelles, but my group will never agree to it.  Allies have to make up for it by landing in France turn 1.  Yes, Italy retakes it, but it keeps Italy away from Russia, and with NOs, UK trades 3-6 IPCs for 11.

Imo, # of players makes no difference.  At least wit the people I play with, both Axis and Allies work very well together.  I’ve seen Italy do amazing things.  UK lands in Poland, Italy retakes Poland.

If America leaves the Pacific, I’m often seen placing 3 IC’s, one in Bor, one in Sum, and one in Ind.

With 6 TP’s, 4@SZ35, 2@SZ49, I’m throwing 6 inf 1 art 4 arm at Russia per turn. That’s 42 IPC, but if I’m making that much before NO’s, why not? Russia can never withstand that force. Any extra IPC’s are spent on bombers at Japan, to be thrown across Asia to aid against Russia.

That’s if America leaves Japan alone, though.

Balance issues… Dardanelles should always be closed… NOs favor the Axis, hands down.

Something not in the rules, but a very simple House rule our group uses for both balance and just plain fun…

90% of the time, Japan nukes the Flying Tigers in China on turn 1 before the Allies get to make a single move with them. They are basically placed in a “please kill me” position.

Our group always allows the Allied player the choice to place the Flying Tigers anywhere they want within China on the initial setup… it’s a very minor concession both for play balance and strategic fun.

As with 1941, Japan must build a Fac in Manchuria on turn 1. Both maps need updating

However, in 42 USA has greater success with going after japan and the buy should be delayed and done only if US player commits to pacific. That buy is what Japan should do but understandably its income will be greater on J2.

new map is coming in a few weeks

Don’t know whether it has been posted or not, but here is MY opening. I buy 2 inf 2 art 2 arm.

3 inf Kar to Bel
3 inf Arc to Bel
2 inf 1 fig Cau to Ukr
1 bom Rus to Ukr
1 inf 1 art 1 arm Cau to Euk
3 inf 1 art 2 arm Rus to Euk
1 arm Arc to Euk

If I have a bid greater than 5, I throw 1 inf Egy, and 1 inf (or more) into either Cau or Rus. Those units attack Euk as well. I place 2 inf 2 arm in Cau, 2 art in Rus, with 2 inf Nov coming into Russia. Bomber and Fighter of Ukr for Cau.