I definitely think we’ll see some KJF’s or US Pac strats in time. There are actually quite few things I’d like to try as the US, but it’ll just take some more games.
Also, you don’t have to actually kill Japan, just sink its fleet or keep it stuck in the Sz around Tokyo. Once the fleet can’t move (or is gone), you can pick the easiest capital (still usually Germany in Revised) and take it out several rds later.
For example, I’ve had great success with a US - AC/ftr strat in Revised. I see no reason why this can’t be attempted and used in AA50 (with modifications of course).
The general premise is to buy an AC and 2 ftrs every turn. The ftrs can threaten multiple sea zones and once you move to Sol it becomes almost impossible to sink the AC without a massive commitment. From there the US picks off the islands etc.
You still go after Japan and can get a feel for the Game. How does Russia and the UK look?
Then immediately buy 1 AC, 1 ftr, + (subs/dd for fodder).
Rd 2 you can go 1 ac + 2 ftrs + ~12 ipc (for other stuff).
Japan has a mightly fleet to start, but they do have to take quite a few islands early.
Now the main question is can Russia hold out for 5-6 turns with only UK’s help and how poweful will Italy be with the US only commiting 2 inf per turn to Alg?
Another option I’d like to try as the US is some type of US Sub strat (talked about in other threads).
US 1 - buy 5 subs, 1 ftr
US 2 - buy 1 ac (+ ftr if needed), + 3 subs + other filler ships (or inf)
Essentially by US 3 you can have:
8 subs
1 dd (start with)
2 ac (1 start with)
4 ftrs (3 start with - maybe lose 1 in Pearl counter)
2 boms (start with)
Here you spent 62 IPC (8 sub + 1 AC), and you should have ~26 more ipc to spend (rd 1 - 40, rd 2 - ~48) meaning maybe you buy 1 more sub, 1 ca, 1 dd.
That is a 14 ship navy with 4 ftrs and 2 boms. If Japan commits to trying to sink it, it will take quite a bit of effort. Again the downside is: can Russia hold out for 5-6 turns with only UK’s help and how poweful will Italy be with the US only commiting 2 inf per turn to Alg?
Also can the UK help with any of this?
And just how much early help does Russia need?
These last two questions will depend on what will eventually become the “standard” G1 open, so Russia and UK can coordinate the best counters.
I wouldn’t rule out an Aus IC or Safr IC combined with US Pac strat but I’m usually not a fan of the early extra IC. An Ind IC just seems like it might be too tough to hold, but you never know.
