@farmboy
For the Atlantic, this was the first time I had a G1 opener were I didnt use my entire air and BB for the British navy. Normally I sink the entire British navy on G1 but because of how you reinforced the navy. Once I made the decision not to sink both I felt the need to reserve the BB so I could try to contest the British navy later.
I definitely realized after buying those early bombers that it was a mistake. I should have just kept buying fast movers. I felt behind from G1 not sinking the British Navy though so I was really thrown off my game. Thats why I did the G2 DOW instead of G3, I felt rushed.
I’ve never thought about that with choosing which direction to go into Russia. I normally go south because the of the minor and the areas are worth more than the northern route (most are worth 2 and then you have the middle east bonuses as well).
My original intent with those German bombers was to start strat bombing Russia. Is that worthwhile? Thats why I moved them to the Eastern front. Then I changed my mind and decided I was going to try and open a lane to Volgograd and the Caucasus.
Japan is definitely the weak point in my Axis game. I can never decide what I want to focus on and I tend to get distracted, pulled into a bunch of directions, and then losing the upper hand after allowing the US to build up for a couple turns. Generally, I know that the Philippines and Caroline Islands are the two areas that really allow for the maximum control of the Pacific because they can reach Hawaii, Japan, Malaya, and Australia.
I put the early blocker out there because of a scar I have from a previous game where I forgot to put a blocker after DOW on US and I ended up losing 3 brand new transports to a US sub. Now I tend to put it out there on turn 1 just so I don’t forget.
I was concerned that you were going to use Korea to land US planes and I’d never get it back, that’s why I committed to it. I like your advice about the navy buys. I wasn’t a fan of losing destroyers like I was. I definitely should have bought more subs.
What is your opinion on a J1 DOW against experienced players? I didn’t try it here because I assumed you would have an excellent answer to it given your experience. I’ve only ever really been successful with a J1 opener against players who didnt really know how to effectively utilize the early money for the US.