This was the fifth time I played the 42 version. Previous times were with a lot less experienced players, so this game marked the first where the 2 skilled players got to face each other  :-P

First time poster… but here it goes.

Title: Can’t stop Japan

Date: 5/17/09

Setup: NOs,no Techs 1942 scenario

Victor: Axis won, Germany took moscow, Japan too strong

Game length: 7 Rounds,  10 hours

Bias: Nearly equal skill level. Maybe a little bit in Allies favor

Description: As being Axis, I wanted to establish myself heavily of course in Asia. However my main focus was weakening UK, because a weakened UK player means no Allies victory in my opinion. As Japan I ended up buying 3 complexes the first 3 rounds ( First in Burma, 2nd in Manchuria, 3rd in India.) Germany sunk every single british ship in the Atlantic round 1 except for Cruiser and transport near canada. Axis took over both Egypt and India both in round 2. Everything from this point looked to be a footrace towards moscow, and as the Axis player I actually got worried because the US nicely reinforced in the Atlantic and UK started to build up a little bit so that was going to be a bit of a problem eventually. Turning point in the war though was in turn 4 when Germany got a bit lucky with dice rolls and was able to take Caucasas with hardly nothing left in Russia so Russia fell the next turn without even a single Japanese force there. From this point it was definitely over, as the next turn for Germany they purchased 7 bombers which was the end of the allies.
Observations/recommendations: Basically in this version if Japan is played right, there is nothing the allies can do. The US actually in round 4 purchased some navy and tried to threaten Japan but since Japan was so strong and saw them coming they just matched them which ended up being a waste for the US. UK was making right around 25 Ipcs the whole game which is a very good thing for the Axis. Italy actually wasnt much of a threat, they assisted with a lot of the Africa campaign but mostly Germany was just strong and well played. Russia made a few purchase mistakes, as they need to be ready for anything. They lost a bomber in a worthless battle and actually purchased a fighter in round 3 which they really can’t afford. What I found very useful is after the Navy battle around india in round 1 the Japs will usually have a batteship and carrier left from that fight and using them to help defend Italy’s fleet worked really well. Having that flexibility and defense over there was very useful. Overall the turning point was Caucasas falling to good rolling by the axis. The odds were pretty close but Germany still had a such a force left that they just tore right into russia. In regards to Japan, who was making 50+ ipcs all game, are incredibily hard to stop. I feel if the US did a full on Pacific theatre, then that would leave Germany to be even stronger as then they wouldn’t have the US breathing down there neck. This is the only game Ive played with this strategy and maybe there is a counter that I will find eventually, however right now Japan looked pretty awesome.