Best posts made by mkgionet

@barnee Thanks Barnee! It would be good to add that to the rulebook.

@The-Captain Hello Captain! I’m hoping you can settle a rules question for me that resulted in quite a controversy in the game we started a couple days ago. I think the answer is quite obvious and my opponents are grasping at straws but let’s see what you decide!

Situation - A global 1940 game using expansion rules sections 1-4, turn 3 or 4. Russia and Japan are still at peace so the non-aggression pact is still in place.

Italy flies a bomber over to industrial bomb Russia’s factory in Stalingrad and then desires to land in Sikang, which is currently controlled by Japan. The allies vehemently argued that landing the bomber in a Japanese territory after bombing Russia would be a violation of the non-aggression pact and place Russia & Japan at war. I don’t see anything in the rules that would suggest that. What say you Captain?

Many thanks!

@The-Captain Thank you Captain - that’s exactly what I thought!

@The-Captain Game Report #2 continuing from 5/20/2024 Post of first 5 rounds

Germany - mkgionet
Italy - Cathy M
Japan - Pat H
UK - Mike K
Russia - Alex M
USA - Josh S

Report Late 1942 through Early 1944

Germany continued pushing until Armies were in Smolensk ready to invade Moscow. However, Russia launched a powerful counter attack from the north and south completely wiping out all German troops in Smolensk. The German invasion of Moscow sadly just fell short. Germany was able to capture and hold many Russian territories but the front line kept getting thinner and thinner, and then was getting pushed back in the south. At this point the German front line is practically non-existant.

While Germany concentrated on Russia the large US fleet off the coast of France landed in Norway and setup a Minor Industrial Factory - big problems for Germany. The UK also started to expand thier navy. A daring attack by the Luftwaffe made a dire situation better by completely sinking that US fleet. More US ships came up from the southern Atlantic to destroy the German navy. Now how will Germany fend off UK’s fleet? Perhaps Italy can retake Gibraltar and free the remaining German navy that’s trapped in the Mediterranean. Italy hasn’t really been able to make any progress, but has been able to hold their own.

Russia and Japan are still at peace. Russia moved their factories underground after Italian bomber raids. They finally received (3) fighters through Lend Lease, though still haven’t received any tanks.

The US has focused almost all of its attention on the Pacific, where Japan has taken many islands and now threatens Australia. With Germany on the retreat it appears the only way the Axis has a chance to win this war is in the Pacific.

Likely this game will finally end on Day 3, which won’t take place until 6/29 - stay tuned!

@The-Captain After discussion amongst our players we’ve decided that victory conditions for our game today will be:

• Economic as you outline
• Original Military Victory rules from the Global 1940 game: Axis controlling 6 victory cities in the Pacific or 8 victory cities in Europe OR Allies controlling all 3 Axis capitals

We really like victory cities having more of an impact on the game. We’ll see how things play out!

To not get overwhelmed with adding all of the Optional Rules we’re only adding for this game:
Rockets
Heavy Bombers
Seafire fighter planes
Jet Fighters
Japanese Destroyers
King Tiger & SS Heavy Tanks

@The-Captain Good point Captain, I’ll try to remember to position my camera lower next time. There were 3 mines on the border that the German troops crossed. Currently all mines are dug in as follows:

Belarus/Poland - 4
Berlarus/Baltic States - 5
Belarus/Novgorod - 6
Novgorod/Archangel - 3

@The-Captain For some reason I didn’t see that, thank you Captain!
We were hoping to finish our game Saturday but it didn’t happen- exciting game report coming soon, most evenly matched game I think I’ve played.

Re: Global 1940 & 1943 Expansions Game Reports

7.4.24 Game (start) Report #2
Global 1940 with Expansion Rules & the following optional rules:
Rockets
Heavy Bombers
Seafire fighter planes
Jet Fighters
Japanese Destroyers
King Tiger & SS Heavy Tanks

Agreed a win can happen through Economic Victory or Axis capturing victory cities per the original Global 1940 rules.

Germany - Josh S
Italy - Logan S
Japan - Alex M
UK - Pat H
Russia - mkgionet
USA - Mike K

Report from Late 1942 (round 6) through Late 1944 (round 10)

Round 6 begins with Germany’s navy bottled up east of Denmark, Italy consolidating troops in its capital, the UK sending troops to German shores every turn, Russia halting German advancement into its territory, Japan having complete control over China and running wild in the Pacific gearing up for a major attack on India, and the US contributing a modest amount of support on the European front and struggling to contain/keep up with Japan in the Pacific.

Europe

After the Red Army Conscription in round 5 Russia goes on the offensive, continually pushing German troops back until all Russian territory is reclaimed and attacks are made into Germany to try and gain a permanent foothold on German soil. It seems Russia may have finally accomplished this in round 10, but more likely this is a German plan to lure the Russian Army Group within reach of (3) panzer armies and other troops in order to quickly wipe them out with minimal casualties. I expect to be soundly defeated in round 11. While Japan’s troops in the immediate area were weak, and in order to divert Japan resources away from India Russia attacked Japan on two Chinese fronts in Late 1944.

Germany amassed a massive naval force off the coast of Denmark, make capturing/keeping Denmark a priority, and was finally able to break free into the Atlantic ocean after a massive naval battle against a group of UK, US, and France ships. The original Russian sub from the beginning of the game left this group to sit off the coast of Norway and still survives (at least for now)! Germany’s navy was almost completely wiped out in the attack (and US counterattack) with only a badly damaged super-battleship surviving. D Day has not yet happened.

Germany took over Italy as soon as it had the chance moving almost all troops north, giving up on the Middle East and Africa. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Africa so bare!

Pacific

Japan marched forward and was on the verge of a massive invasion into India. In preparation of this almost all UK forces retreated to West India and a large c ounter-attack force was gathered there, as well as constructing mines for the attacking tanks to drive through. The plan worked well as the counter-attack force soundly defeated Japan and reclaimed India. Japan then diverted it’s attention to the money islands and the Russian advance into China.

Japan & the US had massive naval battles near Midway & Hawaii resulting in heavy casualties to both sides. Both navies have retreated to their homelands to form new plans of attack for 1945.

Overall I think the Allies have the edge, but both Axis countries remain strong. No countries have tried to create any additional technical advances. To date, Russia has created 10 rockets, with only 2 hitting, while Germany hasn’t created any rockets yet. To be continued in October…!

@The-Captain @barnee Sorry about that, looks like I had to upload each picture one at a time and not all as one upload. Pictures now added!

@The-Captain You’re absolutely right, but as the Russian player I’ve been glad to see those factories bombed out. Germany has moved the Southern Italy, Berlin, and Paris factories underground as they consider those the main factories they’ll be producing from. The Allies learned this the hard way too the India Industrial Complex took a lot of bombing damage. It’s kind of late but UK may finally put that factory underground.

Global 1940 July 4th 2024 Game (start) report #3
(3rd day of play)

Global 1940 with Expansion Rules & the following optional rules:
Rockets
Heavy Bombers
Seafire fighter planes
Jet Fighters
Japanese Destroyers
King Tiger & SS Heavy Tanks

Agreed a win can happen through Economic Victory or Axis capturing victory cities per the original Global 1940 rules.

Germany - Josh S
Japan - Alex M
UK - Pat H
Russia - mkgionet
USA - Mike K
Report from Early 1945 (round 11) through Russian turn of Late 1947 (round 16)
Longest game I’ve ever played!

General observation that over the course of these turns the game went from Allies having an advantage to Axis having the Allies on the ropes. Throughout all of these turns no side has been anywhere close to an economic victory. It was a wild day of play!

Germany
As expected, multiple tank armies and a plethora of other troops descended upon Russia’s Army Group wiping it out, but losses Germany chose to take disbanded both tank armies. Focused on reclaiming/owning all territory west of the Russian front, expanding northward, and creating a steady supply of wolf packs. When the UK and US lost (or retreated to the Pacific) what little navy they had left wolf packs rule the sea and have been sitting off of the US coast for several turns depleting US income 15-20 IPC every turn. A very effective strategy. Have now stabilized all fronts with the expectation of a new surge into Russia.

UK
Took over the Finland factory that Germany built to boost the Allied presence in Europe. Paratroopers liberated Paris causing the creation of Vichy troops that walked into nearby territories that were left open by Germany, boosting the France economy to 22 IPC. Paris was quickly retaken however putting that income into the pockets of Germany. Tanks from the middle east and Africa travelled to the Allied front lines in China to help liberate it from the Japanese. India was a focal point of Japanese aggression so many resources were put into its defense, but it finally fell (without the possibility of immediately being reclaimed) in 1947. No D Day has yet taken place, and it doesn’t look like it will be happening anytime soon. Africa has been pretty much a non-factor for most of the game. Anzac has held its own.

Russia
Spent almost every turn creating armies to send to the front lines, as well as a sprinkling of rockets and other units. After their Army Group was soundly defeated another army quickly took over Poland. Germany would soundly defeat them the following turn but leave Romania or Hungry vulnerable for Russia to walk in with another army into one or both of those territories. Several turns saw these territories changing hands back and forth between Germany and Russia. A steady stream of tanks and other troops were sent into China, finally reaching the Pacific in 1947 (more on this later). With the help of the UK and USA the Japanese invasion into the Eastern Soviet Union was squashed. A new Army Group was recently formed and is sitting on the front lines prepared to defend or attack Germany depending on what they do next.
Fun fact - Original Russian sub still alive and has been sitting off the coast of Normandy disrupting convoy operations for several turns.

United States
Since the opportunity presented itself Rome was successfully invaded with minimal troops, and all surface German ships were destroyed. They were able to maintain this foothold for a couple of turns before Germany mounted enough troops to recapture it. Most of the US attention was on the Pacific, with only minimal forces on the east coast to try and keep the wolf pack population in check.

The US built a factory in Alaska to filter troops into Russia that could push back the Japanese, including the formation of a Tank Army. A large fleet was built up waiting to see the best opportunity for attack. Although the US controlled the seas of the north Pacific, it left Japan to run wild in the south Pacific, and left India to fend for itself.

Japan
Certainly the strongest country for most of the game. Took over and held Hawaii, kept pumping tanks into China, and focused on taking India. Wasn’t able to keep up with the three pronged attack from UK, US, and Russia in China and has been pushed back to the coast. The last turn+ was incredibly exciting. In early 1947 Japan took India with the Allies having no chance of reclaiming it. This got them to 6 victory cities. The Allies had to recapture 1 victory city or the game was over. Japan sent most of their fleet south or east around Midway, “only” leaving a couple of super-heavy battleships and transports around Tokyo.

The US had a massive fleet sitting off the coast of Alaska, with a sizeable number of troops. The allies could see that India was going to fall so it was clear that the fleet and troops in Alaska would attack and reclaim Hawaii since the US troops significantly outnumbered the Japanese forces. However, once the allies saw that Tokyo had such a small navy protecting it, and had less than 10 infantry (1 elite) & an AAA gun for ground troops, that was simply too good of an opportunity to pass up. The Alaska force was sent to Japan to flip the game so that the Axis would be in a desperate situation. Japan used all their kamikaze attacks but the US soundly won the naval battle. However, the Home Defense combined with great/poor rolling gave Japan the victory with only 2 infantry and an elite remaining. The allies took the bait, but it was a seriously risky move.

Even though the US clearly had the edge in Tokyo the allies had backup plans in place. The US also invaded Hawaii with a small amount of forces in the hopes it could weaken the Japanese there so that Anzac could win the day. That didn’t work out. The only hope left was Shanghai, where Japan had a sizeable force. The US attacked and weakened it, the UK attacked and weakened it some more, leaving it up to one last shot by Russia. Russia’s 4 tanks were easily able to overcome the remaining tank and elite infantry to (at least for the moment) save the day for the Allies.

Is the end still near for the Allies? We’ll see when we enter 1948 and beyond! (sorry for being longwinded)

Global 1940 July 4th 2024 Game (start) report #4
(4th day of play on 11/3)

Global 1940 with Expansion Rules & the following optional rules:
Rockets
Heavy Bombers
Seafire fighter planes
Jet Fighters
Japanese Destroyers
King Tiger & SS Heavy Tanks

Agreed a win can happen through Economic Victory or Axis capturing victory cities per the original Global 1940 rules.

Germany - Josh S
Japan - Alex M
UK - Pat H
Russia - mkgionet
USA - Mike K
Report from Japan’s turn in Late 1947 (round 16) USA turn of Late 1949 (round 20)
Longest game I’ve ever played!

First I need to admit that I’m a bonehead! We were all so excited that the game finally ended that we immediately started cleaning up and I neglected to take any pictures - Ugh!

1947
If folks remember, the Allies looked to be in a dire situation at the end of the last report with Germany having pushed most enemy troops out of its territory and poised to make a powerful advance into Russia, while Japan firmly had 5 Victory Cities in hand and was in a position to retake the 6th city. Us Allied players held our breath while Japan took their turn, hoping that the massive US fleet surrounding Japan would focus Japan’s attention more than retaking and holding the 6th Victory City (Shanghai). Tick, tick, tick, tick, pieces move, tick, tick, tick, more pieces move…

YES! Indeed, the fleet around Japan caused him to ignore thinking much about Shanghai and, as we hoped, he committed the majority of his military power to eliminating this fleet. Between games I took a long hard look at the board and realized that if Japan used his 7 strategic bombers on the mainland, with his mainland ground troops, he could not only retake Shanghai, but likely eliminate all of the Chinese infantry to retake Anhwe and place ground troops in Shantung so that USA’s tank army would be blocked from getting to/liberating Shanghai. Thus causing the Axis to hold 6 Victory Cities and win. Thankfully Japan didn’t see this. He did retake Shanghai, but left Anhwe untouched.

The Allies make preparations to retake Hawaii and the Philippines. Japans troops are now primarily concentrated in southeast Asia, India, and Japan.

The US continues to get hammered by German Wolf Packs on the east coast, losing 20+ IPC. However, the Tank Army on the Asia mainland rolls in to retake Shanghai, while China has an income around 20 and continues placing significant amounts of infantry on the board.

UK strengthens Persia & Finland & holds West India.

1948

Taking Barnee’s advice (thank you) the US finally purchases an air base and fighters for Central America. Works like a charm with the wolf packs scattering and being chased down and mostly destroyed by fighters.

Anzac momentarily captures the Philippines before Japan quickly recaptures it. Japan retakes Korea and invades nearby Russian territories. Clearly, the new Axis plan is to focus on attacking Russia on both sides.

Hawaii is easily recaptured and the USA prepares to move troops north to Alaska so they can retaliate against the Japanese invasion of Russia.

UK continues to strengthen Persia and lands paratroopers in various German territories.

Germany makes a massive attack to retake Finland and Leningrad, but then pulls back in order to attack Russia’s Army Group with 2 tank armies and a plethora of ground troops. Russia is able to retake Leningrad and continue reforming armies that are pushed along to the front lines. Russia isn’t able to recapture Finland, but is able to kill off the few remaining troops that had succeeded in taking it back for Germany.

1949 - A Pivotal year!

Germany purchases several transports and a super heavy battleship. It looks like they may be preparing to invade London. They do leave a few territories vulnerable on the front lines with Russia though, allowing a Russian Tank Army to get behind the front lines and on Berlin’s doorstep. Not a real threat to Germany, but it’s a target they’ll need to attack.

USA navy in place in Alaska, ready to come liberate Russian territories from the Japanese invasion.

Japan builds a major industrial complex in Korea and focuses on producing troops there. They pull some troops out of India in order to combat the growing number of Chinese forces, which ends up being a crucial mistake. In a very even battle the UK takes a gamble and goes all in on attacking India. With solid rolling it results in a UK victory! Even better, Anzac takes Burma and Japan has no way to retake India anytime soon. Other territories on the mainland south and west of Shanghai are also taken from the Japanese.

The USA is about to launch their Alaskan fleet over to the Soviet Far East when the Allies see a golden opportunity. Off the coast of Japan are a few transports, (3) Aircraft Carriers, and (6) Carrier Fighters. Even better, all ground troops (even the AA gun) have been moved out of Japan over to Korea and the mainland. The only thing left in Japan are (4) Strategic Bombers. The USA seizes this opportunity and attacks Japan for the 2cd time and scores a victory! At this point the Axis surrender. The Allies have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat!

A very long, but very enjoyable game with lots of twists and turns. The Victory Cities really add an interesting element to the game. I think we’ll be taking a long break before our next game!

@barnee

The yanks had approximately 5 infantry and artillary. Too bad for Japan but they activated Home Defense the first time the US invaded them - and it was probably the only reason they survived the first attack!

@The-Captain Yes, we could play with less people but having so many involved really makes for an interesting game with the different strategies people want to employ. We also are busy with so many other things that a game 1/month works out well. I really like A&A (especially with your Expansion Rules), but Squad Leader is hard to beat as a 1 on 1 military game.

Hello all, it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted because I haven’t played Axis & Allies since last year. During our hiatus, one of our dedicated players (Josh Schoorens) was hard at work constructing his own 1943 Europe version of Axis & Allies, taking The Captain’s House Rules Expansion and modifying many of those rules, eliminating some, and adding a whole lot of new units (mostly for Germany). Don’t worry, other countries (especially the US) got some really neat “toys” (can you say…Atom Bomb)! In addition, he spent hours and hours creating a custom board (complete with elevated mountain ranges), hand painting/creating/finding pieces for the new units (no cardboard/paper units here), and play testing against himself. The amount of IPCs per country were greatly increased, as were the amount of troops on the board, and territories. Needless to say there are a lot of massive battles! New minor Axis countries were introduced - Vichy France (blue), Finland (white), and Romania (yellow) as well. We also introduced new chip colors, white for 2 units and blue for 8 units. I’m attaching Josh’s rule book to this post. Even though there are a lot of new units most special units are limited in number and Josh has only created that many of each unit so it’s not too hard to stick to the limit that’s been set. I think folks will at the very least find the new units interesting. Axis and Allies 1943 Final Copy (custom rules).pdf

This board is so big it barely fits on a ping pong table. Attached are pictures of the initial setup.

For the first time we are playing this as a group 3 on 3. You’ll have to jump over to Game Reports to find out how things have gone the first two rounds (which took about 12 hours).

@The-Captain Yes, we did remember the tank in the Urals.

We do have the Timetable next to the army boards, it’s just a matter of remembering to look at it. I usually announce the new rules that come in effect each turn, but not sure I did that in Early 1942.

@andrewaagamer
I’d say! Ahhh, the good 'ol days…

@iamdk

Hello David -
I’m in the process of organizing a 1940 Global A&A game and we could use a 6th player. We play in Fitchburg, MA. Except for my teenage son we’re all adults who will be playing. It’s always good to meet new gamers. Game is scheduled to take place on 8/28 at 10AM and fully expect it to take 6-12 hours to complete. Any interest? If so let me know and I’ll send you the rest of my contact info. If you’re unable to attend, but know others who might be interested, I’d appreciate it if you can connect me with them.

Thank you,
Mark Gionet

@The-Captain After another 10 hours or so of playing the Axis finally conceded not too long after Rome fell to the United States invasion.
One item that came up was in regards to destroying industrial complexes. I know you can destroy underground complexes so shouldn’t a country be able to destroy any above ground complex as well? I looked through the section 1 Expansion rules but didn’t find it, or maybe I’m blind. It doesn’t make sense for a country to only be able to destroy underground complexes.

Thoughts?

@bamaackbar Welcome Barnaackbar! What area/state/city do you play in? There’s a group of us who play in central MA

@The-Captain Just a couple of clarifying questions. Any nation can destroy their owned Industrial Factories anytime on their turn for no cost right?

To make sure I’m going this right: Strategic Bombing - Say I’m going in with (3) tactical bombers escorted by (3) fighters. Defender has (5) fighters they mobilize to intercept. Since I’m the “attacker” the defending fighters defend on a 4 correct? However, my attacking aircraft are defending against these intercepting fighters so they would use their defensive ratings in this combat - 3 for the tactical bombers, and 4 for the fighters. Is what I outline correct based on your Expansion rules in section 11?