@newpaintbrush:
@DarthMaximus:
You do not want your opponent to dictate the the pace, the battles, or even the strat you must employ.
Russia has the first turn. Russia sets the pace. Russia determines what the board at the start of G1 is going to look like. Given that, it is difficult to see how you can boldly state that YOU will force your OPPONENT to respond to YOU.
I’m not sure if it is that bold, I mean rd 1 seems pretty “canned” as it is.
Russia will attack Wrus, Belo, or Ukr in some combination but not all 3.
Germany will kill the UK BB, attack Egy, attack Kar and counter Belo or Ukr.
All this is pretty standard so simply being prepared for the “most popular” Russian openings gives the Germans the ability to really take the momentum.
There is very little if anything that Russia can do that will prevent me from buying any one of these (my preferred G1 buys):
10 inf, 2 arm
12 inf, 1 rt
10 inf, 1 ftr
8 inf, 3 arm save 1 (or 8 inf, 4 rt)
All have relatively the same purpose, help me control Europe while I gather what I can in Afr in the first 3-4 rds or so.
The UK and US simply can’t get mobilzed fast enough and put a significant threat on Europe to prevent Germany form having about 4 turns to build up to move against Russia. Â Likewise, Russia is typically on her own for about the first 4 turns (minus Allied air). Â This is when the Axis can try to take control. Â Whether UK and US are buying air or trns or whatever, isn’t that important b/c of the supply lines and pressing Allied priorities take precedence (ie sink Baltic fleet, sink Med fleet, reclaim Afr).
On the flipside as the Allies, if I can prevent Germany from being able to move large stacks towards Ukr/Cauc, then you can usually box Germany in and turn Russia towads Japan as UK and US finish off Berlin.
This is why I’m not really a fan of Germany naval buys, IMO it has the potential to provide the Allies, namely Russia, with added time since Germany’s land power will be slightly diminshed in rds 1-3.
@newpaintbrush:
Reacting to the situation is the BEST and MOST ESSENTIAL thing to do. Exploiting weaknesses in enemy defenses is how you win, true, but first you have to not lose.
Playing not to lose will get you beat.
You want to be the one to force your opponent into tough decisions.
@newpaintbrush:
If you debate that, tell me if you try to establish a strong forward position in Ukraine on G1, by NOT taking Anglo-Egypt and landing all fighters there if Russia didn’t take Ukraine on R1.
There’s a difference between forcing the issue and being stupid.
All players have their own risk tolerance.
On G1, what is the point? Â Japan hasn’t even gone yet and is not even in Chi, let alone Sin.
Now make that G4-5 coupled with a Japan move to Kaz or Novo and I make that move.
I guess the best way to talk about this would be to divide up the goals between turn goals and overall goals.
Turn goals:
gain IPC, trade, don’t place your army in a position to get wiped out.
Overall goals:
(examples)
hold afr, take ukr/cauc, squeeze Rus, threat HI and Ala, claim as many ipc as you can…
Your turn goals, should always help in achieving your overall goal otherwise you may just end up spinning your wheels.