On the Pacific side Japan went down to the Dutch oil islands and attacked the Dutch fleet and also did its assaults on china some what. So they could grab some quick money. But in the mean time the US started to go for the Island group bonus money and at one time had all 8 3 island groups ( 5 icps each group ) for a 40 icp bonus plus its normal 90 income.
So with this scenerio the US was pumping more money in Europe side and japan never really contested the islands or 2 until a bit later in game. The denied 1 group only.
Then over time Anzac was able to get Dutch islands back with a bit of help from US and the Japan went for Calcutta and got it. But now it left the door open for the US to land in Hong Kong to take away a victory point and hold it. Pic below will show you that. Other option is for FEC to park fleet and 6 ground for Malaya off coast and US follow in with 14 ground with there fleet and china move 1 stack with UK to Hong Kong and other stack up to Thailand. It will take 2 turns before Japan can really attack there.
It was an awesome game considering Germany had a first time player in this game. But a major veteran of axis and allies so no worry’s. Axis went for a quick win but with Italy making a mistake and Japan probably not doing a few more things early cost them a bit. But as mentioned in the post above about Stalingrad battle there is 1 chance on turn 6 for axis if they can influence a strict neutral ( Spain or Turkey ) can get a victory point for 30 points with the dice gods going in Germany’s favor to take and hold Stalingrad.