Strategy Guide Global 1940

[Trout]

@Cornelis-Post Your Greece paratrooper gambit continues to be very intriguing to me at a minimum and possibly even brilliant but question as to how this plays out.

1. Italy takes Greece on I1 or I2. Germany builds paratroopers in Western Germany on G2.
2. G3: paratroopers drop on Greece
3. I3: Airbase built on Greece
4. G4: paratroopers attack some combination of Syria/Iraq/Caucasus/Volgograd/Egypt as opportunity presents.

Is that the general idea?? It seems to me that the effectiveness of the gambit could be maximized with Germany taking Greece on G2 which would allow them to build minor IC on G3 in order to support the G4 paratrooper drop with navy/army assets mobilized in Greece starting G4. I see that being enormously effective in the Med but keeps the Nazis from investing as much in Battle of the Atlantic or Barbarossa prep right?

Will be offline for next few weeks but wanted to inquire about this before I go. Thanks

[Cornelis Post]

@Trout

This strategy depends also what is the allies doing.
You should not build a minor factory in Greece, just use your rail way capacity.

The most important thing is:

Italy and Germany should move as one.

So for example if Italy in round 1 takes Alexandria Germany can send in round 2 some fighters to support Alexandria. So Italy makes a move and Germany follows. In this way the allies cannot counter attack because you would be to strong in this stage of the game.

So round 1

Germany builds up 5 sup
6 waffen ss infantry and 2 waffen ss artillery.

Italy builds 2 landing craft and 1 paratrooper in Rome.

Round 2 Germany likely will have 85 ipc

So you should build:

8 paratrooper/ can jump to Italy. Or Romania.
1 panzer general.
2 landing craft /// strategic rail movement to greece
5 subs // 3 in the mediterranean, also Remember if you move you’re “remaining” italian ships to seazone 93 to eliminate the French ships, you can use the factory with Germany to build subs or a carrier in that seazone to counter the remaining British fleet.
The best thing which could happen is that the British attacked the Italian fleet in round 1

The Russian plan is to take out Novgorod as fast as possible, butt in round 5 you need to retreat till you’re own borders this is okay.
By that time Germany can build up a huge force, and push again.

[Trout]

@Cornelis-Post Hey CP. I am back online now from summer vacay with wife & kids. The end result of our game was that Axis did win. Japan became a monster, Germany turtled and survived. We have been playing the HRE without landing craft. Combination of not being clear on how to use them and then had to figure out what units to use for representing them because all of our games are with the OOB board using OOB pieces. So we have an amateurish system such as using French infantry as paratroopers and putting roundels under infantry to designate an elite infantry. I have an A&A Classic game so we are going to use the Classic transports as LCV’s going forward. We are going to play a few games with the LCV’s and after we get used to that. I will post a game thread with pictures etc. Probably this Fall sometime. A few things that are still head-scratchers for us as we learn HRE are:

1. I never have success with Japan without taking money islands but it seems as if you guys don’t always focus on capture of them.

2. We never have success with Barbarossa. It always ends with Germany unable to make much progress as long as Allies play reasonably well with UK/USA in continental invasions, etc. Our only Axis wins come from Japan eventually making a two front war that SU can’t keep up with when their income drops below 20.

3. USA focusing most resources on KGF and UK piling as much stuff on Calcutta as possible to include 10 LM’s seem to be strategies that play well. But it’s really hard for us to determine how to play ANZAC and Soviet Union along with the fact that to a large extent they are having to react to what Axis are doing.

Bottom-line the HRE is possibly the best WWII board game ever. Too bad Captain can’t monetize that in a huge way because I think he deserves some monetary benefits for his outstanding efforts with this. OOB G40 just isn’t even fun anymore.

[barnee]

@Trout said in Strategy Guide Global 1940:

OOB G40 just isn’t even fun anymore.

:)

[Cornelis Post]

@Trout Great to hear about the axis win💪🏻
Yes the HRE is truly outstanding good.
I’ve played the game like 30-50 times and I still make new strategies.

The landing crafts and paratroopers are the best units available on the board definitely.
Also when you play with the axis Italy can conquer a country, or island. And Germany can move his planes in the country in the upcoming round ( also with air transport, Germany can move a panzer unit with air transport.)
So for example Italy takes Alexandria in round 3.
And germany buys 6 air units at round 3. Germany can launch an invasion with 6 units and all airplanes to Afrika.
The UK must retreat.

So after a few games the balance will become 50/50 for the axis and the allies.

So also the allies must plan very carefully what to do.
We are also working on a YouTube channel.
This year we are planning to explain the rules on YouTube, and after some strategic opening moves.

It’s nice to see more people enjoying the game 😎

[barnee]

On my 10th game against other opponents instead of just myself :)

I have always thought the Middle East to be key. OOB included. Not a revelation, as I think most would agree with that.

As Axis, Italy and Germany can both reinforce and potentially take Egypt with Paratroopers and Air Transports.
Also, more easily for Italy, with LCV’s and Naval Transports.

I believe it to be key to keep the British from having free reign in Africa, which would allow them to reinforce the Cauacasus or India.

However, this will take resources away from the War in Russia and allow the Allies to engage with there resources against the Reich and Italia sooner than otherwise.

I’m not sure of the best approach, but I don’t think it can be ignored.

[The Captain]

@barnee

Most important to remember is, that the Soviet Union grow stronger and stronger during the first 5 rounds.

• In Late 1941 the Soviet Guard Infantry units are available.
• In Early 1942 the Red Army Conscription Infantry units enter the game.
• In Late 1942 the Soviet Tank Mass Production comes into play.

The combination of those 3 - not to mention the 10 IPC and Free Tank unit that the Soviet player receives when Germany attacks - make a Massive German Offensive plan in Africa impossible.

The German & Italian War in Africa and the Middle East must be fought with skill and determination on a scale that doesn’t allow the Soviet Union to grow into a Power House.

Sunday the 4th August (tomorrow) we have a game here. Keld Rasmussen (Senior Axis & Allies Veteran Member with more than 30 years of loyal membership) will play the Allies - and I play the Axis.

I’ve planned a Combined Axis Strategic Plan that adresses the above.

A Game Report will be announced asap after the game has ended.

[VictoryFirst]

@The-Captain

That’s true, in my last game with Barnee, I formed the DAK and attacked Egypt with a large invasion force. However, I have never been able to make a good push into Russia. The only thing I could do was trade Leningrad back and forth. The Russians were ultimately super strong and could afford to help reinforce the Middle East as well as parts of China. It’s a strategy I don’t want to employ ever again because the Germans never really got going in the game. They managed to capture Cairo in the end, but just barely. If things had gone a little differently, my attack would have failed and all those resources I spent in Africa would have been wasted.

Looking forward to the upcoming game report! I am interested to see how you deal with Africa as the Axis 😁

[The Captain]

As part of the Strategic Planning for Axis & Allies Global 1940 House Rules Expansion, the Global 1940 No. 16 Game Report reveals parts of a Combined Axis Strategic Plan.

[Trout]

@The-Captain Any update on Italy Strategy Guide release?

[barnee]

@Trout

Moving over from CE unit. One thing that I have had trouble with, is if S.S.R. keeps the Siberian Army East. Back off a space from Amur.

Yanks go Big in Pacific. Max build India and ANZAC.

Then attack all at once the same turn. Now, JPN can delay that, but UK ANZAC can hit early if they want.

Sooner or later, they’ll all be at war. Keeping the Siberians in the East is key to it imo.

Seems SSR can rebound with the 26 conscripts to hold the Reich at bay long enough for it to go down.

Moving the China JPN Fctrys isn’t something I’ve considered though :)

[SuperbattleshipYamato]

@barnee

Were you replying to Trout? Are you on the right thread? I’m a bit confused on your response.

[The Captain]

Hi @Trout

Game Report No. 16 at the Game Report Thread shows the Italian Strategic Plan.

The Italian Strategic Plan is part of a Combined Axis Strategic Plan where Germany, Japan and Italy are working together towards the Strategic Goal.

The Italian Strageic Plan can also be used even when Italy is “fighting alone” without a Combined Axis Strategic Plan.

Italy should always consider to plan for a German Take Over Of Italy - even if Italy has reached all or some of the National Objectives.

Why:
When Germany takes over Italy, it has a massive impact on the War effort on both the Eastern Front as well as the Western Front.

Also, Rome does not have to be “protected” anymore - Rome can be lost - and re-captured with no military or economic consequence.

In this way Germany is strengthened on a massive scale.

[Trout]

@The-Captain I think I am missing something. When I read Game Report No. 16, I didn’t see any Strategy Guide. I did see some remarks about making sure you set things up for German Takeover which I find to be a very powerful thing for the Axis to execute. And some remarks about Italy assisting with Sea Lion feint or attack.

[barnee]

Hi @Trout

The strat guide is in the first HR link https://www.axisandallies.org/forums/topic/37535/the-captain-s-global-1940-house-rules-collection

4th one I think
https://www.axisandallies.org/forums/topic/37458/strategy-guide-global-1940

Edit
Game #16 is referring to how one might use Italy

[Trout]

@barnee I give up. I don’t see a Strat Guide for Italy in that place either. Italy in my mind is the hardest nation to figure out what to do with. Combination of weak in addition to awesome location and mucho 5-point bonuses. So it seems to give tantalizing possibilities for the Axis but I have yet to figure out the best way to use them. Throw everything into the Med where the bonuses are? Give up on the Med and instead take up Atlantic Wall duty along with Soviet can-openers? The only thing I have figured out for sure about Italy is always ALWAYS do the German Takeover. The rest continues to be a mystery though.

[The Captain]

Hi @Trout

There is no written Strategy Guide for Italy - yet.

But Game Report No. 16 shows how Italy should prepare for a German Take Over Of Italy.

Also, most Game Reports that I have described on the Game Report thread can be used as a guideline for various strategies - both for the Axis as well as the Allies.

[barnee]

@Trout

ahh … I didn’t realize you were looking for Italy specifically :)

Yea as Captain stated, no Italy one yet.

I’m an intermediate Global player at best, so take this as you will, but Italy is unique to me, in that they are more reactive compared to G and JPN.

Possiblly due to turn order somewhat, but if UK sinks there Fleet or goes heavy in Africa/ME, it can influence how they respond.

Also depends on what Germany wants them todo.

I like LCVs and Paras to get to Afrika/ME and if LCVs are blocked, move them to Bulg or Romainia. They threaten Caucasus and can counter Greece as well.

I used to go heavy Africa/ME all the time, but I think having at least a small canopener Force on the E Front is quite helpful. Maybe a couple starting Tanks and RR a couple Inf to back em up.
Use the Bmbr as well or maybe Ftrs if you have them and Germany is defending Italy.

Anyway, following The Captains Game Reports will provide better ideas :)

[The Captain]

Soviet Union Strategy:
This Soviet Strategy is an alternative to the Scorched Earth Strategy.

The Soviet Strategy is based on an Anticipated German Offensive Operation on the Eastern Front - in either Early 1941 or Late 1941.

If the German attack on the Soviet Union occurs earlier than anticipated (Late 1940) this Soviet Strategy will have to adapt to the current situation.

This Soviet Strategy also asumes that the Soviet Union is not at War with Japan - at least until Early 1942.

Soviet purchases:

Early 1940:

• 4 Paratrooper units
• 1 Elite Infantry unit
• 1 Commissar unit
• 9 Mines

Late 1940:

• 1 Commissar unit
• 2 Tank units
• 2 Infantry units
• 1 Elite Infantry unit
• 6 Mines

Early 1941:

• 1 Tank unit (this Tank unit is the Free Tank Unit that the Soviet player receives in Urals from Early 1941)
• 1 Elite Infantry unit
• 3 Infantry units
• 1 Tank unit
• 1 Commissar unit
• 3 Mines

Late 1941:

• 1 Free Tank unit (Urals)
• 9 Soviet Guard Infantry units
• 1 Panzer General unit

The Soviet Commissar units should gradually organize 1st, 2nd and 3rd Soviet Army Corps - each Soviet Army Corps contains 2 Soviet Guard Infantry units, 1 Tank unit and 1 Commissar unit.

The remaining 3 Soviet Guard Infantry units should operate in close support with Artillery units.

The 1st Soviet Tank Army should be organized as soon as the number of Tank units allows it.

If Germany has attacked the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom should send 3 Air units and 3 Tank units (Lend-Lease) to the Soviet Union ASAP

Early 1942:

• 26 Red Army Conscription Infantry units (Moscow & Stalingrad)
• Convert all UK Lend-Lease units to Soviet units

On the Soviet players turn - in the round when Germany attacks the Soviet Union, the Minor Industrial Complex in Novgorod should move towards Urals - and the Minor Industrial Complex in Ukraine should move towards Caucasus.

If the Minor Industrial Complex in Volgograd is under threat from Axis forces, it should move to Samara.

Soviet Paratrooper units must move to Caucasus and Novgorod in Late 1940, in order to threaten Norway and the German Hinterland.

Mines must be moved as close to the German borders as possible before the German attack begins, and should be placed In Depth at multiple Possible German Attack Directions.
At least 3 Mines should be placed at each border.

With this Soviet Strategy, the Soviets will gradually wear down the German Frontline units - long enough for the Western Allies to make their Ampibious Landings in Europe.

[SuperbattleshipYamato]

@The-Captain

Thanks for the detailed strategy!