3 points
we did mess up with regards to the minor axis, I assumed that the only reason the didn’t benefit from the second impulse is because they weren’t going to be at war with anyone. So as a result you would have to wait until at least the second turn to invade Russia otherwise you can’t get enough men into Russia.
if on turn three the UK declares war on Japan and Japan retaliates on turn four that would not cause France and the UK to declare war on Germany. Only an unprovoked Japanese attack would effect German uk/french relations.
this strategy is hard mainly because the rules never considered france surviving past the second turn. For example France can’t research. Also pro allied status is hard because does an invasion of a pro allied nation cause war with the UK. Not according to the rules. Also can a non active allied player claim a pro allied nation.
The bottom line is if you aren’t willing to use house rules the strategy can’t work. The designers never considered this strategy and as a result the rules are just too unclear in too many places for it to work without house rules. The strategy is a bust. I would like to see a consideration of this strategy in the next version of the rules. But I don’t expect it.
Also sorry I haven’t provided pictures of the game. We are on Italy turn three. My friend and I smoked weed and I completely forgot to take pictures. I will resume picture taking when we play again. Ahaha. Russia and the allies are looking very strong though. Germany has more money than Russia but just can’t get enough troops to the front line with transports and the minor in karelia. They need to be able to build in enemy lands.