This got brought up in our game on Saturday.
Russia had a sub sitting in SZ125 (Archangel bonus) - Germany took 3 transports from Denmark over the top and landed in Leningrad. Our Russia player was pissed, stating that subs should be able to get a free shot on non-escorted transports…the whole point of subs in the war and so forth. We stated that if subs could act as defenders like that, what would be the point in buying destroyers. We also pointed out that Japan makes moves like that with UK/Anz/US subs. Still not pleased with it we continued on (Ally win eventually, I got bogged down with Japan and UK launch failed by Germany, losing everything).
If a regular ship can choose to forgo combat with a sub, why couldn’t transports? What says the forum? I checked the Alpha+3 rules and couldn’t find anything that stated subs get a free shot, the Russian player stated it was like that in the old rules (PAC rules?)
For Cow: J1 was the most fun I’ve had playing Japan (we actually did it). The UK player said that seeing it and the defense was the most fun he’s had playing UK. Even though I screwed the pooch around round 4, it will probably become my go-to for Japan.