Reducing the Ruer and Saarland to Ashes: A US strategy

Usually I have around 5 bombers, but I never use to SBR. I bomb italy airbase, attack inf to clear for russian NO, japan infs sometimes, they do many things, but not bomb… =]

You could think about going to Iceland then Norway rather than to Gibraltar then Norway so they put out a blocker in z110.  You could also build 2 extra transports and land the Canadians.  An American IC and Bombers in Norway is real bad news for Germany.

I will say - if I’m your German opponent I will do everything possible to keep the US out of Norway. That includes starting with a carrier, making a commitment to fighters, adding destroyers as needed, and addind a second carrier as soon as the US is about to crack SZ112. Then, I might build an airbase in Denmark. Then, I might buy a third carrier… see where this is headed?
:-)

Yes, all of this can be accomplished while carrying out a successful Barbarossa.

If I’m the US, I absolutely want Norway, but it will take some surface ships to get it. You’ll need carriers to advance and multiply your aircraft, and destroyers/subs to absorb hits while your aircraft does the work.

If your opponent doesn’t recognize the strategic need for Germany to hold SZ112, then have fun! Your strategy can work.

Stalingradski,

Do you add the additional airbase in denmark so you can scramble more fighters? I don’t have a setup or map in front of me but I think there already is an AB in WGer. in the same SZ.

Dawkland - I feel that the key to a succesful Barbarossa to a large part hinges on two principles: steady and consistent pressure on Russia, and the isolation of Russia. The units used to achieve these two principles cease to matter - the philosophy is more important. You can use armor, mech, artillery, infantry, air power, or whatever combination you want. I prefer a good mix that’s heavy on infantry, personally.

I’m also talking about the use of fighters, airbases, carriers, destroyers, etc. in a mature game - one that lasts 10, 11, 12 turns or more. No matter what, a constant flow of material to the front with Russia has to occur. Almost without exception, a fighter and eight infantry every round is a great foundation - the way you spend your other 20 + IPCs becomes personal choice… an armor, a couple mech, a destroyer, whatever, based on need. Sometimes that extra cash becomes an airbase if it means you gain another turn or two of Russian isolation. Or a carrier.

Munchie19 - yes - I’ve only done it once, but a second German airbase in Denmark, with three fighters parked on it means the SZ in 112 is suddenly covered by six fighters. If you have a carrier, that’s eight. Throw in some fodder, and it becomes a major effort for the allies to overcome it and also land in force. That’s the key. Make the US player have to buy units to take out your fleet long enough to eliminate Russia. If your US/UK opponent only has to continuously shuck infantry to Normandy or Norway, you’re in trouble most of the time. I want my opponent to keep concentrating on buying units other than transports and infantry - the real killer of the Axis powers. Destroyers and bombers don’t take and hold land… they facilitate it.

I have had this conversation with Stalingradski before.  It is good advice.  I played it out numerous times and it is tough for the allies to crack the stalwart defense the Atlantic Wall becomes.  Your opponent may not have the vision for this and so taking Norway for you might be easier.

This sounds like a great idea–Germany shouldn’t be able to guard N. Italy, W. Ger and Ger. They have to guard all 3, you only need 1 to bomb. Perhaps then hit France/Normandy/SFrance? Cause those give them 9 units, plus the Russian factories…