To block or not to block

Thanks again for the help.  I am playing a very close league game so I am sure it was my opponent that asked the same question.

@ItIsILeClerc:

I usually do this to protect a big fleet in the SZ directly behind the blocker. Or as a (usually) 1-turn preventive measure against invasions.

Example: Japan wants to delay the USA from reaching a critical zone during a ‘KJF’. For the sake of simplicity, lets assume the USA wants to reach SZ6 with a much bigger fleet than the IJN.

Put a blocker in SZ16, now the USA can only reach SZ6 with air -not enough to be of any problem for the IJN. IF a Japanese counterstrike from the IJN + IJAF is a concern for the USN, this blocking tactic may work for a couple of turns in a row, even indefinately…

This is precisely what I do as Japan, particularly mid-game if the USN is holed up in Hawaii (which they usually are) and the IJN is split into several task forces operating in different SZs.  It lets Japan use SZ 6 as a safe placement to mobilize new naval units.  The DD block is critical in keeping the USN threat to a minimum while preserving Japan’s ability to split its fleet to deal with multiple threats (or to consolidate disparate naval builds) - not to mention keeping the US honest and unable to send in a few subs to cause havoc around the Japanese home islands (a common “tactic” or sometimes “strategy”  I’ve encountered from US players looking to stay engaged while they focus elsewhere (usually Europe)).

1. Yes, you can still move the navy that didn’t participate in combat into and/or through the sea zone during non-combat move. Once all the enemy ships in a sea zone are destroyed, the sea zone is no longer considered hostile and there is no restriction of movement into or through it during non-combat movement.
Also remember that you can ignore enemy transports and submarines when moving through sea zones. They don’t make a sea zone hostile.

2. Yes, they can.

@diabo:

in my group we play in similar ways, but i think it is not wise to do japan’s turn, BEFORE russia bought units.

another thing is, i have to admit, i had to smile that you regarded france as a block for itself… ;)

If there were a reason to change Japan’s strategy based on what Russia purchases, I’m sure it would be a minor issue. A larger issue is the time it takes for Japan to finish their turn, in my experience, Japan is the biggest culprit when it comes to clock consumption and getting Japan started right away is paramount for quick games.

Thx!

Transports and subs never block movement, even when being attacked.

If this is correct, then how would a newly built carrier in SZ110 not matter?

-  The UK can now launch an air attack on SZ113 with 1 or 2 fighters (depending on if a destroyer was also built in SZ113) and kill the entire transport fleet along with any hopes of a G2 operation Sealion.
-  Depending on any surviving UK naval unit it can also launch an additional attack on either the damaged (?) battleship or the lonely cruiser with the remaining fighter in the UK and 1 or more destroyers.
-  Finally the main attack on the Italian fleet can still go ahead as planned … and depending on G2 builds, the air units used can fly back to the UK the following round to assist against a possible G3 Sealion.

… all that for the cost of one carrier? Seems like a pretty good deal to me.

It is correct except UK can still attack 1 BB, 1 CV and my 2 Fighters with 4 planes. The CV build stops that. It is necessary. MY APs are placed with the CV and protected.

odds are like less than 10% for him to win.

3/3/3/4 vs. 4/2-2/4/4/0/0