Japan - how to deal with aggressive Russia?

@Momentum:

A neutral power cannot make a move into a neutral territory (E40 rulebook, pg 15, “Powers Not at War with One Another” side bar, under “Neutral Powers”)

The Soviet Union is still considered to be a neutral power on the Europe map even if it is at war with Japan (E40 rulebook, pg. 37, continuation of Soviet Union’s “Political Situation, National Objectives, and Bonus Income”, under Political Situation)

Taking both of these rules together, the Soviet Union must be at war with either Germany, Italy, or both to move into any neutral territory, pro-Axis, pro-Allies, or strict on the Europe Map.

So the answer to your question is a definite no.

This is an argument I’ve been having with the group I play with for months.

Thank you for your input and play tests. Thinking for the money I might just drop troops and planes and start marching lol. If I could just get a few tanks behind Russia or into the middle east it would make for some entertainment.

Things I learned about fighting China:

1:  Try to control them not conquer them.  Contain them from getting to the coast.  Always be able to take the road back.

2:  I have found that an IC in Kiangsu can work.  I always have some land based Aircraft that are designated for Chinese attacks.  Spend what Chinas income is as a rule of thumb at the IC.  I usually buy 3 mechs a turn.  Movement to the road is quicker and supporting Aircraft make most fights manageable.  Going transports can work too.  Just a lot harder logistics.  Japans Achilles heel:  getting troops to the land.

3:  Dont be afraid to slam a chinese stack with just Airforce!! Especially early turns.  Kill that flying tiger whenever you can.  The payoff is much greater than the potential loss of aircraft.

4:  Fight China with the end goal of getting to India!  Once you have Calcutta the road is closed!  Do not let the allies coordinate!  Russia cant be helping china or UK reinforcing them.  Keep them isolated from each other.

5:  Know when to leave them be.  Concentrating on China to much can hamper all the other objectives Japan must accomplish.  Dont let it be a money pit.

Just some thoughts on fighting China.  I have yet to play the perfect Japanese game but i would suggest giving them another chance.  They are a blast to play.  Sometimes you have to understand what your role as Japan is going to be.  They are sometimes very dependent on what Germany does or how Germany is doing.  Have fun!

Thanks

That is as valid an opinion as mine.  :evil:

That’s okay, I would also increase the number of German submarines on the board and put some convoy zones out in the mid North Atlantic that hurt US Economy (and UK Economy)

But then, if we implemented my changes, the Germans would need a significant bid again probably.  So yea, in the case of game balance, realism does need to take a back seat (that is not to say forget it completely!)

Japan may be able to take any IC that the UK has/builds in Africa/Mideast.  A Japan that does a J4 along with sending its entire fleet into the Indian Ocean to take Egypt is tough to beat along with a successful German G1.

@elzario:

You mean ANZAC and UK right?

Whoops, yes.

Well Japan sucker punched the US from the back of the room.
Hitler went after Moscow after signing a non-aggression pact with them 2 years earlier.

I don’t see a reason why you can’t renege on a promise =)