Current Afrika Korps builds
G1: build Romanian major - 30
G2: build Battleship, Aircraft Carier, 3 Transports - 57
G3: build Destroyer, Aircraft Carrier, 3 Transports - 43
I1: build Transport (Turkey) - 7
I2: build Transport (Gibraltar) - 7
I3: build troops/fleet
J1: build 3 Transports - 21
J2: build 4 Transports - 28
J3: build naval base FIC - 15
Targets
G1: UK fleet, France, Yugoslavia strafe into Romania
G2: Rest of France, Taranto left over, Greece
G3: Egypt, Caucasus, Sweden, Iraq, Russian Frontier
G4: Spain, Leningrad, Iran, Russian frontier
I1: Yugoslavia, Reinforce Tobruk and Ethiopia, keep fleet in SZ95. Advance in Africa.
I2: Turkey with 1 bomber, 2 fighter, 2 tanks, 2 artillery, 2 infantry and 1 cruiser bombard. Egypt to inflict some casualties for the German attack.
I3: Gibraltar
I4: Defend against USA
J1: China, move fleet south
J2: China, FIC, move fleet to position
J3: China, attack UK where you can also attack India from
J4: India
J5: other 2 Money Islands,
J6-8: Philippines, Sydney
Likely IPC income
G1: 68
G2: 54
G3: 70
G4: 85
I1: 16
I2: 20
I3: 27
I4: 35
J1: 40
J2: 35
J3: 53
J4: 64+12
Likely income for UK
Europe 1: 35
Pacific 1: 21
Europe 2: 29 (lost control over the med)
Pacific 2: 25
Europe 3: 30 (lost egypt)
Pacific 3: 13
Europe 4: 30 (lost the middle east)
Pacific 4: 0
It access to Southern Africa and South America neutrals will stabilize the UK Europe income, but their forces will be isolated and difficult to send to where needed. This gives Italy and Germany ability to keep the med and start taking over Africa or at least keep Northen Africa under control.
Explanation of the Romanian Major
Afrika Korps focuses on getting Egypt and Southern Russia fast because of the $$. The only way to do this with success is to eliminate the UK in the Middle East. Therefore its aim to re-balance the game into long term Axis favour instead of short term. It assumes that when the Axis control the oil and gold when they start the war with the USA, they are able both crush Russia as hold off the Allies at the Western Front.
The other focus of Germany is on Leningrad, as the most easy Russian city to overpower and conquer from Germany itself. Therefore most initial land troops go towards Leningrad, while the mechanized Afrika Korps invades the Middle East / Caucasus through Turkey.
This leaves a weak spot at the border of Romania, a place difficult to reinforce with normal infantry. Personally I love infantry and artillery as Germany, because they are still great on the offensive with my Luftwaffe, but I don’t mind losing them on the counter-attack (in constrast to tanks). The Romanian Major cancels this weakness and allow me to quickly hold or overpower any Russian assault or defense there.
However it is also able to greatly empower the surprise blitzkrieg through Turkey by adding Infantry or more importantly, to take Egypt and the Caucasus at the same time. Also the UK power in Egypt of that of Russia in stalingrad should not be underestimated. The German Tropical fleet will be able to funnel cheap troops to wherever I want from G3 onwards.
Finally its fleet will be farthest away from USA bombers or UK airforce when the Middle East, Cairo and Southern Russia is captured, so I could it as fleet building zone even while the Med is being invaded by a large USA fleet.
Afrikakorps just reading through your last couple post I think you can probably get Egypt on G3 if Italy opens up the Turkish straights (although I havn’t ran the numbers w/possible UK movement, builds and reinforcement). If the Germans fail to take it down, the Italians will finish it off on Ity3 (they must be at Alex Ity2 w/Luftwaffe backing them up). The one hitch that I can see (as remote as it might be) is that the French dd moves to the Red Sea on F1 (normal), and got really lucky and managed to sink your Italian cruiser/transports in sz99, survived the battle to block out the Germans (which is a possibility lol)
As the allies seeing you built that Romanian Major I will feel all warm and fuzzy inside as UK (no Sea Lion), but see it as a threat to the Russians. Egypt and Persia would be my focus for UK (which I realize could work right into your hands). Might build a minor IC on Egypt UK1, and/or a carrier or transport for S Africa?. I also sometimes build an an air base for Egypt which would force you to account for my scramble on G3 (ties up some of your German air power). The UK Med fleet would probably be gone (Taranto), but the UK Pac fleet would defiantly be heading that way to take its place (possibly joining a new carrier built in S Africa?). With most of your emphasis in the Black Sea G2/G3, Russia will get aggressive. If you split your starting ground forces to go north and south you will find more Russian resistance then you are used to, and a series of counter attacks. Leningrad won’t be a cake walk, and you may find yourself having to defend your own assets up there.
The thing is that the Western allies would love to get into a naval race with the Euro twins, because that means they aren’t building troops to take Moscow early on. Both London and Moscow will feel safe for at least the first 8-10 turns. As soon as you drop those expensive capital ships in the Black Sea G2/G3, the allies will make them a target (thinking they are trapped). The western allies will see this as a challenge and w/o much resistance in the Atlantic the US very well may build up fleet in DC, which will end up being the Spanish Beach Head after the Turkish assault. Don’t think the Euro axis can defend a landing in Spain (Germany would have to kill off the 6 free Spaniards in the 3rd turn if the Japanese attack J3) and push into Northern Africa, Middle East and Southern/Northern Russia all at the same time.
Interesting take though, imagine if the Allies were planing a neutral crush as well lol
@WILD:
Afrikakorps just reading through your last couple post I think you can probably get Egypt on G3 if Italy opens up the Turkish straights (although I havn’t ran the numbers w/possible UK movement, builds and reinforcement). If the Germans fail to take it down, the Italians will finish it off on Ity3 (they must be at Alex Ity2 w/Luftwaffe backing them up). The one hitch that I can see (as remote as it might be) is that the French dd moves to the Red Sea on F1 (normal), and got really lucky and managed to sink your Italian cruiser/transports in sz99, survived the battle to block out the Germans (which is a possibility lol)
As the allies seeing you built that Romanian Major I will feel all warm and fuzzy inside as UK (no Sea Lion), but see it as a threat to the Russians. Egypt and Persia would be my focus for UK (which I realize could work right into your hands). Might build a minor IC on Egypt UK1, and/or a carrier or transport for S Africa?. I also sometimes build an an air base for Egypt which would force you to account for my scramble on G3 (ties up some of your German air power). The UK Med fleet would probably be gone (Taranto), but the UK Pac fleet would defiantly be heading that way to take its place (possibly joining a new carrier built in S Africa?). With most of your emphasis in the Black Sea G2/G3, Russia will get aggressive. If you split your starting ground forces to go north and south you will find more Russian resistance then you are used to, and a series of counter attacks. Leningrad won’t be a cake walk, and you may find yourself having to defend your own assets up there.
The thing is that the Western allies would love to get into a naval race with the Euro twins, because that means they aren’t building troops to take Moscow early on. Both London and Moscow will feel safe for at least the first 8-10 turns. As soon as you drop those expensive capital ships in the Black Sea G2/G3, the allies will make them a target (thinking they are trapped). The western allies will see this as a challenge and w/o much resistance in the Atlantic the US very well may build up fleet in DC, which will end up being the Spanish Beach Head after the Turkish assault. Don’t think the Euro axis can defend a landing in Spain (Germany would have to kill off the 6 free Spaniards in the 3rd turn if the Japanese attack J3) and push into Northern Africa, Middle East and Southern/Northern Russia all at the same time.
Interesting take though, imagine if the Allies were planing a neutral crush as well lol
Great you see it. Germany will have a tactical in Rome so I can sacrifice the sub and the tactical when France get lucky and two hits.
Yes thats de he thing, the UK thinks: yes he is all Russia and might invests in Cairo. At the other hand Russia thimks oh shit, he comes for me, and buys + plays with defensive mindset. Second turn can still be Russiam focused. Maybe UK builds another factory in Iran. Now I2 I play my trump cart with Turkey, and G3 I take unsuspected Egypt (that I weakened with I2 Africa attack). In the meantime 3 tanks and 4 mech from the Afrika Korps roll in the ME. Both fleet + armour can take Iran next turn, eliminating the UK while possibly giving me two more production zones against Russia.
Yes Russia will have easier time at the beginning. However I hope by my first 2 buys he will think and play defensive (therefore lacking counter-attack builds and options). Especially with the fleet in SZ100, he is not able to hold it, so might withdrawn to Stalingrad or Moscow.
Leningrad is difficult, especially because of Sweden crush. Therefore the Baltic Fleet buy, to get those troops to Leningrad G4 after they crushed Sweden G3.
If the french dd gets to sz 99 on Fr2 and survives you can’t use the German 100 fleet to hit Egypt period (French dd is in the path). Yea you can easily kill the French dd on Germany’s turn, but you can’t move past the French dd in the combat move phase to get to Egypt. This would delay your attack on Egypt for a turn maybe allowing the UK some breathing room.
I think that the Russians will believe Germany is gunning for them if you drop an IC (major or minor) on Romania, however UK will be aggressive in her builds. I also think the Reds would still build some art for Ukraine R1. After your G2 naval purchase they will see it kinda bitter sweet because you could have dropped a bunch of art and marched straight for Moscow. Now they see it as a ploy to capture Ukraine and/or Caucasus quickly through the Black Sea. R2 they probably retreat to Braynsk and Vologograd for a counter attack being you would only be landing 6 units max w/o air cover (3 transports). After the Italians attack Turkey and the Germans leave the Black Sea the Russians will be more aggressive in their buys.
Yea I think that the axis have a good chance to get Egypt on the 3rd turn. I also believe that the amount of income spent on the major IC and fleet the first 3 turns will cause the Germans to stall out once they have to deal with the US shuck-shuck to Spain, and the angry Red Bear from the east.
You are right that the USA will using the Spanish beachhead and Russia will have enough forces to either counter-attack or at least not be being crushed yet.
However by killing the UK in the Middle East and taking over both the gold as the oil (it does not matter that Caucasus is skirmishes instead of absolute control around this time) you have changed the situation for the Axis drasticly.
Germany is a juggernout with 70/80+ IPC and two strong strategic fleets difficult to snipe with bombers. Italy has its NO’s and therefore very healthy, able to defend Italy on its own and maybe even strong enough to man Fort Europa, allowing Germany to focus on the offense only. I do not need Spain retaken every turn, I can even lose France if I must. It will not matter, I will have the IPC to spawn infantry and artillery in Western Germany against UK/USA and Romania against Russia.
Normally you need to have a clear advantage against Russia in G4, because if you don’t, the Western Allies come and break you down. You only have enough IPC to focus on 1 side at a time. My suggestion is that when you captured the oil and gold, this is not the case anymore. You can take it steady but slowly, as your internal logistics and economy is very well organized.
PS. Ah I see what you mean with the French! Yes indeed they must not be allowed to flee in F1 to block in F2 to Italy.
Also, the current plan and build assumes the highest possible reinforcements and focus of the UK in the Middle East and Egypt. It assumes the Toronto attack. All other options will benefit me and I will be able to devote less to the UK there and more to Russia. Keep in mind that Japan will threaten India from its first turn, so it is unlikely that the Indian airplanes come to the Middle East.
Then more personal based. We have never done a Neutral Crush so early and it is very rare, so my opponents will be deceived and surprised this first time I use the strategy. Secondly, I have punished them several times of not defending London, so sort of auto-buy has become the fighter and 6 inf give me 1more turn
Hi Africakorps,
I have followed this thread with great enthusiasm, and think its great when somebody tries to re-think the way this game is played.
I would really like to give this strat a go my self.
Is the game plan in your initial post updated according to all the input other players have responded with?
Hi Africakorps,
I have followed this thread with great enthusiasm, and think its great when somebody tries to re-think the way this game is played.
I would really like to give this strat a go my self.
Is the game plan in your initial post updated according to all the input other players have responded with?
Great! I also can not wait to finally test it out myself.
No not yet, I will update it the following days. Now it is still the old version, although the theory has remained the same.
You are right that the USA will using the Spanish beachhead and Russia will have enough forces to either counter-attack or at least not be being crushed yet.
However by killing the UK in the Middle East and taking over both the gold as the oil (it does not matter that Caucasus is skirmishes instead of absolute control around this time) you have changed the situation for the Axis drasticly.
Germany is a juggernout with 70/80+ IPC and two strong strategic fleets difficult to snipe with bombers. Italy has its NO’s and therefore very healthy, able to defend Italy on its own and maybe even strong enough to man Fort Europa, allowing Germany to focus on the offense only. I do not need Spain retaken every turn, I can even lose France if I must. It will not matter, I will have the IPC to spawn infantry and artillery in Western Germany against UK/USA and Romania against Russia.
Normally you need to have a clear advantage against Russia in G4, because if you don’t, the Western Allies come and break you down. You only have enough IPC to focus on 1 side at a time. My suggestion is that when you captured the oil and gold, this is not the case anymore. You can take it steady but slowly, as your internal logistics and economy is very well organized.
PS. Ah I see what you mean with the French! Yes indeed they must not be allowed to flee in F1 to block in F2 to Italy.
You can achieve the income with the Germans without attacking through Turkey. If you can force Russians to retreat from Bryansk as expected, you’ll be in Volgorad/Caucasus in no time.
That’s my problem with the idea too. You can achieve the same things, a few turns later, without the real problem of turning the neutrals against you.
Is this really true? Imagine turn 6 that Germany has Caucasus in Russia Crush
Germany has around +75 with Afrika Korps
Germany has around +53 with Russia Crush
Italy has around +20 with Afrika Korps
Italy has around +3 with Russia Crush
Germany + Italy have around +95 with Afrika Korps
Germany + Italy have arouns +56 with Russia Crush
Nearly twice as much!
Yes, you have to kill a lot more non-Allied infantry to achieve this, but you can achieve this nonetheless (if it works). Besides that, you have your 7th VC, so when you take Moscow you win the game. Around the time that you take Moscow with Russia Crush you face a heavily reinforced Middle East and possibly being supported by the USA.
The only thing that gives me difficulties is Spain! It is absolutely not a place where I want to send initial troops to take it G3, Italy is to weak to do it after Turkey I3 and nothing stops the UK or USA from taking it turn 3 when I want to do India Crush J4.
There is one big upside though, I personally think Spain is a trap for the Allies. Nothing within reach of importance and enormour production output for the Axis to defend against it. Much better USA focuses on holding / expanding Spain, than infesting the Med, amphibious assault on Rome or Egypt and convoying Italy to death. After all, Spain can maximally just produce 3 units + landing troops of which 1 infantry per transport.
I do find my France attack risky, with only 7 infantry, 3 artillery and 6 tanks? With the Romanian buy the UK might full scramble so need all Luftwaffe. I might send in the German Tactical? Do you think it is enough?
Is this really true? Imagine turn 6 that Germany has Caucasus in Russia Crush
Germany has around +75 with Afrika Korps
Germany has around +53 with Russia CrushItaly has around +20 with Afrika Korps
Italy has around +3 with Russia CrushGermany + Italy have around +95 with Afrika Korps
Germany + Italy have arouns +56 with Russia CrushNearly twice as much!
Yes, you have to kill a lot more non-Allied infantry to achieve this, but you can achieve this nonetheless (if it works). Besides that, you have your 7th VC, so when you take Moscow you win the game. Around the time that you take Moscow with Russia Crush you face a heavily reinforced Middle East and possibly being supported by the USA.
The only thing that gives me difficulties is Spain! It is absolutely not a place where I want to send initial troops to take it G3, Italy is to weak to do it after Turkey I3 and nothing stops the UK or USA from taking it turn 3 when I want to do India Crush J4.
There is one big upside though, I personally think Spain is a trap for the Allies. Nothing within reach of importance and enormour production output for the Axis to defend against it. Much better USA focuses on holding / expanding Spain, than infesting the Med, amphibious assault on Rome or Egypt and convoying Italy to death. After all, Spain can maximally just produce 3 units + landing troops of which 1 infantry per transport.
I do find my France attack risky, with only 7 infantry, 3 artillery and 6 tanks? With the Romanian buy the UK might full scramble so need all Luftwaffe. I might send in the German Tactical? Do you think it is enough?
Do you want to try your strategy? I’ll take allies and we’ll see how it goes.
Afrika Korps focuses on getting Egypt and Southern Russia fast because of the $$.
I like how you talk in the 3rd person about your plan….reminds me of the Rock.
Is this really true? Imagine turn 6 that Germany has Caucasus in Russia Crush
Germany has around +75 with Afrika Korps
Germany has around +53 with Russia CrushItaly has around +20 with Afrika Korps
Italy has around +3 with Russia CrushGermany + Italy have around +95 with Afrika Korps
Germany + Italy have arouns +56 with Russia CrushNearly twice as much!
Yes, you have to kill a lot more non-Allied infantry to achieve this, but you can achieve this nonetheless (if it works). Besides that, you have your 7th VC, so when you take Moscow you win the game. Around the time that you take Moscow with Russia Crush you face a heavily reinforced Middle East and possibly being supported by the USA.
The only thing that gives me difficulties is Spain! It is absolutely not a place where I want to send initial troops to take it G3, Italy is to weak to do it after Turkey I3 and nothing stops the UK or USA from taking it turn 3 when I want to do India Crush J4.
There is one big upside though, I personally think Spain is a trap for the Allies. Nothing within reach of importance and enormour production output for the Axis to defend against it. Much better USA focuses on holding / expanding Spain, than infesting the Med, amphibious assault on Rome or Egypt and convoying Italy to death. After all, Spain can maximally just produce 3 units + landing troops of which 1 infantry per transport.
I do find my France attack risky, with only 7 infantry, 3 artillery and 6 tanks? With the Romanian buy the UK might full scramble so need all Luftwaffe. I might send in the German Tactical? Do you think it is enough?
Do you want to try your strategy? I’ll take allies and we’ll see how it goes.
Yes love to, but travelling until end March currently and last time I tried to play online it was frustrating and could not figure it out yet.
Ok. You’re spending quite a bit of time thinking and writing, might as well play if you want to prove your point.
I would play a friendly game of Afrika Korps plan if somebody else wants to try it out. I am fine playing either side.
General Hand Grenade made an excellent video about the strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxSfedTpnbI
Cool the Afrika Korps is still kicking ass!
@afrikakorps said in The Afrika Korps:
General Hand Grenade made an excellent video about the strategy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxSfedTpnbI
Cool the Afrika Korps is still kicking ass!
If you are going with a middle east strategy then I think the best way is to use Japan to force the US into building in the pacific. This allows the axis to take africa without the neutrals or if so, with less risk as US cant get Spain easily.
@squirecam I’m late to this thread, but what’s the importance of taking Sweden before you take Turkey? Wouldn’t it be better to just let Sweden be for a turn? If you’re building a second carrier to hold the Baltic and putting pressure on Leningrad, it’s quite hard for the Allies to get any troops into Sweden; Sweden doesn’t have a coastline on the White Sea. I’d much rather risk the Allies getting control of Sweden around turn 6 than risk having the Russians reinforce Turkey on turn 4. If you lose Sweden it creates moderate economic problems later in the game; if you lose Turkey the entire strategy falls apart.
