Need help with what version of A&A to get

Based on what I know about the versions you have available to you, here’s what I would recommend:

If you’re worried about barrier of entry because of game length or complexity, get 1941 with the intention of upgrading to either Anniversary or 1942 2nd ed. later (or go ahead and get both 1941 and one of the other sets so you can upgrade the 1941 components).

If cost is the bigger issue, try to pick up either Classic (for nostalgia) or 1942 1st ed. (for better compatibility with later versions) on the cheap. Just because they’re older editions doesn’t mean they’re not still fun to play.

If you only want to get the “best” single version, it’s a toss-up between Anniversary and 1942 2nd edition since they have about the same level of depth, complexity, and game length (with Anniversary being a little longer and more complex with the inclusion of Italy and China as major powers, but not by much). Personally, I would get Anniversary because of what you get in the box compared to 1942 2nd edition and because who knows for how much longer this limited run will be available.

Id buy both. Be done with it. Play 42. Then go to AA50 Ann. If you want to play longer. Hey who knows start checkin around and u may fiend more players than yr bil.

Of your list, I would suggest getting the Anniversary Edition. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s bold - and it’s here for a limited time.

-Midnight_Reaper

I’d buy whichever one was in front of me.  :-D

If you are confident that you will both enjoy the more complex all-day version from the start off then 1941 is probably now redundant for you. But if you want an evening version which is easier to learn, then 1941 is just the ticket.

Many of us began the journey towards owning multiple versions of A&A by thinking about how to top up the pieces in the box of our first version. But as an owner of Anniversary you might top up your pieces by purchasing something other than 1941 if the more complicated versions are your thing.

I certainly played solo to learn the game and know that others did so too, although playing yourself is likely to become boring very quickly.

Alternatively you can play on the computer using “triple a” software available via this forum. If that is what you want to do, then one of us will be very happy to point you at the instructions, etc.

@Neemo:

How do i play solo without triple a? Just play all powers by myself independently without bias?

Yes, you just play each side yourself. There is no hidden information in the game, so while you can’t surprise yourself, you can certainly practice obvious strategies - Kill Germany First (KGF, Allied Strategy) or Kill Russia First (KRF, Axis Strategy).

You can also try favoring one side over another - playing UK hard and Germany passively, or Japan aggressively and the US in a diffident manner.

-Midnight_Reaper

for some reason my solo strategy always ends up with me wanting whoever is attacking to win :)

@barney:

for some reason my solo strategy always ends up with me wanting whoever is attacking to win :)

And that’s fine, so long as you have a coherent strategy from turn to turn for the different powers.

Something as simple as writing down, say: “Sov - contain Germany, Ger - Kill Russia, UK - contain Germany, Japan - Kill Russia, US - Kill Japan”. Now, you can remember what you were working on when you last had control of that power. It’s not the simplest thing in the world but I don’t find it impossible to do, either.

-Midnight_Reaper

heh heh :)

not ideal is right :)

For beginners, I’ve always liked A&A Europe the original.  It’s out of print, but still obtainable.  There’s even a copy for $25 on BBG!

It’s easy to play, dramatic, and not too long. It teaches the basics of game play without getting too bogged down in technical rules.

Consider it!

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/520/axis-allies-europe