Defending Tobruk

A&A North Africa - TO I8.pdf Hello everyone, I propose the position on the board at the beginning of the eighth turn of Italy in the “Operation Torch” scenario to have your opinions on the strategy of the game in practice (often “abstract” considerations are made, before playing, which then “clash” with what actually happens on the board). In this game I was assigned the American (we decided to draw by lot at the beginning of each game the power with which we will play in order to be able to experiment and try the game under various aspects). This is only the third game we play and the first ever with “Operation Torch” (so there may again be involuntary errors in the rules, but games also serve this purpose: to clarify doubts and avoid errors for the future). The English have (as I think is obvious) heavily attacked MM in the first turn and took Tobruck in the second, wiping out all Axis resistance, but they lost Malta (this also seems to me an almost inevitable thing if the Axis decides to concentrate on it) and a good part of the fleet has sunk due to the mines around the Mediterranean Channel (very lucky shots by the Axis) and the action of the Italian air force, managing however to eliminate some German supplies. The Axis has destroyed a good part of the American convoy with its 3 U-boats (it sank the 2 destroyers and part of the cargo) and is preparing for an offensive to the West towards Casablanca. The Italians I imagine will try to create a front around Tripoli, waiting to be able to organize a counteroffensive against the English if the latter “stretches too far” without due preparation. As an American I plan to invest in the very first turn in planes (forbidden in turn 7) that can serve as escorts to convoys against the terrible German U-boats, but also as attack/defense units; I will also take destroyers and some ground troops (in addition to the fixed 10 supply) trying to contain the German initiative in Algiers to try to organize a counteroffensive as soon as there are enough troops. I also have to understand which convoy to use and which is more convenient (considering that in the seventh turn I could not choose being forced to use the one in Casablanca). It is the first time that we play this scenario which, however, gives me the impression of being a bit unbalanced in favor of the Allies (maybe it will have depended on the initial moves, on strategic and tactical errors, I don’t know). However, it seems clear to me that only the Allies can, in this scenario, aim for a total victory (since Tunis is a concrete and achievable objective, if everything goes well), while Cairo seems to me really a utopia for the Axis. But I would like your considerations as experienced players. Eventually I will update you on the continuation of the match (I think we will resume it on Saturday).

@Matt-Hyra Thanks, that’s what I thought, but I wanted to be sure.

@Witt I am a history enthusiast (like all wargamers I think) and I have taught it for many years.

@OlivieroRuggieri

I appreciate the compliment!
If the Axis doesn’t have a sizable 1-2 punch (Italy, then Germany before the UK can land reinforcements), then it might not be worth attacking Cairo.
I’ll leave the real strategy advice to others.

@cmmiles I think it’s fantastic! Stack limits and supply really creates a whole new way of thinking. You can’t simply stack 25 infantry, instead you must be creative and figure out the best unit combinations for any given situation.
I also think the fight for control over the Med/ convoy raid system is really cool. It’s all on a knife’s edge for the first few rounds in my experience- very well balanced.

@Herr_B

Correct.

Yes. Detonating mines happens prior to the decision on whether or not to stay and fight.

Blitzing is always a unit’s first move into an adjacent territory, and does not require supply. As for Tripoli, page 18 says: “Attacking a hostile territory that does not contain enemy combat units still requires an attack declaration, but as no actual combat will occur, you don’t spend any supply tokens (instead, take the attack arrow from the general supply pool).”

Thanks,
Matt

@Mattvan It can be used by the UK to hold some air units, keeping them from taking up stacking limit space.

@Cornwallis True. If Both Axis powers are determined to stop Malta from gaining supplies, it can be hard to get them through. But then, they are probably not protecting their own convoys or using air units in their land attacks.