I work nights and while thinking about a faster way to engage Russia, it occurred to me that I might safely delay taking France until turn 2.
The reason to wait, is that the 5 armor and 4 mechanized units I usually put into France could head to Russia (9 fast moving units) instead, I could send some or all of the infantry and artillery I usually send towards Russia to France. In addition, I could use my air force round 1 against the UK fleet and Round 2 against France…I was thinking about building a minor complex in Romania turn 1 and 3 Mech. in Germany(then 6 Mech a turn afterwards from the two minor factories), with 2 infantry in W. Germany for turn 2 attack.
Turn 1 Most of my aircraft could land in N. Italy to defend the Italians there from a French attack, South German infantry could also go into N. Italy, with German infantry and artillery meeting Belgium units in W. Germany. I would not take any French Territories as I would still want to capture 17 IPCs round 2 (20 if they take Belgium).
I expect France would build 5 units, move 3 others into France and UK might land 3 fighters and a Tactical in there too, for a total of 24 units Round 2. If German infantry and artillery head towards Russia, the other territories could mass 15 infantry(2 produced), 3 artillery and your air force for a total of 26 units. 36 units if you add the 6 infantry and 4 artillery from Germany.
I could then attack Eastern Poland round 1 with 7 infantry 4 Mechanized and 5 armor (16 pieces). Or 5 Infantry if I wanted to leave infantry in Poland and Romania. Would Russia be able to counter attack? I’m guessing not.
Basically by waiting I spend 6 IPCs to take France turn 2, but gain 9 units closer or inside Russia. I will lose 4 IPCs from the France territory and 3 Italian IPCs from S. France, and probably lose more units this way. However if UK does land air units there, they would be destroyed. (If they don’t, the battle will be less costly) I expect 8 additional French units to add 3 hits a turn for maybe 2 combat rounds or more, say 6-9 more units lost. However, all French Territories would be empty.
I would appreciate any first impressions to this idea. (Edit: worse case scenario: France could actually build its air craft carrier! Oh the humiliation)