Japan Pearl Harbour Stratergy

Germany cannot go “hog wild” with a competent UK/Soviet player without some truly decent dice luck. Germany can push up to Moscow, but they often times can’t take Moscow immediately. That, and they can’t really spend their resources in any way but to facilitate as much power as is possible against Russia, or risk losing a turn (or worse, two), toward the eventual goal in the east.

Right about the time the European Axis are crashing the gates or ducking south for that sweet, sweet Caucasus/Volgo/Middle East money, America should be turning around or have already turned around form the Pacific.

On the other hand, Japan fucking can go hog wild without American intervention: J1 DoW specifically. I favor 100% Pac buys as the US (apart from maybe the first 52 or a sub or two a turn or whatever else, depending on a ton of situations that can’t be covered here) because the sooner you can start crumpling up Japan, the sooner you can go try to play hero in Europe.

It might be worth mentioning that Hawaii and Gibraltar are “only” two turns away from one another. It is not impossible to change your mind. It’s usually not the best idea, mind you, but it is an option, and it is occasionally useful.

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!

I find this exactly the strategic dilemma for Japan!
Japan strengthens its position when DOW J2 but that may weaken the German/Italian positions. Some US players are even ready to go for Gibraltar and start projecting a threat into Europe in US 2 .

If UK DOWs UK2 as general play, it may just end up strengthening both axis nations. But I can see it working in some cases, especially if the German threat levels are low in Europe and Japan is out of position with its fleet.

@Omega1759:

@ErwinRommel:

You can try to “mirror” the ��� airforce and fleet (you need some amount of trannies) and park it at carolines. Dont build ground force with anzac, only fleet and air. Pick up every money island you can. Trade trannies with japan.

No ground at all with Anzac at all? It seems like a good idea to keep some ground to prevent a “shoot for the 6th victory city”, as well as troops to contest the islands.

The Anzac fleet is only useful for blockers / attrition battles / adding defensive punch to the US fleet. That is useful, but it is important to stay alive and contest the money Island.

All warships from America including loaded carriers and transports, all in Queens land. Get the Philippines back with enough to hold the sea zone. purchase lots of loaded transports for ANZAC and land them in the Philippines for support, along with all three starting ANZAC fighters for scramble opportunity.

If you’re not usind DDs I will send subs alone.

Islands and frasport are not my concern. Anzac will take care of it. And if you dare to split your fleet to take back islands, you’re doomed to be sunk. Usa doesnt need to hold the position in neither pac nor atl if you can sink anything that leaves tokyo bay. Also remember you can easily relocate bombers and that you can use them on land.

@Spendo02:

Too much.

One sneak attack before US enters war.  On any enemy you choose, in any territory.  It is only the first round of combat.

Japanese Sneak Attack:  Japan is allowed to use a sneak attack once, before the United States declares war, on any country that Japan can declare war against.  In the first round of combat, all defending units roll at a “1”.  This Sneak Attack must be used on the round that Japan declares war against the defending player, and must be declared after all combat moves are announced.

@calvinhobbesliker:

Not too weak. OOB, they’re too strong with 28 planes and 3 transports. Both sides lost the same number of planes and transports, and Japan got 3 extra inf, while India got 2.

you find the Axis too strong in Global?  I like to reserve judgment this early on, but so far I’m finding the Axis quite challenging.

On topic, this strategy would leave Italy unmolested and invite a heavy India crush -  filling the coffers with a big bounty for Japan.  I’d be disinclined myself, but do let us know how it goes.

Japan should try and protect itself  if it takes Hawai. The british will send big attacks from india into Japanese controlled Chinese territories trying to create a pathway between shanghai and india.

KAF could be a viable strategy if you don’t do pearl harbour but it allows Britain the major threat to build an army and make India hard to take if Britain build a lot of infantry. KUKF would be more viable and then just pick the ANZAC’s of at you leisure. Maybe preform pearl harbour a little later as the US will look to attack the European Axis’ weak underbelly Italy and you can attempt to make them draw there forces back to the pacific by taking Hawai and threating San Fransisco maybe making Sea Lion more viable as the U.S might not want to risk lossing their territories attempting to liberate the UK. This also means that the Germans don’t have to be as worried about becoming a turtle and can attack the SU.