Underpowered Axis?

@black

Interesting post:

Firstly, I find it interesting you talk about Asia being conquered without having Pacific 1940 (I find it odd that you also mention Japan, but you’re probably just talking conceptually).

Secondly, after reading several posts on this forum, it’s interesting the varying opinions-I read one topic that said what you said (not exactly of course) whilst there at least used to be a large consensus on the Axis being overpowered.

Thirdly, I don’t think that Italy is helpless, although do note I almost always play against myself (using the Global 1940 edition, but that doesn’t seem to change much), so there might be something different.

Fourthly, the Axis almost always win in my games. The degree varies, but one time (also note that strict neutrals are almost always activated somehow in this game) Japan conquered Greece.

Finally, I often like the Axis to win (that way history can really change, not just the Allies winning like historically, even if the how is radically different), so I welcome any additions that make the Axis more powerful!

As I said, that was a great post, and it sounded like quite an exhausting game of several hours a day (my house has a dedicated room for the board, so I can leave it there for several weeks or months and come back to it any time).

I look forward to hearing more from you!

@black

Having Japan on this game comes at a price. The Soviet Union, the UK (throwing in ANZAC with them) and especially the US are all severely strengthened and China is in the game, a small force, but definitely a problem. As I said, due to me usually playing against myself, I can’t give any good Italy ideas, but check on this forum and a lot will pop up. It really depends what the UK does.

@black

Hi Black,

Once you add the Pacific 1940 2E, you’ll experience a different game, where the Axis are much stronger.

Most Global 1940 players agree that the Global 1940 game is in favor of the Axis.

You might find inspiration at the Global 1940 Game Report Thread - as well as the Global 1940 Strategy Guide.

You’ll find these threads - and much more - under “Customization - House Rules - The Captain’s Global 1940 House Rules Collection”.

Fun & challenge is guaranteed:+1:

@black I too thought the same thing when I only played Europe. A couple of factors majorly contributed to it, as the Axis I always took too long to take advance and I didn’t really have a grand strategy. As you play more I’m sure you’ll see how strong the Axis is. I’d suggest watching strategy videos such as Operation Barbarossa

@the-captain

Definitely! Most of the games were Allied wins!

I think the problem is with the U.S. economy when played separately. Compared to their global income, it comes out to a very small amount being spent on the other theater. Less then 20 if I remember right.

@mr-kell

The US automatically get an extra 30 IPCs in Pacific 1940 when at war.

@black

I always hate having the Axis attack first, based on how things historically. They lost, didn’t they?

@superbattleshipyamato said in Underpowered Axis?:

@black

I always hate having the Axis attack first, based on how things historically. They lost, didn’t they?

The Axis powers did lose. They also attacked first, gaining victories with surprise attacks and bravado. Of course, in the end, they bit off more than they could chew.

Having the Axis attack first is historical. Whether or not the end, where the Allies win, is historical is on the players.

-Midnight_Reaper

@black

As your Global 1940 game experience increases, you’ll need to play against multiple new players to improve your skills.

The first 100 Global 1940 games are the hardest ones - after that, you’ll master the game.

By then, you’ll most likely play with modifications & house rules, to balance the game, as well as increase the Historical Aspect, Fun & Challenge.

We (Danish Axis & Allies Community) always play face-to-face, and mostly 1 vs. 1

Including myself, 7 of our members each have more than 400 Global 1940 games under the belt.

We play the OOB Global 1940 in conjunction with those house rules:

• Axis & Allies Global 1940 Basic Expansion
• Axis & Allies Global 1940 House Rules Expansion

@midnight_reaper

You’re correct. If you or I misunderstod each other, I just meant that attacking first is a bad idea, as the Axis lost partly because of attacking first, so I’m learning from history.

@the-captain

Dang, 400 games… I doubt I even have 40!

@Black

Interesting. Our play would suggest the Axis have the advantage, and we bid accordingly.

A strategy which seems effective for Germany, is a single push into Russia.
Rather than hitting in multiple locations worth 1 value territory, and allowing for potentially effective counter attacks, just move the ground forces in a single stack.
G2 - Eastern Poland
G3 - Belarus
G4 - Bryansk (Buy many Bombers on G4, since they can hit Russia on G5)
G5 - Russia

They have so many additional starting forces over Russia that even if Russia does something like takes Finland (both denying Germany a National Objective, and earning one of their own), meaning they out earn the Germans, they simply can’t build enough to offset the sheer number of units the Germans start with.
If Russia pulls everything back, giving up the ability to counterattack, then Germany can play more conventionally and starve Russia.

The money Germany gains from taking Russia by taking this direct path allows them to build ground forces in Germany on G6 & G7 ready to push into France and kick out the US landing on G8.

@SuperbattleshipYamato Sorry for the late reply. Whether it is better to attack first or wait for a later time to attack depends on the circumstances - in war there are no absolutes.

In WWII, the Axis had to attack first - if for no other reason than the war wasn’t going to start until someone kicked it off, and the Allies (for the most part) weren’t attacking anyone. As in A&A, in the real WWII the Axis had more military force and the will to use it. The Allies could trade space for time, but only for so long. They needed to use this time to train and equip their new forces for the fight against the Axis.

And so, for the Axis (in both A&A and in real life) it is better to attack first - hitting hard and fast and not letting up. After all: “You come at the king, you best not miss.”

-Midnight_Reaper

@Midnight_Reaper

I think Japan shouldn’t have attacked the US in real life. Declaring war only increased American public morale and support for the war (massively).

Of course, morale doesn’t exist in Axis and Allies, but I’ve somewhat deluded myself…

Some historians have concluded that indeed, Japan shouldn’t have attacked the US and should’ve just went after the Soviets or the British.

Of course, Axis and Allies is not a perfect historical simulator.

@The-Captain

With your experience, where do you suggest the balance lies with each of the 1940 variants?
What bids would your play group typically play with?