I need some First Turn USA Strategies… I have one I think

As Japan I always build an IC in the East Indies turn 2 regardless of setup. East Indies can reach Egypt, India, Australia, Persia and other parts of Africa while facing little threat from anyone. After turn 3 or 4 you’re ready for an India IC and can start pumping 7 units toward caucasus.

As for the Pacific theatre. A smart US player will send a large fleet off the coast of Alaska with supporting bombers in Alaska as well as 3 or 4 counterattacking subs off San Francisco. If Japan strikes their navy the rest will be destroyed with sneak attacks and bombers. The US can keep this up until there are no boats left and then an invasion force can move in. Part of this allied strategy invloves the UK going all out in the Atlantic because it’ll be awhile before the US can help BUT not letting Japan take over the world will be worth it in the long run. In '42 Japan has to buy at least a sub and destroyer to go with two more transports. The US navy is very strong to start '42 plus you may not attack the carrier, fighter, destroyer in Pearl Harbour.

Test summary from TripleA, engine version: 1.7.0.1, time: 20:52:08

Balance issues… Dardanelles should always be closed… NOs favor the Axis, hands down.

Something not in the rules, but a very simple House rule our group uses for both balance and just plain fun…

90% of the time, Japan nukes the Flying Tigers in China on turn 1 before the Allies get to make a single move with them. They are basically placed in a “please kill me” position.

Our group always allows the Allied player the choice to place the Flying Tigers anywhere they want within China on the initial setup… it’s a very minor concession both for play balance and strategic fun.

@afterword I like to put a IC in Burma and move troops down to FIC. I like to force a response from the Allies either with a IC in India by the UK or Russia moving to support. Anything that takes money or troops away from Europe helps.

@Upside-down_Turtle:

Turn 1 buy for Germany: 1 carrier, 1 transport, 2 tanks, and 2 infantry.  Gives Germany a mobile amphibious attack force that dominates the Baltic.

I agree - that is a good buy.  I usually play with tech, so buy at least 1 less tank than that - a first round tech can be devastating!

Don’t know whether it has been posted or not, but here is MY opening. I buy 2 inf 2 art 2 arm.

3 inf Kar to Bel
3 inf Arc to Bel
2 inf 1 fig Cau to Ukr
1 bom Rus to Ukr
1 inf 1 art 1 arm Cau to Euk
3 inf 1 art 2 arm Rus to Euk
1 arm Arc to Euk

If I have a bid greater than 5, I throw 1 inf Egy, and 1 inf (or more) into either Cau or Rus. Those units attack Euk as well. I place 2 inf 2 arm in Cau, 2 art in Rus, with 2 inf Nov coming into Russia. Bomber and Fighter of Ukr for Cau.

As with 1941, Japan must build a Fac in Manchuria on turn 1. Both maps need updating

However, in 42 USA has greater success with going after japan and the buy should be delayed and done only if US player commits to pacific. That buy is what Japan should do but understandably its income will be greater on J2.

new map is coming in a few weeks

@axis_roll:

Part of the problem with the 1942 scenario is how strong Germany is.  She can grow quickly due to her large income base.  The needs of the European Theatre will dictate what USA can do in the Pacific.  As in the real war, Europe was the main target initially.

Yes I agree, most of my games I cannot ignore Europe as the US because Germany gets very powerful. However most of the time if I do go pacific I am always looking to sink Japanese fleets which just seems overwhelming but I will try your advice and position groups together near the islands and work on defence.

Appreciate the input guys.  🙂