This thread is interesting, but I’m not convinced that this is the optimal strategy for the Axis (granted, there can be ONLY one optimal way to play). However, it’s solid and people here seem to have some success with it.

I have a few problems in strategies bombing Russia:

1. The Axis player’s expected earnings is by bombing Stalingrad is 0. You’ll get shot down 1/6 of the time and 5/6 of the time you’ll bomb on average 3 IPCs a turn (not 3.5, because of the 4 IPC limit of Stalingrad)
2. The Axis player’s bombing of Moscow with two Bombers also does less than 3.5 IPC’s per die because of the 8 IPC limit.

basically, The Axis are at an economical disadvantage. This strategy does have a positive return on investment, but so does every Axis strategy because of their superior tactical starting position. The Axis have to close the economic gap fast, and this method isn’t as fast as other methods. However, it is always fun to find new ways to win. This is a solid strategy. I will give it a shot against some of my lesser foes.

Have any of the top players tried this strategy? I haven’t been on here in awhile, so I don’t know who is the best player anymore: it seemed like this thread was mainly a debate between two or three players. I would be curious to know what the premier players thought of this strategy…

my experience in FFA games (only tried it twice) is that they never end

people always play “balance of power”. whenever somebody “starts winning” all the countries team up until the balance is restored

its fun for beginners to learn how all the units work but not a viable strategy game

I have only played one game with NA’s and the Germand U-Boat interdiction was nice.

I would imagine that The Luftwaffe Dive Bomber would be pretty sweet.

Im sorry if I sounded like I was accusing you of “name-calling”.

I am however bitter at the fact that I spent 40 bucks on a game that I can’t figure out how to beat as Allies.

I’m not really into modifying games at all… but I am seriously considering modifying the game so that the Germans have little chance of winning but instead must survive a certain number of turns (similar to how Battle of the Bulge and D-Day). That way, things have a better chance of matching historical events.

@Antholin:

If their is one player for each Allied nation and they coordinate an effective offensive, I think Germany would be hard pressed to win the game. Obviously Germany has to be very aggressive in the early game, or they will be worn quickly away and I have seen one player do this. However, if the Allies quickly respond to Russia’s need with fighters, transporting troops, while France & Africa are getting attacked, then Germany will have to rethink ther strategy on all fronts. Basically, as long as the Allied players form a strong network to oppose Germany and act together quickly, Germany will be reeling from their combined might.

Sending planes and troops to Russia is easier said than done. (actually, planes are easy to send)

However, if you try newly built planes to Russia, you won’t be able to land troops in Europe because the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine will still have enought punch to wipe out small Allied fleets. After the G1, Germany will more than likely have 5 fighters and a bomber stationed on the Atlantic coast with at least one sub touching England. The English Atlantic fleet will only consist of the Canadian transport and destoyer. The Brits only have 25 IPCs to spend. If they use some of it on planes to send to Russia, their fleet will not be able to defend itself. Even if you do spend all your money on a fleet, Germany can still do damage to it.

Meanwhile, every unit in Europe heads to Moscow.

Like I said, we’ve played at least 10 games … even when Germany rolls way below average, they are still winning. Nothing can beat the tank dash.

We are competent players. The game is NOT balanced.

I wonder if anyone will check Salvage as one of the best…

when I say passive … i mean there aren’t any major offensives

two territories are usually attacked for the first few turns. russia has a bomber and fighter to use the first turn and usually two more fighters to use on the third turn (lend leased)

however, Ive found that if you try attacking the Germans with too many forces, the Germans will easily decimate the Russian units on their counterattack

Im playing a game right now where England saves their 1st round income in order to build a larger fleet on the second turn so that the germans dont wipe out a weaker fleet on g2. i dont know whether or not it will work

russia is typically passive, anytime there is german artillery that is relatively unprotected, the russians will take it out

the key is to leave very little russian units exposed to the inevitable german counterattack

the us is slow of course… usually builds two trns and destroyer on turn one while clearing the atlantic of subs on a1 and landing in africa

what are good purchases for e1 and a1 in your opinion?

Ive played about 10 times… Germany always wins.

Here’s what purchases are
g1: 12inf, art
g2: 8tanks
g3: 9tanks

basically, the english navy is destroyed on g1 (except for canada’s navy and the egyptian navy)… all troops in eastern france, belgium, denmark go to Germany on g1 and mass together with the first build

england is unable to make a landing in west europe until e3. russia always falls on g5 ALWAYS

does anyone have a good strategy to defeat germany?

thank you