Historically, Germany was supposed to send 80-90% of forces against France, Austria was to hold back Russia and Serbia, and Britain was not even supposed to enter the war.

Pre- World War 1 was a diplomatic disaster for the Kaiser, with only A/H as a stable ally. However, the Schlieffen Plan could still work, though it would likely need Austria/Hungary completely defending Germany’s eastern rear.

In extremely-simplified, “experimental” games I have played with just France and Germany, Germany wins only leaving Prussia’s armies behind. When Britain is added, Germany must send 100% of starting forces and the first 2 or 3 turns (5 inf, 5 art each turn) West to capture Paris. It takes another turn to secure any gains, all for a total of 6-10 turns.

(This is playing 1-space moves.)

Overall, it is difficult, but possible. Also, this was “experimental”, leaving out details like Turkey taking India from UK, and Austria losing to Italy.

I started a separate thread for the opposing view. (“Why you should take France first”)

Quick question to see if anyone else has done this before: When taking France, have you ever tried using a solid supply chain from Berlin along the coast, purchasing plenty of artillery with a couple planes?

The Gamebook Rules states in Land Combat - Assault, “… Immediately before the combat is resolved, any defending artillery present in the attacked territory can make a pre-emptive strike against all of your offloading land units and fighters as they come ashore.” (page 22, lower half) If the chain is attacked from sea, defending artillery is given a bonus like that of the battleship bombarding.

This strategy defends the North/West coastline, and can reinforce itself with the next army from Germany’s capital. Germany can also direct new troops to Russia after Paris is taken, thus using the same strategy to help in the Eastern Front.

This strategy has been tried successfully once. (Paris was conquered in 5 turns.)

(Disclaimer: The overall strategy asks for Austria/Hungary to defend Germany’s eastern and southern borders at all costs (especially Poland), anticipating that Germany can help east in Russia after it has finished in France. Thus, Germany needs to send all troops (initial and purchased) West to quickly capture Paris and guard the coastline.)

Hey, Kolonel K,

Where did you get the original idea for Germany’s putting all its units in Alsace? It seems very much like the German’s plan (Mannstein Plan) in WW2!

@ MarineIquana: Don’t worry. In fact, my opponents have gotten a lot more experienced and I use a different plan now.

@Cow: If you do not reinforce the Western Front, then France, UK, and US become an ENORMOUS powerhouse.
*Also, you eventually need to take Paris to win the game.
*As you said, the Western Front is the most easily reinforced place for the Allies, so it eventually becomes filled with planes, artillery, and even tanks since France and UK have nothing else to do but create a horrific OFFENSIVE machine.

In other words, unless the Allies make a colossal mistake (which happens…), the Centrals eventually lose the game.

Attacking the British G1 is nearly necessary. Jutland would have been successful if only Germany had destroyed the Royal Navy (Germany has 4 additional attacking units, which is enough even if mines get some luck).

Unless the French go offensive (which is an essentially suicide), the Germans have little chance of reaching Paris with only starting units. My alternative: Buy two BB’s G1 just to scare the Brits, and purchase 5 art. and 5 or 6 inf. every turn. Just the basics, but lots of them!
One of Germany’s worst mistakes was that they did not have a good supply line, which is not solved by buying all planes.

June 28, 2014 is 100th Anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferninand. Since this is the A&A community, are there any interesting ideas for this Saturday in June?

One idea I have is to play both WWI and WWII side-by-side (inviting ~10 players). It would be educational for my friends who have only played WW2, but do not know a thing about WW1.

Another idea is to play Diplomacy, and play with the resulting alliances.

Anything else interesting? I would love to hear your ideas!

This version is currently my favorite. While I still love the sweeping-maneuvers of  WWII 1942, the slow, deliberate nature of the game puts a special emphasis on long-term planning.
Also, WWI 1914 seems quite balanced, with an historical slight edge for the Allies. Even with talks of a second edition, the First edition will still be played for a long time.

By the way, are there any big World War I 100th Anniversary get-togethers coming up? Any ideas for the Centennial?

@Chacmool:

@Tavenier:

I think to balance the Austria - Italy front. If one or two inf could immediatly could be moved to Northern Italy it would make things for AH more difficult.
Just my 2 cents.

With its 2 Transports and the Battleship offshore Bombardement France would always use this troops to land in Smyrna R1. After that Britain would take it on their turn. Would be too harsh for the Ottomans!

With two Battleships for France, among a few other things, the game is already tilted slightly Allies. I greatly prefer empty Marseilles (not to mention an Italy-as-CP game).

Sounds interesting. How about just using “1 player/ turn” option, where if a player owns both UK and France, but none else, he can move with just those two in an attack? Not as extreme (or interesting), but a little more realistic in some ways.