Defence of China

[wevilc]

When I started playing this game I only played Japan against the AI. After only a few attempts I found I could conquer China by 1943. Now I’m playing PBEM as the allies against my highly competent son & find the defence of China all but impossible. It’s March ‘41 & I’m already retiring on Chungking in the south having soaked up significant losses. I’ve researched AA & Infantry weapons to level 1 & fortified around that city but I doubt I can hold on there very long.

Is there a secret? Should I regard the loss of China as inevitable and aim to stretch it out as long as possible or, with best play, can the Japanese be stopped & if so, how?

[Umeu]

it does seem somewhat inevitable for China to die quickly. A good Japanese player can dismantle the Chinese defenses in early to mid-1940. From there, the road to Urumchi is still quite long and it's just a matter of trying to delay as long as possible. But it's possible for the Japense to reach Urumchi and take it in early 1942 if the retreat isn't properly organized and started at the right time.

[wevilc]

it does seem somewhat inevitable for China to die quickly. A good Japanese player can dismantle the Chinese defenses in early to mid-1940. From there, the road to Urumchi is still quite long and it's just a matter of trying to delay as long as possible. But it's possible for the Japense to reach Urumchi and take it in early 1942 if the retreat isn't properly organized and started at the right time.

Thanks Umeu. That helps me recalibrate my expectations. I assume the game is not a lost cause when China falls because, if it were, there would be no point playing. Overall, how bad can things get (on all fronts) before the allies must abandon all hope?

[Umeu]

It's not lost if China falls, though it does matter how early it falls, because it gives Japan a lot of MPP from the surrender and frees up many troops. Also, for the victory conditions, Chungking needs to be held by the Allies. So the allies would want to do damage as China vs Japan, not make their demise cheap. Or alternatively, make the struggle last as long as possible.

But the most important battle is still Russia. It's hard to say when things turn against the allies though, since there are several approaches. Allies can focus on the East first, or on the West first, and this will have different consequences.

[wevilc]

It's not lost if China falls, though it does matter how early it falls, because it gives Japan a lot of MPP from the surrender and frees up many troops. Also, for the victory conditions, Chungking needs to be held by the Allies. So the allies would want to do damage as China vs Japan, not make their demise cheap. Or alternatively, make the struggle last as long as possible.

But the most important battle is still Russia. It's hard to say when things turn against the allies though, since there are several approaches. Allies can focus on the East first, or on the West first, and this will have different consequences.

Thanks again. I have a lot to learn.