How to protect convoys

[Titan]

I know you can put 10 escorts in each trade route but they seem to in effective over time in stopping uboats..any other tips..whats the best tech to invest in

[Nirosi]

I know you can put 10 escorts in each trade route but they seem to in effective over time in stopping uboats..any other tips..whats the best tech to invest in

Escorts are still the units that will bring you the highest percentage of effect against u-boats. But they are very infective at 1939 and 1940 tech, are still very mediocre at 1941 tech, but by 1942 tech you will start to see a difference that will only get better and better.

In the meanwhile, on top of buying a lots of escorts, you will probably have to buy a lot of MM. It will depend if the German player buy lots of u-boats. If he wants to be serious, we will try to have 9-12 on the map. Under that it should not be a huge problem if you are prepared. Si of the German is serious about it, you will also have to be and probably by MM every second turn or so for a year maybe. Once the US is in, it will be easier. It is quite possible to lose 600-700 MMs in a game that last to 1945 and still be ok if you plan for it.

Also, CVs and Patrol units (DDs) will help when they are at sea on a sea lane in a range of 24 hexes. Each patrol units adds 1% and each CV 2% in that range. It is not that much, but it adds up on the long run. But my understanding is that they are useless if the lane has no escort (as they supplement escort). Anti-sub aircrafts (with detection and electronics tech) can also add a 2% within their range and also attack subs during their turn (once again, very lucky to hit anything before 1941, probably 1942, but then get more and more effective). You can probably do without them, but they might speed things up, and once done, they can be converted to other uses like strategic bombing.

Hope it helps,

[Titan]

Thanks for that...What are the techs you would recommend..antisub clearly being one

[Nirosi]

Anti subs is for the escorts (and in theory for surface ships, but no need to buy ships with that tech. In fact, very few players buy combat ships in top of what they already have.)

Detection and electronics is for the aircrafts if you want to buy some with that tech and use them (you can change their tech later on for a small fee).

[ncc1701e]

Put DD and CV on the convoy line to add a sub hunter % bonus to your existing escorts.

[stjeand]

A few other things to watch for...

Most German players will try to keep their subs in ports within the Baltic...

IF they don't...I like to keep my CVs on the East coast of the UK as they can make a quick air raid if subs are in a port they can reach...as well as if the Germans place subs on the Atlantic coast in France.

They will likely fill the ports with AA and maybe even place an interceptor or two close by.

IF they do not...you can bomb any port in France so long as you have 1940 D&E...

NOW a smart German will keep a bomber or two close by to try to hit CVs that do this...BUT when they are busy in Russia they may not...

Always keep an open mind with ways to hit subs.

Honestly hitting a sub for 2 damage and losing 6 bombers...as crazy as it sounds...can be worth it in the long run. Every turn you delay their attacks is to your advantage.

Also what do to with Canada...well honestly I see lots of players building infantry...for me I don't until 42 /43...I am building Escorts until they have 10 shipyards left then an MM..
BUT this is me...

You play the way you like.

[stjeand]

One last thing...when the Germans are placing multiple wolfpacks on a single route you can place more than 10 escorts...just incase some get sunk.

I had 10 in the NA once...and lost 4 in one attack...that meant all the subsequent attacks I only had 6 escorts to fight back...