Nail-biting stuff in Belgium. I seem to recall that Dowding refused to let Fighter Command commit in strength during the French campaign - until Dunkirk that is - so the dogfights over the Dyle certainly add a new and interesting dimension. Looking forward to the next developments...
The most advanced nations are always those who navigate the most -
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 -1882)
Are you taking a break Bob? I really enjoy your AARs and hope you continue.
**Those who rob Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul
**A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have-Gerald Ford
This sort of position has happened to me too many times, although I have never not taken Amsterdam. The Germans have to use an O-chit to break it. Don't forget your engineer; double it, and two units can attack across a river without being halved. You have to tell the computer which units are using this advantage by left clicking on them and selecting. After you break the Dyle, be prepared to spend another O-chit.
This sort of position is why I delayed attacking the Low Countries until MA and the Germans had their parachute ready. It didn't work; France did not fall until J/A, but I blame the dice. [:)]
It is my opinion that both the early attack on France and the delayed attack on France have about equal chances of working, but the delayed attack has a higher variance. If it works well, France can fall early; if works especially badly, it can turn into a nightmare.
I think part of it is weather related as well. The Germans have to be ready to roll if they get a good impulse of weather in J/F and/or M/A. I don't like trying both Holland and Belgium in the same impulse because Holland screens part of Belgium and it is harder to make a penetration across the rivers.
A German player who just sits while waiting for the big M/J turn to show up may well be disappointed. While likely, good weather is not guaranteed and you also have issues with who goes first as well. I had one game where M/J showed up, the Allies won, went first even after a reroll and it was raining. France wasn't going away anytime soon.
Good weather early in the game is the friend of the Axis. Don't waste it.
The other factor in play.
A CW player willing and able to use the BEF in the low countries. Invading the Netherlands late in a turn can catch the CW off guard and off balanced. Especially if its a waiting game and the transports moved for juicy overseas reinforcements.
Agreed about the weather being the big unknown. It can work for and against either side at any given impulse. Then slap you in the face.
“We never felt like we were losing until we were actually dead.”
Marcus Luttrell
I agree completely about the weather. It is the most important piece of luck in the game.
In my current game, I can safely say that the Germans wasted no early fair weather. The reason I can state that with absolute confidence is because there wasn't any early clear weather -- the second fair weather impulse of game to took place in M/A 40. (The first was, of course, the first impulse of the game.)
This could be vital as the RN has no chance to put a fleet to sea. The Germans decide to put everything into taking Amsterdam and possibly the hex northeast, while the Japanese will continue to put pressure on the Chinese.
Now Maitland, now's your time!
Duke of Wellington to 1st Guards Brigade - Waterloo 18 June 1815
