Tyrone (Axis) vs Michael.

[AlbertN]

In general France can just go down to 0 with reinforcing in the first turns, gain as much build points, pump 2 armoured units; and then reinforce all out.
Plus without Italy in play (or even with Italy in play since Italy is anyhow so weak and produce so little that they can hardly get anywhere) France can also bring back to France all their colonial troops except 1 unit in Algiers.
Split divisions or so and man with divisions the Italian border.

There are lots of gimmicks to bolster France frontline and turn France business into WW1.
But I am a prophet of doom when I say these things.

[Almeron]

I tought is better to share is production with GB. +24 pont could be helpful for the britts, allowing them to buy another armour. But buying tank sounds splendid as well.

[tyronec]

There are lots of gimmicks to bolster France frontline and turn France business into WW1.
But I am a prophet of doom when I say these things.

Not exactly WW1, it is taking me about 8 turns from invasion to surrender.
Would play it differently next time, don't think my approach was the best.

BEF are pulling out.
Will likely get Paris next turn.

Make a couple of bad attacks in Yugoslavia, should be better next turn.

[tyronec]

Allies do a kamikazee invasion and displace an air unit, have to kill them off.
France falls.

[tyronec]

Should have a shot at Yugoslavia in a turn or two.

[tyronec]

Belgrade surrounded enough for attack next turn.

[tyronec]

Yugoslavia falls.
Invade Vichy France and N. Africa.

[tyronec]

My attempt to take Malta has been a dismal failure, I thought a division supported by 6 air units would be enough but clearly not.

Also invading French N. Africa was clearly a mistake, hadn't realised the French got extra units when invaded.

Invasion of Spain launched.

[Michael T]

I made the same error in Vichy NA in my game v bobo. A right pain.

The 1st Malta invasion has been eradicated. Will there be a round 2?

[tyronec]

I need more practice for Malta !

Not a good round for me, 3 air units overrun on the French Border.
18 failed naval intercepts by my air units this turn, thought there were better chances of them doing something but now I know.

[Flaviusx]

Sigh.

You have got to lock down all these ports with garrisons. One division everywhere. This is just going to keep happening in this game and all the others until people figure it out.

There's a few places you can get away without doing this, but France isn't one of them. You left the entire Atlantic coast uncovered. That's practically an open invitation. Don't rely on just air to do the job.

It seems like every game going on has these raids, both allied and axis. There is no need for this. And that is why you have to build a fair amount of infantry, not just the sexy mech and air stuff.

[Flaviusx]

Honestly, I am tearing my hair out over this lack of garrison stuff going on.

I'm just waiting for a game where it happens to the Soviets when they forget to lock down the Caucuses ports. Yes, the Axis can land stuff in Russia if you leave that uncovered! There go your oilfields. And this is very easily prevented.

Or, the flipside, the Russians landing stuff in Romania. Ooops. There go your oilfields.

Don't ever assume your opponent won't do this. Of course they will.

[tyronec]

I have conceded this game.
Too many mistakes. Casualties too high. Too many turns to take out France.
I realised some time back that Axis were not going to be strong enough to invade Russia in '41 and was trying an alternative strategy but even that not very well.

Congratulations Michael, well played.

[Michael T]

Thanks for the game Tyrone, it was always going to be tough with the Allied Strategic Bombing in 1939 and all the French fighters going nuts on the Luftwaffe.

It was not an easy game though just the same. There were quite a few points where I just managed to squeeze out of a sticky situation.