Afrika Korps and 8th Army

[canuckgamer]

When does Afrika Korps and the 8th Army arrive in Africa? Also, does the 8th Army arrive with an HQ? Thanks in advance for any comments an replies.

[Markiss]

The Africa corps arrives on January 1, 1941. The British forces arrive about the same time if I recall, but can be triggered earlier if the Italians invade Egypt.

The HQ you start with in Egypt is the HQ you get, no freebees. If you want to hold Egypt, you will probably need the one in the UK as well. But if you move it to Egypt too early, it leaves you vulnerable to a Sealion, so judge your opponent's intentions wisely.

[canuckgamer]

Markiss, I'm wondering why you think the Commonwealth need two HQs in Africa? Given that there never seems to be many units there, wouldn't one be enough?

[Sugar]

1. More troops will arrive than 1 HQ is able to support.
2. 1 HQ can only provide the min. necessary 8 supply if placed in a town with 5 supply at min. to keep your units fully operational with max. action points and able to fully reinforce, which makes it easy to locate for the enemy and consequently vulnerable to air attacks on the HQ itself or ressource attacks of strat. bombers or shore bombardements/port blockades.

A 2. HQ can be placed nearer to the front line via autolink, preventing your units from being destroyed on low supply and generally increasing their combat performance.

[Markiss]

I am assuming that you are going to bring in more troops, for if you don't, you won't hold it, at least not in PBEM. Cairo is required for an Axis victory before 1947, so they usually come for it pretty hard.

As Sugar points out, there are lots of advantages to having 2 HQ's instead of 1, especially in a low-supply area. I usually use one to run my aircraft, and one for the units on the front line.

[Ktonos]

First thing to do as UK is to buy Monty asap, so you would have 3 HQs on the board by summer 1940. During the invasion of France have Monty on England with every air unit attached on him to make the invasion as hard as you can. After fall of France move Lord Gord to Egypt and keep Montgomery in England to defend against possible Sea Lion (which against good players remains a threat even deep in 1942).

[Markiss]

I always find buying the 3rd HQ difficult, the British have so many other priorities at this point, but that is one way to go if you can swing it. If you diplo Spain, which I usually do, you probably can't afford it.

Choices, choices...

[Ktonos]

I usually cash out the artillery tech with the UK, why waste so much for tech applying to 1 or maybe 2 units until end game. You are right, UK has so many priorities, anti sub, anti air, fighter tech, inf warfare, Spain and to replenish the units on board. And to take Montgomery you need to stockpile for 2 turns. But if there is anytime during the early game that UK has the luxury to buy Monty is in 1939.
Just my opinion of course but I usually close my eyes to all other priorities and buy Monty asap. The extra HQ improves UK's position across the board for so many major events: Battle of France, Battle of Britain and Africa. Without it you can use ur air either from France or from Britain but not attached to an HQ. With Monty your air power can contest axis during France invasion from the safety of the islands. You also can't take any serious offensive in Africa without the 2nd HQ and if you do, UK is open to invasion.

In my opinion UK can't take any sort of initiative without the 3rd HQ during early

[PvtBenjamin]

Its a minimum to at least upgrade Lord Gord to Monty.

I find the Brit artillery useful in Egypt. Currently the only research I cash in is anti tank for SU.

[Markiss]

That's funny, I always buy 2 levels of anti-tank for the Soviets. They are my "can openers", I like to use them to attack an enemy tank first and knock it down a few points before I move in with my own tanks to finish it off without taking too much damage. They are one of the few units that can damage a teched-up panzer, and if they get beat up in the process, so what? They are not nearly as useful as tanks for attacking other units, but they sure do a number on panzers.

The only tech I sell back is Rockets for the Germans.

[PvtBenjamin]

Couldn't disagree more. AT only impacts one unit type and you only get three. Also AT doesn't get armored warfare so its a one hit wonder. Actually AT with 0 research arent that bad.

I sell it in the first few turns and put 2 chits on Industrial Tech. Present value of money I always say.

hey but thats what makes a rodeo.

Merry Christmas

My Stalingrad counter attack against you is still my favorite turn of all.

[Markiss]

It is always satisfying to provide a memorable experience...