ORIGINAL: obvert
Your subs are killin it! Nice work. Anything you've figured out that is leading to the success so far?
Well, the obvious things like swapping out Captains.
You can influence your opponent by your play. A long time ago, I detailed how I planned on using my CVs. Small task forces, widely separated, not outside of land based air, and away from Allied subs.
I did this because I wanted Jocke to divide his carrier forces. The fewer the CVs in a force the more vulnerable to subs and land based air they are.
Then, I operate my subs in wolf packs with very short (1-2 hex) patrols with reaction 1. Usually 1 hex.
Additionally, I like to operate the Iboats where there is no land base naval search spotting them. They need to be undetected to work. You have to discover these areas, because it also has to be areas with a good chance of ships passing by. Or you have to do something to draw his ships into the area.[;)]
If possible dangle your motivation during periods of low moon. In 1942 I don't think the Allies should be wandering around the ocean with CV/BB during periods of low moon -- unless it is in an area with very good aerial ASW (and not float plane ASW).
The first CV I got had 8 Iboats after it and I had been dangling two small CV forces for him to think about plus launching several fast transports taking dot bases and threatening Noumea although I was doing it on a scale that invited an Allied response. Moonlight was very low. Just like this case, very few of the Iboats were spotted if any prior to the attack.
In fact the prior month I hit another CV down by Lord Howe or Norfolk--but only hit with one torpedo. This was also during low moonlight.
Try to stay in deep water.
If possible use Emilies/Glen at night/day naval search over the area the Iboats are working in.
Kind of my thoughts on their usage.
