Matrix Games Forums

hasmat_slith wrote: Sat May 16, 2026 3:06 pm

HarrySmith wrote: Tue May 12, 2026 11:11 am

petedalby wrote: Tue May 12, 2026 10:49 am Increasingly players are using these:

1. No diplo on Majors
2. No Barbarossa before 1941
3. No diplo on Bulgaria
4. No Allied DoW on Japan before PH
5. No Italian navy outside Med before DoW
6. No using garrison transports as scouts
7. No using neutral ships / transports as scouts
8. No XP farming
9. No German navy blocking of the Russian navy spawn points

Amphibious research cap of 4

To me these are what should be standard

Question on #4: What exactly is 'PH' in this context? Is it historical, i.e. 'no Allied DoW before December 7, 1941'? Or is it some ambiguous timing based on when Japan eventually strikes? I've assumed this is historical but wanted to confirm with others who might be more aware of its origins.

In my experience, it's not the historical date, but rather, the in game date that Japan attacks the Western Allies (usually UK & Britain together, but either one will suffice).

Umeu wrote: Sun May 17, 2026 1:22 am

hasmat_slith wrote: Sat May 16, 2026 3:06 pm

HarrySmith wrote: Tue May 12, 2026 11:11 am
To me these are what should be standard

Question on #4: What exactly is 'PH' in this context? Is it historical, i.e. 'no Allied DoW before December 7, 1941'? Or is it some ambiguous timing based on when Japan eventually strikes? I've assumed this is historical but wanted to confirm with others who might be more aware of its origins.

In my experience, it's not the historical date, but rather, the in game date that Japan attacks the Western Allies (usually UK & Britain together, but either one will suffice).

In this context PH stands for Pearl Harbor. I think #4 "No Allied DoW on Japan before PH" really means, No Allied DoW on Japan before Japan is at war with the United States.

It's possible that Pearl Harbor never happens. For example if the US declares war on Japan due to reaching the mobilization limit or if for some reason Japan decides to attack the Philippines and not PH. The house rule couldn't be "No Allied DoW on Japan before Japan is at war with the Allies" because Japan could declare war on the USSR and the house rule would still stand until Japan is at war with the United States. Anyway, that's my humble interpretation of the house rule.

LoneRunner wrote: Sun May 17, 2026 7:13 pm

Umeu wrote: Sun May 17, 2026 1:22 am

hasmat_slith wrote: Sat May 16, 2026 3:06 pm

Question on #4: What exactly is 'PH' in this context? Is it historical, i.e. 'no Allied DoW before December 7, 1941'? Or is it some ambiguous timing based on when Japan eventually strikes? I've assumed this is historical but wanted to confirm with others who might be more aware of its origins.

In my experience, it's not the historical date, but rather, the in game date that Japan attacks the Western Allies (usually UK & Britain together, but either one will suffice).

In this context PH stands for Pearl Harbor. I think #4 "No Allied DoW on Japan before PH" really means, No Allied DoW on Japan before Japan is at war with the United States.

It's possible that Pearl Harbor never happens. For example if the US declares war on Japan due to reaching the mobilization limit or if for some reason Japan decides to attack the Philippines and not PH. The house rule couldn't be "No Allied DoW on Japan before Japan is at war with the Allies" because Japan could declare war on the USSR and the house rule would still stand until Japan is at war with the United States. Anyway, that's my humble interpretation of the house rule.

I believe that is totally correct what is stated by lonerunner

Thanks Umeu, Lonerunner and Harry for the responses. I'm glad I asked, as I clearly had it wrong!

HarrySmith (Allies) defeats hasmat_slith (Axis) SEP 42
Great game that I thought could progress further. Rob made quick work of Poland and France and great inroads into Russia. Captured Stalingrad and all the Caucasus and threatening Moscow. Unfortunately for him not major inroads into China and Italy surrendered leaving gaps in Robs defences. Basically he didn't have enough units to spread around with Italy and Greece now becoming secondary fronts. Africa was captured early by Allies, allowing an early invasion of Italy. Naval wise Italian and German subs took high losses and couldn't threaten supply lines. Enjoyable and a great land game played by Rob.
New game started as a rematch
HarrySmith Allies vs hasnat_slith Axis.

HarrySmith wrote: Sun May 17, 2026 10:54 pm HarrySmith (Allies) defeats hasmat_slith (Axis) SEP 42
Great game that I thought could progress further. Rob made quick work of Poland and France and great inroads into Russia. Captured Stalingrad and all the Caucasus and threatening Moscow. Unfortunately for him not major inroads into China and Italy surrendered leaving gaps in Robs defences. Basically he didn't have enough units to spread around with Italy and Greece now becoming secondary fronts. Africa was captured early by Allies, allowing an early invasion of Italy. Naval wise Italian and German subs took high losses and couldn't threaten supply lines. Enjoyable and a great land game played by Rob.
New game started as a rematch
HarrySmith Allies vs hasnat_slith Axis.

A great 'everything' game by Harry - air, land and sea. The spanking was total with my achilles heel(s) quickly recognized and exploited to the fullest. Really very impressive. High Command has many assumptions to reconsider...

LoneRunner wrote: Sun May 17, 2026 7:13 pm

Umeu wrote: Sun May 17, 2026 1:22 am

hasmat_slith wrote: Sat May 16, 2026 3:06 pm

Question on #4: What exactly is 'PH' in this context? Is it historical, i.e. 'no Allied DoW before December 7, 1941'? Or is it some ambiguous timing based on when Japan eventually strikes? I've assumed this is historical but wanted to confirm with others who might be more aware of its origins.

In my experience, it's not the historical date, but rather, the in game date that Japan attacks the Western Allies (usually UK & Britain together, but either one will suffice).

In this context PH stands for Pearl Harbor. I think #4 "No Allied DoW on Japan before PH" really means, No Allied DoW on Japan before Japan is at war with the United States.

It's possible that Pearl Harbor never happens. For example if the US declares war on Japan due to reaching the mobilization limit or if for some reason Japan decides to attack the Philippines and not PH. The house rule couldn't be "No Allied DoW on Japan before Japan is at war with the Allies" because Japan could declare war on the USSR and the house rule would still stand until Japan is at war with the United States. Anyway, that's my humble interpretation of the house rule.

I do not consider Russia (or India) to be part of the Western Allies, but I should have been clearer on that.

I agree with the above, but IMO and IME, if Japan attacks Britain, then Russia and the US should be allowed to DoW Japan. Though it rarely happens that Japan attacks Britain so early that this doesn't bring the US into the war. Without this though, there is a possible scenario where Japan attacks UK and India without DoW on the US. This will mobilize the US but not put them at war with Japan. (Just like how a Japanese attack on US doesn't make the US at war with Germany). Pearl Harbor / PH just refers I think to a broad range of scenarios of invasions in the pacific that brings the Japanese into a collision with US or UK.

I suppose the clearest way to write it then is to say, no Allied DoW on Japan until US is at 100% mobilization.

I suppose the clearest way to write it then is to say, no Allied DoW on Japan until US is at 100% mobilization.

Agreed. Let's adopt this. It's unambiguous. Thanks Umeu.

Sounds good to me too. Thanks Umeu.

ELO Game started Jonny25k (Allies) vs gronivaure (Axis) [May 20, 2026)

Good Luck!

What Umeu says is mainly correct. The point I would totally disagree is India not being part of the western Allies. India was definitely part of the western Allies. It was a critical part of the Commonwealth and the game question at the start of whether the British Envoy should declare war on Germany or not highlights this fact. India was ultimately still under the British umbrella and as per all Commonwealth countries and declared war on Germany and would act the same with Japan. If Japan just invaded India for example it would of been at war with the UK and I am sure pushed the US to mobilise.

New ELO game begins:

phenix_slith (Allies) vs LoneRunner (Axis)

We are using the following house rules:

1. No diplo on Majors
2. No Barbarossa before 1941
3. No diplo on Bulgaria
4. No Allied DoW on Japan until US is at 100% mobilization
5. No Italian navy outside Med before DoW
6. No using garrison transports as scouts
7. No using neutral ships / transports as scouts
8. No XP farming
9. No German navy blocking of the Russian navy spawn points
10. Amphibious research is capped at 4 levels

petedalby wrote: Mon Apr 20, 2026 8:26 pm New ELO game begins:
Taifun (Allies) vs petedalby (Axis)

Game ends:
Taifun (Allies) defeats petedalby (Axis)

AAR available with summary of the game

New ELO Game started 06-24-2026

Taifun (Axis) Vs kjgokc2007 (Allies) the Rematch of the Matrix Tournament #1 vs #2.

Fresh from my drubbing by Taifun I'm taking on another excellent player. Hoping to learn some more lessons.

kjgokc2007 (Allies) vs Petedalby (Axis)

New ELO rules apply.

petedalby wrote: Wed May 27, 2026 8:05 am Fresh from my drubbing by Taifun I'm taking on another excellent player. Hoping to learn some more lessons.

kjgokc2007 (Allies) vs Petedalby (Axis)

New ELO rules apply.

You have the right attitude Pete in that often the best way to learn is to play better players. Players out there shouldn't look at not playing the better players as you should improve your game by doing so. Mind you, you are one of the better players yourself. I do find it doesn't matter who you play, you can always learn something from them too.

Hi troops. New ELO ranking to be published on Monday June 1. Please remember to send any results to the list.

gronivaure wrote: Wed May 20, 2026 4:44 pm ELO Game started Jonny25k (Allies) vs gronivaure (Axis) [May 20, 2026)

Good Luck!

Jonny25k won the game. I learned a good lesson and I enjoyed it.
My impression as a War in Europe player is that everything has to be faster in World at War. It took me a while to adjust to this change in pace. Johnny25k does everything faster than me, and I'm learning a lot from him. I manage a few tactical victories, but overall, strategically, I have to concede defeat. He quickly took Africa, and Italy surrendered in the summer of '42. That same summer, he destroyed the Japanese fleet. He kindly offered me a rematch. Thanks to him.

Thanks also to the community for all these AARs. I see all the strategic possibilities, and it's fascinating.

ELO Game started Jonny25k (Allies) vs gronivaure (Axis) [May 29, 2026)

Good Luck!

Latest ELO rankings. Comments and corrections welcome.