HBK vs KZtonk man: Battle for the Intercontinental Championship

[KorutZelva]

2 more Axis turn before December and the USSR still holds all Ukraine mines... However, in central russia germany is advancing mostly uncontested and are dangerously close to Smolensk. Elsewhere USSR starts balling up around Kiev.

Estonia breaks its own record of neutrality, gets a high five from Vichy France.

Other than a cruiser harassing the USSR convoy, all convoy lines are clear.

[Harrybanana]

Here is what the Russian Front looked like from the Axis perspective at the end of the first week of Barbarossa (September 3, 1941). As KZ said two units survived in the Centre with 1 strength each. The Russian air force was largely destroyed on the ground. But I regret my attempt to destroy the fighter adjacent to Rovno. My bombers were ravaged by flak and did not achieve their objective. They would have been better employed attacking the mechanized beside Lwow.

I'm not sure if KZ's aggressive defence on the Southern Front was a good idea or not. A lot of effort was spent to build fortifications that were abandoned after one turn. He did rescue a mechanized and a few corps; but in the process lost 2 or 3 armies. However, he did delay me for a bit.

[Harrybanana]

KZ is currently unavailable, so I will update you on the situation as of the end of the Axis December 3, 1941 turn.

In Russia, Pskov, Smolensk, Kiev, and one of the two Ukraine resource hexes have been captured. But that is as far east as the Axis have gotten. So I'm obviously a long way from where the Germans were in Russia historically at this time. But given the very late start of Barbarossa I am actually doing better than I thought would be. I will add a map of the Russian Front here after we have played a few more turns.

Algiers is finally captured and Algeria surrenders at the end of my turn. However, due to some mismanagement on my part it surrenders to the Italians not the Germans. I could have sworn a German unit was the first unit to pass through Algiers, although it was occupied by an Italian unit. But perhaps I am mistaken. In any event, Allied units are spotted occupying Casablanca and other Western Algerian settlements. No surprise there.

In the Middle East the Axis run into the British near Ramadi. Of course, the British choose this moment to strategically bomb Ar Rutbah, thus putting a severe crimp on my supply situation. Well played KZ. But undaunted the Axis press forward to make contact with the enemy.

[Harrybanana]

The unit count still heavily favours the Axis. But more US and USSR units are arriving every turn and the Siberian reinforcements will also be arriving shortly. The Allies are out producing the Axis by about 1430 MPPs to about 940.

Axis losses have been relatively light compared to the Allies, with the notable exception of the U Boats. 4 lost already with at least one more that will be destroyed on KZ's next turn. It seems my U Boats can't move anywhere without bumping into an Allied destroyer.



The biggest negatives (for the Axis) so far have been:

1. The early US mobilization and War Entry,

2. Greece entering the War on the side of the Allies. This may not sound like a big deal but it tied up valuable units (including an HQ) and caused the delay of Barbarossa,

3. My failure to get Spain on my side either diplomatically or, at least so far, through military means, and

4. Very slow research in some areas; which leads me to believe that KZ got an early Spying and Intelligence research breakthrough.


The biggest positives have been:

1. The relatively low Axis losses (at least I think they are low, but I am new at playing the Axis),

2. The relatively easy capture of Egypt, and

3. The relatively heavy UK ground and air losses.

Overall I would say that I am winning the ground war but KZ is winning the War at Sea and, more importantly, the Diplomacy War. Given KZ's strategy none of this is surprising.

[Taxman66]

ORIGINAL: Harrybanana
Algiers is finally captured and Algeria surrenders at the end of my turn. However, due to some mismanagement on my part it surrenders to the Italians not the Germans. I could have sworn a German unit was the first unit to pass through Algiers, although it was occupied by an Italian unit. But perhaps I am mistaken. In any event, Allied units are spotted occupying Casablanca and other Western Algerian settlements. No surprise there.

I'm pretty sure it is not which unit moved through first but rather which unit occupies the capital or moved through last

[Harrybanana]

ORIGINAL: Taxman66

ORIGINAL: Harrybanana
Algiers is finally captured and Algeria surrenders at the end of my turn. However, due to some mismanagement on my part it surrenders to the Italians not the Germans. I could have sworn a German unit was the first unit to pass through Algiers, although it was occupied by an Italian unit. But perhaps I am mistaken. In any event, Allied units are spotted occupying Casablanca and other Western Algerian settlements. No surprise there.

I'm pretty sure it is not which unit moved through first but rather which unit occupies the capital or moved through last

The nationality of the unit that moves in last decides which victorious nation gains control of a conquered nation?? Well of course, that makes perfect sense:). I keep learning.

[KorutZelva]

ORIGINAL: Harrybanana

ORIGINAL: Taxman66

ORIGINAL: Harrybanana
Algiers is finally captured and Algeria surrenders at the end of my turn. However, due to some mismanagement on my part it surrenders to the Italians not the Germans. I could have sworn a German unit was the first unit to pass through Algiers, although it was occupied by an Italian unit. But perhaps I am mistaken. In any event, Allied units are spotted occupying Casablanca and other Western Algerian settlements. No surprise there.

I'm pretty sure it is not which unit moved through first but rather which unit occupies the capital or moved through last

The nationality of the unit that moves in last decides which victorious nation gains control of a conquered nation?? Well of course, that makes perfect sense:). I keep learning.

one additional thing. If a Italian unit moves through the capital while a german unit occupies the capital, the italian unit will still 'paint' the hex its color and claim it for the duce. (and vice versa)

[Harrybanana]

Thanks KZ, I've got it now (I think). A minor quibble, but IMHO this should be fixed. The Nationality of the 1st unit to enter the capital should determine who it surrenders too. Not that this would help me too much as in the heat of the moment I often forget to pay attention to which units to move into the capital. But then at least it is my fault and not the fault of a faulty system.

[KorutZelva]

I'm mostly irked about the 'paint over paint' thing because it overrides the unit that is physically there. I mean c'mon!

==

march 3rd

I didn't catch the turn replay (parenting duties) but I think the Germans got hit by the soviet winter last turn based on the mmp lost graph.

A german sub in the north see fails to observe radio silence, the Bletchley Park boys pin point its exact location. Not enough hardware in the area to sink it but hopefully it won't escape.

Warspite tries to enter the med but is welcomed by Italian battle ship and sub, to add insult to injurt, the battleship gets 'suffers from rough sea' at the head of the turn. Goodbye sweet prince.

Bit of mild weather in the Ukraine this winter allowing for some small but important gains by Germany, including estonia. Stalin frantically calls Zhukov for reinforcement, his general, chilling in the far East, is all 'don't worry, you guys got it' and hangs up. Stalin makes a second call to general winter, who responds promptly. Axis early april turn will be in snow.

lvl 2 heavy tank tried to kill a finnish garrison. The unit was good in supply and HQ supported but couldn't deal a single damage. What is this madness???

Due to italy algeria stealing, USSR is within 50 mpp of Germany in terms of income. USSR just got infantry warfare which I had delayed for AA and tank warfare, the latter which I regret since my mech corp won't be able to do squat before inf level 3 and apparently a finish garrison is a good counter to Heavy tanks. [:'(]

UK iraqi defense force is slowly crumbling, but the supply situation remains dire for the Axis. Will the yanks make it in time to save the day?

Situation back in early november

[KorutZelva]

USA strat bombers shows up in Iraq to replace the UK one that was shot down by german figthers. A german paratrooper walks to Rabat to find it reinforced by an USA Army. The allies won't cough up Casablanca without a fight...

The USSR got new rifles this winter and are finally inflicting damage back while defending.

Siberian troops finally make their appearance...

Situation in January

[KorutZelva]

Germany crack aces make mince meat of Casablanca defenders, shooting a fighter, a bomber and an army. I didn't think that was possible on account of the poor supply they should be afflicted by in that part of the world. Eiseinhower reclutantly order the evacuation of essential personnel... Spain expected to make an entry into the war...

But a bit of a snafu with my transport as I confused the red sea and the persian gulf... I hope the troops appear at the end of your turn so I can reroute them or that HarryBanana will be merciful in letting me rerouting them to their intended target. [:'(] Just this once I wish there was a decision to move your troops on those hexes like there is for Gibraltar.

Strat bomber shows up in the UK and start working on a german mine. 2 hits brings it to 4.

[Harrybanana]

Yet even after losing 2 Armies, a Med Bomber and a fighter in Morocco the US still has 12 ground units and 12 Air units on the Map. And it is only May 1942. Oh yeah, and the US has spent more on research (I think it is over 4000 MPPs) than any other nation. All because of those 4 US Diplo Hits in late 39 and early 40. Just think what a different game it would be if KZ only got 1 hit instead of 4.

I know I sound like a broken (and very whiny) record, but Uber-Diplomacy just adds too much of a luck factor to the game for my liking. But that is easily fixed with a House Rule.

[KorutZelva]

ORIGINAL: Harrybanana

Yet even after losing 2 Armies, a Med Bomber and a fighter in Morocco the US still has 12 ground units and 12 Air units on the Map. And it is only May 1942. Oh yeah, and the US has spent more on research (I think it is over 4000 MPPs) than any other nation. All because of those 4 US Diplo Hits in late 39 and early 40. Just think what a different game it would be if KZ only got 1 hit instead of 4.

I know I sound like a broken (and very whiny) record, but Uber-Diplomacy just adds too much of a luck factor to the game for my liking. But that is easily fixed with a House Rule.

He's all doom and gloom but it's pretty even right now. I'm happy it's a fun competitive match.

[Harrybanana]

Actually I am enjoying the game myself. I must be because it always the first game I have to return a turn on (just don't tell my other opponents). Actually the more I whine and moan the more you can tell I am enjoying a game.

[KorutZelva]

Good! Glad to hear!

It's getting late June 1942 and I haven't gotten a single axis land unit to my name yet. At least the USSR is rebuilding faster than Germany can destroy its armies.

Under allied pressure, Sweden turns neutral.

Moskov defense back in april...

[Harrybanana]

Going back in time, here is the situation in Russia as of December 3, 1941.

[KorutZelva]

Bagdhad fell the turn prior but the UK and the USA unleash massive bombardment in Iraq and kill a german fighter. (Hopefully he was over limit from the AK decision and we'll never see him again.) Embolden by this success and worried of the consequence of an axis victory in the region, the saudis agree to send oil shipments to the States. (Diplohit)

A USA Strat bomber takes the receiving port of the norway convoy to 0 but it doesn't stop the convoy. [&:] I guess I can move to real targets now... Bombers target Loos mine.

Germany control half of Leningrad. Some USSR unit flee via finland.

Sweden moves further away from the axis.

[KorutZelva]

July 26th 1942

USSR launches a tank counter offensive in front of moskov. An army and a corp are killed and the german center nearly collapse with a lone damaged artillery standing alone between the bulk of the russian forces and the nearby German HQ. At this stage, only the USSR fighters can fight the german on a 1 to 1 ratio.

[KorutZelva]

August 1942

Germany resolves the crisis around moskov by operating all available mechanised unit to the area. All is quiet in Iraq for now...

With german air in high demand, germany can't spare anything to protect Ruhr mines from USA strat bombers.

[KorutZelva]

I'm afraid the tide has turned, its not looking good for the KZtonk man. At even number, supply and tech parity I can compete with an air force supported by a 3 pip HQ. I'm not just getting defavorable odds, I'm getting terrible odds in any engagement. I don't have an answer to it. For all his whining, HB is totally winning this, folks. [:'(]

You would think that fighting the germans for 3 years would make the UK HQs smarten up. Nope. Still at 0 xp. [;)]

Lone bright light in the darkness, Russia gets inf 3.