Europe 1939 Turn 17

[tweber]

Turn 17, January 1941.

A couple of notable events occur this turn. First, the Axis Minors (Finland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary) join the war. They have a small army and add 10 additional pp (as long as I hold Bucharest). Second, the Balkan Minors join the allied side. This has already happened since I declared war a few turns back. Third, the Germans get the 'Eastern Offensive' card. See below. This card allows the Germans the ability to apply a 50% readiness penalty to the Soviets as long as it is played before September.

Design note. The readiness simulates the surprise the Soviets face when Germany declares war. I gave German the option to play this card (and not apply the penalty at the outset of the conflict). I felt that if the Soviets knew they would have a readiness penalty on the turn war was declared, they would set up the main line of defense safely out of range of the German army. Now, if the Soviets defend further back, the Germans can wait to play the card when they are in contact with the enemy. This mechanism should force the Soviets to defend forward.

Of course in this game, I will be hard pressed to do a summer '41 attack with all my forces in the UK.

[tweber]

Here is the situation in the UK. In need to extend my air umbrella. I build an airfield south of the river and pound the tank corps to the north of Manchester. I also upgrade my artillery. This will be helpful in getting past the entrenchments. Overall, the going is slow.

[tweber]

I capture Athens and pulled my troops in Africa back to Libya.  I have to decide how to split my Balkan forces between the eventual Eastern and N.African fronts.

[SMK-at-work]

Design note. The readiness simulates the surprise the Soviets face when Germany declares war. I gave German the option to play this card (and not apply the penalty at the outset of the conflict). I felt that if the Soviets knew they would have a readiness penalty on the turn war was declared, they would set up the main line of defense safely out of range of the German army. Now, if the Soviets defend further back, the Germans can wait to play the card when they are in contact with the enemy. This mechanism should force the Soviets to defend forward.

 
that's a good way of doing "it" I think....there are other methods, but this seems fairly simple.

[seille]

Sorry for not posting any screens this turn. Was too low on time.
The situation in England still looks like on the picture Tom showed for his turn.
I did some counterattacks and fougth back some units. The enemy lost some material again,
but he already transferred huge reserves to England. With the new airfield the situation
could become very critical soon.
I disbanded my surviving units near Athens and the small garrison of London.
In case you guy´s wonder about that step: Tom neutralized London nearly completely. It´s not longer a strongpoint
or important place for production (only 25% production capacity left). Giving it up means ownership will switch to germany which gives me the
chance to declare war on Germany with my Russians whenever i want.

[tweber]

Design note. The readiness simulates the surprise the Soviets face when Germany declares war. I gave German the option to play this card (and not apply the penalty at the outset of the conflict). I felt that if the Soviets knew they would have a readiness penalty on the turn war was declared, they would set up the main line of defense safely out of range of the German army. Now, if the Soviets defend further back, the Germans can wait to play the card when they are in contact with the enemy. This mechanism should force the Soviets to defend forward.

that's a good way of doing "it" I think....there are other methods, but this seems fairly simple.

I would be interested in your thoughts on other methods.