1st mov ideas 4 Japan

[BJStone]

Hi everyone,

I'm playing Japan in a stock game against Ketza, who has stated he normally plays Japan but wants to improve his game as the allies. So I'm guessing I'm going up against someone who will probably be familiar with most opening strategies for Japan.

I'm limited to one port attack and have decided to really push in the PI, Borneo, and Malaya fronts. I will not be using KB at PH but instead will deploy them against the port of Manila.

Any thoughts on initial Japanes production settings would be most welcome. And if you have any "brilliant turn 1 moves" that you really enjoy please feel free to share them with me. [:)]

Just curious - has anyone tried hitting Malaya at Mersing to cut off the British forces from Singapore? I'm chewing on bombing the Singapore airfield into swiss cheese and routing my primary invasion forces into Mersing. Are there any hidden shoals to this game plan that are not obvious?

I'm also looking at jumping across the South China Sea to hit Miri, Brunei, and do a para-drop on Jesselton.

This game is really addictive btw... I find it goes well with coffee, pencils, and paper... [:D][:D]



Thanks in advance for any responses, and please wish me well on this new adventure [:)]

BJ

[Mynok]

You'll have some troubles with Force Z at Mersing this early. Better bring your big guns and some airpower. The thing is, you really don't have the fighter airpower to protect a Mersing landing until you have Khota Baru. There's a reason the Japs went there first. I do land at Mersing, but only after I have some Oscars at Khota Baru to cover it.

Isolating Singapore means you need Khota Barua and Kuching. Both of these need to be early targets. Bettys at both of these will truly isolate Singapore for your future assault.

[n01487477]

The short answer:

Must read threads & AAR's are the way to go ...
Spookie's site gives a few good initial choices here for Stock
http://mathubert.free.fr/ (newbie guide & Strategy guide)

WitpTracker or decoder for the production side - less paper and pencils - maybe more coffee!

Good luck.

[Japan]

1) I would secured both sides of Singapore (both the bases) to cut off Singapore completely. Accept your losses, I'm willing to trade those ship losses for preventing Allies of turning Singapore into a huge fortress. It will buy you time if you can secure Singapore faster. Speed is of essense, do not waste any time.

2) I would also secured Palmanbang with a Overwhelming force on Turn1 or at least before Turn4, this to make him unable of reinforcing it before you take it,  you do absolutely want to take those Oil Fields intact.

3) Don't understand why you are limited to do only 1 Air Strike the first turn, Japan could of course done multiple ports strikes if they wanted to, but decided to hit Clark Field instead.  Have you btw considered Port Striking San Diago ?

4) Secure Northern parts of Borneo, and get them established fast as Air bases.

5) Secure Islands or air bases South of the Philippines.

6) Do extensive Mining Operation around the Philippines, and deploy units to hurt any ships trying to retreat from it.

7) Initiate your China Offensive as soon as practical.

8) Secure Rabaoul, or at least Admiral island and surrounding area.

9) Secure Wake, and Midway and Jhonson if you like.

10) Start initial preparations for landings in the Allutions

11) Decide today what Aircrafts you want to use through out the war, start to prepare for Aircraft Engine Factory Expantions, then Aircraft Airframe Factory Expantions. Expand in a slow pace. 
Make a Ruff Calculation of your intended production numbers as of 1st Jan 1943 and start today (start small) with setting up for reaching your Industrial Goals of 1943. Of course, base your Military plans and logistical plans based on "what you have to do" military vice, to be able to succeed with those Industrial Goals. (Ie. how much HI do you need to capture outside Japan).  Personally I had to Capture the HI of India to be able to reach my Industrial Goals,  but now I also have Production Capacity for 600 Zeces a Month, 650 Tojos a Month, ect.  The Engines I produced already (Pools are 5000+ for Nakaima and 4000+ for Mishubishi). I don't need to make more Engines for a loooong time.   I have "overcapacity" in my Air Industry,  this means I only produce Aircrafts in total 1-2 month pr year.  This enables my HI to do other things then making Aircrafts for most of the time,  and the Engines i build during 1942.   Aigan,  how you like to o your Industry is of course you thing... but I prefere to do it this way anyway.
When playing around with the Japanese Industry, you will find that it actually has an extreme potential,  but of course you need to pay alot of Supplies for around 400 days for it to become "enormous" in size.   I had the "luck" of Capturing some 650 000 Supplies in Asnoal and Calcutta.  This, as I'm sure you can imagine did a lot for my Industry back home in Japan.



Planning is everything. I recommend you take 20-30 days before you start the game to figure out what you want to do, and how you want to do it. Make all those "strategic" decisions before you Evan start, and then adopt only if needed, or to adjust to any goolden opportunities. Keep always a strong reserve !!!
Also, WitpTracker or decoder is a must for Japan, or I would say the game is not playeble.

    

Enjoy your war!

[stuman]

 "...Have you btw considered Port Striking San Diago ? "
 
Very evil indeed. As an a newbie playing Allies, I would send many curse words your way [:)] 

[John 3rd]

We had extensive conversation and strategic discussion at the start of our The First Team AAR.  Might take a look there especially for KB usage.