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I always play as the Japanese, and there are two things about carrier vs. carrier engagements which are driving me crazy.

[1] The Yanks always get the first strike. Every time. And it can be pretty unpleasant to have to sit there and watch three waves of Dauntlesses go for my ships before I can getting anything launched.

[2] The US planes always make straight for my carriers, and no matter what my CAP levels, you can be sure that a couple of those 1000lb bombs hit their mark. But of course, when my Kates and Vals go in, what do we find? Yep, that's right, a sizable portion of the planes seem to waste their time on crappy little destroyers rather than on the carriers.

Has anyone else noticed this, or am I imagining it? Are there any tactics that would alleviate either of the above?

Hi Ardle,
so I have similar experience, but don't worry. Yanks din't get first strike ... it only looks as first. Both are simultanous (during one day phase) ... so think, that both are on its way, fist you can view Yanks strike (and all others Yanks air attacks), second Japs ... Onother way is, when your strike din't start from CV (weather, recon etc)
Matto

and if they would attack first its due to[better] radar

I'm pretty sure that it just looks like they are attacking first. I have had this phenomenon when playing short scenarios from the Allied side, too.

Because some bogeys always get through the CAP, it is imperative to use the destroyers with the best AA capabilities (and lots of them!). I at least sometimes have it that the Allied planes attack something else than a CV in my TF.

Hartmann

I have the same problem as the allies on the long campaign.
The Japs get first pick frequently. Then when my planes get their innings they often attack smaller warships. I can just hear the American strike leader now..."Okay men we haven't been able to hit those big slow carriers with even a single bomb. So the rest of you dump your bombs on that speedy little destroyer!".
It's frustrating to sat the least.