Matrix Games Forums

I sometimes try to pursue alternative strategies just to change things up and make it more interesting — not necessarily because they will be winning strategies, but just because it can be fun to have different goals and approaches to the game.

What are some alternative strategies you've used before, or ones that you haven't tested out that could be interesting? (Note, this is for PBEM, not against the AI.)

For example, a few I've tried recently are for the Axis to max out on diplomacy against the Soviets to keep them out of the war and put all energy against the UK. It nearly worked, but I couldn't get the UK to surrender before the Soviets came in so I was a little weak on the Eastern Front! By the end of the game, I had all of the British Isles and the capital had moved to Alexandria but the Soviets were breaking through in Poland and I couldn't hold them back.

Another time, as the Allies I liberated Norway as soon as it was taken by the Germans. It might have been more effective if my opponent didn't also invade France ahead of schedule! It didn't work out in the long run, but I had an interesting North Sea Alliance going on for awhile.

I only play against the AI.

1. In the 39 scenario, let the allies go first. This means moving the Germans away and then back to their original positions so the AI doesn't immediately play them when you load to play the Allies. There's probably another way of doing that, but it works. It turns out to be not very competitive, but it was fun.

2. Holding the Russians from activating and have the Axis invade the US. It's not hard to beat the US but, of course, you don't have to worry about the Russians.

3. Then, with Russia not activating, build everything, activate everything, and, when you're ready, invade Russia. Figure out how to do it so the Russians fall the fastest possible.

4. Variant of that, don't take Moscow until you control every single hex on the map except Moscow. (Did it once, its kind of boring after a while. )

5. Set the scripts and starting conditions in the Allies favor except don't allow Russia or the US to activate. Germany against France and the UK only.

6. Set all the scripts in the Allies favor and just see how long Poland can last.

You can see why I only do these against the AI.