Call Me Conservative.

The last two issues we have discussed Russia's first move and the importance of Karelia. We covered the importance of attacking one of Germany's holdings in Europe along with their navy. However, I obviously did not go far enough in my assault against the Nazi's. I was too conservative.

The Gnymesis Gambit

A pleasant surprise came to the ol' mailbox here the other day from one of our courageous A&A commanders, Gnymesis. Here is his Russia One.

The most effective strategy for Russia's first turn is to attack both Ukraine and Eastern Europe in an all out blitz! Victory and holding the territories is insignificant as the allies need only hold the Axis off until their superior production takes affect. After the attack, surviving Russian fighters land in Karelia. All the remaining troops from Moscow move to Caucasus and the 8 new infantry you produced are deployed in Karelia.

Another important manuever is an attack against the northern most Japanesse territory with all available forces. This helps slow down the Japanesse landings on Asia by making them re-secure their original territories.

The German offensive the next turn should crush your units in Eastern Europe and maybe even Ukraine, but they will be unable to regain the advantage as you can counter attack again the next turn. Hopefully this will lock them into a battle of attrition similar to what actually happened in the war.

With this accomplished the Americans will soon be able to land in Western Europe and the British can reconquer North Africa. This can only happen however if the Allies are able to defend against the Japanese mainland offensive with their two new industrial complexes in India and Western China.

The whole game depends on the player's ability to hold to these strategies and secure victory. And of course on luck.

Gnymesis

P.S. The units for the opening European attack are as follows:
E.Europe: 3Inf, 1Arm, 1Ftr Germany vs. 3Inf, 2Arm, 1Ftr Russia
Ukraine: 3Inf, 2Arm, 1Ftr Germany vs. 5Inf, 1Arm, 1Ftr Russia

Commentary

The Russians have a about a 60% chance of destroying all the Germans in Eastern Europe and about a 50% chance of taking the territory. The Ukraine battle is a little tighter, with just under a 50% chance of destroying all the Germans and still salvaging the Russian fighter. However, if you are successful in destroying two German planes while keeping the Russian fighters intact you have won a great victory. Leaving Germany with only 3 Fighters to launch their assault against the British navy could be a real plus, even if you can not secure the both European territories in the first round.

Final Note: Make sure you use your own dice when rolling these battles.

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