Many Allied strategies revolve around pounding the Germans into submission and simply putting road blocks in the path of Japan's march through Asia. The goals behind a Japan First strategy are as follows:

* Push the Japanese land units off the Asian mainland.
* Tie a tourniquet around Japan's cash flow.
* Destroy the imperial navy, preventing the delivery of troops into Asia.
* Offer limited resistance to Germany's expansion.

I can offer no guarantees of victory using this strategy, just a fresh new look at the game. As with all war plans, you must be flexible and willing to change with the enemy's moves, successes, and failures.

Russia Drops the Gauntlet

In the first round the Allies must aggressivly attempt remove the Japanese presence from the Asian mainland. The Russians open in the following manner:

* Russia makes the standard purchase: $24 for 8 Infantry in Karelia (or Russia).
* All the forces in Soviet Far East and Yakut combine with the Russian fighter to attack Manchuria. 5 Inf, 1Arm, 1Ftr attack 3Inf, 1Ftr. In an effort to secure China, you may consider landing the fighter in China instead of Yakut.
* On the European front, the Russians should consider making the conservative attack against Finland trying to spare the Russian armor while still killing a German fighter.
* An attack on the Germany navy might also be considered.
* During non-combat, the Soviets should move the infantry from Evenki to Yakut, reinforce Karelia and the add their naval units to British navy around England. * Note: In some Japan First strategies the Russians vacate Europe (including Karelia) in favor of sending more armor to the East.

Germany and England

There is no absolute way to predict what the Germans will do. If Karelia is well fortified, then generally the German will attempt to destroy the Allied navy, capture turf in Europe and make a push in Africa. We'll assume that they were moderately successful in achieving their ojectives.

Since the Americans will be unable to aid the British in building a navy, the English will probably have to forego any naval units in favor of two fighters. The fighters can be used to help defend Karelia and eventually they may be used against Japan in the third round.

The main drama of British combat will be a high risk assault against Kwantung. Using the fighter and the 2 infantry from India the Brits will land in Kwantung. 2 infantry, 1 fighter attacks the 2 defending infantry. If completely successful, the Japanese will lose another $3 territory and they will be down to just one country on the mainland. The British fighter could land in China (or Yakut) joining the Americans and the Russians. With 2 infantry and 3 fighters China should be secure from assualt, especially considering Japan's troubles along the coast line.

During non-combat the Royal airforce in Britain should land in Karelia or Russia, depending on Russia's intentions for the next round.

The Yanks are Coming...

Your guess is as good as mine, as to what the Japanese will do. If the Russians and the British have been successful in their assignments the Americans should pursue the following.

* Purchase four submarines on the West Coast or 2 submarines and an IC in either Alaska or China. An IC in Alaska would allow the U.S. to build bombers that can reach the Japan sea zone and return back to Alaska in just one more round. Although probably a higher risk, the IC may have more impact in China, allowing you to build more land units, fighter or bombers that can directly impact the mainland or the coastline.
* If attacked, the U.S. Navy and Air Force should counterattack the Japanese in Hawaii. If they were not attacked, you can send the fighter from Carrier in Hawaii to China.
* If the US still has infantry in Sinkiang, they could either reinforce China or take some cheap land from the Japanese. Japan's holdings should dictate this choice.
* Non-combat moves should be focused on reinforcing the West Coast, not Europe.

Building to a Confrontation

Depending on the odds the Russians may consider another assault on Manchuria. Build up in Karelia should be weighed againt sending more troops to the east. British planes should move to reinforce China.

The Germans will continue to expand almost unchecked. With a few Allied resources in Africa, Rommel should be on a roll. The German ipc total could be in the high 30s, may be even in the 40s.

On the other hand, Japan should be struggling just to gain a foothold on the mainland. The imperialist's anxiety should be growing.

The United States can now position themselves for an all out assault against the Japanese sea zone. The Pacific navy should sail to Alaska within striking distance of Japan. If a territory for landing is available in Asia (China or Yakut) the U.S. can purchase 2 bombers in W.US to add more punch to the coming assault. Or if an IC was purchased for China or Alaska, then adjust your purchases appropriatly.

Fast Forward...

Unless blockaded the U.S. could be able to launch an all out assault on the Japanese sea zone. Maximum force this round (depending on earlier purchases): 5 subs, 1 transport, 4 fighters, 3 bombers, 1 aircraft carrier, and 1 battleship. If the British have been sending planes to China, then they can follow with 5 fighters and 1 bomber. If Japan has abandoned the sea zone, then the main Japan island can be blockaded!

More ICs in Alaska, China, India, or Sinkiang may be considered to enhance the flow of units against the Japanese. Once the Japanese are pounded into submission, the Allies still have a major task ahead of them against a very strong Germany. However, in a twist, much of the support may come from the East instead of the West. This may reduce the need for an Allied Atlantic Navy saving precious IPCs.

Success?

If you catch the Japanese player unable to prepare a solid response to an agressive Allied punch, then a Japan First approach will be devasting. However, you must also be flexible and adaptable in your successes and failures against both Japan and Germany. Don't forsake opportunity or the Russian defense just for the sake of implenting a new game plan. Most of all, walk through the above ideas on your own, making changes as you see fit.

Good Luck!

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