Last time we discussed the value of Karelia for building an Allied stronghold in Europe. Without Karelia the Russians lose the ability to strike Finland, Eastern Europe and potentially Ukraine. Furthermore, the Third Reich is one step closer to Moscow. Therefore, we must consider every angle that will enable us build a strong fortification. It is turn number one. Should the Russians make an attack in Europe? If so which country?

The Value of the First Attack

Barring any variant rules Finland, Eastern Europe and Ukraine may be assaulted by the Russians in round one. Should the Russians capture any of these three territories they will achieve the following:

1) They will kill one $12 German Fighter.
2) They will add $2 to $3 to their income for at least one turn.
3) The Germans will have fewer units available to attack Karelia.

Unless the Allies are plotting some sort of exotic assault on the Japanese, I am hard pressed to find a reason not to attack one these countries in the first round. The question remains then, which one?

Does Anyone Have a Three-Sided Coin?

Preface: As a general rule, I almost always use one of my Yaks to attack the Germany Navy in the Baltic sea zone. So for the purpose of our discussions here, I will only include one Russian fighter in each of the following scenarios.

Finland is defended by 3 infantry, 1 armor and 1 fighter. The typical attacking force would be 3 infantry, 3 armor and 1 fighter. Attacking Finland has three advantages over assaulting Eastern Europe and Ukraine.

1) If the Red Army has any surviving armor, they are somewhat protected from a German counter-attack.
2) Although the value of Finland is 2 ipcs, 1 ipc less than the other two options, it should remain in Russian hands throughout the remainder of the game. Unlike, Eastern Europe and Ukraine which can be contested for most of a game.
3) A successful assault on Finland gives the British and the Americans an immediate drop-off point for delivering troops into Europe. Without taking Finland the "Atlantic Transport System" may have to wait one or two precious rounds, before having a place to deliver land units.

Eastern Europe, like Finland, is defended by 3 infantry, 1 armor and 1 fighter. Once again, the usual Red Army attacking force is 3 infantry, 3 armor and 1 fighter. The pros:

1) It blocks the Germans from bringing 3 armor from Germany and Southern Europe for an all out assault on Karelia.
2) It prevents the Germans from landing fighters in Eastern Europe at the end of round one as a defense against another Russian assault, thereby weakening Germany's position in this vital country.

Ukraine, Germany's eastern most territory, is defended by 3 infantry, 2 armor and 1 fighter. The Red Army's normal fighting force available to challenge the Ukrainians is 8 infantry, 3 armor and 1 fighter. Advantages:

1) The odds. With 5 extra infantry, the Russians have a much greater chance of capturing this prize.
2) Although the Germans do have one more armor in defense of Ukraine, I consider this more of an invitation to destroy the units there, than to allow that extra armor to escape.
3) The number of surviving Russian attackers may make it difficult for the Wehrmacht to counter-attack without risking precious armor.

If the Ukraine is the target of the assault, remember to protect yourself against the worst. Should 1 Ukraine armor survive, you had better make sure there is an infantry in Caucasus to prevent a blitz right into Moscow!

Through German Eyes

I believe all three first round attack options have merit and the final choice for deciding which country to attack rests in the playing style of the individual. I cannot argue conclusively that one approach is better than another. Maybe someone else can. So which country do I attack in round one? I made my choice based more on my experience as a German player rather than as the Russian player.

If Russia attacks Finland, I have only lost an almost worthless group of units. It seems to be the destiny of these units to die. And although I have lost 2 IPCs in Finland I may temporarily be able to increase my income by capturing Caucasus.

An aggressive Red Army assault against Eastern Europe can be daunting. Hopefully, I will be able to destroy the Russian armor used in the attack without risking much of my own armor. (See the article below for more details).

That leaves Ukraine. If the Russians do well in Ukraine, then I become nervous. To retake Ukraine, I may have to use precious panzers or luftwaffe to insure victory in recapturing the territory. An overwhelming victory by the Russians may push me into a defensive mode, where I put off any assault on Ukraine altogether. Therefore, when I play Russia, Ukraine is usually my primary target in round one.

Good Day Warriors!
Bozorq

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