Slitherine

quote:

ORIGINAL: thomasharvey
It appears the Japanese player is dong the right thing. You only have a few turns to get as much ground as possible. In history the Japanese were stopped at the Battle of Midway in June of 42. In this scenario it could be sooner if your carriers are sunk sooner.

One thing both sides should do. Always hide the location of your carriers. Do not let the other side know where they are. Do not brag about their exploits which gives away their positions. Keep them guessing. They really should only be spotted when they are near enemy ships or bases. Therefore, when moving from one side of the map to the other keep them well out of the way. When the other side has no idea where your main striking force is they must be ready everywhere. When the enemy carriers are not located for a few turns it creates fear in the other player thinking you are up to something.

quote:

ORIGINAL: thomasharvey
Another concept to follow in my view is to keep your major carriers in one group. In history the US fleet operated with the carriers in individual task forces that did not support each other. Later they learned to keep them together for maximum defense support and maximum striking power.

The Japanese should do the same. Keep the 6 carriers together that struck Pearl Harbor and move them around hidden as much as possible. Strike and then move away as soon as possible. If you spot the American carriers then go for a killing blow to take his out. If the Americans lose their carriers early the Japanese player can then overrun much more territory.

Even after the Japanese lose their advantage in carrier power, they still have the Bettys and the Nells. With their long range and torpedo ability they are great on the defensive. The only problem is they get shot down easily, especially if no fighter escort is sent. The allied player must assume he could be attacked by the Bettys at any time. So be ready.

In all attacks, send the largest strike force as possible which will increase results and reduce losses.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chattez
Be sure you garrison all the islands you capture--even with just a small unit; otherwise
later the Marines will land and take them back on one turn, at no cost. After that, they
may land aircraft on them, which will give their ships cover if they choose to advance their fleets.

Late in the war this may not make much difference, as their fleets by then might have enough
carrier planes to make their fleets safe. But in the first couple of years of the war,
denying their fleets any land-based cover will prevent their fleets from operating in forward areas.