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Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr Game over :-)

 
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Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr Game over :-) - 1/25/2015 4:10:45 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Hi all after a few years of playing I thought this time I would create an AAR for this game.

Game: DBB Scenario 2 with stacking Limits

HRs: very little, no restricted units moving without paying pps, altitude limits over the 3 years(initially 20K in 41/42 and no night bombing of airfields.

Opponent: Wargmr: A truly wonderful opponent who is sharp, committed and very well detailed in his planning. Our first game is still ongoing and despite the occasional sting I have delivered to him, his ability to manoeuvre around my strong points has cost me the war (China ahhhh). To illustrate the spirit in which the original game has been played, there has not been one dispute between us throughout the entirety of the war which is close to being in 45.
I have no doubt he will commence planning his counter attacks almost immediately. His attention to detail and planning I believe are very formidable.

Concept of Ops: Having played this game for a few years now as the rising sun, I am convinced that to remain competitive in the war, heavy blows have to be delivered in the first 12 months. Only by destroying significant amounts of Allied material will you amass sufficient points to starve off the inevitable slaughter of 44/45.

The additional units in Sce 2 will allow me to exert additional pressure on the Allies without compromising the overall war effort. Singapore and the Philippines will be bypassed and I intend to sail into either Sydney Harbour, Alaska or Karachi within the first 30-40 days of the war (I have identified the one but all will be revealed). China will of course be smashed.

Updates: My IT skills are very average and I am quite time poor. The AAR will be updated in bursts as we progress.

Banzai









< Message edited by njp72 -- 8/8/2016 1:22:22 AM >
Post #: 1
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 9:30:06 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		China

Northern China is particularly vulnerable at the commencement of war and a western thrust towards Sian is very difficult to stop.

Once we hit clear terrain the Chinese ability to resist will decrease dramatically.

Key objectives will be Sian and Lanchow in the first 2 to 3 months.




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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 9:56:59 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		DEI

3 initial stages all of which need to be completed prior to New Years 42.

Greatest danger is during stage 1 until air bases can be secured for air cover and search.

Furthermore PoW and Repulse escaped undamaged during the commencement of hostilities which is always a concern. They are convoy killers.

Regardless there will be sufficient naval assets in place to ensure the key protection of the troops :-)




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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 12:12:02 PM   
Lowpe


Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline 		Go for Alaska, pretty please!


(in reply to njp72)
Post #: 4
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 12:55:54 PM   
obvert


Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline 		Looking forward to it. I would say also that looking from his AAR side you're a formidable Japanese player!

One thing I question is the statement about planting heavy blows on the Allied side to stave off later Allied success. I tried that too and in my first long game got into mid-45 but ended up running low on fuel and supply which doomed the game to a historical end, more or less.

If you're planing to try to get to 46 what about simply hitting hard and fast in the historical range of conquests and then building an active and reactive defense? One thing certain players have done (that I haven't mastered) is the ability to counter invade and stop Allied progress. PzB was very good at this and recently I think Mr Kane had some success with simply stopping cold some Allied invasions through quick reaction with heavy force. The prep of the Allied forces is an achilles heel if you can stop him in a big one somewhere unexpected.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on it anyway.

< Message edited by obvert -- 1/25/2015 2:09:46 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 5
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 1:29:29 PM   
Lowpe


Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Looking forward to it. I would say also that looking from his AAR side you're a formidable Japanese player!

Agree!

One thing I question is the statement about planting heavy blows on the Allied side to stave off later Allied success. I tried that too and in my first long game got into mid-45 but ended up running low on fuel and supply which doomed the game to a historical end, more or less.

Thanks to you, we now have a much better scenario one guideline of supplies, resources, oil and fuel to shoot for during the game! You were pretty much blind, as I can remember July 43 posts in your AAR about your levels & seeking advice and it was pretty much no one knew what levels to shoot for!



(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 6
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 11:21:05 PM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Lol, that is a big ask but it does offer possibilities and excitement!

It does leave the DEI a little exposed though :-)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Go for Alaska, pretty please!




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Post #: 7
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 11:29:27 PM   
Lowpe


Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline 		Actually, given your house rules, go for Canada too. Restricted Allies can't cross borders, perhaps you can get auto victory? Somebody did the math once, and it is doable I believe.

Canada is really weak, and while you are there, trash the Boeing factory in a surprise KB strike. If you were to divert the KB there after Pearl, you might even catch a lone carrier. So many positives.

You would be my hero!

(in reply to njp72)
Post #: 8
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/25/2015 11:35:53 PM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Thanks Gents, your comments and thoughts are very welcomed.

I learnt a considerable amount from Obvert's wonderful AAR. I learnt too late what Obvert was already telling anyone who was smart enough to listen- it is not about HI but supply.

Due to my crumbling supply situation in my first game I decided not to defend to far forward but fight around the Home Islands where I thought I had a chance- logistically anyway.

I think the best defence is one in depth that has strong points with local reserves based slightly in the rear beyond observation. Wargmr is a very clever player who will simply move around any identified positions which are too strongly held.

I will have to do a far better job of holding onto the oil as well this game (oil = supply).

As to landing heavy blows. I believe if good allied players remain largely untouched into 43 the chances of putting together a credible defence diminishes greatly. By putting enormous pressure on the Allies early on, I am hoping he has to expose some of his critical assets (CVs) and even a lucky I-Boat can then have a strategic impact :-)

Just my thoughts.




quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe


quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Looking forward to it. I would say also that looking from his AAR side you're a formidable Japanese player!

Agree!

One thing I question is the statement about planting heavy blows on the Allied side to stave off later Allied success. I tried that too and in my first long game got into mid-45 but ended up running low on fuel and supply which doomed the game to a historical end, more or less.

Thanks to you, we now have a much better scenario one guideline of supplies, resources, oil and fuel to shoot for during the game! You were pretty much blind, as I can remember July 43 posts in your AAR about your levels & seeking advice and it was pretty much no one knew what levels to shoot for!





(in reply to Lowpe)
Post #: 9
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 5:53:40 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		I had a good laugh at that comment :-)

If I could accomplish the objectives as stated below I would be my own hero :-)

Alas the die is cast, the rubicon has been crossed, the fleets are D+4 now so we will just have to wait until they pop up ;-)

Probably in around 20-25 days.



quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Actually, given your house rules, go for Canada too. Restricted Allies can't cross borders, perhaps you can get auto victory? Somebody did the math once, and it is doable I believe.

Canada is really weak, and while you are there, trash the Boeing factory in a surprise KB strike. If you were to divert the KB there after Pearl, you might even catch a lone carrier. So many positives.

You would be my hero!


(in reply to Lowpe)
Post #: 10
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 8:49:14 AM   
Yaab


Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline 		Do you have a house rule for strategic bombing in China?

(in reply to njp72)
Post #: 11
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 8:54:47 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Welcome aboard Yaab

Nope, but I tend not to do it. I will pretty much have China where I want it by the end of 42 without committing any additional assets nor strat bombing.

I intend to unleash the fury elsewhere :-)

cheers


quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

Do you have a house rule for strategic bombing in China?


(in reply to Yaab)
Post #: 12
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 9:56:22 AM   
obvert


Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: njp72

Welcome aboard Yaab

Nope, but I tend not to do it. I will pretty much have China where I want it by the end of 42 without committing any additional assets nor strat bombing.

I intend to unleash the fury elsewhere :-)

cheers


quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

Do you have a house rule for strategic bombing in China?




Not sure what version or mod your last game was using, but if it was stock and you're moving to DBB with SL now it could be a different case in China. If Wargmr can get to spots and set up in x3 China can be very tough on the Japanese. It's not impossible but it might be tougher with the SL if you're using most free troops elsewhere. That all depends on how your opponent defends, though.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 13
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 12:15:35 PM   
Lowpe


Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: njp72

Nope, but I tend not to do it. I will pretty much have China where I want it by the end of 42 without committing any additional assets nor strat bombing.

I intend to unleash the fury elsewhere :-)



Rethink that, I think. If you play for a relatively quiet China, and let it build strength constantly it will be tough, very tough. You can trash a lot of industry pretty quickly and that should slow the buildup.

(in reply to njp72)
Post #: 14
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 7:05:21 PM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Thanks Obvert

My last couple of game have been with SL DBB and thus I have an appreciation of how it is considerably tougher than stock.

The other factor is Wargmr is a far better player than the previous game and hence he won't repeat the same mistakes around Sian as last time.

In saying that I am still confident of breaking through into the plains by early 43 through the current forces at my disposal, some additional armour units from Manchuria and some moderate air support.

Actually taking the capital is another question entirely and last time I baulked at the heavy losses required. I suspect this time I will need to harden up and take it :-)


quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert


quote:

ORIGINAL: njp72

Welcome aboard Yaab

Nope, but I tend not to do it. I will pretty much have China where I want it by the end of 42 without committing any additional assets nor strat bombing.

I intend to unleash the fury elsewhere :-)

cheers


quote:

ORIGINAL: Yaab

Do you have a house rule for strategic bombing in China?




Not sure what version or mod your last game was using, but if it was stock and you're moving to DBB with SL now it could be a different case in China. If Wargmr can get to spots and set up in x3 China can be very tough on the Japanese. It's not impossible but it might be tougher with the SL if you're using most free troops elsewhere. That all depends on how your opponent defends, though.


(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 15
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/26/2015 7:08:57 PM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Have no fear it will not be quiet. :-)

Assaulting and capturing the capital will present a formidable challenge though.

I have found the real problem in China is when Commonwealth and US forces get into the mix. Stopping them and their armour is a nightmare.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe


quote:

ORIGINAL: njp72

Nope, but I tend not to do it. I will pretty much have China where I want it by the end of 42 without committing any additional assets nor strat bombing.

I intend to unleash the fury elsewhere :-)



Rethink that, I think. If you play for a relatively quiet China, and let it build strength constantly it will be tough, very tough. You can trash a lot of industry pretty quickly and that should slow the buildup.



(in reply to Lowpe)
Post #: 16
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 8:58:54 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		DEI Part 2

The object here is to hit the DEI from two opposite sides and then squeeze like a grape :-)
In previous games the campaign is largely over just before new year's eve. I am using paratroopers to seize undefended airfields which quickens the advance.
So far I haven't sighted any of his SAGs but before the amphib taskforces enter the immediate AO they have already ben swept by air and my owns SAGs.

I sense the ships to the left of the map are potentially some half decent high value targets that are worth targeting by naval and air assets. This turn we caught an AS and Langley and I believe sunk both :-)






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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 9:17:48 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		DEI Part 3

The third part of squeezing and placing additional pressure on the DEI.

Resistance has been very light thus far (non existent) which does me make me tempted to move straight down and seize Darwin.

To be safe I will set up a decent navy search capability (likely Ambon) to confirm there is no likely navy ambushes about to be sprung.

The taskforces have enough firepower to see off all threats barring a surprise appearance of PoW or Repulse.




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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 11:54:23 AM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		Since you have all of KB in the DEI/SRA, the capture of Horn Island will seal off the east. Then, capture both Koepang and Denpasar with the landing of Air HQs will seal off the southern part of the area. You can backfill after these outpost are yours, IMO.

_____________________________


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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 4:19:06 PM   
pontiouspilot


Posts: 1127
Joined: 7/27/2012
Status: offline 		I agree with your overall strategy. Go big in 1st year or go home. Don't get sucked into tying to keep the far flung pieces too long. As far as I could see the only error, or maybe bad luck, you had in Round 1 was letting your carriers get ambushed off Aust so far from home. I never would have thought that there was anything in Aust worth having the carriers down that far south! That changed the entire tone and direction of that game.

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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 4:32:49 PM   
Lowpe


Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline 		Like your map graphics.

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Post #: 21
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 8:04:28 PM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Thanks I was thinking about that option and does make good sense. I will allocate some forces to it.

KB is currently transiting back from the Pearl Harbour strike but the Allied Orbat is so weak at this stage of the war KB light should be able to provide sufficient protection.




quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Since you have all of KB in the DEI/SRA, the capture of Horn Island will seal off the east. Then, capture both Koepang and Denpasar with the landing of Air HQs will seal off the southern part of the area. You can backfill after these outpost are yours, IMO.


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Post #: 22
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/28/2015 8:13:59 PM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Thank you I am definitely not going to die wondering this game :-)

Completely agree, I don't intend to be get fixed in place at any particular location.

Wargmr is a tough opponent and I have a strong sense he knows that I am coming so it will be difficult to trap him.

Also when he took on KB in late 42 he demonstrated a very good understanding of calculated risk. Losing that battle stop me cold and also reinforced to me not to have KB too exposed in late 42. I won't be making that mistake again :-)




quote:

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I agree with your overall strategy. Go big in 1st year or go home. Don't get sucked into tying to keep the far flung pieces too long. As far as I could see the only error, or maybe bad luck, you had in Round 1 was letting your carriers get ambushed off Aust so far from home. I never would have thought that there was anything in Aust worth having the carriers down that far south! That changed the entire tone and direction of that game.


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Post #: 23
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/29/2015 9:12:17 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Pacific Update

Swinging back towards the central pacific after the Pearl Harbour strike (I hate BBs), KB stopped off to provide distant support/air cover for the Baker/Canton Islands invasion force.

I suspected there would be US surface forces about and possibly a US carrier and hence set a small trap. Using a small amphib taskforce which had been spotted I tried to draw out his ships before I hit him in the flank with KB.

To my surprise a carrier was present but Wargmr is used to my tricks, smelt a rat and bugged out.




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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/29/2015 9:24:12 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Pacific Update Part 2

Of course he then proceeded to run directly over my sub picket line and become a sitting duck for SS1-9.

And from this notable engagement the first forcibly nominated Kamikaze pilot (CDR Kondo) is born and now quietly awaiting his fate.

Most likely a midget boat captain or I will be driving his I Boat into a very dense Allied minefield.

AHHHHHHHHH!




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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/30/2015 7:23:15 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		First sign of actually resistance on Day 8.

About 50 Allied a/c were destroyed today by CAP as they sortied against various amphip taskforces.

Also sighted today and engaged one of his SAGs which have been strangely quiet. The destroyer sqns are doing their job of sweeping the dangerous areas before the amphib taskforces arrive.

Whilst they don't have enough firepower (unless a lucky torpedo strikes home) to sink some of his heavier ships, they will still force his taskforces to return home and replenish ammo.

Now as long as PoW and Repulse don't show up next turn, a number of important bases should start to fall including Rabaul.

Lex unfortunately got away. :-(





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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 1/31/2015 6:38:39 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Strategy Update

So far everything tracking reasonably to plan after the first 10 days. Allied losses are a little lighter than I hoped and I would have loved to bag the Lex, but on the flip side we are roughly on schedule.

We will have secured those objectives circled on the map before the start of 42.

I expect the main event to commence in the first week of Jan. Allied units in Malaysia will continue to be herded down into Singapore and the Philippines pretty much ignored.

I suspect it will start to look quite obvious where I am headed but doing something to stop me in Jan 42 will not be easy :-)







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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 2/1/2015 5:13:56 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		The Jig is up-20th Dec 41

Ironically just like in the movie's namesake, we came out of light speed a little bit too close to Hoth (sorry Rabaul).

I suspect he managed to glimpse about a third of the Spanish Armada but that would be enough to give him kittens. He has done a good job with his recon aircraft and I don't think I have fooled him with my feints.

Right about now I suspect every ground unit Wargmr has in Oz is headed to Sydney and digging in.

My plan will be to take every city in OZ except Sydney which I will burn to the ground from the air. His surface fleets have completely disappeared and since I no longer need stealth, I will accelerate everything by an additional week.

Darwin was seized today with minimal resistance.






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RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 2/1/2015 6:34:13 AM   
paradigmblue

 

Posts: 784
Joined: 9/16/2014
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Status: offline 		Wow, I'm impressed by your aggressive timeline. What you've accomplished in two weeks is significant.

(in reply to njp72)
Post #: 29
RE: Empire strikes back- NJP vs Wargmr (no wargmr) - 2/1/2015 7:42:25 AM   
njp72

 

Posts: 1372
Joined: 9/20/2008
Status: offline 		Thank you

I think bypassing the Philippines and only committing limited forces to Singapore can really accelerate things.

I believe the next two weeks look pretty good as the major amphib forces have now married up with their surface and air cover.

Historically if the Allies are really going to cause me grief it is usually in the first fourteen days when a number of my forces are dispersed and lacking mutual support.

I have attached the int screen. Interestingly he has only lost one major warship (Arizona at Pearl), the rest being AKs, AKLs and tankers. I am reasonably certain very little escaped from the PI except subs and his actual ship losses are over a hundred.



quote:

ORIGINAL: paradigmblue

Wow, I'm impressed by your aggressive timeline. What you've accomplished in two weeks is significant.






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