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ORIGINAL: Sugar

You might notice that the destruction of this unit in the first turn is nearly impossible, because of its high entrenchement.

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It is indeed; or at least a long taking and risky operation, since you`ll need towns with 5 supply to build the HQ-Chain at least, and with the often 2 times striking Malta-effect given seldomly.

Alltogether there`s no point in doing so: operate all bombers, an HQ and 1 para at min. to Sicily after the fall of France (a maritim bomber could also be helpfull, as well as a fighter just in case). Place at best an italian sub to block both ports of La Valetta, and attack with the med. bombers first, best with those most experienced at first to keep losses down. Blocking the port will prevent the AA from being reinforced, the med. bombers will reduce entrenchement.

If the opponent decides to help Malta with the RN, sink his ships first with your bombers and the RM, then continue the attack. Usually 2 turns of good weather are enough to get the job done; doesn`t matter if a german or italian para is taking Malta or an italian corps via amphib.. Now one could send the not needed fighters and bombers to Bengasi on foot without further costs of operating, or attack Tunesia.

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ORIGINAL: Sugar

To quote myself, as a reply to this remark: "I see Axis players in PBEM trying all the time to take Egypt without first having Malta. I think that's actually self-defeating? Or is it possible at all?"

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It is indeed; or at least a long taking and risky operation, since you`ll need towns with 5 supply to build the HQ-Chain at least, and with the often 2 times striking Malta-effect given seldomly.

Alltogether there`s no point in doing so: operate all bombers, an HQ and 1 para at min. to Sicily after the fall of France (a maritim bomber could also be helpfull, as well as a fighter just in case). Place at best an italian sub to block both ports of La Valetta, and attack with the med. bombers first, best with those most experienced at first to keep losses down. Blocking the port will prevent the AA from being reinforced, the med. bombers will reduce entrenchement.

If the opponent decides to help Malta with the RN, sink his ships first with your bombers and the RM, then continue the attack. Usually 2 turns of good weather are enough to get the job done; doesn`t matter if a german or italian para is taking Malta or an italian corps via amphib.. Now one could send the not needed fighters and bombers to Bengasi on foot without further costs of operating, or attack Tunesia.

I find it more dangerous to loose all the the troops in Libya on low supply - especially against a human opponent - than to risk an italian sub.

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ORIGINAL:
Agreed. After all if they send their Med fleet they will be sitting ducks for all those bombers sitting in Sicily. I usually place a sub, dd and maybe a HC a couple hexes away so as the UK fleet comes calling on my BB's next to Malta they get surprised and stuck for my bomber revenge next turn.