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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR)

 
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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 4:27:31 AM   
composer99


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If memory serves you can promote but one unit per combat to a GBA. If you kill an HQ-A, though, and take no losses for it, it usually means the 12-5 ARM is coming on the map.

Mmm-mmm good.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 4:41:16 AM   
Klydon


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I think you have to be very careful as far as what you have an AI do.

While Brian may have been "all in" on an attack on the HQ, there are other players that perhaps felt it wasn't a good idea as it potentially exposes a lot of Russian units to quite a bit of German firepower (IE, the HQ was bait; expensive bait, but bait none the less). Getting a AI to "take the bait" is a old trick and if the AI responds in a predictable fashion, it is not a very strong AI in this case.

To me, there are three courses of action here that could be taken and all have their merits.

First is the "all in attacK" as mentioned.

Second is the "suicide attack" that someone else mentioned. Essentially, just a few units would be risked for a low odds attack with the idea of having a good opportunity to kill the HQ even if it means becoming disorganized and/or taking losses. The small attacking force is essentially written off, but as long as they get the job done, then the mission was a success.

Third is not taking the risk of attacking because of the 30% chance of a massive disorganization. The Russians are still in the game for as long as they have a fairly large army intact and buy enough time to get their factories out. The way they lose is experiencing the German meat grinder by exposing a lot of their units in unfavorable situations.

I personally would not blow the O-chit this early either. It isn't going to get replaced anytime soon on the Russian side. I don't recall the status of O-chits for the Allies at this point either.

Ideally from a AI standpoint of view, the Russians would "mix it up" and have a random chance at each course of action so as not to be too predictable to "bait" traps on the part of a player.

(in reply to composer99)
Post #: 1742
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:49:02 AM   
Red Prince


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I've actually decided not to bother with a closer look at the German disposition of forces. You can see basically where they are, and you can obviously tell that the larger number of Axis units is moving toward Leningrad, rather than Smolensk.

The one thing I do want to show you is the Archangel thing. Unless that 5-3 moves east, as suggested, or stays where it is, Archangel can be cut off in 2 Land impulses by taking Valogda. The second move would put the 5-4 INF OOS and flipped, but the Soviets have no units in the area to counter this move. They have to rail units either to Valogda or Archangel, probably both.

About that 5-3, the move to the east makes it easy for the Finns to put him OOS unless/until Yeremenko gets within range. It's the right move, but if the North retreats (as it should) back to Leningrad and with this move, I think the Germans might wait another impulse before bringing up the air force. The retreat would create the opportunity Germany wants on Pskov and Novgorod.




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Post #: 1743
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:54:17 AM   
Red Prince


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Okay, one slightly better view of the Northern Frontier:
-----
Edit: The better move might be to leave the 6-3 in place and rail someone else to Leningrad. That means Pskov can't be attacked by overwhelming forces and/or Novgorod is safe for another impulse, at least.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Red Prince -- 1/28/2012 6:56:13 AM >


_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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Post #: 1744
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 8:02:32 AM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

Okay, one slightly better view of the Northern Frontier:
-----
Edit: The better move might be to leave the 6-3 in place and rail someone else to Leningrad. That means Pskov can't be attacked by overwhelming forces and/or Novgorod is safe for another impulse, at least.




The 1 hex attack on Novgorod isn't a good attack for the Germans. The 6-3 is better than any other unit you might get into Leningrad. And whatever other unit you were going to rail into Leningrad can find useful employment elsewhere. The more German units that go north the better (if I were playing the USSR). The unit in Pskov was meant to die a long time ago. That he has survived this long is a minor miracle.

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Perfection is an elusive goal.

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Post #: 1745
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 8:24:59 AM   
Red Prince


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I'm not there yet, but I'm curious if a Ground Strike attempt with a 3-factor LND-4 on Rundstedt and an 8-5 ARM is worth risking +3/-3 odds in the enemy's favor. I normally wouldn't, but I don't know if some might feel otherwise.

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Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1746
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 8:38:59 AM   
Red Prince


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

I'm not there yet, but I'm curious if a Ground Strike attempt with a 3-factor LND-4 on Rundstedt and an 8-5 ARM is worth risking +3/-3 odds in the enemy's favor. I normally wouldn't, but I don't know if some might feel otherwise.

Forget this. I forgot that I could try the same thing with the 4-factor ART across the river with no interception chance to screw things up. Yes, it disorganizes the ART, but if it works, it's worth it.

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Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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Post #: 1747
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 8:45:26 AM   
Red Prince


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And here is the reason I took on the FTR-2 with my FTR-3 last impulse . . . using up that German FTR allowed Brussels to be bombed unhindered, and flying a night mission to Cologne used up the last German FTR-2 in the region. There's still a CW LND with 3 factors and one of these USA bombers is going to be reorganized at the end of the impulse -- with several multi-target hexes within range of both bombers.

If you want to talk about luck, how about 4 Production Points destroyed in 5 bombing raids (a 6th was aborted), with 4 of those raids using 2-3 factor LND? The odds favor only 2 PP lost so far, and the Germans are likely to lose as many as 7 PP this turn. They may be getting lucky with attacks, but they are getting very unlucky when it comes to Production.




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_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

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Post #: 1748
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 8:56:00 AM   
Red Prince


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I made the strike against Rundstedt, and while I would have preferred the numbers to roll the other way, I'll take the result. That's one less blitzing attacker to worry about, and it clogs up a hex that would be very useful for the Germans to be able to use for attacks.

Probably this wasn't the smartest setup for these units, but it was intended to prevent Rundstedt from being attacked directly. With so many units committed to Kiev (no armor, due to the AT there), I had to move these up toward the front if I wanted to take an Air Action next impulse. I probably should have swapped the ARM for the MOT when setting this up, but that could still have led to a desperate attack by the Soviets. Besides, I simply forgot about the ART being able to bombard. I had him under FTR cover, but it didn't matter. Chalk up a mistake for the Germans.




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_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

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Post #: 1749
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 9:08:33 AM   
Red Prince


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The Persian Front:

This is what I have so far. I think it's the best I can do. I could shift the MTN Division to Tabriz, but I would hate to leave Zhukov alone in that hex.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Red Prince -- 1/28/2012 9:09:15 AM >


_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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Post #: 1750
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 9:25:51 AM   
Red Prince


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince


quote:

ORIGINAL: lomyrin

I would have aimed the German north foirces at Smolensk and merely have a few guarding units towards the Leningrad area. Once Germans have broken out to the east of Smolensk the entire southern Dnieper position would be untenable for the Russians and they would have to fall back towards their cities to the east. German units moving south from Smolensk ccan unravel the entire Dnieper defences.

That's still the basic goal of this maneuver. The problem I've got is that I really don't have enough units to screen a flank this large. The benefit of going North is that I can get around behind the Northern front with Mannerheim using that rail line. At most, I need 3 units to completely block Leningrad and maintain the rail connection. Once Leningrad is screened, if the Soviets don't start a retreat toward Moscow, they're going to have major problems.

This move is also an attempt to force the Soviets to start railing a few units to Archangel, since they've sent 2 factories there (for the sake of lend-lease). If they don't do that soon, they'll have to place reinforcements there, and they might not be the right ones.

What - Archangel? The distance from Leningrad to the nearest rail hex leading to Archangel is 10 hexes (as the Bf 109 flies). That rail line is not in danger. And I don't see how the Germans are going to maintain supply to any units that go wandering that far afield.

I agree with Peter to move the 5-3 on the Svir one hex east and move the Mil back into Leningrad. I would put two Inf (11 factors) next to the disorganized 5-3 in the swamp to keep him in supply. [EDIT: those units go due east of the 5-3 so they can only be attacked from 1 hex]. If the Germans want to attack him, they will have to get a lot of strength points against him. Since the Germans didn't move up next to the Russians in a lot of places, you have ample opportunity to tweak your line. Only retreat from the clear hex (as Peter said).

In Persia I would fall back to the optimal 4 (eventually 5) hex front. I would move Zhukov into the front line - his 16 factors really makes Axis attacks much more dangerous for the Axis. The corner hex should be the only hex that can be attacked from 2 hexsides so it has to get the better units.

I've basically done all of this. I still need to do my adjustments on the Dnieper line, but it'll look mostly the same (except for Timoshenko moving toward the rails).

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1751
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 9:37:55 AM   
Red Prince


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Minus the full flyouts, here's what I've got on the Dnieper River line:




Attachment (1)

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Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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Post #: 1752
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 9:44:48 AM   
Red Prince


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And in the North:




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Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

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Post #: 1753
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 10:12:05 AM   
Red Prince


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This impulse saw the USA clear out the Japanese holding force from The Solomans, as well as a restrucutring of convoy lines and fleet movements toward India. Also, 2 cruisers sailed into the North Sea to extract the invading divisions, now that Alexander has landed.

The CW landed 3 more land units in India and sent another in that direction. While the Americans took their troops out of Denmark, a TRS set sail to deliver an INF Division and a Motorized ENG to the North Sea. They'll debark into Denmark next impulse.

Russia rebased 3 LND into better positions to provide support to both the Persian and Dnieper front lines, railed the Tashkent MIL to Vologda, and tried to improve its defenses all around.

At the end of the impulse, HQ-A Eisenhower reorganized a LND and 2 TRS. The LND will have another chance to hurt the German economy, and the transports will head back to the East Coast to pick up 2 more bombers ASAP.
-----




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Red Prince)
Post #: 1754
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 10:20:47 AM   
Red Prince


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A sneak peek at what the Axis has planned:

Germany and Italy: Combined Actions

While it will mean that reorganizing the LND already near the front lines won't be possible, this gives me the chance to rebase 5-6 aircraft (out of the 10 or so behind the lines), make a hopefully crushing attack on Pskov, and also sail out a massive (combined forces) SUB fleet to the N. Atlantic in an attempt to break the convoy lines the Allies have been so carefully setting up. They've had to run through the North Atlantic because they still don't have enough convoys to get the job done by way of the Canadian Coast. This also gives Italy a chance to rebase 3 air units into more favorable positions.

Japan: Land Action

While the weather in the Philippines is going to slow down the progress toward Manila, Kunming is finally in position to be eliminated (Japan hopes). This should also allow the final Siberian resources to end up in Japanese hands.
-----
That's the plan, anyway. We'll see how it works out later this morning. I'm going to go back to sleep for a while.

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Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 1:00:12 PM   
Taxman66


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There will quickly come a point where you want the pilot out of the Bolo (like right now since you can start building the strat bombers). I'd never bother to set that thing up and rather have kept the pilot on the reserve track.

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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 2:39:10 PM   
brian brian

 

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[I got detoured writing the post about counter-attack by going out to help fix a brake line to help a friend get home from work and I forgot to make one of my AI calculation points more explicit. I only wanted to comment once the water had flowed under the bridge, or backed up against the damns of the Dnepr in this case, should the Germans want to try such a stunt again. I hope that as the # of HQs goes down, their AI 'value' goes up. If the Axis are invading European Russia with 8 or even more HQs (not unheard of), looking at that attack would be completely different. Also, 1941 is a far more critical situation for the Russians than 1942 tends to be, so the value of something successful like taking out 25% of the Axis logistic capacity (and 50% of it's most mobile logistics) for either a small risk or no risk (with Chit or other ARM in area) should be worth more. By the time the Russians can afford more attack ideas, probably they can build a new chit. In dangerous 1941, it can be an important asset to their defense, and should not just be hoarded for better times later in the war. (I tend to use it to flip up all HQs after they re-organize the Reserves, not as much of a concern in a M/A 41 attack). With no Luftwaffe left on the southern front right then, and not much that can shift there either, the risk of coming out in front of the Dnepr momentarily was a bit lower then too, especially once the Germans went down to just two face-up HQs for the balance of the turn, leaving the Axis with only two axes of attack.

I fully agree that the Russians should never counterattack when failure is too risky at this point in the war, and you shouldn't attack an enemy HQ just because you can right now (later, heck yes; the Russians can attack Zhukov style as much as possible at even low odds against single Axis HQ or ARM). But you always have to be looking at the possibilities. Even now in China, if a disorganized oos unit appeared adjacent to the last few Chinese units that could be taken out at 7-1 +1 for a dramatic improvement in their final position, you have to consider something like that. If you never take any risks at all on the defense, your position will suffer. I just thought that example was a good place to consider how to set that risk/reward equation. And how to set the reward value of your enemy losing so much future capability all at once.

And as usual this whole website illuminates the tiny details that create a "Played It Wrong" and indeed my usual opponent and I have missed that one about the GBAs for years running now, thanks C99. Russia can start thinking about them soon here.....Russia gets bigger as you go in deeper....and odd corners of the Axis line lose their supply links when the weather goes bad.....promoted GBA units can make the Caucasus impossible to crack....Red Prince's Russians are doing very well.....carry on.]

(in reply to Taxman66)
Post #: 1757
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 3:03:39 PM   
Orm


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxman66

There will quickly come a point where you want the pilot out of the Bolo (like right now since you can start building the strat bombers). I'd never bother to set that thing up and rather have kept the pilot on the reserve track.

I recommend that you keep the Bolo as front bomber and use it to soak up negative air combat results. And if you are lucky the pilat survives when it is destroyed.

It takes up to much transport capability to send it back to US just to get the pilot transfered to the reserve track.

Edit: It is always nice to have a bad bomber that can be taken as a loss in air combats.

< Message edited by Orm -- 1/28/2012 3:06:00 PM >


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RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 3:06:14 PM   
Centuur


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quote:

ORIGINAL: brian brian

[I got detoured writing the post about counter-attack by going out to help fix a brake line to help a friend get home from work and I forgot to make one of my AI calculation points more explicit. I only wanted to comment once the water had flowed under the bridge, or backed up against the damns of the Dnepr in this case, should the Germans want to try such a stunt again. I hope that as the # of HQs goes down, their AI 'value' goes up. If the Axis are invading European Russia with 8 or even more HQs (not unheard of), looking at that attack would be completely different. Also, 1941 is a far more critical situation for the Russians than 1942 tends to be, so the value of something successful like taking out 25% of the Axis logistic capacity (and 50% of it's most mobile logistics) for either a small risk or no risk (with Chit or other ARM in area) should be worth more. By the time the Russians can afford more attack ideas, probably they can build a new chit. In dangerous 1941, it can be an important asset to their defense, and should not just be hoarded for better times later in the war. (I tend to use it to flip up all HQs after they re-organize the Reserves, not as much of a concern in a M/A 41 attack). With no Luftwaffe left on the southern front right then, and not much that can shift there either, the risk of coming out in front of the Dnepr momentarily was a bit lower then too, especially once the Germans went down to just two face-up HQs for the balance of the turn, leaving the Axis with only two axes of attack.

I fully agree that the Russians should never counterattack when failure is too risky at this point in the war, and you shouldn't attack an enemy HQ just because you can right now (later, heck yes; the Russians can attack Zhukov style as much as possible at even low odds against single Axis HQ or ARM). But you always have to be looking at the possibilities. Even now in China, if a disorganized oos unit appeared adjacent to the last few Chinese units that could be taken out at 7-1 +1 for a dramatic improvement in their final position, you have to consider something like that. If you never take any risks at all on the defense, your position will suffer. I just thought that example was a good place to consider how to set that risk/reward equation. And how to set the reward value of your enemy losing so much future capability all at once.

And as usual this whole website illuminates the tiny details that create a "Played It Wrong" and indeed my usual opponent and I have missed that one about the GBAs for years running now, thanks C99. Russia can start thinking about them soon here.....Russia gets bigger as you go in deeper....and odd corners of the Axis line lose their supply links when the weather goes bad.....promoted GBA units can make the Caucasus impossible to crack....Red Prince's Russians are doing very well.....carry on.]


I agree on this. Even when on defense, there might be a possibility for a counter attack which could break the German advance. When the attack on the HQ-A was proposed, I was a little in doubt whether it should or should not be done, therefore I didn't react on this. Looking back, however: I probably would have done so, even with vBock also in that theater. It is a risk, that's for sure, but the rewards were very, very high.
But Red Prince is doing all right at the moment with the defenses. After next Axis impulse, we have to assess the situation very carefully, since there are at that moment two options for the USSR: run away or stand and fight. That's probably going to be a difficult decision.

About a combined impulse coming up for the Germans. I hate combined impulses, because it's to restricted on allowable action and land moves. I would have preferred an air impulse to get all air units in a better position. What are those few land moves and the naval move going to do at the Russian front? Nothing.
A combined impulse is only necessary for invasions you want to do, without giving the other side a clue where it is coming. That (and the super combined) are the only combined impulses I take, except when I want to sail the German SUB fleet into action and not want any other naval moves. That's it.



_____________________________

Peter

(in reply to brian brian)
Post #: 1759
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 3:09:52 PM   
Centuur


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxman66

There will quickly come a point where you want the pilot out of the Bolo (like right now since you can start building the strat bombers). I'd never bother to set that thing up and rather have kept the pilot on the reserve track.

I recommend that you keep the Bolo as front bomber and use it to soak up negative air combat results. And if you are lucky the pilat survives when it is destroyed.

It takes up to much transport capability to send it back to US just to get the pilot transfered to the reserve track.

Edit: It is always nice to have a bad bomber that can be taken as a loss in air combats.

I agree. The bomber is in England. Don't TRS it back to the US...


_____________________________

Peter

(in reply to Orm)
Post #: 1760
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 3:50:22 PM   
Red Prince


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From: Bangor, Maine, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Centuur


quote:

ORIGINAL: brian brian

[I got detoured writing the post about counter-attack by going out to help fix a brake line to help a friend get home from work and I forgot to make one of my AI calculation points more explicit. I only wanted to comment once the water had flowed under the bridge, or backed up against the damns of the Dnepr in this case, should the Germans want to try such a stunt again. I hope that as the # of HQs goes down, their AI 'value' goes up. If the Axis are invading European Russia with 8 or even more HQs (not unheard of), looking at that attack would be completely different. Also, 1941 is a far more critical situation for the Russians than 1942 tends to be, so the value of something successful like taking out 25% of the Axis logistic capacity (and 50% of it's most mobile logistics) for either a small risk or no risk (with Chit or other ARM in area) should be worth more. By the time the Russians can afford more attack ideas, probably they can build a new chit. In dangerous 1941, it can be an important asset to their defense, and should not just be hoarded for better times later in the war. (I tend to use it to flip up all HQs after they re-organize the Reserves, not as much of a concern in a M/A 41 attack). With no Luftwaffe left on the southern front right then, and not much that can shift there either, the risk of coming out in front of the Dnepr momentarily was a bit lower then too, especially once the Germans went down to just two face-up HQs for the balance of the turn, leaving the Axis with only two axes of attack.

I fully agree that the Russians should never counterattack when failure is too risky at this point in the war, and you shouldn't attack an enemy HQ just because you can right now (later, heck yes; the Russians can attack Zhukov style as much as possible at even low odds against single Axis HQ or ARM). But you always have to be looking at the possibilities. Even now in China, if a disorganized oos unit appeared adjacent to the last few Chinese units that could be taken out at 7-1 +1 for a dramatic improvement in their final position, you have to consider something like that. If you never take any risks at all on the defense, your position will suffer. I just thought that example was a good place to consider how to set that risk/reward equation. And how to set the reward value of your enemy losing so much future capability all at once.

And as usual this whole website illuminates the tiny details that create a "Played It Wrong" and indeed my usual opponent and I have missed that one about the GBAs for years running now, thanks C99. Russia can start thinking about them soon here.....Russia gets bigger as you go in deeper....and odd corners of the Axis line lose their supply links when the weather goes bad.....promoted GBA units can make the Caucasus impossible to crack....Red Prince's Russians are doing very well.....carry on.]


I agree on this. Even when on defense, there might be a possibility for a counter attack which could break the German advance. When the attack on the HQ-A was proposed, I was a little in doubt whether it should or should not be done, therefore I didn't react on this. Looking back, however: I probably would have done so, even with vBock also in that theater. It is a risk, that's for sure, but the rewards were very, very high.
But Red Prince is doing all right at the moment with the defenses. After next Axis impulse, we have to assess the situation very carefully, since there are at that moment two options for the USSR: run away or stand and fight. That's probably going to be a difficult decision.

About a combined impulse coming up for the Germans. I hate combined impulses, because it's to restricted on allowable action and land moves. I would have preferred an air impulse to get all air units in a better position. What are those few land moves and the naval move going to do at the Russian front? Nothing.
A combined impulse is only necessary for invasions you want to do, without giving the other side a clue where it is coming. That (and the super combined) are the only combined impulses I take, except when I want to sail the German SUB fleet into action and not want any other naval moves. That's it.

The decision to take a Combined was made based on 2 factors: it allows me to bring the most usefull aircraft ot the front (I got 2 of the 10 there last impulse), and I do want to take that SUB action, but don't need any other Naval Moves.

The strategic bombing campaign has been somewhat crippling so far this turn, but it's early enough in the turn that Germany and Italy can still try to do the same thing to the CW. They have to do it through Sub warfare, though. Given the early entry to the war, the USA and CW both still lack the huge fleets they'll have next year and the year after, so they are going to run out of things to do each impulse soon. They also have few land units, at least the USA does. The CW can take Land Actions to move up the East African Coast, but the USA will be pretty much finished in 2 more impulses.

If this turn lasts as long as it did last year (unlikely), we haven't even reached the mid-point yet. It's impulse #6, and the Dnieper can't easily be broken yet. Because the Germans are limitted on units on both fronts, I'm trying to clean up the reinforcement cities that could give me trouble later if I try to sceen them -- Odessa, Pskov, Novgorod. Unless I can completely surround them, these cities can end up adding a unit each turn until my screening force is too vulnerable. In fact, I fully intend to completely block Leningrad, including flipping a unit to get it into the swamp, just so I don't have to worry about it again for a while.

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Post #: 1761
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 3:54:20 PM   
Red Prince


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I should also mention that while I do have the Option for GBA units turned on, the code for that is not yet written, so they won't be showing up in this game. The point is valid, but that is one of the 7 planned optional rules that are not fully implemented yet. Sorry, folks.

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(in reply to Red Prince)
Post #: 1762
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 5:12:39 PM   
Red Prince


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You're going to think I am cheating, I'm sure, but the rolls are all legitimate here.
-----
Fully expecting to have Germany take only Land Actions this turn, I didn't prepare my defenses as well as I should have in the N. Atlantic. In part this was due to the first impulse invasion of the Azores, which had to have more ships in higher section boxes. As it was, I had ships spread among all 5 sections, some of which should have dropped down to the 0 Box last impulse (big oops).

Anyway, the Allies paid on another set of lucky rolls by the Axis. They did damage two of the attacking submarines, but were completely unprepared to have 6 German subs attack with 3 Italian subs. The final result was a Submarine Combat that destroyed 11 convoy points and aborted another . . .

With convoy points available to repair the damage next turn, the Allies took a chance and decided not to abort from the combat, but to fight on instead. The unfortunate results of the first combat lowered the Axis search roll bonus by 1, so there was now only a 30% chance that they would find the Allied fleet.

The risk paid off, as both sides rolled a '7' and nobody found the other side's fleet. Since I'd been setting up a pipeline to get resources and BP to the Soviets, there were more convoys than the Allies needed in the North Atlantic, so the damage was significant, but not completely destructive to Commonwealth Production. And, having learned such a terrible lesson, expect several more strong ships to drop down to the 0 Box at the next possible opportunity.
-----
Yes, this was an error in play. My "excuses" are: inexperience, an unexpected German naval move, and sheer stupidity. Oh, and don't discount bad luck.




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Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
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Post #: 1763
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:10:50 PM   
Red Prince


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I used 5 of the 6 German land moves to set up an attack on Pskov, and the 6th to enter Persia with a MECH.

The 2 Italian land moves were used up by the Iraqi units. The MIL unit is at the end of his supply chain, but can still move as much as 2 hexes east or begin collecting hexes on the rail line in the clear terrain, if he's willing to be disorganized. More important is the fact that with some creative planning, I might be able to air transport the Italian MTN unit to one of those clear hexes. From there, he can either move up on the Soviet front in Azerbaijan . . . or he can help to claim the rail line all the way to the Persian Gulf. That would be a task completed next turn, with the help of the Iraqi CAV. By then (hopefully), Japan might be able to establish fleets in the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf . . . and suddenly, with an Italian Nav in the Red Sea, there's an overseas link to the Persian front.

The end result is that the Soviets, already stretched a little thin, though they do have another good white-print INF on the way, will need to get more units to this front due to the flexibility gained by the Axis. It also means that those USA and CW fleets heading to India need to get the job done.

If nothing else is gained by the Axis, this maneuver should end up having 8-10 Soviet land units committed to blocking the South passage into the Caucasus . . . units which they'd prefer to have on the German front lines. Even if the Italian and German armies can't break this line, it should help German make progress in the Ukraine and Belorussia. Or so the Axis hopes . . .

Oh, and it doesn't hurt that Italy just gained another Oil Point that can be transported by rail to the factories in Italy. Or that 3 of the Soviet Oil Points are now pretty much lost to them. The one in Bushehr could be saved where it is, but it's probably best to skip that this turn and set up a Trade Agreement to give it to the CW to store in India.
-----
Edit: Drat! I miscounted the hexes between the MIL and Baghdad. He's already past the end of his supply chain. He only has one more move before he gets disorganized. Of course, I can alter my plans a little, but I goofed here. Should have done this one hex farthur south.
-----
2nd Edit: Actually, I can. I haven't "technically" finished the Land Movement phase yet, so I'm going to back up a bit and move him southeast instead of east.



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Red Prince -- 1/28/2012 6:37:33 PM >


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Post #: 1764
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:12:00 PM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

The Persian Front:

This is what I have so far. I think it's the best I can do. I could shift the MTN Division to Tabriz, but I would hate to leave Zhukov alone in that hex.




Lovely.

I would have kept the 2 Cav together in Tabriz because I am unusually paranoid when defending against the Germans. But perhaps you were keeping room available for a railed in Mil next turn? Once the 5-3 arrives this line will be boring. When you get a chance, the bomber (range 7) should rebase to Baku.

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Perfection is an elusive goal.

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Post #: 1765
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:17:41 PM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

And in the North:




That's the idea!

The Mech should probably be in the Clear hex behind the Dnieper. I am still worried about the hexes between the '2' halves of the Dnieper (as you display them). For instance, as the Germans I would be killing off the 3-3 Mil and then using the rail line to move through the Pripet Marshes.

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Steve

Perfection is an elusive goal.

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Post #: 1766
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:23:20 PM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

Minus the full flyouts, here's what I've got on the Dnieper River line:




Yes.

As I said above, watch out for the join between the two views of the map you display.

I have seen many games where the Germans break the bottom of this river defense, forcing some Russian units into Crimea and easily flanking the rest of the line. The other target hex is the one you have been worrying about: the forest hex that can be attacked on 3 hexsides. As the Germans I would just ooze forward and force the USSR to hold every hex on their side of the river. That should make the defensive line weaker somewhere.

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Steve

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Post #: 1767
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:27:28 PM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxman66

There will quickly come a point where you want the pilot out of the Bolo (like right now since you can start building the strat bombers). I'd never bother to set that thing up and rather have kept the pilot on the reserve track.

I recommend that you keep the Bolo as front bomber and use it to soak up negative air combat results. And if you are lucky the pilat survives when it is destroyed.

It takes up to much transport capability to send it back to US just to get the pilot transfered to the reserve track.

Edit: It is always nice to have a bad bomber that can be taken as a loss in air combats.

I think that Dublin can be used to recover pilots for the US.

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Post #: 1768
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:30:59 PM   
Red Prince


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets


quote:

ORIGINAL: Red Prince

And in the North:




That's the idea!

The Mech should probably be in the Clear hex behind the Dnieper. I am still worried about the hexes between the '2' halves of the Dnieper (as you display them). For instance, as the Germans I would be killing off the 3-3 Mil and then using the rail line to move through the Pripet Marshes.

It wouldn't work yet. I havn't had a "Snow" turn to collect the rails in the Pripet Marshes yet, so the rail wouldn't connect. Or am I missing something here?




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it!
-Lazarus Long, RAH

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1769
RE: MWiF Global War Hot-Seat (AAR) - 1/28/2012 6:36:16 PM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

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Inf cost 5 to move through swamp. But using the rail line costs one less, so a 4 mover Inf can advance one hex per impulse through the otherwise impassable terrain - if he is using rail lines exclusively.

EDIT: And you want to 'take' all those hexes because partisans can appear in them if you don't.

2nd EDIT: Aren't you suppose to be taking a nap?

< Message edited by Shannon V. OKeets -- 1/28/2012 6:37:43 PM >


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