5 Russian Openings - Axis and Allies 1942

[@BoardGameNation]

As this video about a wonderful historical game is being published, the real life, modern day nation of Ukraine is under attack. Led by a power hungry and delusional Russian dictator that has filled his people with lies, the Russian military has brutally killed thousands and displaced millions in a backward attempt to restore the long fallen USSR. Board Game Nation believes in the principles of democracy and national sovereignty and that those that violate these principles of peace must be condemned and resisted with every possible means. We sincerely hope that the viewers of this video understand the context of the content and know that we stand firmly with the people of Ukraine in their continuing fight against the Russian aggressors.

[@kridedikal2427]

thanks for at least calling a spade a spade.

[@jasonbarkman]

Yikes!

[@Yūrei56]

I mean at this point russia is pulling some questionable stuff that might turn the others against them too

[@lorenzobetancourt5559]

UKRAINE IS NAZI AND SUPPORTED BY AN IMPERIALIST WEST, DO NOT CHANGE HISTORY ANYMORE, THE END OF YOUR GAME OF LIES HAS COME.

[@matthewhutt544]

First time I ever played A&A 30+ years ago, I played as Russia and bought a battleship as my opening purchase. 10 min later I was watching my friends play A&A.

[@BoardGameNation]

That checks out. 🤣🤣🤣

[@davidfinch7407]

"That's a bold strategy, Cotten, let's see how it plays out!"

[@BoardGameNation]

🤣🤣🤣

[@joeyjojojunior1794]

Classic

[@BoardGameHackers]

The time put into this vid is astounding. As always, great job!

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@andrewr4025]

This is awesome! Would love to see more content like this for other nations. Or just general strategies for both teams to coordinate on

[@BoardGameNation]

Thank you! Working on it. :)

[@daltonluper1958]

Good to see strat vids making their way out. I love a&a and missed all the different strat ideas passed around the internet lol. Thanks a million, hope to see more for the other countries

[@BoardGameNation]

They are in the pipeline! Thanks for watching!

[@Mefisto5000]

Great video, clear explanations and nice maps to watch. I haven't played online for a long time, but I remember, maybe I'm wrong, that the opening preferred by the best players was the 912, buying 4 infantry and 2 tanks.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thank you! The purchase of 2 tanks and 4 infantry is a strong option, especially if you choose to capture Ukraine on turn one. Lots of fun choices! Thanks for watching!

[@Sooper-Pumpkin]

One thing I would like to see is you cover other Axis & Allies games so if you could do that I would love that!

[@BoardGameNation]

I just got copies of Europe and Pacific 1940. I plan to start with unboxing videos of those in the coming weeks. We will see were it goes from there. Thanks for watching!

[@christopherwilson2606]

Enjoyed- another fun video. Great job as always.

[@BoardGameNation]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@williemcdowell6319]

Okay so I haven't even watched the video and I've already subscribed forty-year-old Magic the Gathering axis and allies gamer I'm loving this page already

[@BoardGameNation]

Haha! Welcome! Thanks for joining us!

[@benrutgers6329]

Just discovered his channel. Recently got back into triplea so great to see triplea getting a nod in your content

[@BoardGameNation]

Glad you found us! Lots of Axis and Allies content here! Welcome!

[@benrutgers6329]

@@BoardGameNation thanks! I know it's a very small community, but if you ever do any content on big maps like world at war or no man's land I'm here for it

[@BoardGameNation]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@tamalama437]

I play A&A with my brother quite frequently, and I always lose Russia as the Allies. I really like your videos and I hope these strategies will help me out!

[@BoardGameNation]

I hope so too! Thanks for watching and good hunting!

[@MichaelMyers87]

Yea the USSR is too weak in Axis and Allies 1942. Besides using version 3.0 rules, I also give the Soviets 1 extra infantry and 1 extra artillery in Moscow at the start of the game. Gives the USSR an extra turn or so before Moscow is extremely threatened.

[@BoardGameNation]

That would certainly help strengthen the USSR. I have also seen a bomber added to Moscow. It creates lots of interesting opportunities for the Russian. Thanks for watching!

[@stt5v2002]

I think that eliminating that German bomber is worth the loss of the Russian tanks. That bomber causes all sorts or problems for Africa and the British fleet.

[@BoardGameNation]

There are a lot of people that reach the same conclusion. I think the choice has a lot to do with the overall Allied plans. Thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@Materialist39]

I’ve played enough games now to hard agree on this. The 4inf 2tank + all in commitment to Ukraine is my go to. When playing the German side, the Soviets leaving the bomber alive and Ukraine untaken allows so many more options and flexibility against the standard allied attacks in North Africa and Scandinavia.

[@BoardGameNation]

I'm just finishing shooting a new video that talks more about that exact question. I hope you'll check that out. Thanks for watching!

[@riffbw]

@@Materialist39 what are your purchases turn 1 to reinforce? 4inf + 3art feels like the best to counter punch after they take your tanks. 8inf for sheer numbers may also work. 4inf + fighter seems like a bad move if you sacrifice your tanks. I'm still on the fence with this and I think it really comes down to the overall Allied strategy in Europe. You need to kill the bomber if there is going to a strong India and Pacific focus, but if USA and UK are really going to push the Atlantic, saving your tanks is arguably better.

[@Materialist39]

@@riffbw I’ve actually been on the fence now too since writing this! I wasn’t super clear in my first post, but my Soviet buy is usually 2 tanks and 4 infantry. If I do end up saving the tanks, having a reserve of 5-6 by end of turn 2 feels very safe against heavy armored thrusts from Germany, and seems to buy a lot more time if they’re determined for an early SOV kill. Right now I’m still experimenting to find the right balance of screens in the Atlantic, and have been trying to be a bit leaner/greedier in this regard, even if the GER bomber survives.

[@michaelfletcher3848]

Once again great video

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@WGB_Boardgamebros]

Nice! Thanks for the advice! I will need it for my upcoming game against my brother. I will be playing as the Allies and I need as much info i can get before then. I'm planning to do a A&A Gameplay video sometime in September. I'm still learning how to play it. These videos are great tutorials! I'm looking forward to more of these videos!

[@BoardGameNation]

Glad you found them helpful! Good hunting! Let us know if you have any questions along the way. Thanks for watching!

[@Knulp14]

Great videos! Keep up the good work!

[@BoardGameNation]

That's great to hear! Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@sandyblanchard5678]

Great Video, thanks for making it for us! In regards to the conversation of Germany going all out against a round 1 Soviet Union stack in Western Russia. I don't think it is a very favorable outcome for Germany, although the fact that most calculators don't take into account that AA guns can be set as the first casualties tends to make it look a little better than it really is. If you conducted the battle shown in your video in a random dice game the chance that Germany would've scored that many hits would be around 56% - and the chances for Germany to take that many ( or less ) casualties was only about 34%. The overall odds of Germany destroying all of the Russian Units is around 56% - The "average" German losses in Western Russia would be around 82-84 IPCs, leaving about 3 air units alive, on average. (this isn't counting the IPCs lost in any other battle that round, and the sea zone 7 battle is likely to go far worse than the battle in your example ) So it seems to me that attacking the Western Russia "stack" on G1 is little better than a coinflip, generally will destroy much of Germany's air, and leaves the UK in a position to plop down a fleet and drop troops in Finland on UK 1. As an Axis player, I feel like this would actually shorten the amount of time it would take the Allies to gain an advantage over the Axis, the majority of the time. Sure, if the coinflip goes well, it applies some considerable pressure to Moscow, but since Egypt was uncontested, you now have 2 UK and 1 US & 2 Soviet Fighters that can be in Moscow by the end of SU 2 and 16 + land units as well. Without great German luck in more than 1 battle, I don't see Moscow being in much danger in the long term. Please let me know if I have missed something, or made an error somewhere, but as it stands currently, if I stack Western Russia, and Germany goes all out against it, my only concern is if the Axis gets extremely good rolls on more than one turn, but it seems like a desperation play, when things really aren't that desperate.

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting! I'll take another look at it. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@aardvarkpepper8444]

Try David Skelly's calculator.

[@BoardGameNation]

Funny you should mention that! I did use David's calculator (set to low luck) for nearly all of the calculations for this video. Thanks for watching!

[@Chris-jt4pl]

I agree, germany is extremely unlikely to attack west russia round 2 with a death stack of troops

[@matthiasmoylan4815]

Keep the series up for the other axis and allies power

[@BoardGameNation]

Working on it! Thanks for watching!

[@slo6026]

Just found this channel, great content...I wish you would do this type of deep dive into War Room, its such a great game.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks and thanks for watching! I would love to! I am looking for someone locally to play with.

[@slo6026]

@@BoardGameNation yup that's the hardest part. I have played 10 games of war room all vs 1 other guy, not ideal. Later this month supposedly I have a game set up at my local game shop with 5 people, 3 of whom I have never meet. I sure hope it happens! Your not in South East Michigan bye any chance?

[@BoardGameNation]

Cool that you are getting a bigger game together! Love to join you, but it would be quite the commute from Memphis. Are you planning to go to GenCon? I know there will be people playing there.

[@slo6026]

@@BoardGameNation I haven't figured out my schedule yet for gencon..

[@BoardGameNation]

Looks like I will be there. I'll probably be around the Axis & Allies action. Hope to see you there!

[@alexfrederick3404]

Good video, thanks. I like the artillery/infantry approach. And do not lose your fighters! Draw out the game, and the allies can usually win. How about a UK video? (my favorite country to play)

[@BoardGameNation]

So glad you enjoyed the video! I am (slowly) working my way through 1942.2 strategy videos. Next will be German Openings, but after that I plan to dive into coordinated Allied and Axis strategies. These will focus on UK/ US strategies and tactics to help the USSR survive and take out the Axis powers, as well as, Japanese strategies that compliment the Germans onslaught. They should be a lot of fun! Thanks for watching! More coming soon!

[@alexfrederick3404]

@@BoardGameNation Ok, looking forward to it! I hope you do another soon.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks! Me too! :)

[@aardvarkpepper8444]

0:38 "When working out strategies, using the Low Luck dice option is your best bet. It'll give you the closest to average outcomes" - Low Luck and dice are entirely different disciplines. Working out strategies for dice games requires understanding the "flow" of the game, tied to correct modeling of probability distributions, including contingencies for both bad and good luck. Low Luck does not require anything like the same ability to plan for a range of contingencies, instead using accurate prediction for a very small subset of possible outcomes and general strategic and tactical understanding. Please consider keeping Low Luck and dice content separate. Example later. 3:52 "...big fan of the Larry Harris Gencon 3.0 . . . but it has one big drawback." - yes, it is rather ugh. Regular dice and preplaced bid help a lot, as well as balancing the game. 4:35 "the battle in Ukraine . . . without actually taking" - I'd say it's rather more involved. Originally under dice *when there was no German bomber on Ukraine*, the idea *was* to preserve the USSR tanks, as described in the video. But the LHTR change putting the German bomber on Ukraine changed things. Now the USSR tanks are considered a reasonable loss in exchange for the German bomber. Under Low Luck, outcomes are much more tightly controlled. Attacks that are just way too risky under regular dice can be carried out under Low Luck. This does *not* open up a whole new world of possibilities though. An opponent also controls outcomes just as tightly, so counters that don't work under regular dice at all become useful under Low Luck. I forget the numbers, I think Low Luck USSR1 attack-with-intent-to-retreat-USSR-tanks against Ukraine comes out to 43% or something, but under regular dice the numbers are super lousy. Which becomes relevant because under Low Luck a R1 4 inf 2 tank buy under Low Luck combined with R1 tanks retreating from Ukraine combined with tighter outcomes means various G1 capture and hold attempts against Karelia simply have no chance of succeeding (due to the vicious USSR attack-and-retreat option). Without G1 capture and hold of Karelia, there is no G2 placement of units on Karelia, which slows the German advance. I've written elsewhere about the importance of even a single unit in battles of near a hundred units, timings, and such. I shall not elaborate again here. But under regular dice a R1 4 inf 2 tank buy is *extremely* unlikely to offer anything like the same advantage. First, attack-with-intent-to-retreat against Ukraine is nowhere near as consistent as it is in Low Luck. Second, inability to tightly control outcomes means USSR tanks have nowhere near the utility. So why keep Low Luck and dice content separate? In a Low Luck video explaining the Ukraine attack-with-intent-to-retreat, the tactic is successful enough that a player should seriously consider a different purchase to take advantage of the potential position. But in a regular dice video explaining the same action, the tactic is NOT successful enough that much time should be spent on it, except to note the probabilities and say it probably won't work, and to cover briefly what to do and why in the rare case the dice *do* all come up favorably. The focus and explanation are very very different. 5:02 "Low Luck makes this a bit easier to predict" - the implication is Low Luck is just a bit different, but it really is *completely different*. 7:09 "Now the German tanks are stuck on the front line alone" - actually, that probably won't happen. Just as USSR may retreat to Caucasus, Germany may retreat to Belorussia. Of course, with regular dice this may not happen, but with Low Luck it is a certainty - against a competent opponent. 11:42 "(2 Russian fighters on Archangel) . . . Buryatia, in the event that the Japanese decide to make a push north" - sort of. Suppose Japan pushes into Buryatia. What does USSR do? Counter from Yakut with infantry and the Archangel fighters? That means USSR fighters are likely only able to counter into Karelia next turn, then must land on Archangel. If Germany is able to stack Karelia, and/or moves an AA gun in, then that restriction of USSR fighter targets can be an issue. Also, USSR units are needed to build a stack to push back against early German aggression; holding USSR units east means they don't make it back in time to stop the key German timing push into Ukraine and/or Karelia. So actually, Japan is quite eager for USSR to engage in northeast Asia! But USSR fighters on Archangel do prevent Japan from being extra greedy (e.g. hard early shift towards India), and of course there are the other benefits of landing USSR1's fighters on Archangel.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thank you for watching and your deep analysis!

[@smoothrose4614]

Using low luck calculations as a probably outcome for dice is literally the same thing. the game is different but the calculation is made in the same fashion. in fact low luck dice are an adaptation of the calculated probability and nothing more.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@zesicarius]

Hello. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering about the 1st opening. How could the German navy could cross the Turkish Straits ? Last time i played it was forbidden. Thanks.

[@BoardGameNation]

In this version, the straits are open. Thanks for watching!

[@frenlyfren]

What amazing timing! I am just about to play this with my family and I'm Russia. Thanks for the help!

[@BoardGameNation]

Happy to help! Let us know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@k1ng5urfer]

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but on beamdogs 1942 when you are making amphibius assaults in sea zones with enemy navy then it shows as implausible i guess as an indicator that that combat happening is dependent on the sea battle that must take place first. Its propably just a bug though but for me thats why it happens

[@BoardGameNation]

I've always found that feature to be a bit goofy. I'm not sure what the issue is, but I don't typically rely on it. Thanks for watching!

[@I.PittyTheFool]

I find the in-game battle calculator to be inconsistent. Some games it tells me improbable, then I do the exact same move in the next game and it says favorable.

[@BoardGameNation]

Yeah. I agree 100%. Some is very off there. Thanks for watching!

[@kaijiesoo8588]

please introduce some openings for Great Britain, I am not sure whether to strengthen the Indian Ocean Fleet (slows down landing in France) or the Home Fleet (India falls by turn 2). Thank you!

[@BoardGameNation]

Thank you for the request! We will definitely be looking at a number of Allied strategy videos. For now, the key to success with the UK is to coordinate with the other Allies closely and attack a single target (Germany or Japan). Thanks for watching!

[@Chris-jt4pl]

miss your videos. could you do one explaining your favorite strategy for the allies in a KGF? i’d be interested to see how you approach the first 3 or so rounds as the US, UK and USSR all together

[@BoardGameNation]

You are very kind. And, I have some big news that I think you are going to really like! Watch this channel and our Facebook page for anouncements next week! Thanks for the support!

[@Deltium5683]

Really good quality video, subscribed !!

[@BoardGameNation]

Awesome, thank you for watching!

[@millertrek12]

Do you have any new videos with opening moves for the other four nations?

[@BoardGameNation]

We are working on the World Championship series now, but we will likely have more A&A strategy videos coming soon. Thanks for watching!

[@haassaan1098]

Thanks, great video! I' think I'll try the Yak Attack opening. I just got burnt with bad rolls with the 9/12 attack which got me thinking the conservative West Russia only opening might be the better play? I assume that is wrong and the 9/12 works out better on average? I'm new to A&A 1942 and have been getting walloped as the Allies.

[@BoardGameNation]

Good hunting! Let us know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@cambot133]

The order of casualty in AXA Online means your defender casualties are already chosen. In the live board game--dont forget, the defender has to choose its casualties and move them to the edge of the battle board BEFORE they see their retaliation (defense) rolls. This nuance means they can't roll then choose the bomber as a casualty--they have to make that choice each round before they shoot back.

[@BoardGameNation]

A good point! Thanks for sharing. Thanks for watching!

[@frenlyfren]

I've got a strange strategy I'm working on with 3 attacks. All you retreat from after 1st round of combat. You strafe bellorussia with karelia, west russia with moscow, and ukraine with caucasus. The attacks should kill a large chunk of german infantry, leaving more expensive units open to attack later. It also prevents large german counter attack by removing their cannon fodder infantry from the equation. You place 2 inf in karelia and 2 inf 2 art in caucus. You force germany to commit to a fight with less favorability than they might like, or it stalls them, giving your allies a bit more time to help out.

[@BoardGameNation]

I would be interested to see that play out. I would pay particular attention to the total IPC loses between the Russian and German first turn. Also, the attack power for both side at the end of G1. Thanks for sharing!

[@jba8472]

The USSR bomber is a miniature of a Pe-8, their only 4 engine bomber before copying the B-29 as the Tu-4

[@BoardGameNation]

I love it. Thanks for watching!

[@BoldWittyName]

This could be a great series if the other 4 powers had a similar video!

[@BoardGameNation]

I agree. The trouble is that once you get past Russia's opening, you get into loads of "if-then" scenarios for each power. So, it is better to think in terms of overall Allied strategies and Axis strategies. We have a few projects coming up, but after those, we would love to double back to this series. Thanks for watching and for the suggestion!

[@ech0chr0megaming66]

Great video, I was wondering if you would make videos on global 1940 I’ve watched practically every 1942 video you have but have progressed past that game and was curious what your thoughts are?

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear that you have gotten so much from them. I have considered creating some content for G40, but the trouble is that so few people play that version that is really hard to justify all the work required to produce them. However, i really appreciate the feedback because I would really like to do it and the more folks ask for it the more likely I am to give it try. Thanks again for watching and for the support!

[@Darksnowman13]

This very helpful. I'm learning to play with a bunch of pros, and I'm always resigned to the frigid North (everyone else has a preferred nation) and having these Russian strats are very helpful. My main question is, if you're rolling low or just getting out played, and forced down to like... 4-5 territories around Moscow, how do you recover? How do you fix the great Russian F**k up? Cause until the next version gives you free kills for the Winter Weather, I'm at a loss.

[@BoardGameNation]

That is a really good question. If the Axis power are intent on going all out on Russia, there is no way Moscow can stand without significant help from the other Allies. Some have said that the game really comes down to which side can get the most fighters to Moscow by turn 5. So, if you are struggling to stay alive when playing Russia, the fault might not be yours. UK and USA have to actively work to keep the Russians alive. If they don't, it is really unlikely that the Russians will ever be able recovering from the open material deficit or have any hope of making any kind of aggressive move. I am working on a video that talks about overall Allied strategies and this is an area we are definitely going to cover. Keep an eye out for that! Thanks for watching and good hunting!

[@Darksnowman13]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@BoardGameNation]

@@Darksnowman13 Happy to help!

[@giovannigarbelli2807]

Excuse my ignorance but in the 4th opening I did't understand how russia can have 2 fighters in Archangel at the end of turn 1 (11:33) . Can someone explain pls?

[@BoardGameNation]

It's no problem at all. Fighters have a movement capability of 4 spaces. One starts in Karelia and the other in Russia. During the combat move phase, each used 2 moves to get to the battle in Ukraine. Both traveled through West Russia to get there. During the non-combat move phase, they used their remaining two moves to travel back through West Russia and land in Archangel. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching and for the question!

[@giovannigarbelli2807]

​@@BoardGameNation Right, I forgot about the 4 moves😅. Thanks for explaining

[@BoardGameNation]

Happy to help!

[@hellonwheels9596]

Thanks Gary, could you link the 3 battle calculators that you used please

[@BoardGameNation]

You bet. In fact, I'll also add them to the description. AA Tool Kit is probably my got to: www.aatoolkit.com/conflict David Skelly's is also a good one: axis-and-allies-calculator.com/ The last one is a mobile app that is really handy table side. I don't have a link, but if you search for Axis & Allies Utilities in any app market, it should pop right up. I think it was a few bucks, but it was worth it. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@BoardGameNation]

I found the link to the mobile app in the Google Play store and added it to the description. Thanks for the question! play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makeitsostudios.aa.google&fbclid=IwAR0v_Oj9OGDIfokiyBX4xNVo6GRJz9EzZaDL8knunbNtAB4oERH5hwAGKz0

[@hellonwheels9596]

@@BoardGameNation Cheers buddy

[@BoardGameNation]

No problem!

[@philbusiness52]

So here's how I calculate my odds of a battle. I've used this for years. Tell me what you think of it. 1 point for each die probability (infantry defending at a 2 are 2 points each) PLUS one point for each hit the unit takes. So for example 2 infantry and 1 artillery attacking are: 2 + 3 + 3 = 8 say... versus 3 infantry defending: 3 + 3 + 3 = 9 So... the defense would be favored to win by 1 point. Battleships are the obvious 2 points for being in the battle where everything else is 1 point. So a battleship (attack or defense) is worth 6 points by itself. Anywho, I came up with this system probably 10+ years ago and have used it ever since and it works great.

[@BoardGameNation]

That's a nice shorthand method. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@hereata212]

wow! nice!

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks!

[@RenéSaussy]

Could you do one for A&A 1940?

[@BoardGameNation]

Love to, but these take a very long time to make. So, a single G40 game would likely have to be a series of videos. Thanks for watching!

[@charleshimes1634]

I only play 1940 Global but the concept of Russia strafing and retreating their tanks out of harm's way is an interesting tactic to be used in that game also. To make Russia a more enjoyable nation to play, I have included in my house rules the additional initial setup of 1 Russian Bomber in Moscow and 1 submarine in the Black Sea (with a naval base) while adding a small bonus to Russia if it has a naval vessel in the Mediterranean. (A successful die roll is required to allow Russian naval forces to transmit the Bosporus that allows permission from Turkey). This does not upset the game's natural balance by much but does give the Russian player more options that helps to offset the mental discomfiture that most Russian players feel under the OB setup rules. While I'm at it, I have eliminated the OB rule that allows individual units of an attacking force to strafe and retreat to an area they originally didn't come from (as what often happens in the Yugoslav strafe when German units "retreat" to Romania). This OB rule allows, for example, an infantry unit to move 2 spaces from their initial starting position in effect walking through an area occupied by opposing forces. It makes no sense to me that units while retreating can choose to go anywhere but backwards and take advantage of a loophole in the OB rules. Retreating units in real life often have to run for their lives. If these house rules explained here make it slightly more difficult for Germany to take Moscow by turn 5 or 6, then so be it. For a player (Russia) to be basically put out of the game so soon is a sad thing and not historically fitting for the country who in reality captured Berlin. Those of you who wish to can certainly add house rules to the axis, but you can certainly understand that these house rules for Russia are not game ending for the axis...DA...SVID...DANYA.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@LuEllen-LTH]

A side note to the Soviets taking Berlin is that Western Forces were given the Green light to take the City without resistance from the regular German forces, but due to politics, they stood by , letting Stalin and the Russians get their revenge on Hitler and his gang. Many German civilians suffered terribly for it.

[@charleshimes1634]

@@LuEllen-LTH Here's another little "side note" LuEllen. No country deserved more to take revenge on the Germans or storm their capital than did RUSSIA. And, if you actually believe that the Germans would have surrendered Berlin to the Western allies without resistance then you have fallen for post-war propaganda. While it is true that SOME, (ONLY SOME) Germans tried to cut a deal with the West, it was only a desperate ploy to possibly avoid their tremendously deserved "payback" for their gruesome atrocities inflicted on the Russian people. I don't think politics belongs in an Axis and Allies comment section but you brought it up. Shalom.

[@anonymoushominus]

Hey are you still going to make more strategy videos for 1942? I love this series!

[@BoardGameNation]

Yes! We have a new one coming in a couple of weeks all about a popular Axis strategy.

[@dbplumbing1403]

You should do videos for opening moves for every power!

[@BoardGameNation]

I fine that once you get past Russia's opening turn, it is best to start thinking in terms of complete Axis or Allied strategies. I am working on an Axis strategy video that I hope to have completed in the next few weeks. Thanks for watching!

[@leifhorn4909]

I usually play the 4 yak strategy as well, except I but 2 infantry and two artillery instead of the four infantry. I find that it gives me more counter attacking potential.

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting! I'll have to look at that. I've been saving the extra two for use after I see the Germans first move. Thanks for watching!

[@leifhorn4909]

@@BoardGameNation Always! Thank you for producing, and even more for replying to my comment! Your videos are very informative and helpful

[@BoardGameNation]

Glad you enjoy them! More on the way later this year!

[@michaelputman9832]

Thanks for this useful survey. I used to buy 8 inf on T1 for Russia, then realized that for one less total unit I could have 3 arty and 4 inf, so that instead of defending at a total of 16 (8x2) I would defend at 14 (7x2), true, but on a counter-attack I would have 13 (6x2 + 1) instead of only 8 (8x1). I never thought about buying airpower as Russia, but maybe will try that now. I note that as for Steam and the AI engine there when you play this game, as of now at least the German AI never crushes that big stack of 18 or so in W Russia if you play that (I never empty out Cauc. region on T1, just send the heavy stuff in and maybe 1 inf). Also, the Japan AI keeps trying to build industry in Manchuria on T1, even if five Russian infantry, 1 Ru tank, and 1 Yak are all within range for attack on T2. Once you take it the AI goes nuts trying to re-capture it turn after turn after turn, to the detriment of all other priorities. Again, most human opponents won't do this, so when against humans I send Rus units westward as you do in this video.

[@BoardGameNation]

The fighter purchase for the USSR has become my go to first move and I have had some pretty good success with it. I think the AI doesn't understand the idea of strafing a target or how to play for a strategic retreat. If it doesn't think it can win outright, I don't think it will attack. Thanks for watching!

[@AnHoils]

Russian 30 openong is a good offensive in my opinion. Im playing against my friend and he doesnt know much about the game. Should I do it or is it too risky?

[@BoardGameNation]

You can. A couple of things:I don't recommend the bomber purchase. I like the fighter purchase in R1. If you are going to try it, I suggest following it up with a full Kill Germany First strategy. The Russia 30 opening can be really strong in the beginning, but it isn't the best option if you end up having to defend Moscow. Have fun! Thanks for watching!

[@Jazman493]

Off BGN's Yak comment, I'm finding that purchasing two fighters and an artillery seems to be working for me with the 12-9 assumption on the first round with the fighters being housed in the Caucasus. I then buy an additional fighter combined with infantry on the second round and seem to keep the Germans at bay (and spending all their IPC on the eastern front to allow my UK/US fleets to attack France by Round 3 or 4.

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting! I wonder how that purchase holds up in the later rounds. Do you find that you are running low on infantry for trading or missing hit points in defense of Moscow/Caucasus? Thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@Jazman493]

@@BoardGameNation Sometimes, BGN. Depends on the level of player as Germany. If I need to, I sometimes compensate by forgoing the Yak on R2 and buy some more infantry if need be. I try to keep the one fighter a round purchase consistent for the early rounds as I'm finding there are a lot of one infantry ownership exchanges between USSR and Germany in Belorussia, Ukraine and occasionally Karelia. Thanks for the content as well!

[@BoardGameNation]

Again, interesting! I have friend that I play with fairly frequently that has started doing the same thing. In our last game, USSR had 5 fighters in R4. He said his general policy is to buy one fighter any turn the USSR starts with 24 or more IPCs. Seems to be working for him so far!

[@Jazman493]

@@BoardGameNation sounds like he and I are of the same mind! Good hunting.

[@BoardGameNation]

Likewise!

[@poundbagcom]

Have a Q. I buy max infantry send them south, then push into Scandanavia. That way the British can start landing troops unopposed. Thoughts?

[@BoardGameNation]

That's an interesting thought. I could work depending on the German response and thex strength of the UK player. Thanks for watching!

[@larsegholmfischmann6594]

Of all the games of AA I've ever played, I almost always randomly draw Russia. And I've never been able to succeed at all with them. My playgroup (4 guys) have agreed that the person that gets Russia gets to play the leftover Ally too. I'm gonna try the Russian Winter strategy next time!

[@BoardGameNation]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! Let us know how it goes!

[@pc9094]

Have you done other faction strats?

[@BoardGameNation]

I'm working on Germany now. Thanks for watching!

[@ultimatetybreaker3467]

I don't think I've been playing this game with my friends the way we were supposed to or the way that you do, so I don't know if this was a sound strategy, but I went for 2 fighters and an attack on Finland as my opening move. Of course, all of my friends and I were too attention deficit to ever complete a full game, so I never got to see if it ever panned out.

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting approach. I'll give it a try. Have you A&A 1942 Online? It is available on Steam. It's a great way to play with new people and at your pace (move within 24 of it being your turn). Thanks for watching!

[@Mrazure3000]

Can you film videos of the anniversary edition

[@BoardGameNation]

Working on that next week! I just got a copy of the Renegade reprint. So, we should have something out about that soon! What would you like to see?

[@Mrazure3000]

@@BoardGameNation strategy’s because I play with my mates and for some reason I get destroyed because I don’t know how to deal with America,it’s because I do a kill United Kingdom strat which involves a strong navy for the Germans however the u.s airforce but destroys me

[@BoardGameNation]

We are going to capturing a bunch of Anniversary games at Gen Con in a few weeks. We will be turning those into this style of video: kzbin.info/aero/PLMu2lpi84ZaiUkC5v19Rp1Rr2s3_P1V4l There will be tons of strategy discussion in those, but we are firing up our KZbin membership platform in the next few weeks. Members will have exclusive access to live streams with the game's top players. So... yeah. Lots of Anniversary strategy projects coming soon!

[@greimann]

Best opening I ever saw for Russia: Industrial development, rolled success and got the cheaper units one. The incoming flood of tanks and infantry was unstoppable.

[@BoardGameNation]

That would be pretty devastating. Unfortunately, the 1942.2 version of the game doesn't offer technology upgrades, but you can always fix that with a good ole' fashion house rules. Thanks for watching!

[@zevermoon]

The Crazy Ivan strategy is still the best method of playing Russia. Most players will use a defensive infantry strategy with Russia. Crazy Ivan is a very offensive Russia. As first player, Russia can do a lot of IPC damage to Germany and Japan. Support units are then sent in from UK and America through Finland. Solid strategy if UK, and United States know what your doing.

[@BoardGameNation]

Sounds fun! Thanks for watching!

[@stevedekorte]

Can attacking infantry retreat? I thought they were committed as they only have one move per turn and the attack move counts as 1.

[@BoardGameNation]

Surviving Infantry (and all other land units) can retreat from a land attack (after the defenders fire phase) to any adjacent land territory where at least one of the other attacking units came from. Note that movement limitations are not applicable and any land units that attacked as part of an amphibious assault - can never retreat. Also, surviving air units that retreat are removed from combat and move during non-combat as normal. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions! Thanks for watching!

[@stevedekorte]

@@BoardGameNation Thanks!

[@BoardGameNation]

Happy to help!

[@charliedoom]

I tried the yak opening and landed one fighter in Archangel one fighter in Caucasus, and then one fighter to the far east, eventually taking over Manchuria from the Japanese in turn two.

[@ghr1990]

7 infantry and 6 tanks defending against 9 infantry, 4 art, 1 tank, 2 fighters? Sounds like mutually assured destruction.

[@BoardGameNation]

Just about. Thanks for watching!

[@riffbw]

I love this video in a vacuum, but knowing your Allies is a huge part of the strategy. The game for Russia is about surviving since you start at such a disadvantage and waiting for Allies to get involved. In a Kill Japan First game, you want to use a lot more conservative opening and I really like your Russian Winter for that with either the 4inf+3art of 4inf+fighter purchase on turn 1. If you know the UK is going to only try and hold India while looking more at Europe, I think you want to go more aggressive and can afford to take out the bomber in Ukraine if it's there. I love playing UK and I'm one that likes to try and aid the Liberation of Leningrad as early as possible. Landing troops in the north is always a go to move even if I risk losing some navy. I'd rather Germany waste planes in naval battles than aid in Russia. With this mindset, a more aggressive southern strategy for Russia is very beneficial for the overall Allied play. I'm also a big fan of US2 Operation Torch with at least 4 or 6 units landing in North Africa and enough naval power to defend all but an all out air raid. The threat there takes a lot of pressure off Russia as the Germans have to worry about losing Italy for the foreseeable future. I honestly don't like Russia because your strategy feels dictated by the other strategies at the table and survival is not a fun A&A experience.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for sharing! I agree with 99% of your comment. I think that playing Russia can be fun depending on how the other Allied players manage the game. If they leave Russia to defend themselves without providing any kind of diversionary threat, you are absolutely right. That game is no fun at all. But, if they support Russia (directly or indirectly), Russian options can be really engaging throughout the game. If any of the powers are less exciting, it has to be the US. There are a few minor things they might be able to do early in the game, but typically it is turn 3 or 4 before they are making any kind of serious impact in the game. When you are playing on the tabletop, that can be two or more hours into the game. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

[@pittsburghmcconnell]

Fan of the airplane purchase on round 1. Just attack with slightly less units but bomber gotta go.

[@BoardGameNation]

Haha! I have been playing with ways to make the bomber work and haven't gotten there yet. Thanks for watching!

[@z000ey]

The "implausable" in Beamdog's Online game comes out on any landing battle when there is any sea zone battle that must precede it, even if both are extremely biased into wins for the attacker. It is thus a bug. Should be fixed. In your example, you'd have gotten another prediction had there not been a UK destroyer that has to be eliminated by the battleship (a 90% or even more chance).

[@BoardGameNation]

That's good information! Thanks for sharing. I'll check that out.

[@ceoavenger9500]

9:45 that’s so true

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for watching!

[@hansstory]

Can someone explain the low luck zero power left no defense roll rule for me? Playing the Allies and I have have an infantry unit and an artillery unit defending but they don't get to even roll when they are wiped out. But the Axis units in the same scenario do roll a 4 power defense roll against me! Arrggg!!! Why? Thanks!

[@BoardGameNation]

I'm not sure how that can happen. If it continues, I suggest you contact Beamdog support. Thanks for watching!

[@hansstory]

@@BoardGameNation Will do, thanks!

[@joekelly4870]

Have you ever bought a battleship for Russia starting out? It seems to occupy some of the German planes giving hope to keep the British navy somewhat intact.

[@BoardGameNation]

I have not tried that. It would give some support to the Allied Atlantic fleet, but I'd be afraid that the Russians wouldn't have enough ground/air forces to fend off the Axis when they visit Moscow. I find that unless there is some very specific situation in the late game, the Russians sea units are best left in the box. Thanks for the question!

[@hughprattis7494]

Do any pros attack the German Baltic fleet first turn with fighters to stop a sea lion attack?

[@BoardGameNation]

Not that I have seen. The Russian fighters are much too valuable and the risk of G1 sea lion is very low. Thanks for watching!

[@williemcdowell6319]

I play Call of War if none of you have heard about it I advise downloading it it is a free-to-play World War simulator that reminds me of Axis & Allies on steroids

[@BoardGameNation]

Fun! I'll check it out. Thanks for watching!

[@Daniel-ix2sy]

Ready for German openings!

[@BoardGameNation]

We are working on it! I've been pulled away from the studio by some family business, but I should be back in the saddle in October. Thanks for watching!

[@Daniel-ix2sy]

@@BoardGameNation Awesome, thanks sir!

[@ianallen738]

Germany should keep the default priority for the bomber. Why? It is a key piece for a number of early game strats AND hanging on to it is likely to lure the Russians into losing all of their armor in the Ukraine.

[@ianallen738]

Worst possible outcome for Germany is they lose the bomber AND Russia keeps all of their armor.

[@BoardGameNation]

Agreed. The rond 1 Russian attack on Ukraine is key strategic chose that will impact the entire game. Thanks for watching!

[@marksy79]

4 men 2 tank buy attacking WR 12 units and Ukraine 9 units is the only way to play… Take Ukraine to buy at least 1 more round, move AA gun to both WR and Ukraine ( normally ) at least 3 tanks and an arty survive, you force G to counter with potential Luftwaffe 🤞

[@BoardGameNation]

I'll give that a try. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@erichenderson5421]

Yeah I'm very surprised this opener wasn't even mentioned - it's the only real "meta" opener right now for USSR. The 2 tank buy allows you to threaten Karelia and Ukraine with a counterattack, and most agree taking Ukraine R1 is necessary because not doing so gives Germany an additional tank, fighter, and bomber to work with, which is easily worth the price of the starting Russian tanks (especially since you just bought a few more).

[@BoardGameNation]

I had seen that opening used, but I was trying to make it a shorter video. So many strategy videos out there are really long. Many are good, but require an hour or more to take in. I plan to make another video that talks about coordinated Allied strategies. I'll make sure to mention this opening in that video. Thanks for the feedback!

[@erichenderson5421]

@@BoardGameNation No worries! I figured there was a reason for omitting it here. Great work!

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks!

[@hereata212]

for me, I would go for the Meat stack and keep on buying the stack and move most troops to Moscow and the Caucuses and keep on building that meat stack, and after the US does their 'Normandy invasion ' I would attack the Germans with all I got because I would have approximately 20-30 infantry and Germany's troops would be weakened.

[@BoardGameNation]

That can certainly seem like a good play, but an aggressive German player can reach Moscow before the Allies can land in Europe. They start with twice as much material and a considerable economic advantage. Mixed units are almost always better for defending Russia over just building infantry. Thanks for sharing!

[@hereata212]

@@BoardGameNation it worked pretty well for me all things considered because the germans did try to attack me with a mixed amount of units. The damage was not too bad compared to the German's. then I attacked them.

[@BoardGameNation]

Glad it worked out!

[@Juvelira]

What I've seen so far is that if you (with USSR) leave the German Bomber and Fighter (and the Panzer) in Ukraine alive you'll severely drop the overall chance of Allied success. In order to save those pitiful 2 or 3 soviet tanks by not taking Ukraine is: - 1st not giving you 2 IPC of production - 2nd Allowing the Germans to not waste 22 or 28 IPC for purchasing air units, but build 4 tanks instead - 3rd Egypt's chance of survival with the Bomber present is decreased substantially and this triggers a chain of potentially devastating reactions for the Allies - without the Fighter in Egypt, Britain cannot destroy Japan's navy in zone 37, nor the German Battleship + Transport in 17. Japan can freely conquer most of East Asia and so on. - 4th Russian forces in West Russia are almost certainly doomed. Germany can easily afford 1-1 lose ration against the Soviets.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Definitely so valid points. Thanks for watching!

[@themole4369]

Found defending Russia as the Allies to be an almost impossible task. Last time I tried it the strategy was basically Britain building tanks in India every round and sending them into the Caucuses and America sending fighters over via Alaska. All that hardware kept the Germans at bay but Japan was basically free to do what it wanted. India and China both fell and eventually Moscow was taken from the east. Will have to try again with one of these strategies.

[@BoardGameNation]

Defending Moscow is definitely a challenge against a skilled Allied player. It sounds like you were on the right track, but (not to sound cliché) sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If the Allies can keep the Germans even partially distracted on the western front, the Russians can usually pull through. If that is the game plan, moving fighters through Iceland is usually the better bet. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@themole4369]

Thanks for the advice. Have yet to win playing as the Allies but will watch more videos and give it a go. Subbed.

[@BoardGameNation]

You'll find it. Thanks for subscribing!

[@kaijiesoo8588]

7:30 strafe and retreat to Belorussia?

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@Champion_14]

Option 4 you can actually do 2 infantry 2 artillery 1 fighter

[@BoardGameNation]

That is true, but I found holding the two IPCs provides some extra flexibility on R2. By the time the action comes back around to Russia, the overall Axis strategy should be clear. The flexibility to make a more offensive choice (a tank, more artillery, or even the forth fighter) if the Axis choose a KUKF strategy, can make a huge difference down the road. However, if they show a KRF posture, the delay in buying an addition unit will be inconsequential. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

[@LA_Commander]

Actually you didn't even show the most conservative strategy of them all. For the USSR to fortify in turn 1 and not attack at all. She can place her fighters and tanks behind the lines and wait for an opportunity here and there to make a small, limited attack when appropriate. I find this strategy, though it may seem boring, to be the best one for ensuring Russian survival. Of course, this depends on the US/UK stepping up and attacking the western front/northern front/African front as soon as possible.

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting thought. I'll have to take a look at that. Thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@Mrazure3000]

I would say One tank one artillery and 5 infantry as it gives Russia a strong defence but also can support attacks really well

[@BoardGameNation]

Certainly a valid option, but I find that Russian tanks get used less often than a fighter. The Soviets need to be able to create dead zones as they face down the Russians. I've had more success using fightera for this purpose compared to tanks. This game was a really good example of this idea in action. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXLMc3uem5p4e6csi=8G1I3fIio1Z2beNs Thanks for watching!

[@Mrazure3000]

What would you think of 1 fighter 1 tank 3 infantry

[@BoardGameNation]

Again, I don't love the tank purchase. I'd rather have the two infantry units.

[@darkguy555]

i would love it if you made a video for UK

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for the suggestion! Once you get beyond Russia's first turn it becomes more useful to think in terms of an overall Allied strategy. We are editing a huge Axis strategy video now. Next will be a big Allied strategy. Thanks for watching!

[@darkguy555]

@@BoardGameNation Awesome! i look forward to it!

[@gilgalad6231]

Can we have this but 1940 global?

[@BoardGameNation]

That's a whole other animal, but I'll give it a look. Thanks for watching!

[@gilgalad6231]

@@BoardGameNation oh, I know it’d be a whole different beast. But, I typically play 1940 and I liked your breakdown. Cheers

[@BoardGameNation]

I'll give it some thought and see what I can come up with. Thanks again!

[@superchapitas9266]

online is about manipulating the dice RNG, the game will balance results in the next turn based on the overall amount of power. Then you start to see the Japanese fleet sunk in Indonesia or the Suez canal destroyer sinking the Italian battleship or the one surviving german tank conquering U.K., also if You have 3 bombers will always lose one to AA fire at the first try, you need to wait and have 4. Also, look like there are a lot of scripted results if conditions are met. People complained so much about the RNG the developers added a new "kind" of dice after stating various times that there was nothing wrong with the RNG. I think the problem is to program the dice RNG to "game balance and the fun factor" and not just let the dice be, just random. Anyway the U.R.S.S. default placement it´s wrong, infantry, artillery, and tanks shall cost 1 IPC less and should be at least one tank in the soviet far east. Ironically, the old 90s Axis and Allies cd rom game was better than this 1942 online edition

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts!

[@christopherquigley5468]

Letting that bomber live really hurts the UK. It sucks to lose your 3 tanks, but it is worth it if you stop Germany from taking Africa. There is definitely a difficult decision to make there. Do you go for the bomber? Or do you try to save Russia's tanks? Which is more important? I always go 4 infantry, 3 artillery and the 9-12 attack. It is dumb that every first move is the same. But, after the first move it is always different. No two games are the same. I recently tried a 4 infantry 2 tanks approach. I saw a pro player use this to prevent Germany from counter attacking on turn 1. Edit: I realized that the latter half of this comment made no sense. My brain must be totally fried.

[@BoardGameNation]

Lots of good points! Thanks for watching!

[@Narilius]

I sort of like buying 4 Russian Tanks, and going for a kill japan first strategy, on turn 2 moving into Asia with 4 infantry and up to 7 tanks. Or turning them against a new German player who decides to put some units in Karelia. It is easy to stamp them out on turn 2 if they put a clump of units there, and Russia has it's 7 tanks and the west Russian meat wall.

[@BoardGameNation]

Some interesting ideas there. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@sirundying]

why are you doing all these with low luck ? i dont mind but i never saw you play lowluck in your videos. the 1st opening problem is not the 8 infantry buy but their combat moves. buying 8 infantry and doing normal attacks ( ukraine + west russia ) is a lot better ( although the inf+ arty is better imo ). opening 2: germany can strafe attack either west russia or ukraine, he dont have to commit ( although i didnt do the math there with this version ). i used to play2nd edition for the longest time then switched to tripleA client and played a lot of NWO and WaW.

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for watching!

[@dndgeek4112]

If I was Germany after the Ukraine strafe, I’d leave Russia alone, purchase a lot of infantry, and consolidate all my tanks into the baltic states

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@nolimit7959]

Using Low luck I come into the Ukraine with the usual but without the Second fighter, it Usually leaves the German Bomber as the surviving unit after I retreat- afterwards that 2nd held back fighter non coms to Egypt to prevent the German invasion despite that surviving Bomber (The odds being against German invasion), so My UK Egypt fighter can help destroy that sz 37 fleet with Low luck usually in UK's favor!!!

[@BoardGameNation]

Nice combo! I'll take a look at it. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@CombatVetx3]

Your only looking at low luck, which you cannot do during rank play online.

[@BoardGameNation]

I think that low luck is good for using when working out strategies. It gets the closest to average outcomes. Real world play and standard dice will have the normal swings. Naturally, those will vary from game to game. Thanks for watching!

[@aardvarkpepper8444]

@@BoardGameNation Strategy for regular dice games should not be based on low luck projections. (Strategy for low luck games should not be based on regular dice projections either.) E.g. R1 W Rus only opening under regular dice risks *bad rolls* followed by G1 counter. Low Luck restricts outcomes so the "bad roll" scenario cannot happen. Low Luck is not a lesser discipline. It is, however, *very different*.

[@hashiramasenju3246]

Forgive me, I am by no means a pro. But if the bomber is in Ukraine (not to mention that this strategy often spares the fighter as well), why wouldn't you want it? Yes, the tanks are very good on attack and defense and you will lose them. However, knocking that bomber out prevents bombing runs on the caucuses (or russia, i guess), hinders German control of Africa, hinders German resistance to naval approaches, and spares England from ipc loss. In a KJF, yes, i can see leaving the bomber up to offer yourself a longer bulwark and 1-2 improved trades down the line, or even a blitz. But in a KGF (which i much prefer) wouldnt russia want to limit german air power the only time they will have an opportunity to, and then sort of turtle up until their allies make them an opening? Following that up, is stacking 5 north of manchuria bad? And why do most of your strategies send them all east. I virtually never pull those seven away until turn 3 or 4 if they are pushing asian mainland. If they go in on the 5 their air power and transport are occupied T1, and you still have 2 to play the stalling game with. if they leave manchuria open (or even worse, build a factory) you have a shot at a cheeky play, and regardless, a KGF will need to put pressure on germany before your forces in european russia collapse, those troops will rarely save the day going west. a KJF will benefit from a russian infantry base on land if you choose the north pacific. if you choose the south, preventing them ipc gain outside of central asia will limit japanese options, keep your IPC a little higher, and lower their "free" ipc. other than that, insightful information, some new, some i knew. Good vid. I may sacrifice my artillery for that fighter sometime.

[@BoardGameNation]

You make some great points! I have been looking again at the trade in Ukraine. I think either way has reasonable arguments. So, I think it comes down to play style. As to the Russians in Far East, again valid arguments both ways. If you are playing a KJF, then these Infantry definitely need to stick around to secure a landing zone for Allied air power. In a KGF, I typically pepper the map with the Russians to act as speed bumps for any Japanese tanks that might get frisky. Again, some really solid points. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! Good hunting!

[@hashiramasenju3246]

@@BoardGameNation mad respect. Keep up the good work. I tried your fighter strat in comp and the German player tank rushed caucuses T2 and Russia T3. I was absolutely devastated. I also won that game. So it's all good. 3 artillery wouldn't have saved Russia from that guy's crazy strategy.

[@BoardGameNation]

@@hashiramasenju3246 - Sounds like a wild game! Congrats on getting the 'W'!

[@SumerNivek]

Is there EVER a time that the USSR can build even a meager navy? I hate to see all those Russian naval pieces just collect dust! :D

[@BoardGameNation]

Haha! I know what you mean. You comment reminded me of a game I played at GenCon a few years ago. Here is a quick, true story about when to buy a Russian Navy. I was playing the Allies in an A&A 1942.2 tournament when, on G3, the German player had over extended to the east and in Africa, leaving his capitol potentially vulnerable. I was trying to find a way to take advantage of his error, but I didn't have a place to land enough air units close enough to make it possible. To make it viable, I needed a place to land more US fighters. After a few minutes and some cursing, I saw the solution. On UK 3, they liberated Karelia and captured the Baltic States, moved the fleet in SZ 5, and mobilized enough land units to refill its transports. The US moved everything it could to within range on US 3 - only four land units, but several air units. Then, on USSR 4, to the shock of the other player, I pulled the mighty Russian carrier out of the box (actually, we had to borrow the piece from another table because none of us had one!). At the end of Russia 4, a shiny new carrier splashed into the Baltic joining the Allied fleet! Seeing the build up, my opponent tried as best he could to correct his mistake. Even so, I still felt like the Allies had the advantage (plus I was already committed by this crazy looking carrier purchase). So, I attacked! The UK hit Berlin with everything, taking out a bunch of the German units. Then, the US attacked with just a few land units, but the Russian carrier made it possible for all the US air units to reach Berlin. Getting those two fighters into the battle made the difference! The US took Berlin with one infantry and one fighter to spare! The Axis player resigned. It was definitely a risky move, but it paid off! Thanks for watching and for subscribing!

[@SumerNivek]

@@BoardGameNation that is amazing! I keep forgetting that planes can land on friendly carriers not belonging to you! Does BeamDog's game allow that (the landing of, say, a British plane on an American carrier), or is that not implemented on the Online version? I have been playing a private match with my D&D group and we have not noticed that as an option.

[@BoardGameNation]

That was a fun game! Glad you mentioned the difference in the rules. Unlike the tabletop version, Beamdog's version doesn't allow friendly fighters to land on carriers belonging to another power. Also, you can't load friendly land units on transports belonging to another power. Not sure why they singled out these rules to change, but it is worth noting when playing online versus in-person.

[@Snoil]

@@SumerNivek Doing the reverse and getting A&A pals to start a new D&D campaign!

[@Harbringe]

The Russian all men option would work if you don't play it stupidly.

[@BoardGameNation]

That hasn't been my experience, but I have been proven wrong before. Thanks for watching!

[@canuckaviation6481]

9 12 so right

[@BoardGameNation]

Thanks for watching!

[@mdstmouse7]

I've never played a game that allowed the russians to attack on the first turn.

[@BoardGameNation]

Interesting. What versions have you played?

[@mdstmouse7]

@@BoardGameNation the original, 42, and 1940 second edition (the big map). Second edition is our go to. I've been told allowing russia to attack will break the game. I had no idea it was a house rule until joining an AA group on facebook a few weeks ago.

[@BoardGameNation]

In the classic from 1984 (I think) it was an optional rule, but I'm pretty sure that any version that starts in 1942 has Germany and the USSR at war. Thanks for watching!

[@goomni72]

How is retreating from Ukraine a smart play if the bomber can then be used to help the Germans take Egypt?

[@BoardGameNation]

That is a fair question and certainly up for debate. My agreement is based on the IPC value (12 for the bomber vs. 18 for the 3 tanks) rather than the immediate utility of the relevant units. The 6 IPC swing can be significant, especially foe the Russians in the early game. Thanks for watching!

[@conorshaw5755]

buy 1 fighter and as many inf as you can every single turn

[@BoardGameNation]

I love that play! Thanks for watching!

[@DrBadassBRB]

Maybe I might actually win play Russia this time!

[@BoardGameNation]

Let's find out! :) Thanks for watching!

[@camdenlaplant7953]

FORTRESS KARELIA

[@BoardGameNation]

Can you give us a quick description of what that means to you?

[@jw4172]

Did you just endorse low luck play? I concur, lol

[@BoardGameNation]

I like low luck play for strategy conversations. For actual game play, removing too much of the "luck factor" changes the nature of the game. Thanks for watching!

[@jw4172]

For fun, I’m good with regular dice. For competitive play, I prefer LL.

[@BoardGameNation]

I get that. Matter of taste.

[@briantaylor9448]

F low luck. That is for cowards.

[@BoardGameNation]

Haha! It has its place. I think of it like bowling with the bumpers in the gutters. Thanks for watching!

[@ceoavenger9500]

Germany = All tanks (its unstoppable)

[@BoardGameNation]

I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for watching!

[@z000ey]

Srry to tell you I've stopped that innumerable times :) There are other Allies beside USSR, thus the name of the game

[@erichenderson5421]

A tank-heavy Germany purchase is actually pretty bad. And that is because it is extremely inefficient vs. just buying infantry/artillery. When I'm playing Allies (which is most of the time), I immediately know I've got a huge advantage over Germany if they mostly buy tanks with their starting money. Interestingly enough, a German tank approach usually isn't even good enough to seriously threaten USSR because it doesn't have the hit points to sustain the offensive.

[@Snoil]

I love it when GER does NOT buy 11inf/2art on turn 1. The 11/2 buy is a nightmare for USSR.

[@Hunt.LikeDavid]

All tanks for Russia

[@BoardGameNation]

I have seen this strategy and I have been tinkering with it. It can be overwhelming, but it has some weaknesses. Thanks for watching!

[@Hunt.LikeDavid]

@@BoardGameNation yes it has some downside for sure. When I play USSR I use the same mentality as if I was Germany...attack. I'm about 50% win rate with this approach.

[@BoardGameNation]

I agree that most people play USSR much to conservatively. Personally, I wouldn't put the aggression level the same as Germany, but I like where your head is it. Good hunting!