Axis and Allies Classic series: Video 4, Russia

[@whyisdiscostevetaken]

thank you for making these in-depth videos of axis & allies classic; i tried a release of a later version (it had a long neutral territory in the middle of the sahara) and it was simply *not* axis & allies in my humble opinion i played the microprose 1998 PC release all the time growing up, my dad was an avid fan of the board game but we never had time to set up the board and play it that way i've seen the USSR restricted rule for over 20 years and always scoffed at it, never tried it until this week, but you've changed my mind i always saw russia as weaker than germany in the land war (because they're 8 bucks poorer), and i assumed that karelia would be slaughtered if they couldn't take something from the germans on the first turn the game is slanted in the allies' favor, and russia can still get a lot done even if their first turn is spent as redeployment only; adding soaks to the north sea, pulling back infantry to yakut, moving all-but-one of caucasus to karelia is some solid fortifying and holy hell, those 3 tanks in persia? PURE GENIUS it's far more important to change the tide in africa or southeast asia than it is to have 3 more defenders at 2 in karelia and if karelia is taken, tanks are within reach for a counter offensive i'm taking your persian strategy

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

Glad you found this/these videos memorable and helpful!

[@palious13]

I played a guy once who launched his only attack into eastern Europe. A good strategy. It destroyed the German units, and blocked off the forces in Germany and Southern Europe from Karelia.

[@math080guy]

I also have to ask for a chance to do a video/game with you, Sir! You and I think very much alike, and I'd like your opinion on an opening or two for Russia. I have to say, you have the best, and most recent, A&A classic videos I have seen, and I am looking forward to future interactions. Keep up the Great work.

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

Many thanks. =)

[@nolimit7959]

Hey Good Cap, glad someone is doing classic videos! I just ordered a Gamers Paradise Classic Axis & Allies map which is bigger, I gave my other one away years ago and I'm still kicking myself for it! Perhaps you'd be interested in a KZbin classic game against me soon (with the Russian restricted rules of course)?

[@math080guy]

I need to get my own expanded map.

[@nolimit7959]

@@math080guy Try Amazon or eBay like I did!

[@math080guy]

@@nolimit7959 I will most definitely do so on payday! I'm raring to go, but only have the regular size boards to work with as yet. I do, however, have 4 of them, and this allows for some of my custom {Multi-board} A&A games to be played. My cheap webcam is not the best, and I need to build a better setup so my videos are better displayed, but it is a work in progress. Thanks for the speedy reply and advice!

[@CaptainVasiliArkhipov]

The first example was close, I put only one infantry in caucuses, 19 in Karelia with 3 tanks & both fighters, Germany does have the advantage, one evinkee SSR infantry to Russia instead of both heading towards Japan. If the Germans take Karelia the Russian far east tank can certainly use any extra infantry for liberation, I would however park the far east tank more north to lessen the success potential of a Japanese air only attack should they believe it may help their side in keeping Karelia, surviving japanese fighters also can land now in the newly conquered Karelia.

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

With regards to the German player having the advantage - with the Russian units you cite being in Karelia: If the German's attack with every unit available, including their entire air force, they stand a roughly 30% chance of taking that territory with a single armor and a few planes left over. The average net loss/gain is -25 IPC for the Germans. In other words, even if the German's take it, the cost is so massive and potentially catastrophic. I submit that a savvy German player not only should never make that attack but they shouldn't make that attack even if the Russian's had a few less units up there. This is why I advocate for the displacement of a few Russian units towards the middle of the board.

[@CaptainVasiliArkhipov]

You are right about that, but sometimes bad dice rolls leave a permanent reminder, as allies I lost Karelia (not turn 1) and Germany has 4 tanks there, no allied navy existed yet but my UK had 7 fighters in range, I only lost 3 fighters, Russia could now liberate Karelia and the German sacrifice was unsuccessful. Knowing my opponent certainly allows more flexibility, but whenever I assume too much against the unknown opponent It seems my dice become unsupportive

[@mikedearing6352]

​@@thegoodcaptain1217I've been re evaluating the Russian armor turn 1 deployment towards Indo China and Egypt. It has a reasonably good prospect of slowing the Japanese advance

[@superilikeeggsyo]

I don't agree with the notion that the 3 tanks in Persia is enough to deter a G1 into Egypt. If anything, it strengthens Germany's desire to strike, as it pulls your armor out of position and on G2 Germany can easily wipe the tanks out (they defend on 2 in Classic, don't they?)

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

Yes, they defend on 2 in 2nd Edition classic

[@palious13]

I agree. Especially since the Axis in this game must attack quickly or be overwhelmed by the Allied economies.

[@math080guy]

It's a good, solid move in the "Asia First" variant, where both the UK/USA build complexes on turn one in asia, and there isn't really anything the Axis can do to prevent this. That said, there is an even more {wicked} variant that really screws Japan over.

[@ricmahurin7535]

i only ever play russia restricted.

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

Good, as you should. I dedicated a video to this in "Russia Restricted: Why you need it." And ammended my comments in this video in "Where I changed my mind: updating my 10 Part Classic Series."

[@camden_raab9875]

If you only leave one person in the caucus and no one in the capital can’t the take the caucus with those infantry then take the capital with tanks

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

No, they could not. Those tanks would have to be moved in the non combat movement phase and you cannot move into enemy controlled territory in the non-combat movement phase.

[@camden_raab9875]

@@thegoodcaptain1217 thank you

[@XXASKillinGMachineXX]

@@thegoodcaptain1217 but a few forces Eastern Europe can attack caucuses and then more tank reinforcement from Ukraine can blitz into the capital during the first combat movement phase with Germany, because that happened to me and it was bad

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

@@XXASKillinGMachineXX this is an illegal move. After the combat phase, no enemy land units can move into enemy controlled territories - even if they’re empty.

[@XXASKillinGMachineXX]

@@thegoodcaptain1217 wow that’s crazy me and my friend follow the rule book but I have noticed in your videos that you play different than we do, idk why but the rule book that he has for classic doesn’t even have 31 pages so it doesn’t even have the restricted Russia rule

[@christophermiller1260]

You can only build 3 units in Karelia per turn.... what the heck are you doing?

[@thegoodcaptain1217]

This is not correct. Page 21, bottom center paragraph "Original complexes give you unlimited capacity..." Perhaps you're confused with another version. This is the original "Classic" version.

[@jeanniehogue4490]

Russia has to take Finland/Norway Russia absolutely needs the money

[@robertsnyder1890]

that is good at first but, it is better that the USA take it and set a factory. they can build 2 tanks per turn, forever. plus bring over infantry to support Russia.

[@robertsnyder1890]

STOP QUOTING DoNS ESSAYS/ he is full of shit. have a strategy from the beginning and go with it. win or lose, that is how you learn.