Axis and Allies Anniversary Edition: Japan Strategy

[@MrThomasCWest]

On Turn 1, I think I would focus more on defense first, moving a tank, an infantry, and fighter from Japan to Manchuria then buying 2 factories, one for Manchuria and the other for the East Indies. Turn 2, make a light push into China, then purchasing 3 tanks for Manchuria, 2 Transports, 1 infantry, 1 tank for the East Indies, and a couple of Naval Units for Japan if there is enough money left. Turn 3, repeat turn 2, except do one transport, 2 tanks, and 1 infantry for the East Indies. By Turn 4, I should be able to make a push into India. If they have reinforced India, instead take a couple of transports to Africa and one to Australia. Or, hold of the invasion until Turn 5 and build a fleet of bombers for the East Indies on turn 4, that way I would have a chance to deal a decent amount of damage in the invasion. On the other hand, beefing up the Japanese navy before the American player can will be able to save a lot of trouble in the long run. After obtaining naval superiority, move the fleet to the western US coast and to the Panama area to create an effective blockade from an immediate American Naval retaliation. The fleets should each consist of a minimum of 3 Battleships, 3-5 Cruisers, 5 Destroyers, and a couple of Submarines. Aircraft Carriers are optional. This will leave the conquest of China, India, Russia, and Africa to the forefront of the war.

[@wolfshanze5980]

Well yes, at 1:26, I kinda figured each territory was only worth one territory... but I think I got what you really meant!

[@isaacvestil2246]

lol

[@donaldpolvado8960]

Solid Strategy ! Oh RooK Godzirrah!!

[@dirkdiggler9482]

I'm really starting to think that putting an IC in Manchuria and fighting that slog all the way through China is just a poor strategy. I think the next time I play as Japan, I'll put one IC in each Burma and French Indo-China Thailand in the first round. That makes way more sense to me. Then you can put 4 tanks on the board each turn, instead of just the 3 you would be able to put in Manchuria, and you're way closer to Russia that way. I don't know why I never thought of it before now. You can take out the British navy in India's sea zone and then land the fighters on the aircraft carrier in Burma right away, and you can also reach that territory with every other air unit you have on the board, except the fighter in Japan. By the third round, you could have 4 tanks, at least 3 fighters and a bomber, plus whatever other land units you want to bring there, from other territories nearby via transports. I'm glad I watched this video.

[@keegsalex6285]

Wow! Is japan in only one sea zone in this version? That’s an axis advantage for sure. My anniversary edition game is arriving tomorrow. I’m super excited. The only thing I don’t like is it looks like west coast USA is a lot smaller (than what I’m used to on 1942 2nd). 😣

[@JonathanMeyer84]

You are correct, Alex. A single sea zone fully encompasses Japan in this version.

[@danielsepanyan1407]

Nice video, I love the game. Haven't played the The 1942 set up yet. In my experience in 1941 Japan is the carry. Germany isn't able to really aim for sealion Britain and the U.S just have to many fighters That can land in London literally fighters built in eastern U.S can reach London next turn. Germany should just focus on Russia. And assume it will lose its surface ships in round 2. In 1941 it will take a veteran German player to win as the axis where as Russia is beefed up and further away able to make mistakes for novice or intermediate players that don't cost the game early like in the 1942 second edition for Russia.

[@benjaminmcever9846]

Daniel Sepanyan I don't know if this will help but I have played several rounds as Germany and have the same problems you have brought up. I have found that yes, London is hard to take do to the American aid, but if you focus on making sure you have a good defence against the USSR, you can send more resources to your Battle for Britain. If you play your cards right, you should be able to clear a sea zone to send land troops to his mainland. Those with air support, you should be able to take London. You may have a hard time defending London but now you can turn your focus to the USSR. Just make sure to keep up with your navy. To many people want to forget about spending money on their navy and endup having a hard time defending against coastal invasions. If you want to beat the Americans and the USSR, you will need a good navy to defend your coast from the Americans, and plenty of men to attack the USSR.

[@dirkdiggler9482]

You don't have to defend French Indo-China Thailand from the Chinese. They can't attack outside their own territories.

[@Alfreduss]

9:15, could you just sent 1 fighter from the carrier, 1 fighter from japan + the bomber and the sub to destroy hawaiian fleet? You would mostly lose the sub and maybe 1 fighter, land the bomber on caroline island and one or 2 fighter in the aircraft carrier on caroline islands waters. where you would put the battleship and the cruiser to protect ? or would be still be hit har by the USA?

[@JonathanMeyer84]

Quick question, where's that second fighter coming from? I might be miscounting, but I believe the carrier would have to move into Hawaiian waters for the fighter from Japan to participate.

[@keegsalex6285]

If Manchuria is taken by the Russians, and the Japanese had a factory on it, can the Russians produce troops there right away since Manchuria was originally a Chinese territory (an ally) even though it doesn't have to become a Chinese territory (I assume?)?

[@JonathanMeyer84]

That's an interesting question, and one I hadn't considered deeply before putting together this video. A strict interpretation of the rules would result in the Manchurian factory getting ignored if captured by Russia. The territory and factory would now technically be under Chinese control and China can't use factories. On the other hand, a factory in a "liberated" territory can be used by the liberating power, if the original power has lost its capital. As an illustration, if Moscow is controlled by the Axis, England would be able to use the Leningrad. China has no capital so this nuance cannot come into play. This is something I'd want to house rule in my games. Either the factory is ignored completely, or Russia is allowed to use it as if it controlled Manchuria.

[@keegsalex6285]

Right. I think it seems such a waste though for it to never be used under allied control, so I'd say personally that a liberated factory on Manchuria and Kiangsu would go to the liberating power. A factory on Kwangtung however (though unlikely since it's IPC value is so low) would go directly to the British unless if their capital is taken.

[@dirkdiggler9482]

I was just considering this question last week, when I last played it, and did lose that territory to the Russians. My opponent and I concluded, after reading the rules and searching the web for answers, that the Russians can't use it, because the only time an allied player can use a friendly industrial complex is if the country who owns it has their capital in enemy hands, and China doesn't have a capital. This might not really be a satisfying answer, but it just isn't really spelled out enough to come to any clearer conclusions, so that's what we went with.

[@Minotaur-gj1ei]

great video! I have found success not attacking the US Fleet around Hawaii, Instead i consolidate, maybe add one carrier w/fighters then just slowly build up a fleet of subs as fodder and make the US prove it can get through it while I push super hard into the mainland toward India. Also, do you play using the national objectives? I find it makes for a funner more dynamic experience.

[@JonathanMeyer84]

Thanks David! I do occasionally and enjoy them as well. For this series, I wanted to focus on strategy without them. I may make additional videos in the future which integrate national objectives.

[@madquest8]

Strategy? LOL This version should be called Godzilla! Japan is unstoppable if ignored for even 1 move by the US

[@whisperchainsaw102]

madquest8 it is. That is why they gave the US more ships in this version. The US needs something to counter Japan. If Germany loses Japan cannot win unless they manage to take mainland US which is next to impossible with england in the game.