DieFledermas' German Cookbook

[Diefledermas]

Let me premise this by saying I've never won an MP game as Germany against a competant group of Allied/Commintern players. We've all crushed the AI in SP and taken over the USA vs. incompetent players but here is what I've learned about a successful German campaign so far...

PART ONE

Germany and the Axis

1. The Beginning - Realities

A common misconception is that the Axis start in a superior position. Not true.

Japan

Now, the Japanese start in a superior position. If the could DoW China, UK, France, the Netherlands, and the rest of the Asian concerns immediatley they would probably win. As long as the European forces of above nations didn't head over.

Italy

The Italians start with a large army capable of kicking butt on the minor nations of the world but will get slaughtered against France or an undistracted UK.

Germany

Germany starts a smaller military than France (lets not even talk about the USSR). Superior forces? Yes. Could Germany defeat France with existing forces on Jan 1, 1936? Yes. Will you win the game? no. Germany can beat any one opponent (even the USSR) in the beginning but cannot beat ALL opponents. Unless the Italians have been properly hardened they will fall like wheat before the scythe so don't count on thier help.

"other" Axis

Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, the Baltics, Nationalist Spain, South America, Siam etc... The time taken to bring one, some, or all of these nations into your alliance will prove most helpful. The resoures/manpower of these nations while not going directly to you will benefit from their troops, expeditionary forces, and localized supply (try sending a German supply convoy to Greece).

2. Axis Co-operation (or how to stay alive)

The Axis (even before they officially ARE the Axis) need to co-operate. Germany and Italy especially. Japan is really more of a needed distraction to sap Allied resources (and vice versa for Japan and Europe). One of the greatest failings I have seen in MANY games is an Italian player going gangbusters against the weak nations of the Balkans. This spells doom for the Axis on 2 levels. First, Italy cannot trade on the world market and loses its chance to build up much needed oil supplies. If the German & Japanese players are allied with Italy then same goes for them. This MUST NOT happen. Second, Italy needs to "harden" its troops with better technology for the eventual fight with the Allies. Italy starts with a large army and navy. In numbers, the are both formidable. With proper hardening they can be deadly. And Italy doesn't have the manpower to do the "Chinese human wave" tactic. Japan shouldn't officially join the Axis until after it conqours China or the European War breaks out (whichever comes first).

Tech Sharing

[NOTE: wAARmonger tech rules are that each country may share 1 tech per month. Only France, Italy, and China may receive "gold" techs (i.e. silvers to anyone) and NO doctrines may be shared. Obviously, minor nations may also recieve gold techs - my observations are built on this]

Depending on the house rules you have will effect this. As Germany, don't be greedy. You have a good tech base and the resources to improve upon it. As Japan, recognize you have great naval tech and don't be greedy either. Italy needs both. If Japan wishes to give Germany sub tech or a tech that would help you, get it. But don't demand tech you don't really need if the "share" would benefit a partner more.

Convoys and the World Market

If you can spare resources to a partner send them. But don't send convoys if you are hurting yourself. In most cases, that means resource convoys aren't going to be too prevelant. Use the world market whenever possible and for god sakes do 1 for 1 trading. Coal and Steel won't max automatically if you are a shrewd trader.

Expeditionary Forces

It is amazing what 1 or 2 german infantry divisions will do to shore up an Italian campaign in Africa or the Middle East, not to mention the Spain civil war. A great way to help the cause and not declare war (or even ally) is to send a few "Condor Legion" boys into the hot zones. Hell, control them is you want.

 

[Diefledermas]

PART TWO

1. Zones of Influence

As Germany, you need to recognize that you are the glue that holds the Axis together. That means that the other European (Axis) nations will need German garrisions in key provinces, Afrika Korps helping out your Italian buddies, and its pretty much up to you to interdict Allied shipping. That said, don't let petty desires of minor Axis players get in the way of the grand design (and don't let your personal greed keep their legitimate rewards from them). What do I mean? Here are some examples:

Vichy France

If you ever get the option to create Vichy France. DO IT. You instantly get half of Africa on your side freeing up the Italians to concentrate on Egypt and the Middle East (where all the goodies are), Vichy French troops can garrison the Altantic Wall (southwestern part), Indochina goes to the Japs. Not a bad deal. Don't let a whiny Mussolini convince you to go all out so he can have a couple provinces in the Riveria. Not worth it.

Japan

German technology can help Japan out immensely. Land tech is obvious but the much ignored Air techs will help them out even more. Good bombers are x10 more valuable in China and help out doubly in the Pacific (island based naval bombers - but this isn't the thread for that). Japan can't reciprocate with tech for you? Too bad, suck it up, your Germany.

Yugoslavia

(I know before even writing this, this one will be disagreed with, but here goes...)

The common Italian strategy of attacking Yugoslavia and annexing it is BAD. Very bad. Let me say it again, will kill the Axis. Now, once 39 rolls around (or whenever the Axis are ready - but AFTER Austria is part of the Reich). A joint invasion of Yugoslavia is the proper course of action. Here is why:

Germany needs a Mediterranean port

With a port in the Mediterranean, the Reich can base transports there to reinforce Italian troops in Africa and the Middle East. These can be German controlled or exp forces (whatever you want). This (small) contribution could very well tip the scales in favor of Italy. Also, Germany can now convoy resources from puppeted/annexed nations with Med ports (ex. Romania). And what Italian admiral would object to the Kriegsmarine helping him out in the Med?

So:

Yugoslavia can be split up among Italy and Germany - Let Germany get the majority of the provinces - Italy (should) get the western most provinces in the annexation (computer thing here - usually how it happens). The "loss" of Yugoslav IC to Italy can be made up for with German assistance (the IC is for troops and tech anyway after all).

2. Events

Anschuss, Sudetenland, Memel, Siam, etc... All these events give "free" territory, increased manpower, and a "low WE" penalty. Wait for them. A little patience and your position will be expotentially strenghtened. I've seen German players attack Austria. Why? what a total waste. Attacking a democracy and chewing up your troops? Stupid. Czechoslavakia? same thing.

3. Spain

Support the Nationalists. Have Italy send expeditionary forces and maybe Germany. Nuff said on that.

 

[Diefledermas]

PART THREE

War (i.e. the whole point)

Okay we're talking about Germany here so world domination is the whole point, Lebenschraum (however you spell it).

Let's not kid ourselves, the Allies are the enemy and the Commintern ain't our bro's either. We like the Japanese because they are WAY over there and not getting into our business. The Italians are the poor cousin but there is enough to go around down south and we need them.

So... how are we going to win?

Germany starts out weak, but with enormous potential. Let's assume a few precepts to base our strategy on:

1. Germany will never match Russia on a division for division basis
2. Germany will never win a "ship of the line" fight with the Royal Navy (en masse)
3. Once the USA joins the Allies, Germany will loose a war that becomes one of attrition
4. Resources are the key to a sustained conflict
5. Technology, superior leaders, and mobility are our weapons
6. Commerce raiding and interdiction of US land forces on the high seas is essential
7. Set achievable goals and do not go off on tangents
8. Only attack in force with overpowering firepower or exploit weak points with minimal force needed

Assuming Austria and Czechoslavia are part of the Reich from events...

Primary Targets:

Poland and Scandanavia are the most beneficial lands to conquor. Romania and her oil is a must have.

(note: conquor Sweden or Finland and your steel supply is guarenteed and the lack of steel on the open market will be felt by the Allies eventually - especially UK and France)

Secondary Targets:

The Baltics, the Balkans, Greece

These countries are useful in providing resources and help expand your growing Empire. You don't want the Reds in Hungary threathening your borders. UK troops in Athens is a pain, etc.. Let the Italians handle what they can in the Balkans and Greece. Remember though, starting a war with Russia over Estonia just isn't worth it.

Tertiary Targets:

Middle East, Africa, Spain, Portugal (or, Italy's problem)

The Middle East its vast oil reserves are a primary target for Italy but not for Germany. As noted above - if you can spare some troops for the Middle East or Africa, do it. Spain and Portugal(either bringing into the Axis or attacking) are worthwhile targets but only if you have the resources and troops to spare. Never sacrifice primary objectives for them. NOTE: with your Yugoslav ports, once Italy gets the oil in the Middle East, they can ship you oil from Italy to your Yugo ports and you can ship them coal and steel (the convoys are SHORT - one sea zone, starting to get the Yugo theory?)

 

[tank_buster]

Great tips, I am playing Germany in a currently running large MP game and I am happily doing most of what you recommend, and agree totally. A few have not been implemented, or I wasn't planning on it, but it really makes me think I need to revisit these policies.

I would like to pile on the Med port business. The mediteranean is the key to Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. This has been described as the "soft underbelly" of the axis in "An Army at Dawn" and I agree totally. Germany must have a med port. With that port comes immesurably better conditions for the axis, and Italy in particular.

Also Puppet, or ally with the maximum number of countries. Especially with new captured IC rules the units you gain are much more important then a few more ICs.

 

[Diefledermas]

PART FOUR

1. Problem Areas (i.e. the Enemy)

France

(for the purposes of this, Belgium and the Netherlands are included in the French arena)

France is a nice gem in the crown but not as benefical as the prime targets. However, let France be a staging area for the Allies and you've got problems. Not to mention the garrisoning of troops on the Rhine.

When to attack France is a variable. You are either going to need to do it before Poland or after Poland IF you have enough forces to garrison the East and keep Russia honest. If France wants to attack you for awhile and your not ready, let them. They'll just grind up troops. Attack when YOU are ready, not when France is ready. If the Italians want to help, great. But don't make it mandatory. Once France has fallen, don't neglect the Atlantic Wall, the Allies are coming... eventually.

Denmark

This little country is possibly the most strategic objective of Northern Europe. You NEED to secure the Sund. And don't waste time about it. Once war is declared, crush the Danes with all force. The Royal Navy in the Baltic will kill your convoys to Scandanavia and force you to garrison your Baltic coast.

Norway

Resources aside, Norway makes for (1) a great sub base, (2) a great airbase.

United Kingdom

Let's ignore Sea Lion for a moment. As stated above, you aren't going to win a fight with the Royal Navy. Paratroopers may take a province or 2 but they won't hold. No one has conquored Britian since 1066, there's a reason for that. So let's look at where he UK is vunerable.

1. convoys
2. industry

I will address convoys later. The "Battle of Britain" as opposed to Sea Lion is a good plan. Have strategic bombers and escort fighters ready to attack the UK from your northern coast, the coast of France, and/or Norway. The UK doesn't have a lot of IC to spare. Strategic bombing WILL hurt them, more than you think. A sustained compaign is going to force the UK to focus on stopping it. This will draw strength away from defending the Empire. Tojo and Mussolini will love you.

Battle of the Atlantic

the UK survives from far flung resources AND needs to supply her forces overseas FROM the UK. Think about it. Blanket (and I mean totally) the Atlantic with submarines and possibly even your battlecruisers. Royal Navy heading your way? Run. This much overlooked aspect of the war shouldn't be. If the British tanks in Africa run out of gas, Italy has a great advantage. If the UK can barely keep there own industry running they won't be sending rubber to Canada. Plus, the Allies will need to escort troop transports taking these vessles "off the line".

Sea Lion

Don't try it

USA

See Battle of the Atlantic

 

[Diefledermas]

PART FIVE

the Soviet Union (our those Bolshevik masses that deserve nothing but our boot heels)

ah Russia... cold, bitter, vast... and the real threat. Everything else is a sideshow.

Stalin is the variable, the enigma. Going on a "3 power" mentality - the Soviets want world domination too, but they know the Germans are the superior player in this game. The Allies fear and are focused on the Axis, and Stalin knows this. The ONLY two nations that can conquer Germany are Russia and the United States. The US needs to ship its troops over the ocean, Russia just needs to knock on the door. To understand how to defeat (or co-exist with) Russia, you need to first size up your opponent. I have discovered the "3 faces" of Stalin:

1. the aggressor
2. the appeaser
3. the political backstabber

the Aggressor

This guy is pretty straight-forward. If Persia, Finland, Romania, or even Poland gets attacked, you've got a "world revolution" on your hands. If the Allies ignore his aggressions, you know they aren't too concerned with loosing to the Reds as long as the kill you. If the Allies become "cold" to Russia, exploit the rift and focus East first. Dissent and over-extended forces will allow you to punch a hole in the Soviet armor. You've got Panzers after all. Just don't get anxious, bide your time. Even if they take over Poland, let them - patience, my friend, patience.

the Appeaser

If you are fortunate enough to get a Russian player who offers to give you land for peace, begs alliance, etc... You're golden. Exploit his weakeness for all its worth. Don't be unreasonable, give him Estonia for Romania. Remember, no unholy alliances though, co-existance is acceptable but you're going to need breathing room eventually - may be after Washington is burning, but this is a wargame after all.

the Political Backstabber (i.e. Mr. Bigglesworth)

This guy is a real pain in the ass. Making deals left and right. Getting tech from America, spying on your troop positions, offering to split up Poland with you. Basically playing the Axis and the Allies off eachother. Just when you decide to pull some troops out of the East to reinforce Paris you have 60 divisions of T-34's in East Prussia. The only way to defeat this type of opponent is fear and overwhelming force. Want to make a deal over Turkey? Fine. But make sure he sees Rommel on the border enforcing the agreement. Russian destroyer off of Tokyo relaying fleet positions? Tell him to bug out or its war. Peace thru superior firepower. Don't worry, Russia doesn't want to fight you. They want to survive until you're weak enough to be crushed.

 

[MAC]

Hehe, very good posting
I have a slightly different tactic, though - but agree with you 99%. What killed Axis in most games so far was that they did not play as a team.

 

[unmerged(12221)]

One of the greatest failings I have seen in MANY games is an Italian player going gangbusters against the weak nations of the Balkans.

ITA can dow YUG/ALB with increasing US WE by 0 and FRA/ENG by 2.

ITA also needs those resources badly, because it doesnt have enough of anything.

First, Italy cannot trade on the world market and loses its chance to build up much needed oil supplies.

Italy doesn't have enough resources anyway, and most players never annex Eth to keep consumer demand down.

 

[unmerged(12221)]

Support the Nationalists. Have Italy send expeditionary forces and maybe Germany

You know, Italy can't do shit diplomatically unless they join axis.

 

[unmerged(2833)]

Originally posted by Diefledermas
the Political Backstabber (i.e. Mr. Bigglesworth)

Good one, btw.

Riso- Italy can get enough resources from Japan and Germany.

 

[unmerged(9612)]

Excellent post.. .Well tought out...

3 comments re the 36 scenario

US WE

in the current version the US WE climbs way too fast (in MP US gets to war by 39)... US outproduces u always ...

so you may consider Not intervening in Spain and perhaps having Japan leave China alone for a while ... or brokering a deal with the soviets so they annex one country or another...

Japanese Backstabbers
In several games I ve seen Japan join the allies.... I personnaly think this spoils the whole game... Maybe you want to agree a house rule against this nonsense before hand

Soviet campaign..

Japanese help should not be neglected.. A fair number of ICs are in the soviet far east... Should be easy prey for Japan if a coordinated attack is launched...

 

[Diefledermas]

ITA can dow YUG/ALB with increasing US WE by 0 and FRA/ENG by 2. ITA also needs those resources badly, because it doesnt have enough of anything

Like I said... I knew this would stir up the "Italian player" hornets nest. If you read the original post again - pay attention the German PORT requirement for Yugoslavia. 2% WE is too much - its cumulative on everything else. Greece is a lot more. Italy doesn't need those resources right away if the other Axis help her AND her IC is better spent improving all the under 5 provinces in her nation/empire.

(re: Spain) You know, Italy can't do shit diplomatically unless they join axis.

(US WE raises) so you may consider Not intervening in Spain

Both of you missed the point on Spain. When the CIVIL WAR breaks out (1) select the support event (2) send expeditionary forces - this has no WE effect and a neutral Italy can send exp. forces

(War Entry climbs fast) so you may consider Not intervening in Spain and perhaps having Japan leave China alone for a while ... or brokering a deal with the soviets so they annex one country or another...

US War Entry is actually one of my greatest concerns. As for Japan/China - its a tough call (on for indiv. strategy) - early Chinese conflict has benefits of limited Allied response vs. the war entry. Brokering deals with the Soviets I addressed already.

Japanese help should not be neglected..

Oh I agree, but this is a "German" cookbook

 

[unmerged(2833)]

German support triggers US event which gives it 15 warentry, which directly translates to over 80 usable IC...In 1936, the year US can use its the most.

Still, it gives very nice land doctrine technology to Germany, and rejecting it gives dissent hit (albeit small)

Italian intervention gives either 10 or 5, i am not sure.

Neutral countries can't send exp forces (at least USA can't)

 

[Diefledermas]

German support triggers US event which gives it 15 warentry.

Yes, yes, you're correct Maur. Sorry, I was assuming that was a given. I usually look at all sides supporting/not supporting as a big wash when its all said and done. Choosing to support/not support is an individual choice - my "cookbook" is more for general philosophies (hence why I'm not giving tactics on conquoring Poland, etc..)

Neutral countries can't send exp forces (at least USA can't)

That is a USA specific restriction - notice the "we are isolationists" comment that pops up? Everyone else can send exp. forces. It happens all the time.

 

[unmerged(2833)]

Originally posted by Diefledermas
That is a USA specific restriction - notice the "we are isolationists" comment that pops up? Everyone else can send exp. forces. It happens all the time.

Ah, i see. Well, another cool USA feature. I love it

 

[unmerged(13894)]

Originally posted by Diefledermas
PART FOUR

1. Problem Areas (i.e. the Enemy)

So let's look at where he UK is vunerable.

1. convoys
Battle of the Atlantic

the UK survives from far flung resources AND needs to supply her forces overseas FROM the UK. Think about it. Blanket (and I mean totally) the Atlantic with submarines and possibly even your battlecruisers. Royal Navy heading your way? Run. This much overlooked aspect of the war shouldn't be. If the British tanks in Africa run out of gas, Italy has a great advantage. If the UK can barely keep there own industry running they won't be sending rubber to Canada. Plus, the Allies will need to escort troop transports taking these vessles "off the line".

Sorry to interrupt, but : IMO Germany has ZERO chance of disrupting UK convoys with current game rules. Maybe troop transports, but not resource convoys. A surface-raiding Japan will cause 10 or more times the convoy losses for UK, (and be less vulnerable to RN efforts) but it is still not enough. Unless you can close the Med to UK, you will not stop the convoys, unless that becomes your sole research and production goal.

 

[Mr.Bigglesworth]

Originally posted by varak
Sorry to interrupt, but : IMO Germany has ZERO chance of disrupting UK convoys with current game rules. Maybe troop transports, but not resource convoys. A surface-raiding Japan will cause 10 or more times the convoy losses for UK, (and be less vulnerable to RN efforts) but it is still not enough. Unless you can close the Med to UK, you will not stop the convoys, unless that becomes your sole research and production goal.

Stopping the convoys isn't always the only positive outcome from convoy raiding. If the Germans can sink convoys consistently, the UK player will have to constantly click on the convoy tab and hit + for a couple convoys a day if he wants to keep them running. With a globe spanning empire like the one UK has, this distraction can lead to a loss of attention elsewhere that the Japanese or Italians can exploit.

 

[Diefledermas]

the UK player will have to constantly click on the convoy tab and hit + for a couple convoys a day if he wants to keep them running

That's the point.

 

[unmerged(5553)]

Exp Forces

If my memory of my current game is correct, you are wrong about neutrals sending Exp Forces. I was playing as Italy and could not send Exp Forces. that was what forced me into the Axis, so I could send Graziani to make sure Franco won.

 

[unmerged(12742)]

Fred,

In our current game, I think Odin tried to send exped's to the Chinese. I think the Chinese disbanded them or something, because they disappeared. In my opinion, sending exped's to neutrals (or any AI country) is risky stuff.