Axis & Allies Europe 1940 - Tips & Strategies

Now that I have played many games of both Global and the individual 1940 games. It has become clear to me that France can not last more than turn 2/3. I will be using this very small house rule from now on to make playing France just a little more interesting. I have modified it from the version I posted in AAHG40, as I now believe the Alpha changes have ballanced the game and the European Axis have a good chance of Victory.

Here it is:

THE CASE OF FRANCE

I feel that France is just a “road bump” in this game and really does not pay tribute to the Contribution to Allied victory made by Frenchmen and Colonial subjects Worldwide. In all the games I have played France has been all but wiped out by turn 2/3. However FREE FRENCH all over the globe were gathering and fighting for final victory throughout the war. During the last half of the war their numbers were growing. This sadly is not played out in the Game.

The Growing FREE FRENCH

I have given France the ability to build new units even though Paris is under the Axis boot. They are produced in the same way Chinese Forces are produced in AA50 (With revision) France can build ONE INFANTRY unit per turn. This unit can be placed on any original and Allied controlled FRENCH territory that is not Axis Occupied or controlled. This will recreate the slow build of FREE FRENCH forces coming from all over the Empire but not allow them to over power the Axis at any one point alone. Indeed they will sometimes be a burden to the Western Allies as they may need to be Transported around etc… as was the case. If every FRENCH territory on the Game board is AXIS controlled, than the unit will be built in LONDON. (If London is not also AXIS controlled)

The French did indeed have a substantial Military Force in INDO-CHINA as they were fighting the Communists in the Second Indo-China War in 1940. I have represented this by adding 1 INF to the territory in the start up.

This is a very SMALL change and fun HOUSE RULE. Allowing France to remain a part of the game, even if in a very minor role. Even in a supporting role they will also be able to take part in Final Victory!

As the U.S. player, focus on building up your air force. Specifically bombers. When you finally enter the war, fly them over to the U.K. and use them to attack coastal areas of Germany and what used to be France. Let the UK player in on your plan, and have them focus on building a solid landing force. This is a sound basic strategy for the U.S.If you are playing with the optional research rules, you can spend some money each turn to attempt to research heavy bombers.

If you want to combine this with Pacific 1940 to play the global game, be sure you use the latest rules from Larry Harris on his website. Here is the post on his forum that explains the changes:

http://www.harrisgamedesign.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=6149

One of the game designers, in an effort to update the game, has released a set of revised rules for both the Europe and Pacific 1940 Axis and Allies games. There are a handful of rules changes, some updated national objectives, and new set up rules for each country. I highly recommend using them as they bring some much needed balance to the game. They are easy to find and available free on line.

This was released in September 2012 and you can download the Rulebook from the official site here:

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/downloads

This new version of the game includes new rules, new sculpts and a bigger and better map! Check it out.