Turn 1

Turn 2

Turn 3

Turn 1

IJN Report: The IJN sink WV, CA, TN, NV and SF at Pearl. However, I also cripple the OK(4d), AZ(4d) and the MD(5d). The sub misses the PA(3d). All in all, a decent Pearl as it will take a while to repair the cripples. Charles sends 4 USN CV's to Aust. at the end of the turn to up the pressure on Indo for T2!

Turn 2

IJN Report: Charles surprises me a bit with his LBA placement. While it abandons the USM, it couples nicely with the 3 CA's on patrol in the Marshalls. It is certainly not a standard placement, but it would allow him to do an umbrella block of the USN home areas for T3 if I come full force after both HI and the USM. I decide to counter this by defending the SPO-Marsh-CPO with a sprinkling of carriers while dropping a CVL in each of the CS and the USM. The USM would be a fast group with the ability to withdraw if I didn't like what Charles sent there.

After USN raider move-I really liked the move from my side of the board. All the USN CV's can be hit on the first round of combat if the pref rolls go my way. In addition, the USN's move into the SPO is unique in that the USN is willing to, basically, go heads up as far as air units. And mine are all better! My LBA has 50% more hitting power than his LBA and my CV's are 50% to 100% stronger than his CV's. In the CPO, I'll be hoping to get 5 bonus shots at Saratoga. The USM gets my attention as I might have a chance to flag it if I toss in the I-Boat. Should the carriers remove each other, it could be a dogfight! However, I decide to up my chances of USN CV kills and place it in the CS, as my only air unit is the Hosho. I also have a chance of flagging that area as his 2xBB's are both cripples.

Pref rolls and combat-The pref rolls (We agreed on Indo and the NPO) all go to the IJN! I invade the Phils in the Mari's, sink one CV in each of the SPO, CPO and the USM! In Indo, I disable his Brit CVL's but don't sink anything. In return, the USN sinks the Kaga and Zuiho while crippling the Junyo and crippling/disabling the Hiryu. The 24th is shot down in Indo. In the NPO, I dis'd his CA and he sinks mine. In the Marsh, I sink 2xCA between the 1st rd and the ensuing pursuit. In the CS, Hosho misses the Hornet and is dis'd in return. The carrier exchange is already good for me but the I-Boat sinks the Hornet placing it at 4-2 for me. I expected to lose the Junyo as it ended up having 16 shots (Over 2 rds) against it but Charles could not get a 6 to show up.

I decide to fight in both the CS and USM on rd 2. In the USM, I damage the ID for 4 and have 2 of my CA's sunk for my trouble! The CS goes much better for me and lasts for multible rds. I sink the patrolling and crippled OK(4d) and later the crippled AZ(4d) before being sunk in parting shots.

Overall, a great turn for the IJN! I sink USN 4 CV's, 2xBB's and 2xCA's vs an LBA, Kaga, Zuiho and 4xCA's. I'll repair both the Hiryu(1d) and Junyo(2d) next turn. I flip the Phil's, Lae, Attu and Singapore. I have a perimeter in Indo-SPO-Marsh-HI. The POC soars to 19.

Turn 3

IJN Report: My goals for this turn were simple, invade Midway and take Pearl. If I do that, I would gain some additional POC and place myself in a greater position for the rest of the game. Figuring that most of his LBA might get shot down this turn, I would set up isolation around DH as well. If he attempts a full saving of Pearl, reasonable given his position, I also would set up isolation possibilities around Guad, NH and Somoa. The later two would be more of a long shot as he would need to defend the USM. After all, his LBA would not be able to be everywhere on T3, especially if he only has 2.

USN raiders-Simple enough. Everyone to Hawaii and the barely repaired MD(4d) going to the USM. This move is largely relying on winning the HI pref roll against the flag. If he does that and doesn't get completely chewed up in surface attrition, he will be back in the game!

Pref rolls and combat-Now I need to see if Charles pulls off the night roll in Hawaii! I see my roll first...a lowly one...Oh No! Could it be?....and then his roll, a 2! Sweet! A pure day in Hawaii and also in the USM! After that drama, the game comes to an end quickly as I shoot down 3xLBA, damage a 4th for 3d, disable the Yorktown and sink both marines in incredible shooting. All on my first pass! My hot hand continues as the I-Boat sinks the MD(4d) to flag that area!

With the writing on the wall, Charles concedes w/o firing back.

Endgame Comments: Thanks for the game Charles! I got the better of it from both the pref and combat rolls and that is hard on any player. I wish you the best in your next 8 matches!