Blitzkrieg Openings
Blitzkrieg Openings
The Blitzkrieg openings involve a westward move by the German armies, with Berlin moving to Kiel and Munich to Ruhr. These are far and away the most common German openings, and there are three named variants:
- Danish Variant (F Kie-Den)
- Dutch Variant (F Kie-Hol)
- Baltic Variant (F Kie-BAL)
Danish Variant
This is the most popular German opening, and also the most popular opening for any country. It guarantees two neutrals against any offense, gives Germany leverage in Sweden and Belgium, and usually will offend no one. If no one has moved adjacent to him, he will have great flexibility in Fall, and all home centres will be open for builds.
This is the basic opening where France is an ally, Russia is neutral or suspect, and England is the objective. The Denmark fleet can deny Sweden to Russia. Germany also has a lock on Holland (A Kie-Hol, A Ruh S A Kie-Hol), and can defend Berlin and still take Holland, so long as England does not stop him.
Dutch Variant
This is the second most popular German opening. Compared to the Danish Blitzkrieg, this trades German influence in Scandinavia for a stronger hand in Belgium, plus a slightly stronger defensive position.
This is the basic opening where England is an ally, Russia is neutral, and France is the objective. Even so, nothing has yet been done to antagonize France directly. Ruhr can go to Belgium with Holland's support, or can defend Munich if the French entered Burgundy. In the latter event, F Hol-Bel still denies the center to France. F Hol could also support an English unit into Belgium.
Baltic Variant
Also known as the Baltic Opening, this is a German attack starting in Scandinavia rather than in the Polish corridor. The fall continuation is F BAL-Swe, A Kie-Den, A Ruh-Hol/Bel. If Sweden is taken, BAL can be retaken via F Swe S Kie-BAL, followed by F BAL C Den-Lvn! If not, F BAL S Den-Swe, plus, new armies enter Polish corridor. Requires solid knowledge of English, French (and Italian) intentions.
