My Takao heavy cruisers had better armor but were easier to hit. However, they sported 10 x 8 in. guns and 8 x 24 in. torpedo tubes as well, and could deal more damage.

After a short briefing on rules and strategy, Ken and I deployed our forces on the left flank, facing the Brooklyn, New Orleans and two destroyers. The North Carolina, Atlanta and four destroyers lined up against the Kongo-class battle cruisers on our right flank.

In round one, all the ships got under steam and sailed towards the enemy. Ken’s smaller Fubuki-class destroyers went to flank speed and quickly cut across the water towards the US battle group on our right flank. My cruisers and destroyers headed with Ken’s cruisers towards the battle group directly ahead of us.

Destroyers normally have a defense of 5+, but received a cumulative bonus of +2 because they were moving at flank speed and were at extreme long range. Therefore, it was impossible for the enemy to hit them, requiring a roll of 7 on a six-sided die. However, after they slowed and entered the range of North Carolina’s big guns, our ships were much more vulnerable.

The US battle group on our right flank started to split off and started turning to line up for a broadside attack on the Kongo battle cruisers.

The Japanese forces continued to close with the enemy. Ken’s destroyers cut across our skirmish line towards the US battle group on our right flank, and the rest of the fleet steamed towards the New Orleans and Brooklyn. Ken and I hoped to divide and conquer by isolating and destroying the New Orleans and Brooklyn. Then we could turn and engage the North Carolina and her escorts.

In round 3, Ken’s Fubuki-class destroyers laid smoke to shield the Kongo battle cruisers from the 9 x 16 in. guns of the North Carolina. They also engaged the swarm of Fletcher-class destroyers heading towards them, sinking one and annihilating the Atlanta with a spread of torpedoes.

However, the Americans returned fire, sinking both Fubukis under a hail of armor-piercing shells from the North Carolina. However, the destroyers had done their duty, shielding the Kongos and weakening the American left flank.

On our left flank, Ken’s cruisers engaged the enemy, crippling one destroyer and vaporizing the Brooklyn with a well-aimed torpedo run. The New Orleans was able to evade a close-range torpedo attack and damaged one of our cruisers with return fire.

Although our initial attack had generated good results-sinking the Atlanta, Brooklyn and one destroyer-time expired before we could press the advantage! If more time was available, I think we could have been able to finish the New Orleans, which was isolated, and then turn our full firepower on the North Carolina.