There’s alot to like about AA44’s strat. I think especially against weaker players, the principle of contesting every section of the board is a good one, because you want to take advantage of whatever opportunities arise.
But this sort of strategy (ie USA goes Pac, UK goes to Africa or Europe, Russia plays defense in Europe…) has a glaring weakness, and in my experience it is easy for Axis to exploit. Consider that with national objectives, Axis will achieve economic parity early in the game. So both sides are spending roughly the same amount of money from turns 2-6. Let’s assume Axis goes primarily for Russia, and secondarily in Africa.
With the “global” Allied strategy, the Allies are fighting on 3 main fronts. Each front is completely separate from the other…they are 3 different vectors, and the Allies are attacking all 3 Axis at once. However, Axis is pressing with all 3 powers on Russia (Japan can spend 80% of their income on defense and still press to Moscow’s borders). Worse, Germany/Italy co-ordinate their efforts against both Russia and UK, making it tough for either to make any forward progress.
Practically speaking, even with wild success in the Pacific, it should be Rounds 6-7 before Allies start gaining the economic edge. By that time, Russia’s situation should be hopeless. Axis do not need to take chances; they can play conservative. There’s no need for Germany to tank rush immediately…they can build infantry and planes for a few rounds and then lurch later. With proper Japan play, there should be no danger of losing Tokyo or China for the first 10 rounds, so Axis have plenty of time to wear out or roll over Russia.
The primary tactical advantage the Allies have is the ability to team-up on Axis with back-to-back attacks. But if Allies go ‘global’, they forfeit this advantage, and give Axis the opportunity to win w/o major risks.