All three Allied powers must co-operate closely and follow this strategy closely for this strategy to work, but when it does- watch out Axis!
The USSR must build exclusively in Moscow, preferably 9 inf on t1, 2 ftrs on t2, 9 inf on t3, and so forth. Germany will likely not be in a position to take Moscow before t5-6, so Russia could very reasonably have: 28 inf, 6 ftrs, 1 mech, 1 tank and 2 AAA in Moscow. However, if they follow this strategy, they will wind up with even more. Russia needs to put 1 unit (preferably 1 infantry) in every territory without a facility. This will prevent German blitzing. Britain has a role to play to minimise Italian can-opening ability. It’s also important to abandon EVERY TERRITORYpt] except for Moscow. If this strategy is executed properly, handing the Axis 2 VCs will not matter. In addition, once you get that +9 IPC bonus, alternate purchases between 10 inf and 3 ftr and 1 armour. Make sure you get plenty of British fighter support from Scotland via Archangel or Nenestia.
If Germany does a G1 attack, then you’re in a far worse position, but not a fatal one. Germany will be on the border with Leningrad and Ukraine, but since there are facilities in those territories, they cannot be blitzed through. Abandon them, and send everything directly to Moscow. In the centre, keep the 1 inf. in Belarus, and ensure that you can put 1 unit in Smolensk and Bryansk. The good news is that you’ll get that +9 bonus straightaway.
Either way, ideally, Germany should have Moscow partly or fully encircled by turn 6 or 7, and even using the ICs it has captured. However, you should have 35-odd infantry, 7-8 fighters, and a handful of tanks, all supplemented by British fighters. When Moscow is partially or fully encircled, don’t launch counteroffensives against juicy German targets unless the Allies have a strong beachhead in the West that requires Germany’s attention. Germany has two advantages here: First, they simply will take Moscow eventually. They are increasing their forces in the East constantly, while you will be unable to after a while. Second, they will have up to 40 extra IPCs (25 for the Russian territories, +5 for Leningrad, +5 for Stalingrad, +5 for the Caucasus). This is where the other Allies come in…
Britain has a key role to play in this strategy. In the first four turns, they need to protect Cairo. On t1, Britain should build a mIC in Cairo and 1 ftr in London. They also need to do Taranto (even throwing in their strat bomber and fighter). Tobruk is also necessary. It is vital for as many German subs as possible to be killed (because neither you or the US will have much for destroyers). The Italian fleet in 96 also should be destroyed with the Malta fighter (which should fly to Cairo). Finally, the 2 ftrs in London should go to Scotland. On t2, they should build 1 ftr in London, 1 ftr in Cairo, and 1 tank in Cairo. As soon as Germany and Russia go to war, whatever air units are in Scotland should go to Archangel or Nenestia. If you are doing really well, activate Persia and turn out some fighters for Moscow. That probably won’t happen, though. Don’t feel pressure to launch an independent invasion of Europe, either. When America has a firm foothold in Normandy, you should (a, hit Norway, (b, build some strat bombers and sap Germany of production capacity, (c, take Holland or Denmark, just to force Germany to lengthen the front a little bit.
If Germany goes for a Sea Lion, do something insane. Don’t worry about London. You read that right. DON’T WORRY ABOUT LONDON!!!pt] Instead, build an IC in Cairo and a destroyer in 109 to fight U-Boats and clear the Atlantic for American ships. Do Taranto, Tobruk, and kill the 96 fleet. On t2, put three tanks in Cairo (18), 1 tank in South Africa, and 1 infantry in South Africa. London will likely have fallen by t3, but the good news is that you’ll soon get US aid, and Russia will have plenty of time to build up.
The United States will save the Allies. Literally. It’s their job to invade Europe and bring down Germany. On t1, they should purchase 6 inf and 1 destroyer (to help fight U-Boats). Their destroyer should stay in 101. On t2, the US will have 44 IPCs, and they should build 3 tanks and 3 artillery. Finally on turn 3, they should build 6 transports. Once the US is up to 60 IPCs, they should build: 4 infantry, 2 artillery, 2 tanks, and 4 transports every turn. The US just has to keep hitting Germany in the West. Trying to take Rome if Britain has been particularly successful against Italy is also an option. Just tie down enough Axis units and IPCs that the Germans exhaust themselves taking Moscow, and cannot take Cairo. Then- kill the Axis.
In sum, this strategy calls for the USSR to delay Germany’s advance while making Moscow nearly impossible to conquer, Britain keeping Italy weak while providing fighter support to Moscow, and the US striking hard against occupied France and eventually killing Germany.
