Good Axis players set a quick tempo and purchase offensive pieces early on. They generally control and dictate the play. Poor Axis players are too defensive, and allow the Allies to dictate and set the tempo.
For me as Allies, I still cringe when I get a DOW on Jap 1.
Always the hardest to defend imho.
My problem playing Allies is I play them like I am Axis…I go for the throat.
As Axis, you have to sell out for certain objectives…by that I mean commit a ton of resources and go at the objective fast. The Allies economic prowess starts to effect the game by turn 4. You better be in position to take a few Victory cities before then.