I have seen an interesting strategy that works better than it should.  Assuming that Japan is Russia focused, and does not threaten an attack on the US (which should happen in most cases), US builds bombers with a research roll for heavy bombers, when possible.  Then every turn land bombers in Eng and StratBomb germany.  By US3 you are taking an avg of 15IPC from germany every turn, and 6 more every turn after that.  Once you hit your research roll, you double it, which is absolutely devestating to Germany.  But even if you never do, you are taking on avg half of germany’s IPC every turn by US4 or maybe even US3 if the afrika corp is struggling.  This is more than enough to crack an already weak germany, or grind a strong german offense into defensive mode.

As the axis i often have trouble countering a conservative russia.  ON R1 russia takes WR with 8-9IF, 2RT, 2FIG.  Then stacks all IF in Cauc,WR, leaving 1IF in Karelia and 6IF in YAK.  It buys 6IF and 1ARM and places 4 IF in Cauc.  ON G1 there is no way to assualt the eastern front without losing an unhealthy amount of FIG and ARM.  And even if there is a counterattack on G1 it is easily recapped on R2, putting Germany in a even worse state against Russia.  It seems like Germany is placed on the defensive immediately.  Worse yet on R2 he almost always attacks UKR with both WR and Cauc stacks.  giving him about 15ish IF 2RT  3ARM.  Assuming on G1 i buy all land and air, i will have a large enough force to win this battle.  However, on avg i will only have 5-6 fig and 5-6arm left on the whole front.  Russia on the other had is still racking in 20+ IPCs and stacking 6IF and 1ARM per turn in WR.  that combined with the 2 fig in cauc and arm in moscow, those 5-6 arm i have left are toast, and i basically end up just trading units with russia until I am the US/UK lands troops in Kar.  Now Russia can slow japan and UK and US can put the squeeze on me.  I would be greatly interested in strategies that but russia on its heels early or at least leave germany in a better position on the easternfront for G2.

I have found that in my first few rounds playing germany, I was much to aggressive.  Usually I get so burned out pounding Russia, that by the time that I am in striking distance or moscow i am unable to fend off US/UK assaults into WE, SE etc.  I agree with the previous posts that suggest a solid INF and FIG anchor.  Since you always have the advantage on the defensive, let Russia burn its self out on a what it think is a conservative germany, meanwhile you destroy/delay the US/UK shucks with a combine german fleet on SZ 12, with a FIG stack in WE.  Russia will be so tickled pink to get those extra 3-5 IPCs that it my become overly aggressive.  Whenever an ally sticks a vulnerable army out, you will be in position to lop it off.  All the while Japan weakens Russia, and moves in for the kill.  Of course this only works in a KGF came.  If Japan gets tied down Germany is living on borrowed time.