I’d say Russia, because you can sit the new player down, explain the defensive value of infantry, and then pretty much leave them alone for the rest of the game until they get their feet under them.

I’d say the U.S. is vastly more difficult to play, as I know experienced players who swear that the Axis will nearly always win, mostly because they have an insufficient grasp of American strategy.

So, I’ve seen a few people around here bandying about a do or die German invasion of Britain first turn, and the only reason most seemed to have abandoned it is because it ruins the game. Not really being one to count on that, is there anything the Allies, especially Russia, can do to dissuade such an attempt? If Russia can’t stop it, is there any way for the Allies to recover and make Germany pay?

How aggressivly do you play that IC in India? Britain can be pushing Kwangtung pretty hard while Russia menaces Manchuria with the Eastern infantry, and if America just puts down 10 IPCs a turn on this front, say through your suggested IC in China, Japan would be hard pressed to maintain it’s own mainland ICs. Plus with the transport off Australia, you’ve got a fairly decent chance (50% plus) to take one of thier 1 IPC islands.

Plus, it’s not really necessary for the IC in India to hold out forever, as long as it lasts long enough for Germany to be brought to heel. At that point, Russia can reverse its defenses and continue play much as it has this last age, with a few extra resources from eastern europe.