Recommended settings for Soviets vs AI

[Hardradi]

I am about to embark on a full campaign as the Soviets against Axis AI. I would prefer not to be able to entrap and destroy large sections of the Axis Panzer Armies in the Barbarossa phase.

Does anyone have any thoughts on recommended settings to make it interesting?

[Bitburgerdraft]

That's a tall order[:D]. Difficulty hard and a self imposed rule to only move West, no retreat or railing east, for a certain amount of turns, Stalin style[;)]could leave your army weakened enough for a fun winter offensive.

[juv95hrn]

I agree. Hard, and some house rules to not exploit it (because the AI is that dumb). On higher challenges the AI will simply "push" you out of any location without any problem, even if it plays poorly.

[Hardradi]

Thanks for the replies.

Looks like challenging level with no Soviet Combat Bonus.

House rules, no rail out sounds historical. Retreat is more difficult, maybe only retreat to the next fortified region, river line, town or city. I will have to think about that a bit more.