Could someone help a newbie out?

[Mikser]

Now, I'm sure I'll get flamed for asking something this basic, but what is your basic strategy for playing as the Axis in the 1941 campaign?
The Soviet airforce is no problem, but what is a problem is the infantry losses - simply ghastly.

[Tom1939]

Hi!

No, we won't be rude, we are nice people around here It might be that you make too much frontal attacking. You should always try to encircle the soviet troops so if you defeat them they surrender. Or if you do this then you might be too sensitive for losses Eastern front is a rather unpleasent place to be for the simple infantryman. In 41, first of all you should destroy as much soviet troops as possible, and try to capture some big industrial cities too weaken the soviet. Against human opponent is nearly impossible to capture Moscow, and very hard to take Lenningrad, but you should try. And you should realize that the soviets have the advatage in this game as they did historically.

[Mikser]

Bah, I'm sure something I'm doing something wrong if during the first half a dozen turns the axis lose 600 squads whilst the soviets lose 3000.
Stupid me, encirclements do seem to work - Forcing 700 squads to surrender rather than mindlessly attempt to wear them down through futile attrition is quite fun.

[PMCN]

A couple of important points.

You should try to surround and destroy as much russian armor in the first few weeks as possible.

Rail lines are vital so your attacks should be centered on gaining control of the vital rail junctions. This can be key since cutting off the rail can strand troops with low supply levels and they can't easily march away.

Hit as many HQs as you can so you can overun the airfields. Destroying the russian airforce is a priority.

As mentioned use your panzers more to encircle troops than as blunt instruments. Always cut off cities before you attack them (thought sometimes they will fall to a hasty attack). Never fool around with Major cities, surround them first attack (with infantry only) afterwards. If you have the time a few weeks prepatory bombardment helps a lot.

Your infantry losses should be on the order of 10:1 if they are not you will be in serious trouble in the blizzard.

During mud/rain turns don't bother to attack. It is virtually impossible to suceed and the cost will be extreme. Attacks accross rives will hurt do them a rarely as you can and try to make sure they are supported attacks...not a single Korp but 2 or more.

Keep a reserve both of air units and divisions because you will need it come the winter.

Hope this helps.

[Lokioftheaesir]

Originally posted by Mikser:
Bah, I'm sure something I'm doing something wrong if during the first half a dozen turns the axis lose 600 squads whilst the soviets lose 3000.
Stupid me, encirclements do seem to work - Forcing 700 squads to surrender rather than mindlessly attempt to wear them down through futile attrition is quite fun.

3000 !!! I,m playing the Soviets in two PBEMS
and if the German is any good i'd expect to lose 10000 at least(in the first six turns)

Punch holes in the line and encircle. If the Soviets dont get the crap beaten out of them
it will be easy for them to hold Moscow.

All the best, Loki of the Aesir