Russia begins the game with a psychological disadvantage. It not only
starts with one more unit than any of the other Great Powers, but the amount
of real-estate it takes up on the map makes Russia look dangerous to the
others; - a serious diplomatic disadvantage.
To make matters worse, your initial position is quite precarious. Russia
can't even be sure of a build in year one, since Germany and Austria can
easily deny you the obvious neutrals of Sweden and Rumania. You also face
an immediate point of conflict with Turkey over control of the Black Sea.
(No prizes for guessing the object of Turkish diplomacy)
Russian diplomacy should be targeted to ensure at least one build in the
first year. One build will ensure you remain a viable contender. Two builds
will give you the momentum to become a major contender.
Initially, you should find it easy to negotiate a deal with Germany. Germany
will be looking for growth in the Low countries and Denmark. They'll have
enough problems there without looking to open a front with you. They should
be amenable to a DMZ over Sileseia in return for providing unopposed access
for the St Petersburg fleet into Sweden.
Next comes England. At game start, England's safest bet for a build is
Norway. You have the power to frustrate that by moving Mos-Stp, then Stp-Nor
for a stand-off. You don't really want to do this, because it will leave
the South too vulnerable, but it is a useful negotiating tool. Wouldn't
England prefer a peaceful demarcation of the Scandinavian territories?
Try to get them to agree to take Norway with a fleet.
It lowers their potential for offensive action later. With England, you
are trying to attain some stability in the North, so you can free up resources
in the South.
The South is make or break territory for Russia. A situation which calls
for real diplomatic effort. Austria is well aware of the threat you pose,
but they are equally aware of the Turkish threat. Austria will want to
ally with Italy, but Turkey will be actively trying to enlist Italy as
an ally against Austria. Italy may also prove to be a useful ally to you.
Russia-Italy is quite a powerful combination in the middle game, so don't
burn any bridges with them unless you have to. Just stay focussed. In turn
one you want Rumania.
Turkey will also be talking to you. Ultimately you won't be able to prevent
them acquiring the Black Sea. You don't want them to have it in Spring
01 because that gives them leverage on Rumania, but at the same time, you
don't want a full-on Turkish attack via Armenia as well. It may be possible
to negotiate a deal, and maybe even an alliance with Turkey, but be very
careful.
The great thing about Russia's Southern front is that you have the potential
for deals with Italy, Austria and Turkey. They may all be potential foes,
but rarely do they work together. There is always an odd one out - someone
for you to do business with.
In order to win, you will eventually need the lode of supply centres controlled
by either Austria or Turkey. (They need your centres for the same reason).
Such problems are for the future. You've yet to survive year one.
How you play the middle game will depend, but try to play to your strengths.
Russia is primarily an army based power. In the South, Russia rarely becomes
a major naval power. It takes too long for fleets to get into the Med.
It's true that she can become a naval power in the North, and fleets from
St Petersburg have been decisive in corroding the standard naval stalemate
lines formed around the MAO and Spain, but unless specific tactical situations
require it, put the bulk of your effort into armies.
f Stp-GoB is the 100% best move for this unit. If you don't do it, the
other players will wonder if you know what you are doing. Not good for
your credibility.
Trust no-one
a Mos-Ukr
a War-Gal (Probable bounce)
f Sev-Blk (Probable bounce)
This opening denies Turkey the Black Sea, and gives you a supported hit
on Rumania in the fall if necessary. Try to take Rumania with the Ukrainian
army. It's more flexible. If you make Galicia, you're laughing, but either
way you've prevented the Austrians from having additional leverage on Rumania.
(Sometimes it's wise to tell the Austrians of the move in advance - that
will guarantee a stand-off, without making Austria an enemy. (In these
uncertain times etc..)
We trust Turkey
a Mos-Sev
f Sev-Rum
a War-Gal
This has a 99% chance of making Rumina in the Spring. Trouble is:- besides
ceding the Black Sea to Turkey, what can you do with a fleet in Rumania?
Not recommended. If you really have a deal with Turkey, the trust No-one
option is better.
We trust Germany
a Mos-StP
f Sev-Bla
a War-Gal
This is basically anti-England and pro-Germany. It's a quick attempt to
seal the North. In the Fall, army StP hits Norway. Probably a stand-off,
unless the English & French have made a deal over the English channel,
(In which case the Poms will present a supported attack on Norway). Either
way, you'll have secured your North, and probably gained Germany as a full
ally. In the South, unless the Turks went for Armenia, You'll still have
a shot at Rumania in the fall.
If Russia opens well, the momentum gained positions you very well to take
on the rest of Europe. Maybe even single handed (then again ...) Good Luck!