Are there any local gaming conventions you can go to? Also, try playing online. The first thing you need to do is go to the Global 1940 section, click on the thread titled, “Sgt. Wonko’s map…” and download the Battlemap so you can play online. There are instructions how to do so. Then, go the section titled, “Find Players” and post that you’re looking for an opponent. You’ll get lots of responses. Once you find an opponent. You’ll go to the section titled, “Play Boardgames.” From there, click on New Topic, enter the criteria for your game(i.e. ThatOneKid(Axis) or whatever side you’re playing vs. Blah, Blah, Blah(your opponent) Axis or Allies, whatever side he or she is playing. Once the thread is created you just click on the thread to post your moves. There’s a big text box where you can type in your moves(i.e. Purchases, Combat Moves, Combat, Non Combat Moves, Builds & Collect Income Phase). Make sure to click on Additional Options, so you can select Notify Me of Replies and Return to this topic. Then you’re off and running. Once you find an opponent, they’ll walk you through the process. The Battlemap is easy to use, if you know how to use a mouse. It’s literally that simple. The hardest thing to get used to is typing out your moves. Once you get over that, it’s very easy.
But, the Young Grasshopper is right. It’s important to read through the previous posts(yes it’s tidious) but it’s important, so you learn strategies that work and don’t work(like not attacking the US on Turn 1 :-D ). Then, you can try a few of your own.