Usually when I play multiplayer in person, we have a rule of 5-10 minute discussion period at the end of each round. Each side gets about 5 minutes took look over the board and discuss strat, then the other side. It allows for a bit more cooperation.
Fairer sides may have helped too, but this Axis strat should never work.
As Russia, you can afford to be aggressive.
Personally, I’ll focus on Germany and hit Ukr and Baltic sz, while falling back in the East. If possible I’ll never engage the Japanese until they approach Novo (about rd 3-4).
But in those first 3-4 rds you should be able to cripple Germany.
If Germany is building ships and planes, you should be able to hold EE as Russia very early (by rd 2-3).
My guess is they went after UK, because that guy was new to the game. Seems kinda cheap to me, but you guys should ask for a rematch and then beat the snot out of them.
If you give some specific examples of the Axis early moves I’ll give you counters so you can beat them.
Here is a brutal Russia 1 to get started
Buy 8 inf
Attack Ukr with 8 inf, 3 arm
If it goes badly retreat to Kar (while trying to reduce Ger to only a ftr), if it goes well take it with 4-5 inf and 3 arm
Attack Baltic sz with 2 ftrs (the G sub cannot shoot at your ftrs)
Attack W sp sz with your sub (sub vs sub)
most likely his sub has to retreat
Non-Combat All troops to Kar and place there (if Ukr was taken), Kar will have 12 inf, 2 ftrs
and fortify Yak with 7 inf and move arm to Novo.
and move your trn to the UK sz
if you only strafed Ukr, Kar will have about 15-16 inf, 3 arm, 2 ftrs.
This moves takes out all German Navy and gives Russia a strong opening position.