[joegrundman]

Then it seems these are the assignments.

Russia = Task Force
European Axis = Crecy
Japan = Oberon
European Western Allies = LobsterBoy
Pacific Western Allies = Raptor1

While in most games Japan and Euro Axis cannot directly cooperate, it is still worth discussing your plans together in detail. To some degree the realism of the game means that discussions about plans, so long as tempered with some degree of historicity, can be useful even without going into tactical detail.

Germany in particular should have a clear idea of how it would like to allocate resources. This is better than asking the Hitler question of what is to be achieved, since the answer is always "everything", and also at an early stage, should (secretly) settle on whether it will be primarily a Sealion or Barbarossa.

European and Pacific Allies share all the resource points, research points, forcepool, shipbuilding, and therefore there requires diplomacy between the two players to ensure the right resources go to who needs them. Which can be tricky since no one ever feels they have enough.

Russia is destined to fight alone, but will require some tact and diplomacy to ensure grants keep coming. Sending grants can be expensive, and in the case of the Murmansk Route, will expose the allied forces to attack by germany's small but very mean fleet. But grants will be needed to ensure good defense, and just as importantly, good offensives in the later game. Without them losses build up and offensives stall.

For every player I will be delighted to hear your ideas and make suggestions and give advice if requested

Next up on the agenda - a name for the game, max 12 chars please!