Contrary to the opinion of Hasbro and Larry Harris, the designer of A&A for the CD, the artificial intelligence in the game leaves a lot to be desired. I have discovered a few tips, that will boost the computer's play. However, I cannot guarantee miracles.

Options

The most obvious choice for aiding the computer player is in the options menu. Any rules that would favor one side or the other during the game, should always be turned on for the computer opponent. For example, if the PC controls the Axis then turn on Axis advantage and USSR restricted. You may also consider changing the number of IPCs the computer would be required to control for an Economic Victory. If you set this number low enough it can make the game quite challenging... at least in the early rounds.

Unit Edit

You can also give the computer a boost by upgrading it's units capabilites and lowering the cost of it's units. For example, the PC controls Russia change the price of infantry to $2 and raise the defensive capablities to 3. When I first started doing this, I noticed yet another weakness in the AI for Russia. If you set the price of armor down to $1 and leave the infantry units alone, the computer will still buy infantry. Therefore, if you are going to change any settings, do it to the units the computer player buys most often, ie., Russia - infantry, UK - planes and transports, etc...

Don't forget, by using Unit Edit, you may also add units to the game board at the start of the game. Ten extra armor in Eastern Europe, may give the Germans the jolt they need to blitzkrieg!

Grace

The computer makes obvious mistakes -- landing bombers in vacant territories surrounded by the enemy and leaving ships exposed to open assault. Give the computer some slack. Don't kill the easy prey, in fact make it off limits and see if you can work your way around AI blunders.

Forsake the Computer

I have discovered my best opponent, when no other humans are available is me! Play solitaire, controlled all the countries. This way you can try out new ideas and try to uncover weaknesses in your strategies. Sorry, but without a major overhaul to the program, I doubt there is much more you can do give this game intelligence.