Each unit type has an attack number, and a hit is scored if that unit rolls the attack number or less (it's important to keep track of which die goes with which unit -- typically all the dice for units of one type are rolled together, then the next type). The attacker rolls a die for each attacking unit, while the defender does the same for each defending unit. Units can move up to their movement value (tanks move two, infantry one, while aircraft have longer ranges). You'll often be forced to build your units far from where you need them, and loading all your land units onto transports to make an assault by sea is a slow process as well. What might take 45 seconds with a "normal" dial-up service becomes maybe a 30-second process with a high-speed service. Tubs might be positioned against the wall, or designed to be freestanding. Some of the variant Axis & Allies games, such as Axis & Allies: Battle of the Bulge and Axis & Allies: Miniatures differ significantly. It gets easier once you get used to breaking down the odds of a given battle and adding up the IPCs spent on each side, and you can evaluate every attack this way.