EIA:Strategy:Russo-Turkish war
This article is about Phase I Russo-Turkish war, but aspects of it apply to all such wars.
Russian army at the start of phase I is the mightiest on board, with one exception: Turkey.
Russian forces have superior morale, superior leadership, guards, free cavalry (cossacks) to soak breaking damage and, if only the top corps are deployed, superior mass.
Turkey, on the other hand, has massive advantage in cavalry factors, adequate leadership, superior ability to forage and, of course, ability to take massive losses without flinching.
Strategic position in Crimea is somewhat balanced. Turkey controls the province and it's favourable foraging areas and is also likely to enjoy naval supply while Russia can move through Poland. These advantages somewhat offset eachother and whichever side chooses to defend vs attacking has a slight strategic edge.
Economic situation is somewhat deceptive. Turkey is completely broke, just the upkeep of her corps is a terrible burden, but Turkey is likely to get handouts from Sweden while Russia is unlikely to get any such bonus. Even so, with solid logistics, Russia can easily outproduce Turkey.
But only if Russia doesnt have to pay $ for replacing her losses!
Russia begins the game with a lot of infantry and if she loses some, it is no problem, you wont have to replace them, but if you lose enough that you have to purchase new infantry, you are in trouble. Russian economy can not afford much quality purchases and what Russia really needs is more guards and cavalry. Purchasing these is not possible if you need more infantry. Militia is what Russia should build followed by the guards and then cavalry. Every $ is precious, so keep your upkeep and supply costs low while relying on your large initial infantry force.
Basically, any kind of early battles are in advantage of the Turks, unless a lightning fast campaign can capture Crimea (Difficult, but possible).
As Russia. it is often best to maintain a defensive position, conserving and gathering your strength and only challenging Turkish forces once you have amended your inadequate guard and cavalry factors.
Dont forget about potential Swedish pincer attack, nor about possible Austrian aid.
As Turkey, you should seek a major battle early. They can be to your advantage later on too, if you can win a battle, but early on it matters little if you win or not if you can only inflict decent amount of casualties.
What this all means is, that the early phases of the war are not about control of Crimes (!) but about control of the southern Russian provincial capitals.
If you are winning, regardless of whether you are Russia or Turkey, think very carefully if offered a conditional surrender. Such outcome may have serious consequences that are not immediately apparent.
