I play on H and the AI seems ok most of the time. I do win most battles, I always win if I have similar troop numbers.

However, it is much less simple now (compared to previuos TW games) to have victories with few casualties. You really need to make the most of your artillery and cavalry. If you get drawn into the usual battle line formation, i.e. hammering it between you and the enemy, your losses will be significant.

I, hence, try to force little flank battles where I have local numerical superiority and withdraw if the enemy has superiority. I also try to make the AI attack and keep kicking him with my arty. I use cavalry as a threat, not as much as a hammer; I make them stand in squares and get shot by my infantry or artilery.
If the enemy goes for a brute all out charge, then you will win, but the losses will be nasty.

Sometims, of course, the AI is an idiot, bunching troops, suffering friendly fire and making a a nice unmoving target for my Howitzers (or grenadiers).


I would not recommend VH, as then the bonuses make enemy troops behave like uber idiots. They always charge and kick your butt. So the only decently viable option is to have some troops to tie the enemy line down and kick it with all you've got. Very unrealistic and feels like an exploit all the time...