Handicapped has a small bug that makes it actual harder, keep with balanced for now, we do a small balancing patch before X-mas.
I advise reading SlickWilhelm`s his excellent AAR to get some more grip with the game mechanics and AI.
viewtopic.php?f=131&t=38749
Tips:
Maintaining solid lines, produce double lined trenches, swap units from the front regularly, use garrison to hold part of your front, use your best infantry troops and concentrate artillery barrages at certain points, save and produce ammo.
Focus on technology that serve your tactic, stabilize fronts and concentrate on one, try and knock out your opponent one by one. Check NM, PP and MP levels all the time, sometimes disbanding and training new troops is better than repairing battered units low on efficiency. Hit the convoys and hurt PP production of your enemies, sink enemy battefleets to sink their NM levels, use airships to bombard capitals and other mayor PP producing cities, blockade ports. Scout good before going into the offensive, tactical retreats and preparing easily defensive battle lines are no dishonour! Keep reserves, in troops and supplies. If possible outflank, encircle and out let isolated units starve from supply a bit before killing them off, they will be easier to destroy and cost you less casualties.
.
