Seeing the Elephant (Union; defaults)?

[MarkShot]

I have been practicing with this one.

It pretty much seems that the Union can win this on victory points for about 30 points by simply doing nothing. By threatening Winchester (strategic town) by Patterson and Stone, I can keep the CSA from attacking at Alexandria.

Is there any approach to do better? I think a few points may be had if the CSA does attack at the Alexandria and lose. Then having filled out the Army of the Potomac and if McDowell activates, it may be possible for successful counter-attack for a few points. (But that is by no means guaranteed.)

So, how to play this thing?

Thanks.

[Taillebois]

I can win as the CSA, but I can only get point victories as USA - 59/60 to 30/34.

[MarkShot]

I am just getting started. I will flip to the CSA and try. I have found that the AI will be cautious of a threat (even a weak one) to its rear. Posing such a threat generally keeps it from attacking Alexandria. I have tried playing the same scenario in AACW a few times. The AI seems more aggressive and pushes North into PA. The AACW of this scenario seems much more balanced as you can again win as the USA by being passive, but the points are much closer.

[Taillebois]

I have just tried about a dozen times to lose Richmond but no matter what options I try I can't give the USA a major victory.

[MarkShot]

I did actually playing as the USA once lost. I had to many battle defeats and the CSA squeaked by.