This is because playing Russia in Axis & Allies is not a game. probably you if you read this site) and if there was an odd number of total players both teams would try to coax the other teams into taking him. This is because there will be nonstop arguments over who ends up playing Russia, or else the unfortunate player with last pick will end up getting stuck with Russia like that scrawny loser in gym class who'd always get picked last (i.e. It is advised that you randomly distribute the armies among players rather than having players choose.
The full version of A&A is a 3v2 team game with the Soviets, British, and Americans allied against the Germans and Japanese. The Armies File:Axis&Allies tablepieces.jpg
