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Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
Well, Ivy is faced with decisions, certainly.
> Movement results for Spring of 1908. (titleist.031)
>
> England: Army Holland -> Ruhr. (*bounce*)
> England: Fleet North Sea CONVOY Army Edinburgh -> Belgium.
> England: Fleet Belgium -> English Channel. (*bounce*)
> England: Fleet Norway HOLD.
> England: Army Denmark HOLD.
> England: Fleet Norwegian Sea -> North Atlantic Ocean.
> England: Army London HOLD.
> England: Army Edinburgh -> North Sea -> Belgium. (*bounce*)
Theoretically anti-French, but given that he knew you were ordering
Bre-ECh, singularly ineffective. Perhaps he wanted to look
anti-French, while remaining positioned to attack Russia in the Fall.
Given your rate of progress against Italy, that makes no sense
either, though; he has to attack as fast as he can, just to keep up
with you. (Maybe he's not one of the 1700+ players???)
The situation in the Low Countries is complicated, and as I read it,
we have to guess right, for us to take even one, but I'll study it for
a while, and see what Ivy has to say.
> France: Fleet Naples -> Ionian Sea.
> France: Fleet Ionian Sea -> Aegean Sea.
> France: Fleet Adriatic Sea SUPPORT Fleet Naples -> Ionian Sea.
> France: Fleet Rome -> Tyrrhenian Sea.
> France: Army Piedmont -> Venice.
>
> Italy: Army Bulgaria SUPPORT Army Budapest -> Rumania.
> Italy: Army Rumania -> Ukraine. (*bounce*)
> Italy: Fleet Aegean Sea -> Eastern Mediterranean.
> Italy: Fleet Greece SUPPORT Army Bulgaria.
> Italy: Army Budapest -> Rumania. (*bounce*)
> Italy: Army Vienna -> Galicia.
> Italy: Fleet Eastern Mediterranean -> Syria.
> Italy: Army Serbia SUPPORT Army Budapest -> Rumania.
Cripes, talk about falling on your own sword...
> Russia: Army Warsaw -> Moscow. (*bounce*)
>
> Turkey: Army Moscow -> Ukraine. (*bounce*)
> Turkey: Fleet Smyrna SUPPORT French Fleet Ionian Sea -> Aegean Sea.
Now this is interesting... Ali supported you into Aeg. Did he
make you an offer, or did you make a suggestion, and get a
present?
Your Friend,
and Ally,
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
I just looked at the results. A bit dissapointing that
we did not get the Channel. Ivy's move to the NAO is
problematic in that now I must let him into the Channel
in order to save MAO. And then I cannot build another
fleet in the North. Interesting and definately a
challenge. But I need more time to actually look at the
map.
At least England did not yet take Sweden and he did not
convoy the army. Both good for you.
--Xavier
Message from France to England
Ivy:
Boy, I did not make my decision until 15 minutes before
the deadline. It looks like you were planning yours for
a while. I just could not shake the feeling that I was
being set up again. I figured it was coming next year
and not this one. I sure am glad that the Dauphin did
something to protect ourselves. :-)
--Prince Boar
Message from France to all
Just to let everyone know that I will be very busy today
at work and may not get to write messages. Tonight I
have a date with some little monsters. Hopefully they
will be less viscious than the lot of you ;-)
Happy Halloween
the Princes Boar
Message from Russia to France
Xavier, My Friend,
>I just looked at the results. A bit disappointing that we did not get the
>Channel.
Hardly surprising, since the bounce was arranged,
though.
>Ivy's move to the NAO is problematic in that now I must let him into the
>Channel to save MAO.
Yes, but given TyS-WMed, Bre-MAO (*bounce*), and
B F Mar, followed by WMed S Bre-MAO (*bounce*),
Mar-Spa/SC, you'll be able to cover MAO next Fall.
>At least England did not yet take Sweden and he did not convoy the army.
>Both good for you.
Yes, but this Fall will be interesting, care to
suggest Mos-StP to Ali?
Nick.
Message from England to France
Prince Boar,
>Boy, I did not make my decision until 15 minutes before
>the deadline. It looks like you were planning yours for
>a while.
No, not for a while at all, for I have been too busy. I too struggled with
my decision until the last minute, spending over an hour staring at the
board last night. I didn't like either of my options. One choice (head
east) would have left me in no-man's land -- too far from France, but not
close enough to Austria/Balkans. The other choice (attack France and
abandon growth) is a deliberate choice to become a second rate, defensive
power.
I accidentally left my work computer on. When it checks the mail it
removes the mail from the server. So my home computer did not get the
results last night, and I had to wait until I got to work this morning.
My "posturing," by the way, was utterly authentic. I was expressing my
actual belief, namely that I had an inferior position. Even if you had not
made the decision that you did, I still would not have been able to do much
against you.
Ivy
Message from Master to all
Thanks to everyone for submitting moves on time!
Note that there are no retreats, so the fall moves are Thursday night
(coinciding with the final out of the Diamondbacks 4-1 World Series
victory). Everyone has two full days to talk and I'd really like to
see moves process on time, then retreats and adjustments on Friday.
Thanks,
Doug
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
As I indicated yesterday, I chose not to head east. My choice -- attack
France and abandon growth -- is a deliberate decision to become a second
rate, defensive power. I would rather be a victim of a French victory than
an accomplice of it. At least that preserves some honor. Even if France
had not chosen the same moment to attack me, my moves would have gotten me
no growth.
I can only hope that the rest of us can manage some sort of defense. By
the rest of us, I guess that's you and me. Italy will never help unless
and until he eliminates Turkey.
I know you have been struggling to survive, in fact your efforts in this
"showcase" game will probably be noticed by many. Please don't let
survival be you only goal. If you and I and eventually Italy (I do think
Turkey is out) can play intelligently, we may still be able to prevent a
French win.
France will remain very friendly to you. Of course he will, that's the way
to play and he is super good. But his threat is greater than ever.
So, O wonderful tactician, any suggestions?
Ivy
p.s. I did not stab you. Although I made moves that you expressly
disapproved of, that does not constitute a stab. "You did stab." Did
not. "Did too." Did not. ...
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>I chose not to head east. My choice -- attack
>France and abandon growth -- is a deliberate decision to become a second
>rate, defensive power.
I apreciate the fact that you did not move
east, although your moves still leave you positioned
to take Den and possibly Kiel this Fall. That would,
of course, be a foolish thing to do, since France
would build three in response, and next year he'd
build two or three more, while you built at most one.
>I know you have been struggling to survive, in fact your efforts in this
>"showcase" game will probably be noticed by many. Please don't let
>survival be you only goal.
I think, realistically, my chances to solo evaporated
when Turkey moved to Moscow. (Not that I had much
of a chance, even then, but a build last year would
have led to a build or two this year, and the
potential to gain a couple of Centers a year for
several years in a row while you and France struggled
in the West.) Nonetheless, my goals, in order, remain:
1) a share of the draw,
2) survival
3) throwing the game to the victor of my choice before
being eliminated.
>If you and I and eventually Italy can play intelligently, we may still be
>able to prevent a French win.
I would say that you and I need to take three French
Centers, (Mun, Bre and Par or Por or Spa) plus Sev,
before France eliminates Italy and Turkey. Counting
on Italy is a recipe for defeat, I fear.
>France will remain very friendly to you. But his threat is greater than
>ever.
Yes, I saw the French Solo coming after last year's
builds, and that prospect hasn't receeded at all.
>So, O wonderful tactician, any suggestions?
Are you mocking me??? I offered my suggestions for
this Spring, and you chose to ignore them. As a
result you did not take ECh, and will not be able
to take MAO this Fall, and you are going to have
to get lucky to take it at all.
Nick.
Message [from Russia] to all
An open question for those still watching:
I received this message recently in a game
I am playing, and was somewhat puzzled by
it.
>I did not stab you. Although I made moves that you expressly disapproved
>of, that does not constitute a stab.
The moves were, by the way into centers
that I controlled on a fall turn. So, my
question is, what does constitute a stab?
Message from Italy to Master, England, France, and Russia
I am out of email contact on Thursday (business trip). If you need to
negotiate with Italian management, it will have to be today (unless Doug
enters a deadline extension).
Idalia
Message from Italy to France
> Well I have a similar issue. You said that the movement
> of your armies were to remain secret. I have no problem
> with this. However, I do want to make certain that they
> stay east and do not wander towards Munich.
I assume that was far enough east for the time being.
>
> I think it likely that we will be able to help you take a
> Turkish center. Couple that with Turkey losing Moscow
> and you will be in good shape to exercise Turkey from the
> corner.
>
Well, because of Russia's stubborness (or stupidity depending on how you
look at it), I won't be able to support him to Moscow this turn. With your
assistance, I will be able to take Smyrna however.
I'll move EAS-SMY unless you see a reason I should move SYR-SMY.
Idalia
Message from Master to Italy
If you're out of town on Thursday and would like an extension until
Friday, I'll grant it.
Doug
Message from Italy to Master
>
> If you're out of town on Thursday and would like an extension until
> Friday, I'll grant it.
>
Much appreciated. It's not a negotiation ploy.
Message from Russia to Italy
Sorry about not supporting you into Ukr. I thought
Turkey would see the sense in cooperating with me.
I'm thinking Rum S Mos-Sev, Gal HOLD (or - Vie), and
I'll try to get France to support you into Smy. I'm
more than willing to consider alternatives, though.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
Hello? Anyone home? Care to talk, or would you
just rather cause me grief as your eliminated by
Italy and France? Mos-StP still seems like your
best bet to me, but I'm willing to discuss
alternatives.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
> I apreciate the fact that you did not move
>east, although your moves still leave you positioned
>to take Den and possibly Kiel this Fall.
Swe, not Den, of course. I won't be attacking Sweden. One reason I left
the fleet in Norway was that I thought I might have to bounce Turkey in StP
in the fall. Turkey was a big loser in the spring move. Now he might
figure he has nothing to lose by wild moves.
If I wanted an eastern policy, Kiel in particular, I would have tried to
convoy to Holland, not Belgium.
> That would,
>of course, be a foolish thing to do, since France
>would build three in response, and next year he'd
>build two or three more, while you built at most one.
Hey, it's foolish, but not for that reason. My building days are over,
period. It's foolish, because it throws you into mode 3:
>1) a share of the draw,
>2) survival
>3) throwing the game to the victor of my choice before
> being eliminated.
>I would say that you and I need to take three French
>Centers, (Mun, Bre and Par or Por or Spa) plus Sev,
>before France eliminates Italy and Turkey. Counting
>on Italy is a recipe for defeat, I fear.
I think that Italy may defend himself if and when he gets into the
corner. Turkey can't defend the corner from France, because fleets are
needed to do it.
> >So, O wonderful tactician, any suggestions?
>Are you mocking me???
Most definitely not. It was meant as a bit of a tribute. I can't afford
to mock you.
> I offered my suggestions for
>this Spring, and you chose to ignore them.
Well, I do have a mind of my own.
Speaking of which, I think you have to gamble on vacating Warsaw, so you
can build. If you can't build, the game is probably over. Turkey will not
move to Warsaw. Italy, ... ugh, who knows?
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>The moves were, by the way into centers
>that I controlled on a fall turn. So, my
>question is, what does constitute a stab?
Unfair, because this is out of context. The context is that either Germany
get's one of your centers or I get one of your centers. The fact that
there was a 1% chance that Germany would do something like "hold."
I promise that you can now have the last word, if you wish. 8-)
Ivy
Message from Master to all
Extension at player request.
Doug
Message from Observer to Observer
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usin@t... wrote:
>
>Broadcast message in 'titleist':
>
>
>An open question for those still watching:
>I received this message recently in a game
>I am playing, and was somewhat puzzled by
>it.
>
>>I did not stab you. Although I made moves that you expressly disapproved
>>of, that does not constitute a stab.
>>
>
>The moves were, by the way into centers
>that I controlled on a fall turn. So, my
>question is, what does constitute a stab?
>
It's only a stab if you do it to him?
Greg
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<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:usin@t...">usin@t...</a> wrote:<br>
<blockquote type="cite" cite="mid:200110311520.f9VFKik14251@t...">
<pre wrap=""><br>Broadcast message in 'titleist':<br><br><br>An open question for those still watching:<br>I received this message recently in a game<br>I am playing, and was somewhat puzzled by<br>it.<br><br></pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">I did not stab you. Although I made moves that you expressly disapproved<br>of, that does not constitute a stab.<br></pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap=""><!----><br>The moves were, by the way into centers<br>that I controlled on a fall turn. So, my<br>question is, what does constitute a stab?<br></pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
<br>
It's only a stab if you do it to him?<br>
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Greg<br>
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--------------090402020105000701090906--
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> > I appreciate the fact that you did not move
> >east, although your moves still leave you positioned
> >to take Den and possibly Kiel this Fall.
>
>Swe, not Den, of course. I won't be attacking Sweden.
Yes, that's what I get for responding without looking
at the map.
>I left the fleet in Norway was that I thought I might have to bounce Turkey
>in StP in the fall.
I'd prefer that you don't. While Mos-StP seems less
likely now, if he chooses to do it while I order
War-Mos, I'd rather he didn't bounce. 8-) I'm still
not certain what I'll do with A War, though.
>Turkey was a big loser in the spring move. Now he might
figure he has nothing to lose by wild moves.
I'm not so sure. Smy S FF Ion-Aeg was interesting.
We could see FT cooperation against Italy.
> >That would be a foolish thing to do, since France
> >would build three in response, and next year he'd
> >build two or three more, while you built at most one.
>
>Hey, it's foolish, but not for that reason. It's foolish, because it
>throws you into mode 3:
Well, I'd say it's foolish for both reasons, but my
point was that attacking me is too slow to be a
winning, or even drawing, move for you, at this point.
> >I would say that you and I need to take three French
> >Centers, (Mun, Bre and Par or Por or Spa) plus Sev,
> >before France eliminates Italy and Turkey. Counting
> >on Italy is a recipe for defeat, I fear.
>
>I think that Italy may defend himself if and when he gets into the corner.
>Turkey can't defend the corner from France,
I agree that he might, but I think we should assume
that France will use Turkish support to eliminate
Italy before Italy eliminates Turkey, and then Turkey
will be unable to stop France. I assume Turkey is
playing for survival in a French Solo at this point,
and France has no reason to reject his support.
> > I offered my suggestions for
> >this Spring, and you chose to ignore them.
>
>Well, I do have a mind of my own.
Of course you do, and my suggestions were only
suggestions, but if you have other ideas, I think
we'd be better off discussing both sets of plans,
and seeing where the strengths and weaknesses lie.
I'll look at the possibilities when I get the chance.
>you have to gamble on vacating Warsaw, so you
>can build.
Yeah, that's a possibility I'm toying with.
>Turkey will not move to Warsaw.
There was no reason for him to move to Moscow beyond
wanting to avoid the disband. What makes you think
he won't move to War when Ank-Arm, Mos-War gets
him a build if I move War-Sil?
>Italy, ... ugh, who knows?
He's at least writing, and seems focused on
eliminating Turkey.
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> >The moves were, by the way into centers
> >that I controlled on a fall turn. So, my
> >question is, what does constitute a stab?
>Unfair, because this is out of context.
Since when do you have to play fair in Dip? ;^}
>I promise that you can now have the last word, if you wish. 8-)
The "event" is in the past, and no longer matters,
except to the extent that it decreases my trust
that you will do as you promise to do.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>I'd prefer that you don't [move Nor->StP]. While Mos-StP seems less
>likely now, if he chooses to do it while I order
>War-Mos, I'd rather he didn't bounce.
Agreed. If you choose War->Mos, then Nor->StP is bad.
> I'm still not certain what I'll do with A War, though.
My instinct is still the same. If you can't build, the game is over. I
think you have to take your best shot at vacating Warsaw. War->Mos is one
way to try, but perhaps not the best.
> >Turkey was a big loser in the spring move. Now he might
> >figure he has nothing to lose by wild moves.
>
>I'm not so sure. Smy S FF Ion-Aeg was interesting.
>We could see FT cooperation against Italy.
You're right. I hadn't analyzed the Italy/Turkey situation when I wrote
you. It takes fleets to anchor Anatolia, and by helping Turkey, France is
aiming to rid the area of Italian fleets. Yuk.
> I assume Turkey is
>playing for survival in a French Solo at this point,
>and France has no reason to reject his support.
I hope not. I can imagine playing for a 7-way draw (out of incredible
desperation), but mere survival means nothing to me.
>He's at least writing, and seems focused on
>eliminating Turkey.
Galicia supp War->Ukr? Quid pro quo? You build this year and share
attacks on Moscow and Sevastopol with Italy next year?
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>The "event" is in the past, and no longer matters,
>except to the extent that it decreases my trust
>that you will do as you promise to do.
I promise to lie to you, if I think it will significantly increase
my winning chances. That's what I thought I was doing on the move in
question. Since then I have admitted to myself that I have no future as a
superpower.
Minor powers rarely have anything to gain by lying to other minor
powers. Most victories occur when someone walks away with the win while
little people engage in grudge wars.
Ivy
Message from England to Italy
>Message from Italy to France, England, Russia and Master in 'titleist':
Not on speaking terms with Turkey, eh?
------
As you see, I abandoned my dream of becoming a superpower, precisely at the
same moment that France decided to strike at me. I will no longer grow,
while France will continue to do so. I am content to defend and can only
hope that something works out.
France surely wants Turkey to survive in order to pick on him
later. Turkey cannot defend the corner against France, because he only has
one fleet there. You may be able to get help from Warsaw, and I have made
that suggestion to Russia. For example, Galicia supp War->Ukr permits
Russia to build in Warsaw and pressures both Moscow and Sevastopol in the
spring.
Ivy
Message from Russia to England
>Message from England to Russia in 'titleist':
>I promise to lie to you, if I think it will significantly increase
>my winning chances. That's what I thought I was doing on the move in
>question. Since then I have admitted to myself that I have no future >as a
>superpower.
I see you also lied about letting me have the last word. ;^}
Now, let's focus on stopping France.
Nicky.
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
Just to make certain that I do not mess up, you are
asking F Aeg to support Eas to Smy?
And yes, the movement of your armies was excellent.
Thank you.
What did you think about my and Ivy's moves. If I am not
careful, he could win this thing. If I had not moved as
I had, he would have been in very good shape.
I may need Russia to pester England from behind, you
defect Turkey (with a little help from me), will you be
able to give Russia a little time? What will you want to
do next? I do not want you to get bored. Perhaps we can
get your armies North and having fun.
Well, we have time to ponder that.
I do not understand why Russia did not support you to
Ukraine. That seemed the smart thing to do. Oh well, he
can be very stubborn changing his ideas. Maybe this
gives you something to do for a while longer, to keep you
having fun :-)
Thanks.
--Prince Boar
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
Ukraine worked! France in the Aegean is more bad news for Italy.
However the big picture is becoming fairly gloomy.
I concluded that my days as a superpower were over. In spite of your
advice to travel eastward step-by-step with France -- which had indeed been
my strategy -- I reluctantly realized that it was a losing proposition. I
was meeting resistance, and France was walking in
unrestricted. Furthermore, I was much too distant from all those juicy
Austrian/Balkan centers.
So I decided to become just another person trying to stop France from
winning. And by happenstance, at the same time, France decided to attack
me also. He had no interest in my being his equal.
You have a tricky situation. France will help you against Italy, because
you don't have fleets. Without fleets you cannot defend Anatolia when
France strikes you. France knows that if Italy gains Anatolia, he will be
able then to fend off France. You have to weigh your self-interest against
doing what is necessary to keep France from winning. That's tough, but
your self-interest vanishes if someone solos. I, at least, hold out hope
for some sort of multi-player draw.
Please build a fleet if you ever have a chance. Also, please consider
cooperation with Russia (or at least neutrality) even though you are
sitting in Moscow. Further erosion of Russia's strength at this point
dooms us all.
Cordially,
Ivy
Message from Italy to France
>
> Just to make certain that I do not mess up, you are
> asking F Aeg to support Eas to Smy?
>
Correct.
>
> What did you think about my and Ivy's moves.
>
Expected. Neither could let the other get too powerful.
> I may need Russia to pester England from behind, you
> defect Turkey (with a little help from me), will you be
> able to give Russia a little time?
>
As long as you continue to assist in the destruction of Turkey, I will move
in accordance with your wishes in Northern Russia. If you want to bide
Russia some time, so be it; if you want Russia to feel the wrath of the
Italian army, just say the word.
> I do not want you to get bored.
Don't worry about my boredom or lack thereof. I have no problems with the
direction the game has taken.
>
> I do not understand why Russia did not support you to
> Ukraine.
>
The only explanation, at least in my mind, is he didn't trust me not to try
for Warsaw instead of supporting him into Moscow. His loss.
Idalia
Message from Russia to England
Ivy, My Friend,
> >I'm not so sure. Smy S FF Ion-Aeg was interesting.
> >We could see FT cooperation against Italy.
>
> You're right. I hadn't analyzed the Italy/Turkey situation when I wrote
> you. It takes fleets to anchor Anatolia, and by helping Turkey, France
> is aiming to rid the area of Italian fleets. Yuk.
I'm going to have to ask Prince Boar about that support. I've written
to the Turk several times since he moved to Mos, but have never gotten
a reply. It may be that France asked for support, and the Turk figured,
"Why not?", but if they're exchanging letters, we could have a real
problem on our hands.
> > I assume Turkey is playing for survival in a French Solo
> >at this point, and France has no reason to reject his support.
>
> I hope not. I can imagine playing for a 7-way draw (out of incredible
> desperation), but mere survival means nothing to me.
I consider it better than being eliminated, though not by much, and
since Turkey doesn't seem to be writing to anyone, I can't see how
he hopes to draw, so not being eliminated seems like his most likely
motive to me.
> >He's at least writing, and seems focused on
> >eliminating Turkey.
>
> Galicia supp War->Ukr? Quid pro quo? You build this year and share
> attacks on Moscow and Sevastopol with Italy next year?
Hmmm, Italy CAN'T build, so he has little motive to take Centers for
Centers sake, so that might work. Thanks.
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
I think Prince Boar has to order Bre-MAO, and probably TyS-WMed,
this Fall. If he lets you move NAO to MAO, he'll lose at least Por, and
perhaps more. This means you'll be able to move into the Channel,
which is certainly good news. I wonder what would happen if you
moved NAO-Iri, Nwy-Nwg, and let Bre-MAO work? What do
you think?
Nick.
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
Those days when we hoped that we could meet in Munich and shake hands seem
so long ago. Still, I am determined to fight the good fight.
You may be able to help me with one piece of information unless you think
it is not in your best interests to do so. Is France in the Aegean in
order to help you? Has he promised to do so? I notice that Italy is in no
position to take a center from you this year and it looks like he will have
to destroy two of his units.
Consequently, you may have indeed survived and will be an important player
in the finish. Of, course the overriding danger is still the French solo.
Most cordially,
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>I'm going to have to ask Prince Boar about that support. I've written
>to the Turk several times since he moved to Mos, but have never gotten
>a reply. It may be that France asked for support, and the Turk figured,
>"Why not?", but if they're exchanging letters, we could have a real
>problem on our hands.
Ali and I have always been friendly, but his correspondence has all but
disappeared. I've just sent him two letters, and I am hoping that he will
respond.
Only last night did I take a good, hard look at the Italy/Turkey
situation. I am very worried that we may back the wrong horse. Italy
cannot take a center from Turkey this year, and he should lose two units to
France. What will he destroy? -- possibly Serbia and Budapest. How many
Turkish centers can Italy get next year? Sevastopol with your help?
Doubtful. It can be protected from the Black Sea. Conclusion: Italy can't
do a thing *provided* the French fleet in the Aegean is there to aid Turkey.
At best, I conclude that my two letters to Turkey can't do any harm.
> > Galicia supp War->Ukr? Quid pro quo? You build this year and share
> > attacks on Moscow and Sevastopol with Italy next year?
>
> Hmmm, Italy CAN'T build, so he has little motive to take Centers for
>Centers sake, so that might work. Thanks.
It still can't hurt for you to be in Ukraine, even if Italy dies and Turkey
turns friendly.
>I think Prince Boar has to order Bre-MAO, and probably TyS-WMed,
>this Fall. If he lets you move NAO to MAO, he'll lose at least Por, and
>perhaps more. This means you'll be able to move into the Channel,
>which is certainly good news. I wonder what would happen if you
>moved NAO-Iri, Nwy-Nwg, and let Bre-MAO work? What do
>you think?
Nth->Channel will definitely work. France will either order Bre to MAO or
to Picardy. It's a tough choice for him. A move to MAO saves Portugal. A
move to Picardy (with support) permits him to build a second Atlantic fleet
in Brest. The problem I see with NAO->Iri is that France gets to have his
cake and eat it. That is, he gets the MAO; he saves Portugal; AND he
builds another fleet in Brest.
Anyway, Nth->Eng is clear. What do you think about NAO->MAO; Nwy->Nwg;
Hel-Nth? This makes your fleet a little more useful. [If I can own StP at
least you can sit in Nth! That would make for an entertaining mess in the
future -- if we have a future.] Then next turn I might try NAO-Iri & Nwg->NAO.
Ivy
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>I [took] a good, hard look at the Italy/Turkey
>situation. I am very worried Conclusion: Italy can't do a thing *provided*
>the French fleet in the Aegean is there to aid Turkey.
Yes, this is why I say we have to take Mun,
Bre, and at least one more French Center, ourselves.
I don't see that we can afford to rely on Italy or
Turkey.
>It still can't hurt for you to be in Ukraine, even if Italy dies and Turkey
>turns friendly.
Yes, but I remain concerned that Turkey will conclude
that I'll move out of War to be able to build, and he
will order Mos-War, hoping to eliminate me before he
falls to France.
>The problem I see with NAO->Iri is that France gets to
>save Portugal; AND build another fleet in Brest.
Doh! You're right, of course. NAO-MAO makes much
more sense.
>What do you think about NAO->MAO; Nwy->Nwg; Hel-Nth? This makes your
>fleet a little more useful.
I was thinking about Hel-Nth, but didn't want to
propose it to you. The fifth Fleet might come in handy.
Nick.
Message from France to Turkey
Ali:
Sorry for my delay in writing to you. I have been busy.
As you can see, England and I are now at war. I felt it
was coming, perhaps he did as well. But I did not even
comtemplate it until after dinner the night of the
deadline. Oh well, such is life. I still should be able
to do something in the Mediterranean as I try to
stalemate Ivy.
I am glad to be in the Aegean, thanks for your support.
I guess it was not needed, but I thought that Turkey
might either move Greece to the Aegean or try to convoy
Bulgaria to Syria. I did try to talk him into letting me
into the Aegean and for some reason that worked.
The bottom line is what do we do now?
Nice move in Ukraine by the way. I am sure that Russia
wants you to move out of Moscow, probably into St. Petes.
I also would like to see you in St. Petes. :-) What
would it take?
--Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
I now remember that I suggested to you that I was going
to keep Ivy honest in the Channel. He later wrote to me
and asked me not to bounce with him in the Channel. He
said that he needed Belgium to support London to Holland
while Holland moved to Ruhr. Hence, I acutally was
hoping to make it to the Channel.
Any ideas for taking a center from England? Are you
considering deceiving him hoping he will leave you Sweden
and at the same time try to take a center from him in the
lowlands area?
I will try to get Ali to take St. Petes. I do have that
fleet in the Aegean to offer as leverage. We shall see
what he says. It would only work if England was
convinced that he would not go for it.
So what is Ivy offering you for peace? I am at least
glad that the most likely location for you to get centers
is from him and not me. :-) So let's go get you some!
Now a FRx or FR draw is not so unlikely eh?
--Xavier
Message from France to England
Ivy:
The Dauphin disagrees with you in that he feels that if
he had not ordered as he did in the spring, we would have
been in deep trouble right now. France itself and Iberia
would have been hard to defend. It does no good to take
centers if you have no where to build them. Something
that Russia can relate to.
You already betrayed me once. This second time was
inexcusable. It was my turn. You could have been a
gentleman and let me have it :-)
--Prince Boar
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
Welcome back from your trip.
I have been looking over the map. I was debating which
fleet that you should use to take Smyrna and then I
realized that it really does not matter. I thought that
there might be some advantages to being in Smyrna and Eas
and removing the fleet in Greece. But either Eas or Gre
can get to Aegean. Although Eas can getter support
Smyrna if need be. Should we switch to Syr -> Smy?
Bul -> Con and Gre/Ser beleaguring Bulgaria is
obvious. I know that you will want to keep your other
armies secret. I see you have a choice between Rum ->
Ukr s by Gal; Bud -> Rum or Gal -> Ukr s by Rum, Bud ->
Gal. You could go for Sev, but I suspect that Turkey
will try and cover that. Then again, he risked Sev in
the spring.
--Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
I think that one of Bel or Nth will go for the Channel.
I am still pondering what to do with that info.
What about the following option:
Kie -> Hol s by Ruh
Bur -> Bel
Hel -> Nth
Mun -> Kie (to bounce Den -> Kie)
I guess that HOl -> Kie s by Den foils and backfires
this.
I am guessing that Ivy would try Bel -> Eng, Hol -> Bel s
by Nth, figuring that I would be going for Belgium.
Every time I look at the map I see other options and
their associated risks. Guessing correctly will be very
important or else Ivy will have 4 fleets to my 3 and
still be able to hold on to Scandinavia.
A lot will depend on how badly Ivy is trying to buy your
peace. Will he give you a center in addition to leaving
Sweden alone? I figure that he would rather you get a
center than I. Of course, he may feel that if he can
fool you one turn, he will be in a strong defensive
position.
--Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
>Any ideas for taking a center from England? Are you
>considering deceiving him hoping he will leave you Sweden and at the same
>time try to take a center from him in the lowlands area?
Kie & Ruh S Hel-Hol, Bur-Bel, Mun S Kie is likely to
work, since Ivy will almost certainly order Nth-ECh.
I've told Ivy that I'll throw the game to you, if he
attacks me, so I guess we'll see if he's willing to
risk it.
>I will try to get Ali to take St. Petes.
>We shall see what he says. It would only work if England was convinced
>that he would not go for it.
Well, England claims he wants to see me build, so
I pointed out that Nwy-StP would block Mos-Stp,
War-Mos, and take F Nwy away from his real battle
(with you). Has Ali written to you? Did you
negotiate the support to Aeg?
>So what is Ivy offering you for peace?
The chance to not lose to a French Solo, basically. 8-)
>Now a FRx or FR draw is not so unlikely eh?
If Italy or Turkey were playing rationally, perhaps,
but I suspect the best I can do at this point is
"2nd place" to your 18.
Nick.
Message from England to France
Prince Boar,
>You already betrayed me once. This second time was
>inexcusable.
I couldn't agree more. I have played several games without a single lie or
betrayal. I don't do it often enough to get used to it.
Strangely, though, in this game both Germany and I and now you and I have
struck at each other simultaneously. That's never happened to me before
with an ally. It takes all the guilt away.
Ivy
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>Kie & Ruh S Hel-Hol, Bur-Bel, Mun S Kie
seems as good as any. We can start with this as the
default plan. We can still look for something better,
but at least we have our best guess in place. I suspect
that we will end up sticking with it.
>Ivy will almost certainly order Nth-ECh.
He should order something there. So either I walk into
Belgium or you take Holland, with your above plan.
>Has Ali written to you? Did you
>negotiate the support to Aeg?
I asked him for the support. It was the best way to make
sure that Italy could not take a Turkish center in the
fall.
>>So what is Ivy offering you for peace?
>The chance to not lose to a French Solo, basically. 8-)
What would be so bad about that? :-)
>If Italy or Turkey were playing rationally,
I suspect that Italy has some master plan that I just
cannot see yet. And it worries me.
>but I suspect the best I can do at this point is
>"2nd place" to your 18
Again, what is wrong with that? :-) :-)
Seriously, In the end I think that Turkey or Italy will
join you to keep me from the victory.
--Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
>I think that one of Bel or Nth will go for the Channel.
That seems like a certainty. Nth seems more likely
to me since any attempt to cover Bel could get
bounced by Bur S Ruh-Bel
>
>What about the following option:
>Kie -> Hol s by Ruh
>Bur -> Bel
>Hel -> Nth
>Mun -> Kie (to bounce Den -> Kie)
>I guess that HOl -> Kie s by Den foils and backfires
>this.
Yes, and in the event of Hol S Bel, Den-Swe, I take
Hol, but lose Kiel to you... Kie & Ruh S Hel-Hol,
Mun S Kie, Bur-Bel seems safer, and fails only against
Nth S Hol, Den-Kie, which seems unlikely.
>I am guessing that Ivy would try Bel -> Eng, Hol -> Bel s
>by Nth, figuring that I would be going for Belgium.
Hmmm, I'm not sure he's that confident of my loyalties
to leave Hol open to Kie and Hel...
>A lot will depend on how badly Ivy is trying to buy your
>peace. Will he give you a center in addition to leaving
>Sweden alone? I figure that he would rather you get a
>center than I. Of course, he may feel that if he can
>fool you one turn, he will be in a strong defensive
>position.
Given the challenges I face in trying to build, I don't
know that Ivy has any reason to give me a Center at this
point. :-( Also, as I keep pointing out to him, a strong
defensive position does him no good, since you can solo
in the Med.
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
> >Kie & Ruh S Hel-Hol, Bur-Bel, Mun S Kie
>seems as good as any. We can start with this as the
>default plan. We can still look for something better,
Agreed.
> >Has Ali written to you?
>I asked him for the support.
Did he reply? My letters to him have gone unanswered
since he took Moscow.
> >>So what is Ivy offering you for peace?
> >The chance to not lose to a French Solo, basically. 8-)
>What would be so bad about that? :-)
Well, that depends on whether I lose to an EFT 3-way,
instead. ;^}
>I suspect that Italy has some master plan that I just
>cannot see yet. And it worries me.
I think I know what Italy is attempting, and you need
me to stop it. *wink*
> >but I suspect the best I can do at this point is
> >"2nd place" to your 18
>Again, what is wrong with that? :-) :-)
Well, it's pretty far down the Solo-small draw-big
draw-survival-elimination scale... 8-)
>In the end I think that Turkey or Italy will
>join you to keep me from the victory.
That is, of course, something you have to worry about,
but we both know that people have thrown games to you
before, in spite of your lack of "strategic vision". ;^}
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from France to England
Ivy
>It takes all the guilt away.
I would not say this is true for me. I still felt
guilty. I was just relieved that I made the choice,
despite the guilt. But the guilty feeling does not
linger as long as the necessities of a nasty battle
begins to take over.
I think that we shall basically stalemate ourselves and
others will be the true victors of our war. But there
really is nothing we can do now, until the landscape
around us changes.
So what are your plans and goals?
--Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Xavier, My Friend,
>I have gotten one short note from Ali since he took
>Moscow. Basically, I hear very little.
*Nick nods*
>As for people throwing solos to me, I am still waiting
>for my first solo. If I can get it by your handing it to me, I would be
>mighty grateful ;-)
*Cough* France was first on my preference list, so
I KNOW that you soloed in the semi-finals. (Not to
mention the fact that you broke gunboat to me a while
back, so I know you have at least six other solos to
your credit.)
>The bottom line, take what you can from Ivy else you will
>get squashed between Turkey and England. You need to
>grow to squash England with me. Do unto others before
>others do unto you! Yes you risk my solo, but your other
>options seems to be elimination. Surely I have self
>interest involved in my urging you, but I am also trying
>to point out why it benefits you as well.
I'm inclined to agree with you analysis.
>Let me get one final thing straight, you are telling me
>that you know Italy's master plan? So I cannot let you
>get eliminated, else you will not help me stop it? :-0
That's what I'm telling you. ;^}
>Ok, fair enough, your blackmail is working!!! :-)
Good, I appreciate an ally who knows when I have him
over a barrel. 8-) 8-) 8-)
Nick.
Message from Observer to Observer
From: Douglas T. Massey E-mail: masseyd@b...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Burgess said:
> The Master needs to inform the Russian player that press to observers
> CAN be read by the other players, which is why we conduct our
> business on this entirely separate forum.
I think Russia meant for this to be a jab at that player. Either that
or he plans to read the answer in the showcase and doesn't care if the
others hear the question.
> I must say that I
> think our dear Russian may be right and he sounds more and more
> like Eric..... but I have been highly derelict in keeping up
> with watching this game. Oh well, this HAS been a bit of a bust,
> hasn't it???
I don't think so, but I'm biased. It doesn't have much role-playing,
so if that's what you look for in Diplomacy, then it's a bust. But
I think the play itself has been terrific. Italy has been disappointing,
but I haven't played close enough attention to know if there were other
options for him besides vacating his home centers and ceding them to
France. I think he's making a valid play to be the small power in a
3WD (which he may have decided at some point was his best possible
outcome).
England has played well -- there's been an EG vs F and an EF vs G, but
never an FG vs E -- and France made a wonderful comeback from being
in bad shape early on. How much of Italy's behavior is attributable
to France? You'll have to reach the partial press to find out after
the game ends and decide for yourself, I guess.
France needs only be the largest power on the board at the time of the
draw to win the tournament (according to the tournament rules), which I
think he has a great chance to do. I envision an EF stalemate if their
fleets do lock horns. But I'll bet that France has been arranging
which 18 centers he'd like to own for years and years already.
Bre/Par/Mar/Por/Spa/Tun
Ven/Rom/Nap/Tri/Vie/Bud
Ser/Gre/Bul/Smy/Con/Rum
That doesn't even include Munich.
France has played an amazing game, so far.
Doug
----------------------------------------------------------------------
___, IBM Microelectronics Division, Burlington, Vermont
\o ASICs Product Development Engineering |>
| Phone: (802)769-7095 t/l: 446-7095 fax: x6752 |
/ \ |
. My Homepage: http://members.tripod.com/~masseyd (|)
Message from Observer to Observer
> I don't think so, but I'm biased. It doesn't have much role-
playing,
> so if that's what you look for in Diplomacy, then it's a bust. But
> I think the play itself has been terrific.
I agree.
> Italy has been disappointing,
> but I haven't played close enough attention to know if there were
other
> options for him besides vacating his home centers and ceding them
to
> France. I think he's making a valid play to be the small power in a
> 3WD (which he may have decided at some point was his best possible
> outcome).
I wouldn't say Italy's play is disappointing. Perhaps Italy and
Turkey, on some fundamental level, don't get along (although they did
work together to eliminate Austria). Italy couldn't talk France out
of attacking, and Italy couldn't tolerate the idea of being smashed
by an FT combo. As you say, at some point Italy decided that being
low man in a 3-way was the best he could do. And he'll get that.
He's playing for 3rd place. It would be interesting to know when he
decided to settle for that, and how he could have prevented the
predicament he's in.
> England has played well -- there's been an EG vs F and an EF vs G,
but
> never an FG vs E -- and France made a wonderful comeback from being
> in bad shape early on.
Agreed. I don't remember why E and G started fighting in the first
place. Did we ever figure that out? Oh, and Italy sent a fleet to
assist France, didn't he? Nice payback he received for helping out
France, eh? I think it's safe to say that France is a mastermind.
> How much of Italy's behavior is attributable
> to France? You'll have to reach the partial press to find out
after
> the game ends and decide for yourself, I guess.
I think it's a two-way street. I don't think it's the case that
France is completely hoodwinking Italy. Perhaps Italy made an error
in helping France, which resulted in EF rather than a EG vs. F(I)
stalemate that he was probably hoping for. Once France attacked,
Italy might have (reasonably) perceived that stopping the attack on
Turkey was not an option.
> France needs only be the largest power on the board at the time of
the
> draw to win the tournament (according to the tournament rules),
which I
> think he has a great chance to do. I envision an EF stalemate if
their
> fleets do lock horns. But I'll bet that France has been arranging
> which 18 centers he'd like to own for years and years already.
>
> Bre/Par/Mar/Por/Spa/Tun
> Ven/Rom/Nap/Tri/Vie/Bud
> Ser/Gre/Bul/Smy/Con/Rum
>
> That doesn't even include Munich.
>
> France has played an amazing game, so far.
I don't envision a French solo, but he has an excellent shot at being
the larger power in a 3-way. If so, it's an incredible achievement
given his earlier dim prospects.
France has probably agreed to help Italy take a Turkish center to
offset the loss of Venice. If he doesn't come through with that
assistance, he [France] will probably cease having such an easy time
marching eastward.
In the West, England absolutely must have Russia on his side, at any
price. Luckily for England, he can point to Russia' inability to
build as a reason for Russia to restrain himself from taking an
English center.
What does anyone else think about any of this?
Karlis
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>
> *Cough* France was first on my preference list, so
> I KNOW that you soloed in the semi-finals.
How do you know that I just did not bribe Doug into giving me France? I am
sure that he can be bought! :-)
Beside, just because the 7th seed puts down France as their first seed, does
not mean that the person who got France was the first seed. :-) :-) (That
was a good jab wasn't it :-) Just be careful how you retort. Do not tell me
more than you should. You should not break Gunboat just because I messed up.
>
> >The bottom line, take what you can from Ivy else you will
> >get squashed between Turkey and England. You need to
> >grow to squash England with me. Do unto others before
> >others do unto you! Yes you risk my solo, but your other
> >options seems to be elimination. Surely I have self
> >interest involved in my urging you, but I am also trying
> >to point out why it benefits you as well.
>
> I'm inclined to agree with you analysis.
>
Great. It is not often that I am so lucid. So it must be obvious if I can
explain it clearly.
>
> Good, I appreciate an ally who knows when I have him
> over a barrel. 8-) 8-) 8-)
>
>
Your slave,
Xavier
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
> > *Cough* France was first on my preference list, so
> > I KNOW that you soloed in the semi-finals.
>
> be careful how you retort. Do not tell me more than you should.
> You should not break Gunboat just because I messed up.
*Nick nods* True, but I was told there were two solos, and a
3-way draw in the semi-finals, which means the two soloists were
1st and 2nd seeds, the 3-wayers were 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and the
two largest survivors in the solos were 6th and 7th. What I said
implies that I was 2nd or 3rd seed, but since I don't even know
who was in my semi-final, I don't see how my telling you that
could break gunboat.
> > >The bottom line, take what you can from Ivy else you will
> > >get squashed between Turkey and England. Yes you risk
> > >my solo, but your other options seems to be elimination
> > I'm inclined to agree with you analysis.
> it must be obvious if I can explain it clearly.
You shouldn't downplay your press skills, you're better at this than
I am. There is, of course, the third option, of working with England
to contain you, while trying to recover my Home Centers, but
somehow attacking England seems like the better course.
> > Good, I appreciate an ally who knows when I have him
> > over a barrel. 8-) 8-) 8-)
> Your slave,
I'd feel better if there was a smiley there... Obviously, you're in control
here, and I'm along for the ride, but I think we can work together.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>> Your slave,
>I'd feel better if there was a smiley there...
>Obviously, you're in control
>here, and I'm along for the ride, but I think we can
>work together.
simleys are free, take several! :-) :-) :-)
I almost always am jesting a bit. I do not take this
stuff too serious. The point is to enjoy playing a game.
I always try to do so. Sometimes it gets hard, but I
keep trying to find the fun in it. My press often gets
more humorous (or at least the attempt at it) when I am
down. We have both been down in this game. I think it
great that we will soon be the two largest powers! :-)
I know that you could work with England to contain me.
But there is not much in it for you. You would get
Munich and any gifts that Ivy gave you. But he could not
give you too much. Meanwhile Turkey grows and looks for
places to expand.... Eventually England and I make a
deal and you get squashed for the EFT.
Working with me gives you all of Scandinavia and a big
share of Germany and the Lowlands, and most likely part
of England. Meanwhile I will continue to go slowly so
that I do not frighten you and allow you to catch up.
Sure I might get stuck at the three way, but so what. I
have a chance at the solo. The other likely ending is
FRT or FRI.
Why do I care which I get, EFT or FRT? Well, first of
all there is the two betrayals by Ivy that weigh into my
preference. Then there is the fact that you have played
so brilliantly with so little resources, you just would
never die. I admire that. Then there is the fact that I
will be larger in the FRT, hence the overall tournament
winner. Finally, I have a better chance at the solo.
But just because I prefer FRT does not mean it will
happen. Your actions will be the deciding factor.
On to other topics, I still have not hear from Ali. I
will try again. I am hoping to talk him into Mos -> StP
by offering to cut down Italy, or maybe a shot at
Bulgaria. Bascially, I need see what he wants in
exchange for moving to St. Petes. I am trying to help
you out as best I can.
--Xavier
Not a slave, but a partner
PS: I have ordered Mun s Kie, Ruh s Hel -> Hol. We can
change before the deadline if necessary
Message from France to England
Ivy:
Still very busy? Or because we are at war we now have to
stop writing. Do I need to turn things over to the
Dauphin again? He is much more boring than I. Just do
not tell him that I said so.
I figure that it is hopeless, but there is sitll the
chance to go back to our two-way arrangement. I had
agreed to build only one unit. This of course is not
possible if you are attacking me. I must build two. Are
you going to build? It depends on what you do to (or not
do to) Russia. And vice versa of course.
In the end we may have to just bang our heads against
each other and wait for a third power to emerge for the
EFx draw. Same place as we were maybe heading, but less
risky. A whole lot less fun, but less risky.
So when are you going to let your sister come visit
again? :-)
--Prince Boar
Message from France to Turkey
Ali:
While I wait to hear from you, I will ponder the map. I
can try for Trieste and Greece and probably take one or
the other. I am trying to figure out if you need Fleet
Aegean to defend Smyrna. I do not think so. You also do
not need Fleet Black Sea. So you could order Black Sea
to Sevastopol and Moscow to St. Petes.
I think that you could either cover Sev or go for Bul in
such a way that your are guaranteed to keep one or the
other, which a chance at both, if I use my two fleets to
help.
Are you going to move to St. Petes? Has Ivy asked you
not to do so? I suppose that you would have to agree not
to move there in order to actually make it.
Let me know your thoughts. So I can turn in orders
before the deadline.
--Prince Boar
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
Right now I have F Aeg s Eas -> Smy. I have not heard
from Turkey. I am trying to soften him up for your
attack, but I do not know that there is anything worth
getting from him. We should just do the attack that we
know will work. I expect that he will cover Sev, which
is not a bad thing. That moves that fleet farther from
home.
--Prince Boar
Message from England to France
Prince Boar,
>Still very busy?
Oh yes.
> Or because we are at war we now have to
>stop writing.
No, of course not, but it does seem less essential.
>I think that we shall basically stalemate ourselves and
>others will be the true victors of our war.
Why, anyone with the intelligence of a pine stump can evaluation this
situation. The only question is whether or not others will have the energy
or will to do anything about it. You would think that in a game of this
supposed level that everyone could be counted on to do the sort of thing
that you and I did when Italy was on the verge of unstoppable
domination. However, human nature being what it is, I fear that this may
not be so.
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
> >It still can't hurt for you to be in Ukraine, even if Italy dies and Turkey
> >turns friendly.
>
>Yes, but I remain concerned that Turkey will conclude
>that I'll move out of War to be able to build, and he
>will order Mos-War, hoping to eliminate me before he
>falls to France.
I'm starting to sour on the move to Ukraine as well, but don't rule out
Warsaw->Silesia. That would enable us to crush Ruhr next spring and take
Munich in the fall.
Here's another thought if you decide to go along with Warsaw->Moscow. If
that move succeeds you will have 5 centers but only be able to build one
more unit. If that move fails you will not be able to build at all
again. Either way there is a wasted unit. What about Norway->Sweden IF
you move Warsaw->Moscow. That would permit me to build a fleet in
Liverpool that could be used with great effect.
It's your call.
Ivy
Message from France to England
Ivy:
>Why, anyone with the intelligence of a pine stump
I have known some pretty bright pine stumps! :-)
In fact, my maternal Grandfather was one. :-)
You told me about have wonderful conversations with an
enemy in one of your games. Since you tell me that it
seems less necessary to write me, now that we are
enemies, I know where I rate :-) :-)
Good luck with whatever you are busy with. Someday I may
even know what it is. You have alluded, but I felt it
best not to probe.
Two months to finish. If we could get a year in every
two weeks, that would be 4 game years. Seems unlikely.
If we could get a game year in every week and a half,
that may get us 6 game years. Closer.
--Prince Boar
Message from England to France
>You told me about have wonderful conversations with an
>enemy in one of your games.
Yes, but we knew who we were and could talk about personal matters.
>Good luck with whatever you are busy with. Someday I may
>even know what it is. You have alluded, but I felt it
>best not to probe.
Perhaps, in addition to EOGs, Doug should encourage us to share information
about ourselves when this is over. Nothing elaborate, about five sentences
on jobs, families, hobbies, etc. At least you should do this; you are
going to be famous!
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
Gee, I'm starting to think War->Mos, Nor->Swe has great merit for the
reasons given in my last letter, plus it even provides insurance against
Mos->StP. In that case you still build, but I don't have to
destroy. Furthermore, if I ever do anything out of line, you can ruin me
with your fleet in the North Sea and/or throw the game to France.
What'dya think?
Ivy
Message from France to England
Ivy:
>Yes, but we knew who we were and could talk
>about personal matters.
I know, I know. I was just teasing.
I think that your idea about sharing some person info is
great! You should suggest it when the game ends.
>At least you should do this; you are
>going to be famous!
Hardly. It is not like the winner of our game (whomever
that will be) won "Survivor" or something :-)
I think it would be fun to all get together live and
replay the game in one evening face-to-face. But given
the geometry, that would be hard. 5 of us are east coast
I think. But one might be west coast. I can't recall.
I look forward to seeing what you do to the Dauphin's
forces tonight.
--Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
I'd like to work with you, but I need some idea
of what you are doing, and what you would like to
accomplish. Please write.
Thanks,
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
>Message from England to Russia in 'titleist':
>
>I'm starting to think War->Mos, Nor->Swe has great merit What'dya think?
My gut says we need to get our Fleets to Pic, ECh, Iri,
NAO, and MAO as soon as possible, and Nwy-Swe is headed
in the wrong direction.
Any word from Ali or Italy?
In Haste,
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>My gut says we need to get our Fleets to Pic, ECh, Iri,
>NAO, and MAO as soon as possible, and Nwy-Swe is headed
>in the wrong direction.
Nor->Swe makes a fleet pop up instantly in *Liverpool* -- that's not only
as soon as possible, it's sooner. Once you begin building, we can make
amends instantly. You can have Norway, StP, London -- anything for the team.
So, any second thoughts?
>Any word from Ali or Italy?
Nothing. I am very disappointed in Ali. He may write infrequently, but
usually I can count on him for a polite note.
Will you be available this evening at all? I should be.
Ivy
Message from Russia to France
>Message from France to Russia in 'titleist':
>
>Working with me gives you all of Scandinavia and a big
>share of Germany and the Lowlands, and most likely part
>of England. Meanwhile I will continue to go slowly so
>that I do not frighten you and allow you to catch up.
>Sure I might get stuck at the three way, but so what. I
>have a chance at the solo. The other likely ending is
>FRT or FRI.
Realistically, you're going to have to give me all
of England, given the situation in the Med, unless
you want to consider an EFR ending.
>On to other topics, I still have not hear from Ali. I
>will try again. I am hoping to talk him into Mos -> StP
>by offering to cut down Italy, or maybe a shot at
>Bulgaria. Bascially, I need see what he wants in
>exchange for moving to St. Petes. I am trying to help
>you out as best I can.
I wrote again, and basically begged him to write back.
>PS: I have ordered Mun s Kie, Ruh s Hel -> Hol. We can change before the
>deadline if necessary
These moves protect my German position, and prevent
England from building if he orders Nwy-Swe, so I
think they're the way to go. I just have to figure
out what I'm doing with War.
Your Friend,
and Ally,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Idalia,
Time grows short. Any thoughts on the Franco-
Turkish situation? I favor War-Mos, Gal S Mos-Ukr,
Rum S Mos-Sev, for obvious reasons, but I'd be
happy to consider other options. Please write if
you can.
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>Nor->Swe makes a fleet pop up instantly in *Liverpool*
Yes, IF Turkey doesn't order Mos-StP, but since I
suggested it to him this Spring, and France claims
he's doing so now, it is a move we have to consider
as a possibility. If we move Nth-ECh, Hel-Nth,
Nwy-Nwg, Nwg can move to NAO next Spring, (as fast
as B F Lvp, Lvp-NAO) but if you order Nwy-Swe, and
Turkey orders Mos-StP, you don't build, and your
Fleet is out of position.
> >Any word from Ali or Italy?
>
>Nothing. I am very disappointed in Ali.
Nothing here, either.
>Will you be available this evening at all? I should be.
I should be available, as well.
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>Realistically, you're going to have to give me all
>of England, given the situation in the Med,
I can probably live with that. The only reservation is that if things
change in the Mediterranean, then we can reassess. I have a feeling
that I may run into a brick wall real soon. Or, if things go well for
us, we can begin to have you grow in the south as well.
As for War, I strong recommend ordering it to Moscow. Mos could move to
either Sevastopol or St. Petes and then you would walk right in. If you
tried to get tricky and move to Ukraine or Livonia or Silesia, you risk
Turkey walking into Warsaw. I know that you are hoping to build. I
hope that you can do so too. So I understand how you might think moving
to Livonia is worth the risk. I would advise against it, but in the end
you have to do what your gut tells you to do.
I will try Turkey again.
--Xavier
Message from France to Turkey
Ali:
I have to turn in orders. So I will assume that you do not need help in
the South. I strongly ask you to St. Petes. If England is weakened,
this will balance us in the North and will allow me to keep more units
focussed in the south to harass Italy.
--Prince Boar
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
I have not heard from you, so I will assume that we are sticking with
Eme -> Smyrna (supported by Aeg, Ion will not bother Greece). Good luck
with your other decisions with your armies. Please do keep them moving
East. We have a good thing going, let's not mess with it :-) I am sure
that Ivy wants you to attack me to help him get into position for a
victory.
Let me know if I can be of further service. I have not heard from
Turkey, therefore I can offer no useful information.
--Prince
Message from Italy to France
>
> I have not heard from you, so I will assume that we are sticking with
> Eme -> Smyrna
>
I don't see any reason to change.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> >Yes, IF Turkey doesn't order Mos-StP, but since I
> >suggested it to him this Spring, and France claims
> >he's doing so now, it is a move we have to consider
> >as a possibility.
>
>Thanks for the heads up. There's a lot of content in that message.
For what it's worth, I suggested the move to Turkey
right after builds when it looked as though you were
coming after me full-bore. I've written him a couple
of, "Can we talk about working together to avoid/delay
elimination?" letters, but I've gotten no responses
from him since before he moved to Mos. France says
he proposed the Smy S Ion-Aeg to Ali, before last turn,
but he hasn't heard from him since moves came through.
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
> >Realistically, you're going to have to give me all
> >of England, given the situation in the Med,
>The only reservation is that if things change in the Mediterranean, then we
>can reassess. I have a feeling that I may run into a brick wall real soon.
Yes, if IT actually manage to stop you, we can
renegotiate, but that brick wall looks like mud
and straw to me. 8-)
>As for War, I strong recommend ordering it to Moscow
Yeah, that's my inclination. I just have a feeling
Ali is ordering Mos-War, so being clever would come
back to bite me.
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>Yes, if IT actually manage to stop you, we can
>renegotiate, but that brick wall looks like mud
>and straw to me. 8-)
Well, one of them is soon to emerge the victor and that person will
oppose me. They will also have more forces in the area that I will
(only 4). If need be, we can discuss forcing a victor between them, if
that makes you feel more comfortable. Let's see what happens this year
and then we can discuss accelerating things, or slowing them down if you
feel appropriate. I am bascially willing to adjust what I do in the
south to keep you comfortable, in order to gain and thank you for your
assistance in the North.
Best of luck to you today. I sure hope that Moscow moves away
(hopefully to St. Petes - I have asked many times). I also hope that
you get Holland, and keep Sweden! (Why not hope for the world when you
can get it).
As for Warsaw, my advice was just advice. You will have to make your
own choice. But please do not tell me what it is. I do not want you to
be suspicious of me if Turkey guesses correctly. :-)
Please accept and wear these shades. Your future is so bright that you
will need them! :-)
--Xavier
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
Didn't know if I should send this or not.
There are a lot of clues and cues that suggest disaster is heading my way,
but raw logic is saying something else. Still ...
So please forgive me for stating the obvious. France almost certainly had
a solo in the semifinals, and he intends nothing less than that here. He
is good and deadly. It will take intense cooperation and alertness to stop
him. Even then we need some help from the southeast. There are observers
watching and wondering if we are up to the task.
France has undisputed access to Austria and the Balkans with the possible
exception of Bulgaria and Rumania. Although I really doubt that Rumania
and Bulgaria can be held against France unless you have a unit or two to
help down there when the time comes. If you add to those provinces
Belgium, London, Liverpool, the game is over. I'm suggesting that those
places will quickly fall into French hands if you and Ali listen to the
French siren song.
After a lot of thought I'm sticking with the anti-French moves, rather than
the moves that would defend against a stab from friends. Stopping a French
win is what high quality play demands in this situation.
Moscow->StP->Norway->Sweden. Could Turkey really contemplate this? I just
have to proceed on faith that a good player would see the consequences and
remain disciplined.
My sincerest apologies if this was entirely unnecessary.
Ivy
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
Didn't know if I should send this or not.
There are a lot of clues and cues that suggest disaster is heading my way,
but raw logic is saying something else. Still ...
So please forgive me for stating the obvious. France almost certainly had
a solo in the semifinals, and he intends nothing less than that here. He
is good and deadly. It will take intense cooperation and alertness to stop
him. I doubt Italy is in any position to help, but you, I and Russia are
still in a position to stop the solo. There are observers watching and
wondering if we are up to the task.
France has undisputed access to Austria and the Balkans with the possible
exception of Bulgaria and Rumania. Although I really doubt that Rumania
and Bulgaria can be held against France unless Russia builds a unit or two
to help down there when the time comes. If you add to those provinces
Belgium, London, Liverpool, the game is over. I'm suggesting that those
English places will quickly fall into French hands if either you or Russia
listen to the French siren song.
Could you really contemplate Moscow->StP? I know that France appears to
have helped you with his fleet move into the Aegean, but it is France that
he really intends to help. You are not bound to follow French suggestions
concerning StP. Your position is much better now. You have solid chances
if France is stopped and the situation stabilizes. That can only happen if
I am on board.
So, after a lot of thought I'm sticking with anti-French moves, rather than
the moves that would defend against a stab from friends. Stopping a French
win is what high quality play demands in this situation.
I am proceeding on faith.
My very sincere apologies if this was entirely unnecessary.
Ivy
Message [from Russia] to all
Sorry, orders in with this note.
England: Fleet Belgium SUPPORT Army Holland (*cut*)
England: Army Denmark HOLD
England: Army Edinburgh HOLD
England: Army Holland SUPPORT Fleet Belgium (*cut, destroyed*)
England: Army London HOLD
England: Fleet North Atlantic Ocean → Mid-Atlantic Ocean (*bounce*)
England: Fleet North Sea → English Channel
England: Fleet Norway → Norwegian Sea
France: Fleet Adriatic Sea → Venice
France: Fleet Aegean Sea SUPPORT Italian Fleet Eastern Mediterranean → Smyrna
France: Fleet Brest → Mid-Atlantic Ocean (*bounce*)
France: Army Burgundy → Belgium (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Ionian Sea SUPPORT Fleet Aegean Sea
France: Army Munich SUPPORT Russian Army Kiel
France: Army Ruhr SUPPORT Russian Fleet Helgoland Bight → Holland
France: Fleet Tyrrhenian Sea → Western Mediterranean
France: Army Venice → Trieste
Italy: Army Budapest → Rumania
Italy: Army Bulgaria → Constantinople (*bounce*)
Italy: Fleet Eastern Mediterranean → Smyrna
Italy: Army Galicia SUPPORT Army Rumania → Ukraine
Italy: Fleet Greece → Bulgaria (south coast) (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Rumania → Ukraine
Italy: Army Serbia SUPPORT Fleet Greece → Bulgaria (south coast)
Italy: Fleet Syria SUPPORT Fleet Eastern Mediterranean → Smyrna
Russia: Fleet Helgoland Bight → Holland
Russia: Army Kiel SUPPORT Fleet Helgoland Bight → Holland
Russia: Army Warsaw → Moscow
Turkey: Army Ankara SUPPORT Fleet Smyrna
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea SUPPORT Army Constantinople → Bulgaria
Turkey: Army Constantinople → Bulgaria (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Moscow → Sevastopol
Turkey: Fleet Smyrna HOLD (*destroyed*)
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