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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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