The 2000 Vermont Group Full-Press TournamentThird-RoundGame titleist

Results Press Austria England France Germany Italy Russia Turkey
 
    Spring 1901 Movement    
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Winter 1901 Adjustment
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    Spring 1903 Retreat    
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    Fall 1903 Retreat    
    Winter 1903 Adjustment    
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    Winter 1904 Adjustment    
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    Winter 1905 Adjustment    
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    Spring 1906 Retreat    
    Fall 1906 Movement    
    Fall 1906 Retreat    
    Winter 1906 Adjustment    
    Spring 1907 Movement    
    Spring 1907 Retreat    
    Fall 1907 Movement    
    Winter 1907 Adjustment    
    Spring 1908 Movement    
    Fall 1908 Movement    
    Winter 1908 Adjustment    
    Spring 1909 Movement    
    Spring 1909 Retreat    
    Fall 1909 Movement    
    Winter 1909 Adjustment    
    Spring 1910 Movement    
    Spring 1910 Retreat    
    Fall 1910 Movement    
    Winter 1910 Adjustment    
    Spring 1911 Movement    
    Fall 1911 Movement    
    Fall 1911 Retreat    
    Winter 1911 Adjustment    
    Spring 1912 Movement    
    Spring 1912 Retreat    
    Fall 1912 Movement    
    Winter 1912 Adjustment    
    Spring 1913 Movement    
    Fall 1913 Movement    
    Fall 1913 Retreat    
    Winter 1913 Adjustment    
    Spring 1914 Movement    
    Fall 1914 Movement    
    Winter 1914 Adjustment    
    Spring 1915 Movement    

Map Winter 1901 Adjustment

Austria: Builds 2 units
England: Builds 2 units
France: Builds 2 units
Germany: Builds 2 units
Italy: Builds 1 unit
Turkey: Builds 1 unit



Message from France to all

Tour de France Stage 11 Results:

Lance Armstrong (USP) has won his second stage of the
Tour de France in as many days. Today Armstrong won the
32 kilometer uphill time trial on the Cote de Chamrousse
outside of Grenoble. Armstrong put over seven minutes
into yellow jersey wearer Francios Simon (BJR), and
exactly one minute into his main rival Jan Ullrich (TEL).
Today is a rest day before the race enters the Pyrenees.

Another Stage win for England. There is now a 4 way tie
for first.

Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 20 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points

Selected Standings:
1. François Simon (BJR) 46 hours, 48 minutes, 36 seconds
3. Lance Armstrong (USP) @ 13:07
5. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 16:41
6. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 18:21
7. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @ 19:05

Green Jersey:
1. Stuart O'Grady (C.A.) 136 points
2. Erik Zabel (TEL) 127

Polka dot Jersey
1. Laurent Roux (DEL) 127 points
2. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) 106
3. Jan Ullrich (TEL) 92

--Prince Boar



Message [from Russia] to all

> Austria: 5 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 2 units.
> Italy: 4 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 1 unit.
> Russia: 4 Supply centers, 4 Units: Builds 0 units.
> Turkey: 4 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 1 unit.

Early Leader Warning! Early Leader Warning! Everyone
gang up on Austria! :-)



Message from England to Austria

Nicely done, Edna! Please forward that message to your superiors.

I have received a message of dispair from Russia, the very Russia who so
frightened English citizens with his army in StP last turn. I cannot tell
you how much I am in your debt for what you have done in Romania.

There was a very great danger of Russia building another unit in StP and
coming after Norway with a triple attack.

If I survive the EFG situation, and you build on your early success, you
and I may soon discover ways we can work together. As it is, we can still
share information. I am trying to determine Italian plans, although in the
past Roberto has been cordial but very tight-lipped with me.

Again, congratulations on your good work.

Ivy Wingo



Message from Austria to Turkey

So far, so good. I'll be building eastward-looking armies. If it's not
too early, I propose an initial division of southern Russia, with you
taking Sev and Rum, while I take War and Mos. Later, it will probably be
best to swap Rum for Greece, giving you a stronger front against Italy.

As you can probably tell, I was able to arrange for Italy not to attack me
last turn. The army in Tyrolia has all sorts of threats; while one of
those threats is to Austria-Hungary, that's better than Venice, where its
only threat was against Austria-Hungary.

Assuming you build a fleet in Smyrna, I should be able to convince Italy
that I am helping him against you while helping you to "guess correctly"
to hold him off until you've picked off a Russian center or two. If
you're uncomfortable with that approach, please let me know now so that we
can work out an alternative.


Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand



Message from Austria to Russia

You are entitled to some explanation. The Archduke was very
uncomfortable with your waffling about putting an army into Rumania.
Turkey had already approached our envoy there about a joint attack on
you, but AT is not an alliance that springs to mind as comfortable or
easy. Nevertheless, when you told me you hadn't decided between an army
or fleet in Rum, the Archduke thought that meant the army was coming,
and felt forced to accept Turkey's proposal.

I expect that we will have opportunities to reach peace soon; rest
assured I consider that a very viable option. Regardless of the state
of military relations between our nations, I hope that diplomatic
channels will remain open.


Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand



Message from Austria to Italy

All has gone well for us, so far.

At this point, I assume Russia is screaming about AT, and begging for your
help. I am not comfortable with an AT alliance, and you should have no
fears on that point; I would accept such an alliance only if I had no other
choice. I hope to keep Turkey at Russia's throat for another turn or two,
then stab him. If you are uncomfortable with that, I am willing to go after
him immediately, but I think that's a weaker option.


Idalia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand



Message from Austria to England

Thank you for your kind remarks.

It would be nice to get some information about the situation in the west.
Will an alliance be able to make progress against France? The English
capture of Belgium appeared to indicate some EF cooperation, but England is
usually at a disadvantage in a long-term EF alliance unless Italy is strong
and firm against France from the south. I've seen no indication yet that
that is the case here.

It would be nice if St Petersburg were to fall to the English forces,
without the loss of Norway. At least, any retreat of the Russian army back
through Stp could be delayed by Nwy-StP this spring.


Edna, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand



Message from Austria to Turkey

> England is all for anti-Russian participation, and he predicts that Germany
> would be on board as well, at least at first. I've not heard from Germany
> himself however; have you?

I received one message from Germany before spring, and none since.

I fear that if Germany is as uncommunicative with others as he is with
Austria-Hungary, the west will fall too easily into an EF alliance, and the
endgame would be EF vs AT. Such an endgame does not favor Austria-Hungary.
I hope EF either doesn't form, or produces a midgame stab.


Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand



Message from Austria to Italy

> Ven-Tyr it is then. I haven't heard from Germany for almost a week
> now. I'd prefer to have his approval before moving to Tyrolia.
> Perhaps my troop move north will wake him up and get him talking.

I haven't heard from Germany since before the spring moves. If he isn't
talking to anybody, an EF alliance will probably form, and you may need
to prop up Germany lest France get loose in the Med too soon.

For the spring, I suggest Tyr-Boh, as well as the Lepanto moves Ion-Eas,
Nap-Ion.


Idalia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand



Message from Russia to Austria

Ralassa,

Do you really expect me to believe that? (*Czar Nicholas
coughs quietly, "cough, bullshit, cough. Pardon me, the air is
dry here..."*) If the Archduke had such doubts, you should have
contacted me yesterday and asked if I had come to a decision
regarding Rumania, and, in any event, he should have respected
our agreed upon DMZ in Galicia. If you want to work with me, you
will have to build F Tri and A Vie, and order Gal-Bud in S1902M.
If you do not, I will throw my support and Centres to the Turk,
while encouraging Roberto to take advantage of your exposed
flank, and see the Archduke rapidly follow me into the growing
group of former hereditary rulers of European nations.
We are not yet at war, but we are on the very brink. If
the Archduke feels that he can attack Russia since I only have
one Fleet and one Army in the south, please remind him of my
favorite aphorism, 'The pen is mightier than the sword.', and
consider what I can do to Austria-Hungary with my pen before
and after my military strength has been destroyed.

Sincerely,

Czar Nicholas II.



Message from Turkey to Austria

Tamara,

> So far, so good. I'll be building eastward-looking armies. If it's not
> too early, I propose an initial division of southern Russia, with you
> taking Sev and Rum, while I take War and Mos. Later, it will probably be
> best to swap Rum for Greece, giving you a stronger front against Italy.

This sounds good to me. I'm already pretty well committed against Russia,
and if you feel Italy is in hand then I'm happy to continue in that
direction.

> As you can probably tell, I was able to arrange for Italy not to attack me
> last turn. The army in Tyrolia has all sorts of threats; while one of
> those threats is to Austria-Hungary, that's better than Venice, where its
> only threat was against Austria-Hungary.

So you knew about the move? Interesting. I guess that is good, since it
means Tyr wasn't as anti-Austrian as it looked.

> Assuming you build a fleet in Smyrna, I should be able to convince Italy
> that I am helping him against you while helping you to "guess correctly"
> to hold him off until you've picked off a Russian center or two. If
> you're uncomfortable with that approach, please let me know now so that we
> can work out an alternative.

My concern is that a fleet in Smy would do nothing to help my anti-Russian
efforts, and it would also give me problems with Italy that I'm not prepared
for yet. I had hoped Russia would actually bounce me in the Black so I
could pick up Rum and have more flexibility. Anyway, I think I'd be better
off building A Ank and moving it into Armenia. If Italy stays off my back,
then I'll be in good shape to hit Sev this year. What do you think? Does
this work for you?

> I fear that if Germany is as uncommunicative with others as he is with
> Austria-Hungary, the west will fall too easily into an EF alliance, and
the
> endgame would be EF vs AT. Such an endgame does not favor
Austria-Hungary.
> I hope EF either doesn't form, or produces a midgame stab.

I think it's too early to say how the West will shake out. It also seems
possible that EG will team up against both Russia and France. In some ways,
an EF might work better, since it would naturally put pressure on Russia,
Germany and Italy, which could be good for AT in the long run. Much will
depend on timing, and on how well we are able to coordinate our efforts and
grow together.

Anyway, as you said, it's a good start. Thank you for keeping your promise,
it goes a long way toward cementing AT relations.

Regards,

Ali Baba



Message [from Russia] to all

"The St. Petersburg Pravda"
Oct. 1901

An high-level source in the Foreign Ministry today
provided details of a secret treaty made late this Spring
with Austria-Hungary which Archduke Ferdinand has just
callously violated.

> > I would ask that we declare Galicia a DMZ in 1901
> > Is this acceptable to you, and Austria-Hungary?
>
> In the interest of good relations with a neighbor
> who has shown no ill-will toward my country, I
> will agree to keep Galicia inviolate this year
>
> I hope this minor degree of cooperation will pave
> the way for even more beneficial cooperation in
> the near future.
>
> Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of
> Archduke Ferdinand

Clearly our Czar has made a grave error in judgment
in believing that the government of Austria-Hungary can be
trusted to honor even the simplest agreements. It is our
hope that the other nations of Europe, and prospective EEU
members, will realize this too, and respond appropriately.



Message from Italy to Austria

>
> All has gone well for us, so far.
>

I agree. I am most pleased.

> At this point, I assume Russia is screaming about AT, and
> begging for your help.

Actually, not as much as I had expected. He was very calm and took his
beating like a gentleman. He did inquire as to whether or not my army in
Tyrolia was available to stab the traitorous, scum-sucking Archduke.

> I am not comfortable with an AT alliance, and you
> should have no fears on that point;

I don't. You'd have Turkey at your back all game and come the end-game it
would be too easy for you to get squeezed out of the final decision.

> I hope to keep Turkey at Russia's throat for another
> turn or two, then stab him. If you are uncomfortable
> with that, I am willing to go after
> him immediately, but I think that's a weaker option.
>

That should be fine. I don't really want to see Turkey get another build
though. And I'm also a bit interested in acquiring another fleet as
protection against a growing France. I have a hunch he's going to come out
on top in the West. If I can't successfully divert him into England, it's
going to be difficult to finish off Turkey if we wait too long.

> For the spring, I suggest Tyr-Boh, as well as the Lepanto moves
> Ion-Eas, Nap-Ion.

I'll hold off on committing my units until I see the builds. For instance,
should Germany build two fleets, I'd feel much more comfortable about moving
my army out of Tyrolia. Should he build two armies, then Tyr-Boh coupled
with Mun-Tyr would be devasting to me and he'd be much more likely to make
that move if he had two new armies to cover Munich.

Life is Beautiful,

Roberto



Message [from Russia] to all

> Broadcast message from masseyd@btv.ibm.com as Master in 'titleist':

>the Showcase article for this game.

In games that I Master, I urge the players to write an EoY (End of Year)
statement, or statements, during the Adjustment Phase each year. Some
players Broadcast in-character "State of the Union" speeches, which would be
fun for the Observers, but if we each send Doug a note each year revealing
why we made the choices we did, it will make the Showcase much more
instructive for people to read later. Why has Austria attacked Russia when
Russia opened to Ukraine, and tried to take Rumania with a Fleet? Why did
England risk no Builds, and get two? Why did France and Germany bounce in
Burgundy in the Spring AND the Fall? Why is Italy in Tyrolia? Why did
Russia choose a Northern Opening? If Turkey wanted to attack Russia, why
didn't he open to Armenia? Some of these questions might be addressed in
EoGs, but others will be overlooked, and the answers may reveal the
differences between victory and defeat.


Map Winter 1901 Adjustment

Austria: BUILD Army Budapest
Austria: BUILD Army Vienna
England: BUILD Fleet Edinburgh
England: BUILD Fleet London
France: BUILD Fleet Brest
France: BUILD Army Paris
Germany: BUILD Fleet Berlin
Germany: BUILD Army Kiel
Italy: BUILD Fleet Naples
Turkey: BUILD Army Ankara

Centers

Austria: 5
England: 5
France: 5
Germany: 5
Italy: 4
Russia: 4
Turkey: 4