First off I'd just like to say thanks to everyone for this game as it
was one of the most enjoyable games I've had yet - much better than my
early elimination in my previous seismic game!

I don't remember too many specifics from the beginning of the game, but
I do recall making the typical non-aggression agreement with Italy and
also aligning quickly with Trout's England due to Germany's lack of
communication and some questionable early moves (F Kie Hold in S01?).

Germany faced attack from both sides and fell quickly, after which I
headed for the Med since Italy had broken our non-aggression agreement
anyways. This is where the game got interesting and where the most
significant diplomacy came into play as an interesting dialog developed
between Austria and I. Mike and I made a loose agreement to squeeze out
Italy and then each turn north, with me hitting England and Austria
hitting Russia. However, Mike, saying he took the first plunge by
stabbing Italy, insisted I go first. Now I had initially agreed to this
because I didn't understand the extent of Austria's and Russia's
relationship; I thought it was a simple non-aggression pact, but it soon
became clear that it was a full on alliance.

Thus the big decision came in Fall 1908 when I had the chance for a good
stab of England with a convoy to Liverpool. However, ultimately I
didn't do it because I couldn't risk Austria not turning on Russia and
facing a 2 on 1 (3 on 1 until England was out), mainly because 2
seismics against 1 is such a huge advantage.

That said, looking back I remember thinking that stabbing would either
lead to a solo or a loss to an AR, and that not stabbing would lead to a
4-way. Now, looking back, if I had known the possible outcomes, the
decision wouldn't have been tough at all! And I should have realized
that our fleet advantage would be the difference. As Adam said at one
point after Trout and I implemented this strategy, Trout and I realized
that planting fleets in inland lakes and using our seismics to expand
them as much as possible was the best way to go because they couldn't be
cut, and boy did it work.

But of course Mike and Steve didn't make it easy, and I thoroughly
enjoyed the fight that ensued, especially since we came out on top!

A couple notes on the game play: As was noted at the beginning of the
game, this game was different than previous seismic games in that the
seismics were submitted after the publication of the movement results.
Personally I like this better than submitting seismics with orders, as
there is less guess-work involved (some would say less strategy; I would
say different strategy, but no less). As for the next game I am in for
sure, and would love to do standard again or a different map, although
preferably not a huge one (Abberation or Modern is about as big as I
would go).

Again thanks to all and especially to Adam as I know GMing seismic must
take quite a bit more time than other games.

Until those faults open again,
Matt