It's over? Really? I've been getting more and more paranoid and had
convinced myself that a stab was coming this year.

What can I say about DC190? Well, firstly, thanks to our GM for running
it and running it well.

Those were probably the best opening years I've played. A combined
assault from me, Persia, and West Africa left Europe without a chance.
It was lovely. Well, I enjoyed it.

That left me with a problem. North America to the west was already
falling and too far away for me to grab more than a nibble, Persia to
the south was an ally, and China to the east (while not an ally) had
certainly been friendly and could easily have taken advantage of me in
the early years. In the end I went with continuing my alliance with
Persia and spread east. A good choice and it was a good alliance until
I went into hold-mode.

With China as good as gone and North America fallen there didn't seem
much left to do. I could stab Persia, but that would've been suicidal.
A couple of times I considered slipping some fleets south to see what
could be done, but I always decided it would be risk for little gain. I
went into hold-mode, settled for a draw, and went quiet (not that I'm
ever a great communicator).

The Paris problem and my worries towards the end could've ended the
four-way draw that finished, so I'm pleased with the result.

Did Russia have a strong opening position on the map? Certainly one of
the stronger positions. The globe circling Arctic Ocean will reduce
that. When there's a game recruiting for the new map then I'll put my
name down.

Hamish

Diplomacy Gamemaster wrote:

For immediate release:

ALGIERS - Sources indicate that the war has finally come to an end!
In a meeting hosted by the Algerian president, the G4 (consisting of
Mexican, South American, Russian and Persian dignitaries) signed a
peace treaty, agreeing to end hostilities. This comes after 14 years
of bitter fighting and many attempts at reaching that elusive peace
deal. A signing ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow after official
documents have been prepared.

Michael Penner, Associated Press.

-----------------------

Just to make it clear to everyone: we've agreed to a four-way draw
between Mexico, South America, Persia and Russia, with West Africa and
Oceana getting survivals. Good game everyone... I look forward to
hearing more about it.