First and foremost, thanks to Matt for a well-run game, and to everyone who played for their dedication to keeping the game on track.

On a macro level, I agree that the symmetry of the map may make fo a slightly less interesting game. However, working from positions of exactly equal strength and position, with exactly equal opportunity for growth, tactics and diplomacy, seems to focus the experience on the players and their execution of their respective strategies in these areas.

Without the solid alliance with Jon from the outset, the solo would not have occurred. I may owe much to Blue's well-fought stalemate that contained my ally's growth.

Packrat and I dismembered White quickly, which was the plan, and it seemed we were destined for conflict from that point on, though he made several perusasive attempts to get me to turn on Yellow - once I had given (apparently) just enough for him to turn his attention (and units) to helping Blue, the time came for the stab, which was not devastating but gave me the tactical leverage to push things past the tipping point.

As always, Packrat's defense was well played until he chose to discontinue it. I've thoroughly enjoyed the variant and playing with you all, and am very pleased to have earned my first solo on DC.

Nathan


----- Original Message ----
From: Matt Kremer <matthew.kremer(at)yale.edu>
To: Matt Kremer <matthew.kremer(at)yale.edu>; Packrat <brn2dip(at)yahoo.com>; hapolley(at)yahoo.ca; Nathan Deily <ndeily(at)yahoo.com>; Jonathan Kudlick <jkudlick(at)gmail.com>; rodtheworm(at)hotmail.com; dc255(at)diplomaticcorp.com
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 8:35:06 PM
Subject: DC255 Fall 1909 Results - Game Over - Dark Solo!

So it's not going to come as a surprise to anyone at this point, but I still offer my hearty congratulations to our Dark player Nathan for pulling off the 12 center solo (one more than required!).

I also want to thank all of you for an almost perfect game in terms of submission of orders and the such; we only had a couple graces used and a couple NMR's (Blue in fact suffered one on this final turn), but in general you guys enabled me to keep this game running smoothly.

I'd love to see EOG statements from each of you including your thoughts on both our individual game and the map in general.  Personally I found the map intriguing when I first saw it, which is why I chose to GM this game.  However, as the game progressed I found myself a little bored by the map and its symmetry.  However, it obviously does do its job of eliminating any complaint about unequal starting positions.

Again congrats to Nathan, and I'm sure I'll see you all in future DC games.  You all of course are welcome in any game that I GM; be on the lookout for some sort of gunboat full press game soon!

Matt

Adjudication:

Blue:
F Sapphire, no move received
F Indigo Sea, no move received

Dark:
A Ghost Supports A Ink - Paper
A Jet Supports A Ink - Paper
F Crimson Supports F Carnation Sea - Vermillion
A Ruby Hold
A Ink - Paper
F Sea Of Butter Hold
F Carnation Sea - Vermillion
F Garnet - Sea of Lava
A Raven - Ink

Red:
A Hot Hold
A Crystal Hold
F Magenta Hold
F Vermillion Hold (*Dislodged*)

Yellow:
A Sulphur Hold
F Cobalt Hold
F Aquatic Sea Hold
F Forest Sea - Malachite
A Saffron - Sunshine