So, as I think you all were expecting, the draw proposal has passed and
DC266 has come to a close! Let me be the first to congratulate Charles
of Germany, Brandon of Russia, and Kevin of Turkey on a well-earned
share of the victory! I also want to thank all our other players; Aidan
of England (who earns special thanks for stepping in as a replacement),
Brian of France, and Jyri of Italy earn survivals, while William of
Austria records an elimination.

This was a very interesting game for me to watch progress. Germany grew
rapidly and at one point I definitely thought a German solo was
imminent. However, a strong stop-the-leader coalition formed, and the
German threat was repulsed. I was particularly impressed with the EFI
triple that formed to slow Germany in the west; all three of these
powers were very weak, but they began to play as one and, remarkably,
were all able to survive. Russia and Turkey, meanwhile, also benefited
from a strong alliance, and I am somewhat surprised that they not only
agreed to but organized this draw. I feel they had the most to gain
from continuing and that in general there were developments still to
come in this game, but of course I was not in on the negotiations and
thus don't know the full story. So that's why it is up to all of you to
tell it in your EOG's!

Because this is a simple standard game I am not going to require EOG's,
but of course I encourage you all to write them; just send them directly
to everyone. For those not familiar with the concept, and EOG (end of
game statement) is a way for you to share with everyone how the game
went for you, what you were thinking/planning, what worked, what didn't,
ect. Include as much or as little as you want.

Thanks again to all for a good one,
Matt