Russia Sam Buck <Sam_Buck_Productions>
France Rob Bristol <rbristol>
Turkey Gregory Bim-Merle <gbimmerle>
England William Duncan <william>
Italy Tim Miller <thewizard>
Germany Joe Hackett <jhack16>
Austria Mike Hoffman <mrh>

Hi Guys,

Firstly a big thank you to our patient and tireless GM Hugh Apolley. For over a year Hugh dealt with us all in a friendly and cheerful style, never once complaining, and always reliable. Hugh, take a bow please, a truly great GM. Moderators please note!

This was my first Gunboat game, and I found the dynamics completely different to the regular game. Not knowing who your opponents are is one thing, not being able to communicate other than thru public press makes the game a different challenge altogether!

Early on. I as Germany misread French intentions, got stabbed and lost MUN as a result.... I held on, but by the time I had stablised things, England had conquered the North, was in denmark, and to survive I had to become his vassal. Bill's press was a highlight of the game, witty, entertaining and diversive, I looked forward eagerly to any words of wisdom he cared to share...

After the early elimination of the slightly boastful France (sorry Rob!) and Russia (Sam), Italy and Austria held on for quite a period but eventually succumbed, (thanks Tim and Mike) leaving me, (Germany) Bill(England) and Gregory (Turkey) to fight it out.

Myself and England struck up a relationship thru press and over the board tactics, while Turkey ploughed ahead on his own, very successfully, with little or no press for us in the West to feed on..

This policy appeared to pay dividends as England and I had a couple of crisises and our alliance nearly fell apart. Bill as England with all those fleets always had the whip hand on me, despite my best efforts. Eventually I decided I could only win with Bill, as Turkey was too strong for me to be able to fight on two fronts.

Once Turkey saw that our alliance looked unbreakable, some mischevious press started to appear, trying to break the tenuous alliance, but really, it was too little too late. While England luxuriously sent his fleets (at what looked to me a very slow pace) into the Med I was engaged in a torrid land battle with Turkey. I have to say that Gregory was a worthy opponent, seeing my every weakness and with an incredible eye for the sharp counter attack. So despite having overwhelming forces myself and England were taking years to overcome Greg.

In the end, it was inevitable that Turkey would fall. A three way might have a fairer result, but I felt that while myself and Bill worked hard on our relationship, and came thru many difficult moments, I felt rightly or wrongly, that Turkey had not fully participated in terms of press and communication, (sorry Gregory) and so I held on for the two way.

A great game, I learned a lot, my thanks to all the players and to an outstanding GM, Hugh.

Thanks guys,

Joe Hackett