Wow, wow, wow. This was the most exciting game I have ever been a part of and I thank each of you for your participation.

The beginning looked pretty grim for Austria as in the very first move I saw Germany in Tyrolia and Russia in Galicia. Typically, not a positive start for the red pieces. However, after an insane amount of e-mail to Russia I convinced him that Germany was up to no good and would bounce him from Sweden while still getting Russian support into Vienna. Thankfully Paul followed through on his plans and Russia believed me and I get two builds. Which takes me to my first mistake….I built a fleet. With the diplomatic win I got with Russia and France/Italy on the warpath I figured a fleet would be the best option…wrong. That build just encouraged Germany to hang out in Tyrolia a little longer.

Ross, I would like to know if I had any influence on getting you to stab into the Western Triple? How you did not win this game outright after that I will never know. By the way I would have continued on with Russia had you not moved your army out of the north. Once that happened it gave Russia the secure border and he moved south….i had to make peace.

There came a time when I made a little stab of Russia then we patched things up and went after Turkey because we were tired of the Turk NMR’s. When the Turk was out Russia just exploded and I knew I was in trouble. He stabbed me but it was no surprise however England and Germany decided to attack the north and Russia fell quickly after that.

Italy, my most trusted ally, it was very difficult to make that stab. Around that time draw talks started to come up Germany did not want to include Italy and I did not want to include England, neither of us wanted a 4 way. Germany was in no configuration to attack England and England would not stab into Germany so we could take it to a two way. Even at the last few minutes before the deadline I was e-mailing Ross to take this to a two way. (maybe Ross if your second round started a little better you would have considered this?)

To England: Like I said before, when you got to 9 the first time I have no idea how you didn’t just take over this game. Actually it was the NMR’s! Stabbing when you did was just perfect timing then you missed making the builds. I look forward to seeing you on the board again, I really enjoyed our discussions.

To Turkey: we didn’t talk a lot but when we did it was right to the point and I appreciated that. I look forward to playing again sometime.

To France: We spoke a few times and most were not positive, I don’t know what your problem was with me but maybe I do know what I am talking about and just maybe I did have an idea what was going on in the game.

To Mr. Russell (red paul/black paul) looks like we are building a friendly rivalry. Maybe one of these days we can work together? I will feel bad for the 5 other players on the board that day. You certainly bring out the best in my game. I’ll say here that I never really expected to turn Russia at the beginning of the game so there was a lot of resignation in my letters during that time.

To Alan: Thank your for your work as GM I was very nice to come home eat some dinner then turn on the e-mail and get the game results like clockwork. Many thanks for the fine job.


I am sure there is a lot I missed but those were some of the highlights from the Austrian perspective. Good luck to all of you in your second round.

Tim
Austria 299