I too am a little surprised the EOG proposal passed this early, but am glad it has.
 
Well done to all and thank you to Poul and Charles for a successful game.
 
When I discovered that I was Russia I was not pleased. Yes, it begins the game with 4 units but also seems to attract attention from 4 other bordering countries.
 
I began trying to make contact with as many potential allies/enemies as possible. England and Germany had a plan to divide Scandinavia evenly and then move our units elsewhere. Easier for them then for me as my opening northern fleet is locked in the Baltic region. Peace with Germany was important as an Anglo-Saxon Alliance normally means Austria is involved and Russia makes a quick exit. Thankfully, England and Germany had their eyes on France. Plus, peace with those 2 means I can focus my attention (and units) in the Balkans area.

 
The leader of Austria proved to be a master diplomat. Placed in the most difficult position on the map, he convinced no one to attack him. For some reason, Turkey (Poul) and I clicked fairly easily. We ended up on the same page regarding Austria -- that he must be removed -- and the quicker the better as England and Germany would soon conquer France, move towards us and become unstopable.

 
I always suspected that Germany and England would work together until they were the only major powers and then somehow stab the other going for a solo win. So I didn't want to be caught flat-footed, but I didn't really want to provoke either of them as well. It was a precarious line to walk in the northern part of my empire.


The key to victory was convicing Italy that Austria was on the way to defeat, England/Germany were on their way to victory just west of him and that he would soon have to worry about the English entering the Mediterranean Sea and taking him over. When Italy decided to change sides (ala real life), I knew we had a chance ... if I could maintain a fleet in the north and occupy as many English fleets as possible -- until the Italians and Turks rushed their armies up to the German front.

 
Charles (Italy) helped the French hold back the English and then took advantage of the situation to ensure the English would not have an easy time soaking up French supply centers and entering the Mediterranean Sea.

 
Turkey proved to be the perfect ally. He worked with me to destroy my Black Sea fleet so that it can be repositioned as an army in Moscow to battle the stabbing Germans. I could have stabbed Turkey (Poul). Turkey could have stabbed me. The trust that existed between Russia and Turkey was the key ingredient to holding back the Germans and winning the game.

 
Thx for the fun and a good game, John.

On Thu, May 6, 2010 at 10:05 AM, John R <untitled36(at)hotmail.com> wrote:

Hey all,

Peace reigns across Europe today as the world leaders sign an accord ending hostilities. I'm honestly a bit suprised the draw passed so relatively early in the game, so I've checked and rechecked, but it appears I have a yes vote from every surviving player. The motion carries. Congratulations to Russia, Italy, and Turkey, the members of the 3 way draw!


I'd love to see End of Game statements from all the players. I'll comment myself after everyone has had time to get their EoG's in. Congrats again everyone, especially RIT!

John





The New Busy think 9 to 5 is a cute idea. Combine multiple calendars with Hotmail. Get busy.