Wow. What a ride it's been. I have to admit that this has been perhaps the most frustrating dip game I've been a part of, but I still had a fun time dealing with everything!

 

I started off with a "fool-proof" opening alliance structure. I simultaneously forged an alliance with France and Germany vs England, and Italy and Austria vs Turkey. It was a great plan! Until France and Germany bailed, and Austria stabbed me! At that point, my only neighbors were England, who I had stabbed, turkey, who I was at war with, and Austria, who betrayed me. Not a good beginning for our hero. I kept trying to forge an alliance with Turkey, but he lied to me through his teeth almost literally every turn.

 

By Fall of 06, things looked bad for Russia. Turkey had pressed me practically back to Stp, England was closing in in the northwest, and I was focused on trying to stop Italy from soloing, which was a very real danger at the time. I tried over and over to forge an anti-Italy alliance with England, myself, and turkey, but to no avail. So I was left trying to hold Munich, which I believed was the key holding Italy back from Soloing.

 

Finally, in Fall of 08, I decided to switch tactics. England and Turkey clearly weren't interested in an alliance, so I let italy into Munich, thinking even if he soloed, I could at least retain a survival. Once I did that, relations with England changed almost overnight. I have to admit, England had little reason to trust me after my early stab, but my later pleas for an alliance were sincere, and he eventually decided to trust me. In a bold display of trust, we simultaneously disbanded scandanavia (him disbanding norway, and me disbanding sweden). Thus was the beginning of a solid alliance.

 

We held back Italy well enough and long enough that Turkey inevitably ended up turning on him. Italy quickly got on board and together we worked out a stalemate line to stop Turkey just shy of victory.

 

In hindsight, I made some bad calls this game. First, I should have worked with England sooner. He was a solid ally, but I think my early dishonesty was a big red flag for him. In my defense, France and I had a diplomatic history. She and I amicably split one of last years Blitz games in 1 17/17 draw. We were allies from start to finish, and so I knew I could trust her completely. Germany I was less close to, but I still knew him, and figured he'd go along. I had no prior experience with England. Still, it appears I bet on the wrong horse in this round.

 

Second, I should have learned not to focus so heavily in the north so early. It invites a stab from austria too easily. I am currently playing another game (DC309) which started almost the same day as this one, and I am russia in that game as well, and the same thing happened. I need to learn to focus south a little more at first. Plus, I'd been stabbed by our austrian player before.

 

In short, I'm shocked that I'm sitting here as a partner in a draw in this game. This was a weird one, especially with the two abandons so early on.

 

England - Thanks for the great end-game alliance. I wish it had come sooner, but I have to take the blame for that. Sorry about the early stab(s).

Italy - Well played. You seemed a bit over trusting, first of austria, and then of turkey, but I can't deny that you forged a great empire, and came close to pulling off a solo yourself. And when the rubber hit the road, you got on board, and did a great job holding back the turkish tide.

Austria - I guess I never learn. Still, I can't blame you. You were looking out for your best interest, and I showed you a target too good to pass up.

Turkey - I don't hate you. Really. I was very frustrated with your continual lies. Especially the ones that didn't seem likely to net you anything. In my mind, stabbing should be reserved for deadly blows, not just grabbing a single center. On the other hand, you nearly pulled off a win this time, so what do I know!

France and Germany - Fun while it lasted. I wish the two of you had lasted a bit longer though!

Sean Cable - Thanks for being "me" for a week. You deserve a part of this draw too!

Sam - Yeah, the Gming was somewhat erratic (I'm still waiting for the adjucation of Winter 1912 (i think that's the missing one)). But speaking as a fellow GM, I know it's a hard and thankless job, especially during the Blitz. We really do appreciate you sticking with it. Really.

 

I'm sure I'll see some of you again!

John

 

 

 

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