We're ALL TIED UP and heading for SUDDEN DEATH!
 
The Wicked Witch of the East has 17 SC.
The Wicked Witch of the West has 17 SC.
 
And there ain't no more Munchkins to be found.  Adieu, Monsieur France!  Arrivederci, Monsignor Italy!  Thanks so much for playing.  We'd love to hear your thoughts -- as well as those from our other dearly departed guests.  Send them to me and I'll publish them in an attractive commemorative editiion after the games is over.
 
But right now it's all about our two finalists.  Who do you like?  I'd love to give you odds on each player, or on the chance of a stalemate, but that wouldn't really be fair, would it?  I've got just a little bit too much inside information.  You'll just have to wager blind.  Given the nature of this game, what could possibly be more fitting than that?  Hence...
 

THE LOSERS CONTEST (A, F, G, I and R eligible)
 
Here's a chance for those of you no longer in the running to show your stuff.  Send me a message with your predictions about the outcome of the game.  The player who comes closest wins, um... I don't know.  Probably nothing but a brief feeling of redemption after getting so seriously toasted in the game itself.
 
1.  Who will win?  Yes, you can choose "Stalemate" if you want. (Sucker!)
2.  What year will the game end?
3.  How many SC will the victor claim?
4.  Which SC (or multiple SC) will the winner capture to put him/her over the top?  Name of the territories.
 
 
CHALLENGE CONTEST (all players eligible)
 
Name the winner!  If you ARE the winner, name the second place finisher.  Heck, just take some guesses and see how many of your fellow Stabbers you can identify.  It was something of an all-star line-up, if I do say so myself.  Surely you recognized that old foe's knifework in the dark?
 
Hints:
1.  We have five players who competed in the Winter Blitz.  Three of those have over 20 points. 
2.  The two that didn't compete in WB both hold DC ratings above 1300. 
3.  Across the group of seven players we have a total of 8 soloes taken in DC play.
4.  There is no hint # 4.  Maybe later, if necessary.
 
Cheers,
Chris
 
 
You want to see the chart?  Okay, here's the chart.  Just to be official.
 

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Complete SC Counts:


COUNTRY    SC
Austria     0    ... eliminated 1903

England    17

France      0    ... eliminated 1911

Germany     0    ... eliminated 1906

Italy       0    ... eliminated 1911

Russia      0    ... eliminated 1909
Turkey     17


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NEXT DEADLINE:
 

Winter 1911/Spring 1912 are due on Friday, July 23 at 8 pm Eastern US time. 
 
I already have PRELIMS from both witches.  I don't feel compelled to stick to a rigid schedule at this point.  Once you both give me the "FINAL" signal I'll adjudicate as soon as is practical for me.