Upon entering the game Italy’s position was rather bleak being pretty much split in two. My choice was to try and fight my way back to Italy or give it up and consolidate in the east. Russia didn’t seem interested in my continued participation in the game (I would have taken the same position in his place) so moving west would have resulted in my early demise. Unfortunately for Russia his Austrian neighbor was a little more accommodating. “Mr. T” agreed to a leisurely takeover of the Italian mainland and to a non-aggression pact in the Balkans.

This allowed me to maintain my forces and focus on Russia. The end result was that I was able to drive Russia out of Turkey. Having only one army to work with (hereafter referred to as the “Ever Victorious Army&rdquo the fleet in the Black Sea was key in providing a number of options while also allowing me to move back and forth from Russia to the Balkans as needed. Russia allowed itself to get caught in some bad situations resulting in the destruction of most of his force in Turkey and allowing me to take Sevastopol.

While securing Turkey I kept egging “Mr. T” on to strike at Russia who was over extended in Germany. When Austria made its move against Russia I immediately offered to work with Russia. I figured with Russia and Austria going at it I had a slim chance of making it back home. Unfortunately, Russia was a bit indignant that I had attack Austria without asking his permission (and probably was a little peeved about events in the south) and I found myself trading spaces in the Balkans with Austria.

Without Russian support the writing was on the wall and I again was saved by “Mr. T’s” chivalrous nature and another truce was secured. Having none of the moral fortitude exhibited by “Mr. T” I would again break the truce when it seemed France was on the move. Finally it became apparent that my continued meddling in the game would result in nothing more than either a French or Austrian solo. “Mr. T” again showing his angelic nature of forgiveness and sense of fair play (I do wonder how he has ever survived in a game of Diplomacy) acknowledged that a solo was out of reach and that he would settle for a tie with France and allow me to continue to exist.