First and foremost, I did not know Turkey although it looked otherwise!! I know I have many crimes to answer for regarding Turkey in Troi and I hope the explanantion below will make some things clear.
This was my first crowded variant. I chose Balkans before I realized that they had two fleets which could not help each other out at all. Although Balkans start with 4 SC they are very weak.
The first year I decided on a grand strategy of aiding Russia into the Black with the intent of sweeping Turkey off his corner of the map with Russian aid. Also, I tried giving Austria some frivolous support in trying to signal to him that I had other fish to fry. But I noticed that Turkey tried to support me into the Black and he moved to Armenia. I liked his determination and switched alliances in the fall. Sorry Russia, I would have done much better with you had I only known......
I lost Serbia to Austria and knew I was going to be crushed between AT if Turkey did not accept my overtures. But he did and again moved on Russia and was able to gain Sevastopol with my help. Now, I wanted to move out to sea in the south with Turkish help but the Turk turned on me and attacked Rumania! After all I had done to help him out he stabbed me!! But nobody was nearby to punish the Turk so I kept on, hoping he would give me a break for being such a loyal ally. Such was never to be the case.
Down to two SCs I saw that Turkey could take Bulgaria with ease if he wanted to so I did not even bother to defend it hoping he would go along with my signals for Med expansions. Again, I overestimated the Turkish penchant for betrayal and he attacked Bulgaria. When was this going to end??
So, down to one SC in Greece I was faced with more problems. I could defiantly hold in Greece or stay in the game as long as possible. I made my decision and removed my greek army in favor of keeping the Ionian fleet.
At this point, I was just looking for survival and decided to play toady to Turkey. After all, I wasn't going to win but I sure could decide who was going to win. I take all blame for creating Turkey. I played Kingmaker instead of Diplomacy in an attempt to to give my one center power some meaning.
I sent my last fleet into Naples and then Rome. Imagine Turkey's surprise when I again supported him into Naples! I can imagine his confusion as one of his victims continued to aid him. Well, I receieved some support from another almost gone player and was able to survive long enough to see Turkey get Naples. I forget who finally destroyed me but it was probably Turkey.
I was continually surprised at the blood-thirstiness of the Turks. I had done so many favors to him throughout the game and I kept expecting some crumb from his table but none was forthcoming. He was ruthless in his ambition and deserved the win. I followed the game until the very end and found myself cheering for the man who I made emperor, Turkey!!
Many thanks to all players for an enjoyable game. And again, congratulations to Turkey for the relentless and indominatable will to win at all costs! That is what Dip is all about.
----Ward Narhi
----Balkans in Game Troi
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Read the next article (Turkey's End of Game Statement)