| Press for Fall of 1903 in ghodstoo |
Movement
I'm baaaackkkk....
I was delayed by the blizzard of '97 but I've been home for a couple of
days. Problem was, I had no power. I defaulted to my trusty laptop but,
for some reason, I couldn't talk to the judge that way...go figure.
Anyway, all's back to normal now and my retreat is in.
Edi, I was out most of the day but I was gratified to get your messages
when I returned:
RING
RING
Answering Machine: "This is Pitt's place. Please leave a message."
Edi: "Pitt! You're late! Get your orders in, you bum!"
;-)
-Pitt
I have called Pitt three times today and left messages for him to get his
moves in.
He is still on vacation this week. He left Sweden on Monday with me though we
split up on the flights home.
He suffered in Sweden from the Kill the Champion syndrome.
A quick summary:
There were 7 Americans, 10 French, 6-8 Brits, 1-4 Belgiums, 1 German, 1
Norwegean, 4 Finns and about 80 Swedes.
Top Board had: 2 French, 1 Belgium, 1 Norwegean, 1 American (me) and 2 Swedes.
Top finish was 1-Frenchman, 2-Swede, 3- Norweagean (won tie breaker with
American)
supply centers was 9T-7E-6R-6I-5F-2G-1A with all 7
countries alive at 1909
Top Countries went to
2 to Americans (me and Tom Korbin)
2 to French
1 to Brit
2 to Swedes
The team tournament was won by an American Team ( Perry, Bonds, & ???)
Top Tactician went to a Frenchmen (who won the tournament)
Top Diplomat went to a Brit (who had the only 18 center win in the
tournament's 40+ games).
The tournament system ignored ties and awarded points based on supply centers
held as of 1909 Winter.
If there was a game winner then he got 100 points and everyone else got -0-
If there was no winner then everyone got their supply centers +1 with bonuses
of
38 for first
14 for second
7 for third
Ties summed the bonuses and divided by number of tied positions.
Private message from Master to Germany:
Pitt,
Knowing what a mess your mail queue must be, I will send you this update
so it will be at the top. We are waiting for you to retreat your Fleet
in the North Sea. Please submit it ASAP. thanks!
I hope your "adventure" getting bback from World Dip Con wasn't too
trying.
Jim
Just to add to Edi's report on WDC VII, there were, after round 3, no fewer
than three Americans in the top seven (Tom, Edi, and me). But since the
rankings were posted on the wall (a practice I didn't appreciate, and about
which I complained), we were marked men. Edi was smart and played round 3
instead of round 4, and thus made it into the final game. Tom and I didn't
play round 3 -- we played round 4 (after the posting was made) and we dropped.
In both our cases, we were openly ganged up on for the solitary reason that
we were at the top of the rankings. It felt like playing a game with four
instead of six players, since my two closest neighbors wouldn't even talk to
me once they saw where I was placed. I was so disgusted that I sat out the
final round (round 5). Anyway, I ended up 28th as a result, but for one brief
and shining moment (and using only objective play as a measure), I was one of
the top seven Diplomacy players in the world.
So watch yourselves, 'cause I'll stab you soon,
Manus
Private message from England to France:
John,
You seem, in general, like the kind of player who prefers to let his moves
do the talking. Shall we talk now, or shall I just listen to what your
fleets have to say when the next round is processed?
Germany could have given me a lot more trouble by retreating to York.
Apparently he prefers to participate in the final carving up of Russia.
This is not much of a relief to me. If Russia is crushed, my position will
be even worse. As I recall, you were not too enthusiastic about the
prospect, yourself.
Gentle King Jamie
To comment a bit on Edi's and Manus' WDC VII report:
>Just to add to Edi's report on WDC VII, there were, after round 3, no fewer
>than three Americans in the top seven (Tom, Edi, and me). But since the
>rankings were posted on the wall (a practice I didn't appreciate, and about
>which I complained), we were marked men.
I can certainly speak to this. As Edi noted in his brief report, I was
targeted in the first two rounds because of the perception that the current
World Champion was either too good or too untrustworthy to be allowed to
live. (I prefer good...:-) I expected that, of course, but even I was
surprised at how blatant it was. In round 1, I was Turkey. Russia,
Austria, and Italy all diplomed with me prior to Spring 1901 and we made
the usual nice talk. In Spring 1901, all 3 of them reneged on their
promises and either stabbed me directly or set up the Lepanto. More
importantly, however, when I approached all of them independently after
Spring 1901, each openly and bluntly said that they were picking on me just
because I was the current champ. Worse yet, two of them refused to even
diplome with me any further becuase they were too afraid of me. I *was*
able to get Russia to back off a bit but I was stuck in the corner as a
Russian puppet fending of the AI for the rest of my miserable existence
(Russia ultimately stabbed again in 1905 and I was out in 1906). Round 2
was more of the same with me as England.
So, OK. I don't really blame them since I *did* have a reputation.
However, the practice of posting interim scores during the tournament
resulted in Manus and Tom suffering this same effect, unfairly so in my
opinion. Tom missed the final board by 2 points - he was 2nd after 2 games
but he placed 8th prior to the last round. Manus was in 7th after round 2
and had a decent shot, too. However, in both their cases, players in their
games identified them as front-runners and targeted them for elimination in
the third game. If either of them had had even a marginally good score in
their third game, both would have been on the top board and there would
very likely have been another US World Champion (Edi, Tom, or Manus).
US players weren't the only ones zinged by this practice. The leader after
2 games was a Belgian, Jean-Louis Delattre. He didn't even make the cut
for the top board. In fact, with the exception of Edi and possibly one
other, none of the leaders after round 3 made it to the top board and those
who did had already played all 3 of their qualifying games, so they weren't
affected by the "get the leader" syndrome. In order to do this, however,
you had to sit out the 4th round, which was the team tournament. Edi did
this, I hope intentionally, and showed again what a smart player he is.
Manus and I discussed this at the tournament and we agreed that it was
useful to post scores so you could see where you stood in relation to
others. However, we felt that the scores should be keyed to a player
number rather than a name. That way, only those who know your number can
tell where you stand (and if you divulge your number, you deserve what you
get).
I have a number of other thoughts on the scoring and tournament format
(like how Edi got screwed in the final game tie-breaker or how setting a
year-play-to limit [1909] completely destroys the end game) but I'm
interested in hearing comments on this one first.
What do you guys think?
-Pitt
Not being too hip to the whole Dip convention scene, i was wondering if
it would make sense to move this discussion over to r.g.d., since I don;t
think much of the world community is observing this game.
I am not upset to see it; it's cool. I just think maybe the practice can
be stopped/fixed (I like the ID# system a la postign grades in college)
better if you include some non ghodstoo people. maybe r.g.d., maybe via
various Zines?
Not sure the fora which are appropriate, but this should certainly not be
the ONLY one.
Andy the guy who helped Manus swing the trip and who jealously (but
fortunately for his personal life stayed home
World Con
>US players weren't the only ones zinged by this practice. The leader after
>2 games was a Belgian, Jean-Louis Delattre
Actually this is in correct. Jean-Louis and I were together in the third
round, and yes I played in the 3rd round to avoid the anticipated blood bath
in the team game. In that round we both had come into the game as having
'won' our prior game. While the rest of the board tried to jump on us we
stuck it out together with a Russia-Turkish alliance that saw me move my Fleet
Sevas through Constantinople in Spring 02 and then out to the Medit. We
stunned the local's with a solid alliance and we wound up with a 13-13 finish
that put both of us in the Top board.
The local Swedes on our table were very shocked that we did not stab each
other and made constant references to our prior standings. We countered that
neither of us thought it would be good enough and that only double 'wins'
would work. We were both lucky in that.
I am not a big fan of the posting of results in a flowing effect since I have
often been the victim of the posting of an early success. I can remember
often coming in 8th and 1 center short of best country. The problem with the
issue of posting is that it felt that the rumormongers amongst us would know
what was the best scores and thus by positing them they give everyone the same
information.
The posting effect was one of the reasons that for many years in the US
tournaments the scoring system was not known in detail so as to prevent
players from playing the tournament rather than simply the best game.
I like the idea of a number ranking so you know where you are but not exactly
who everyone else is. Then again the rumormongers will have a field day.
Edi
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Not being too hip to the whole Dip convention scene, i was wondering if
> it would make sense to move this discussion over to r.g.d., since I don;t
> think much of the world community is observing this game.
>
It is more extensive than you might imagine and all of the **WAY COOL**
people are here -- like you!
> I am not upset to see it; it's cool. I just think maybe the practice can
> be stopped/fixed (I like the ID# system a la postign grades in college)
> better if you include some non ghodstoo people. maybe r.g.d., maybe via
> various Zines?
>
It certainly is going in the Abyssinian Prince Section on the game which
is seen by many, many people (about 300 now, I think) and will get
excerpted on Dave Kleiman's web page.
The ID system might help, but the working assumption is that people will
track these things and figure it out anyway. One issue buried in the
discussion is the tendency for nationality groups to work together to
effect the kinds of tournament behavior that is being described.
Americans tend to be much more "lone rangers" in their approach in
my experience. At the World Dip Con that I attended a few years
ago in Birmingham, the big hew and cry at the time was against the
French; however, in my experience in the games the Swedes and Brits
actually were more aggressive in plotting together. In one game I
was in there were three Brits, three French and me. I found myself
"in the middle". While the Brits pretended to ally with me, Steve
Cox (who is a brilliant player in any event) froze me out and stabbed
me brilliantly with the eye on the scoring system. The French players
were quite blunt (partly because of their seeming inability to be subtle
in English and while I understand French very well and speak it very
poorly, I chose to disguise that fact as it helped me there) in that
they were REACTING to the Brits three-way gang up. That was my
independent assessment as well. While I still think the concept of
World Dip Con is fascinating, tournament behavior is a big issue.
Jim Burgess
> Not sure the fora which are appropriate, but this should certainly not be
> the ONLY one.
>
> Andy the guy who helped Manus swing the trip and who jealously (but
> fortunately for his personal life stayed home
>
Private message from England to Russia:
Soooooo, Tsar,
What shall we do? Specifically, do you want me to order Nth-Nwy while you
go Nwy-Swe? Or shall I stay put, or take a chance on Nth-Den? I'll do it
either way you like.
I'm trying to get some clue from France, but he's awfully quiet, as usual.
Gentle King J
Private message from Russia to England:
GKJ,
Greetings!
My advice (as I head out the door, late for a Pinewood Derby
weigh-in....mmm boy...):
Go for the fjords! I imagine Pitt will either get mad at me and try for
SWE, or he'll cover Den and wait out French action (against whom, for
example) before making offensive noises vs either of us in '04.
I'll write more later this weekend, but for now, Jamie, take Nwy. Hohn
and Edi will obviously shoot for WAR now, but I'm committed. I want
viable E/I nations, and--quite honestly--if the front collapses quickly
enough, it *may* throw Germany into your arms as a matter of joint
convenience, to stanch the northern/western AT expansion.
Hey, stranger things have happened! I imagine Edi is upset over BOH.
Life's hell sometimes, wot?
Cheers
Tsar Faz
Private message from France to Germany:
I think that we should work together. Therefore, Mid-Iri it is.
John, France
Private message from France to Italy:
Now that AT have taken care of Russia, F Con is due to sail out to the Med,
and another Turkish fleet can't be far behind. Let me know when you want a
little help.
John, France
Private message from England to Germany:
Well, I would really like to own Norway. Hell, I'd like to own Belgium, but
I'll be honest and admit that France hasn't offered it. Greedy bastard.
But, there you have it, he's still got me over a barrel, I can't expect any
giveaways.
Of course, if I should happen to take over Norway any time soon, I would
want StPete too, but I don't think I would need anyone's permission at that
point, or anyone's help except for the help of not attacking me. I feel
that I need to have five centers to play any significant role in the
endgame. And Nwy + Stp are centers I want to own for other reasons. (No,
not stalemate reasons!)
One point in your favor already, from my perspective, is that you retreated
to Skag instead of York. Whew. You could have kept me tied in knots;
instead I have a little freedom.
How I regard you in future moves will depend (assuming France is being
honest with me) on what your next little projects turn out to be.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
(Have you come to terms yet with the fact that you never sent me that 'leap
of faith' plan? I still wonder what it was.)
Private message from Germany to Austria:
Heya,
What, if anything, do you suggest with regard to Russia and Italy?
Heard anything about France and England, either?
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to Turkey:
Hello, stranger!
I'm as happy as anybody that you're putting the heat on Russia after what
he did to me in the north. However, though I'm sure you've seen it, may I
suggest a path of caution with regard to Austria? He's slippery. If, at
any time, you decide you want to do something about that, please let me
know. Also, if we can cooperate against Russia, I'd be happy to jump in, too.
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to England:
Congratulations on taking back NTH. It seems to me that if you're going to
do anything with it, you'll need me or France. Given that choice, I'd
rather it was me. Is there anything we should discuss?
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to Italy:
Cal,
Aside from our public jesting (which I'm enjoying...;-), maybe we should
talk about plans. Is there anything we can (or shoudl) do together this turn?
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to Russia:
>Sorry to hear about the WorldCon thing. Take it as a "backhanded
>compliment" from everyone that they ganged up on you.
I do. I was part of the same thing against the 1995 World Champ at WDC VI
last year. I was bothered by the fact that others, like Manus and Tom
Kobrin, were subjected to the same treatment just because they played well
in the early rounds in Sweden. Their results should have been kept
anonymous so they were not unfairly targeted as frontrunners.
>As for this game, my last letter rings true. I think you *really* need
>to head east, given that AT stand to rip the front apart in a couple of
>turn, leaving your eastern flank open. I'm moving to Sweden, so plan
>accordingly -- take Nwy, if it helps.
Thanks, but even though I'm not thrilled about your support for England
into NTH, I still don't want to see you collapse. You need to hold NOR in
order to stay alive. I won;t move in behind you but England might. I
strongly suggest you continue to hold it and, instead, support me back into
NTH. What do you think?
>My goal is to buy a couple more turns of time, to enable you and Italy to
>gain / hold off the AT surge. Maybe once I try and favor one side of the
>AT over the other, there will be an internal "greed struggle" over
>centers, and we'll see a stab. If not, I'll go down fighting.
That sounds like a wrokable plan. I have already started eastward by
moving my BUR army to MUN. The question is, what can we do with it?
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to France:
>In contemplating my options, I see opportunities against England and
>against Italy. Your move to ska (rather than yor) leads me to ask whether
>you wish to put the attack on England on hold. Am I reading this
>correctly?
Nope. The retreat to SKA was a defensive move against England and Russia,
who supported England into NTH. I can use it to cover DEN or threaten SWE
or NOR, as well as support an attack into NTH.
I definitely want to to keep the pressure on England. What do you think?
-Pitt
Private message from France to Germany:
Welcome back! Now that the snow storms have died down, what's to be the
next move in ghodstoo?
In contemplating my options, I see opportunities against England and
against Italy. Your move to ska (rather than yor) leads me to ask whether
you wish to put the attack on England on hold. Am I reading this
correctly?
John, France
Private message from France to England:
King J: Message received. I will be considering my options over the next
couple of days. It seems to me that G has turned his attention to Russia.
Surely, threatening Sweden is no way to trouble England. He may let you
stew for a while before what he hopes is the final assault. I'll be in
touch.
John, France
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hi Jim,
A few quick Russian game thoughts for this season...
In the east, Hohn continues to wait for 'the next turn" to consider
stabbing Edi. of course, when he passed up the perfect chance in S'03 to
hit Edi with Cal and me, I knew he was just stringing me along. he'll
never make an RT happen, because it's not in his best interests to do so.
He can take me down with Edi -- gaining relatively moreso than his
Austrian partner -- and than stab Edi at his leisure, if it works for
him. It's reassuring to know Hohn is just as underhanded and morally
bankrupt as the rest of us; he had me worried for awhile!
Edi hasn't offered me anything since 1902, and vice versa. He's only in
this for himself, allies be damned, and if that's the gameplan, then my
goal will be to help take him down a notch or two. I can help Cal get
TRI this turn (doubtless for the loss of WAR) and perhaps Pitt will grab
a Scandinavian center. I have a hunch the remainder of this game will
see me more a kingmaker, than a pretender to any thrones of my own...
In the West, my hit of Nth Sea was designed to do three things: (1) show
Eng that I do indeed honor my pledges, (2) Try and entice France into a
pro-Eng maneuver, balancing the west, and (3) if all else fails, get Pitt
roiled enough over the "nonsensical" stab that he'd come after me, and
finally (!) direct some attention to the East. For the majority of this
game, he's been my greatest cheerleader, urging me to hold off AT without
help, while he mops up E. Hopefully he'll now see the east for what it
truly is, and perhaps take action to cover his flank, now that I (his
previous flank guard) am dying. The ultimate sweet thing would be a
german-Turkish hit of Edi, with E/I/F as spoilers and satellites in a
final Clash of Titans.
No word from France, which isn't unusual -- he's proving to be a rather
weak correspondent. England and I see things pretty much eye-to-eye, and
we've arranged some moves. I told Pitt to shoot for Nwy, as I'm moving
to swe. I also told England to do the same, which may keep me solvent up
north--benefiting the West, I 'd say!
I feel kind of bad this game, but I'm losing interest in it because of
time constraints -- something I expected when I signed up. I'm trying
to keep the spark alive, but I wonder if I'm not subconsciously urging a
'death wish" on myself here. The logical move would've been a retreat to
WAR, then have Mos and War defend each other, with Sev-Rum or Ukr. Of
course, what does that do? it gives me another whole turn of defense,
until they use Sev-Ukr-Gal to hit either War or Mos, and eventually I'd
peter out anyway. May as well try and keep this interesting for the
readership.
Private message from Italy to Turkey:
I've now have a phone number I can be reached at:
(416) 281 5463
Thanx
Cal
Private message from Italy to Russia:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> Hi Cal
> You know it's one of those days, when you get 8 Dip letters in your queue
> and they're all bantering about WorldCon...sigh. On the bright side of
> things, I spent 14 hours today at The Big Game -- outdor paintball
> tournament held by our Cadet Close Combat team. We racked in mega-$$$
> (which is good, because that's the only way we get funded), and I got to
> pick off a few sluggos with a nice weapon loaned to me by another cadet.
> It's not like winning all the marbles in Dip, but hey, I take what I
> can get! :>)
Sounds like a bowling trophy... heh heh. I figure I'll try that stuff
when they let you use REAL ammo. Keep it interesting, so to speak... :)
> And speaking of ...
>
> You'll note I was Ultra-Nice Guy and retreated to BOH. Warsaw is
> doubtless a writeoff now, and my whole position should be going to hell
> shortly (if not already there). Never mind all that, though -- I'm going
> to hit Vienna, and am expecting you'll take Tri, right? Edi can retreat
> to Tyo, I suppose, but so what? You can build A Ven and the whle front
> is back to normal, except he's out one, I'm still in BOH, and maybe Hohn
> doesn't help him get back to 6 .... stranger things have happened.
I'm hoping for a surprise out of Hohn this turn. Details are sketchy.
Pictures at 11.
> The biggest danger I see is if Hohn builds F Smy, regardless if Edi's at
> 5, 6 or 7. Given that you may need another army build based on Edi's
> retreat, you're now faced with three fleets vs your two come fall (Gre,
> future Aeg and future EasMed). Well, let's burn that bridge when we come
> to it, eh? For now, your ol' buddy, Mr Knucklehead Player 9that's me) is
> going to ensure you get Tri.
If Hohn moves against me, I'll probably just have to do what you're doing
now: fight a delaying action and hope for help from F/G based on your
reasons in the next paragraph.
> Hopefully my hit of nth Sea will also
> encourage Pitt to head east, and to see the writing on the wall. FG
> will be loathe to hit you when they see you're the lone bulwark in a
> rapidly collapsing East, I'll wager. So maybe, just maybe, we can stanch
> the A/T westward flow. I'll do my share this turn, ok?
Much obliged pardner!
> Hang in there, me hearty!
Always.
Cal
Private message from Master to Russia:
Faz,
I can't address this at length, obviously, but it seems to me that
Internet games on the Judges are plagued by "time constraints".
When you imagine that this game is about the SLOWEST that is
available, so that other games move far faster, this is nearly
epidemic. You can see why people descend into playing gunboat
all the time.... what you are experiencing is part of the game
and if I think it ever gets close to being otherwise (which it
isn't) I'd approach you about asking to resign. You didn't do it,
but I am responding here to let you know that if you DID inquire
about resigning right now, I would talk you out of it.
Thanks for playing and interjecting your play into the mix, we'll
have fun analyzing it at the end!
Jim
Private message from Italy to Russia:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> Hi Cal
> You know it's one of those days, when you get 8 Dip letters in your queue
> and they're all bantering about WorldCon...sigh. On the bright side of
> things, I spent 14 hours today at The Big Game -- outdor paintball
> tournament held by our Cadet Close Combat team. We racked in mega-$$$
> (which is good, because that's the only way we get funded), and I got to
> pick off a few sluggos with a nice weapon loaned to me by another cadet.
> It's not like winning all the marbles in Dip, but hey, I take what I
> can get! :>)
Sounds like a bowling trophy... heh heh. I figure I'll try that stuff
when they let you use REAL ammo. Keep it interesting, so to speak... :)
> And speaking of ...
>
> You'll note I was Ultra-Nice Guy and retreated to BOH. Warsaw is
> doubtless a writeoff now, and my whole position should be going to hell
> shortly (if not already there). Never mind all that, though -- I'm going
> to hit Vienna, and am expecting you'll take Tri, right? Edi can retreat
> to Tyo, I suppose, but so what? You can build A Ven and the whle front
> is back to normal, except he's out one, I'm still in BOH, and maybe Hohn
> doesn't help him get back to 6 .... stranger things have happened.
I'm hoping for a surprise out of Hohn this turn. Details are sketchy.
Pictures at 11.
> The biggest danger I see is if Hohn builds F Smy, regardless if Edi's at
> 5, 6 or 7. Given that you may need another army build based on Edi's
> retreat, you're now faced with three fleets vs your two come fall (Gre,
> future Aeg and future EasMed). Well, let's burn that bridge when we come
> to it, eh? For now, your ol' buddy, Mr Knucklehead Player 9that's me) is
> going to ensure you get Tri.
If Hohn moves against me, I'll probably just have to do what you're doing
now: fight a delaying action and hope for help from F/G based on your
reasons in the next paragraph.
> Hopefully my hit of nth Sea will also
> encourage Pitt to head east, and to see the writing on the wall. FG
> will be loathe to hit you when they see you're the lone bulwark in a
> rapidly collapsing East, I'll wager. So maybe, just maybe, we can stanch
> the A/T westward flow. I'll do my share this turn, ok?
Much obliged pardner!
> Hang in there, me hearty!
Always.
Cal
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal
You know it's one of those days, when you get 8 Dip letters in your queue
and they're all bantering about WorldCon...sigh. On the bright side of
things, I spent 14 hours today at The Big Game -- outdor paintball
tournament held by our Cadet Close Combat team. We racked in mega-$$$
(which is good, because that's the only way we get funded), and I got to
pick off a few sluggos with a nice weapon loaned to me by another cadet.
It's not like winning all the marbles in Dip, but hey, I take what I
can get! :>) And speaking of ...
You'll note I was Ultra-Nice Guy and retreated to BOH. Warsaw is
doubtless a writeoff now, and my whole position should be going to hell
shortly (if not already there). Never mind all that, though -- I'm going
to hit Vienna, and am expecting you'll take Tri, right? Edi can retreat
to Tyo, I suppose, but so what? You can build A Ven and the whle front
is back to normal, except he's out one, I'm still in BOH, and maybe Hohn
doesn't help him get back to 6 .... stranger things have happened.
The biggest danger I see is if Hohn builds F Smy, regardless if Edi's at
5, 6 or 7. Given that you may need another army build based on Edi's
retreat, you're now faced with three fleets vs your two come fall (Gre,
future Aeg and future EasMed). Well, let's burn that bridge when we come
to it, eh? For now, your ol' buddy, Mr Knucklehead Player 9that's me) is
going to ensure you get Tri. Hopefully my hit of nth Sea will also
encourage Pitt to head east, and to see the writing on the wall. FG
will be loathe to hit you when they see you're the lone bulwark in a
rapidly collapsing East, I'll wager. So maybe, just maybe, we can stanch
the A/T westward flow. I'll do my share this turn, ok?
Hang in there, me hearty!
Faz
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hi again, Pitt
Sorry to hear about the WorldCon thing. Take it as a "backhanded
compliment" from everyone that they ganged up on you. Typical ungrateful
Europeans, you know? We save them in two world wars AND give them the
Marshall Plan, and they screw you anyway! Humph.
As for this game, my last letter rings true. I think you *really* need
to head east, given that AT stand to rip the front apart in a couple of
turn, leaving your eastern flank open. I'm moving to Sweden, so plan
accordingly -- take Nwy, if it helps.
My goal is to buy a couple more turns of time, to enable you and Italy to
gain / hold off the AT surge. Maybe once I try and favor one side of the
AT over the other, there will be an internal "greed struggle" over
centers, and we'll see a stab. If not, I'll go down fighting.
Anyway, welcome back from the Con, and drop a line if you get time.
Mark
Private message from Russia to Germany:
I do. I was part of the same thing against the 1995 World Champ at WDC
VI
last year. I was bothered by the fact that others, like Manus and Tom
Kobrin, were subjected to the same treatment just because they played
well
in the early rounds in Sweden. Their results should have been kept
anonymous so they were not unfairly targeted as frontrunners.
** I concur about the visible standings at WorldCon. In a perverse way,
it's merely a 'balance-of-power', i.e., see the threat, stop the threat.
On the other hand, to be penalized for doing well -- and to be hit in so
blatant a fashion -- seems inimical to the game. Kind of goofy. Kind of
European.
>As for this game, my last letter rings true. I think you *really* need
>to head east, given that AT stand to rip the front apart in a couple of
>turn, leaving your eastern flank open. I'm moving to Sweden, so plan
>accordingly -- take Nwy, if it helps.
Thanks, but even though I'm not thrilled about your support for England
into NTH, I still don't want to see you collapse. You need to hold NOR
in
order to stay alive. I won;t move in behind you but England might. I
strongly suggest you continue to hold it and, instead, support me back
into
NTH. What do you think?
** Thanks for not taking Sweden, but if it's ok with you, I've now
managed to p*** off all my neighbors, whether deliberately or
accidentally. I'd rather not perturb England again, at least until I see
what happens in the East. I'll move to SWE but tell Eng I'm holding (or
will support him, or something). As I fully expect Lon-Ech (to counter
France), methinks Nth will fall easily for you. he's not going anywhere,
and if he does bounce Nth this turn, the arrival of France's fleet will
tip the balance in S'04. me in Swe eventually means "me in Bot, to guard
StP and Lvn," which does indeed block up the east from the rapacious AT.
>My goal is to buy a couple more turns of time, to enable you and Italy
to
>gain / hold off the AT surge. Maybe once I try and favor one side of
the
>AT over the other, there will be an internal "greed struggle" over
>centers, and we'll see a stab. If not, I'll go down fighting.
That sounds like a wrokable plan. I have already started eastward by
moving my BUR army to MUN. The question is, what can we do with it?
** Well, not to say I told you so, but to me the best place for that army
is a possible bounce this season (Mun-Tyo). This way, when I hit Vie
and Cal takes TRI, Edi can't retreat forward into TYO. If Edi's not in
Tyo, that means Cal can build a fleet to prevent the expected F Smy build
from Hohn (which would give AT three fleets vs Cal's two and thus open up
IOn in '04 for them). If Cal has that extra fleet, we almost force Hohn
to stab Edi, if only to expand somehow!
To me, that is indeed the best place for MUN to go. if you're still
leery of it, you can always send it to SIL and help me in WAR.
Thanks for the reply, Pitt, and rest assured, my focus is eastward;
therein lies the threat to us all. I'm sorry I havem't been able to hold
them off.
Mark
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hi Jim
** Thanks for the words of wisdom (below).
I can't address this at length, obviously, but it seems to me that
Internet games on the Judges are plagued by "time constraints".
When you imagine that this game is about the SLOWEST that is
available, so that other games move far faster, this is nearly
epidemic. You can see why people descend into playing gunboat
all the time.... what you are experiencing is part of the game
and if I think it ever gets close to being otherwise (which it
isn't) I'd approach you about asking to resign. You didn't do it,
but I am responding here to let you know that if you DID inquire
about resigning right now, I would talk you out of it.
** Rest assured, I have no intention of resigning. I had to quit three
games (my only resignations, btw) before I went off to Russia for 6
months of UN duty, and doing so left a bad taste in my mouth. After 20+
years of playing by mail, I take pride in finishing what I start, and an
occasional burnout won't slow me down. I do feel a little bad that I
haven't managed to keep up a frenetic pace of correspondence (one of the
things that people seem to like about me, so I've been told), but work is
just killing me, and will do so until October....much 'extracurricular'
duty with the cadets (read: field duty for 6 weeks in summer, as well as
starting up a new course).
Having said all that, I've got to stop worrying about time, and get on
with this game. The only thing worse than resigning from a game is to
play the position in a substandard manner, and THIS was the fear I'd
begun to experience. I'm not sure whether my moves are REALLY being
driven by a ghods-like set of inspiration, to keep the game interesting
and fluid, or if it was a death-wish to let them kill me quickly. I'm
going to assume the former, and play this thing to the bloody end. My
big concern is honor (as most military like to think is only proper). I
won't dishonor your choice, the game, or me, by being a sluggo.
Onward and upward, my friend!
Faz
Private message from Italy to Germany:
> Message from [email protected] as Germany to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Aside from our public jesting (which I'm enjoying...;-), maybe we should
> talk about plans. Is there anything we can (or should) do together this > turn?
Don't know if there's much we CAN do together turn, but we'll certainly
stay in touch. okay?
Cal
Private message from England to Germany:
>>Well, I would really like to own Norway.
>
>Provisionally, I could consider that. The provision is that you use the SC
>to build F LVP.
Wellll....
I accept that provision provisionally: the provision is that you should
already be attacking France, or be otherwise engaged, by the time my choice
of builds comes around (and that's not too soon).
Ok, here's the thing. Maybe I've got the situation all wrong and France
will either now or soon order a fleet to Irish Sea or NAO or something. In
that case, I would certainly use any build I got to put something in Lvp,
most likely a fleet. Ok, yeah, a fleet. But if I'm right, France won't
order a fleet to Iri or NAO. In that case, building F Lvp is likely to get
me essentially nowhere except into a fight, a fight to which I'd have to
devote at least three fleets, even though I'd have virtually no prospects
of getting anywhere. And, well, that would just make it a little *too* easy
for you.
Here's where what I said about 'projects' comes in. If I were convinced
that you were going to be engaged somewhere, and picking off Russian
centers doesn't count!, then I would prefer to take my chances against
France. If not, then I guess my best strategy is to sit on the fence,
taking Nwy and Stp if I can. That does seem like the smart thing to do.
Think about it.
As I've said, I have no objection to things going smoothly and easily for
you; you are not my 'enemy' in that way. Only I can't give you an easy shot
at Edinburgh and London. (Well, I could! But I won't.)
>>Hell, I'd like to own Belgium, but
>>I'll be honest and admit that France hasn't offered it. Greedy bastard.
>
>Since it isn't his to offer (yet) I'm gald to hear that...
Hmph. Well, we'll see about that.
>OK, I'll bite...what are the reasons (and, while you're at it, why are you
>so quick to jump on your erstwhile Russian ally?)
I can answer those questions at the same time.
I haven't regarded Russia as an ally since he took Norway. Supporting me
into North Sea is all very nice, but I still have a score to settle. I've
never made this explicit, I guess, so here's the scoop. I counted on Russia
from the start to help me in case of a G/F alliance. (It's more complicated
than that, but that will do.) He gave me all assurances. And then took
Norway as soon as it looked like he could get away with it.
I never counted on you or France, really, except as self-interested
neutrals, but I counted on Russia's cooperation, so that was the only
genuine stab. (Except for Edi's, which I still haven't figured out, but I
know he's somehow responsible.)
>That was *part* of the reason for my retreat.
Sure, I know. You could have taken your chances with Russia, or you could
take your chances with me. I appreciate your choice.
>>How I regard you in future moves will depend (assuming France is being
>>honest with me) on what your next little projects turn out to be.
>
>I'm open to more explicit suggestions.
Well, it's very up-in-the-air. You have many options. Picking off
indefensible Russian centers is an obviously attractive one, non-committal.
In that case, I would have to be non-committal in the same way (making the
large assumption that I have any choice in the matter). You have other
options. You could plunge straight into Austria, shaking up the balance in
the south (which is looking pretty unpleasant at the moment). That would
give me some freedom too, and as I said I think my best bet would be to try
to grow at France's expense (with everyone else tied up with each other).
Or you might push west against France, in which case, ahem, we could try to
come up with a division that everyone could live with this time :).
>I did send it. Unfortunately, all mail I sent to the judge during that
>2-day period disappeared into the bit bucket. At this point, it's not
>worth revisiting since we're no longer in position to act on it.
Thankfully, true. I guess I'm glad I never got it, all things considered. :)
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Italy to France:
> Message from [email protected] as France to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Now that AT have taken care of Russia, F Con is due to sail out to the Med,
> and another Turkish fleet can't be far behind. Let me know when you want a
> little help.
If I can't break things a little this turn, I'll get back to you about
this.
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Master to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Cal,
>
> Just to let you know, your orders show an error flag, which must have been
> a .sig file oversight or something, since the submitted moves look fine.
> You might want to check on it.
>
> Your always attentive GM,
Actually, that wasn't it as I don't use a .sig any more, but I do know
what it was. Let's just say it was a couple of screwups that sorted
themselves out.
Your always muddlin' thru,
Cal
Private message from Germany to England:
>Well, I would really like to own Norway.
Provisionally, I could consider that. The provision is that you use the SC
to build F LVP.
>Hell, I'd like to own Belgium, but
>I'll be honest and admit that France hasn't offered it. Greedy bastard.
Since it isn't his to offer (yet) I'm gald to hear that...
>Of course, if I should happen to take over Norway any time soon, I would
>want StPete too, but I don't think I would need anyone's permission at that
>point, or anyone's help except for the help of not attacking me.
Yeah, that sort of follows.
>I feel
>that I need to have five centers to play any significant role in the
>endgame. And Nwy + Stp are centers I want to own for other reasons. (No,
>not stalemate reasons!)
OK, I'll bite...what are the reasons (and, while you're at it, why are you
so quick to jump on your erstwhile Russian ally?)
>One point in your favor already, from my perspective, is that you retreated
>to Skag instead of York. Whew. You could have kept me tied in knots;
>instead I have a little freedom.
That was *part* of the reason for my retreat.
>How I regard you in future moves will depend (assuming France is being
>honest with me) on what your next little projects turn out to be.
I'm open to more explicit suggestions.
>(Have you come to terms yet with the fact that you never sent me that 'leap
>of faith' plan? I still wonder what it was.)
I did send it. Unfortunately, all mail I sent to the judge during that
2-day period disappeared into the bit bucket. At this point, it's not
worth revisiting since we're no longer in position to act on it.
-Pitt
Private message from Master to Italy:
Cal,
Just to let you know, your orders show an error flag, which must have been
a .sig file oversight or something, since the submitted moves look fine.
You might want to check on it.
Your always attentive GM,
Jim
On Fri, 4 Apr 1997, USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> News about USIN can be found at
> http://kleiman.indianapolis.in.us/usin.htm
>
> All unmoderated games will be removed.
> Judge keeper is [email protected].
> Judge address is [email protected]
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> Whatever theory you guys come up with regarding" leading lights" being
> jumped at tournaments, you better account for this:
>
> When I ran DipCon here in Toronto back in the early 90s, we held a hobby
> meeting the night before the final round. At that point Gary Behnen was
> leading (or close to) the tournament.
>
> At the meeting, we awarded him the postal Diplomacy Award for Best Player.
> Everyone there said it was the absolute kiss of death for his chances to
> survive the next day.
>
> Heh heh, not only did he survive, he grabbed an 18 centre win and took the
> whole damn tournament!
>
> Lucy got some 'splainin' to do...
>
> Cal
>
Looks like the exception has proved the rule.
James
>
>
>>eh heh, not only did he survive, he grabbed an 18 centre win and took the
>>whole damn tournament!
>>
>>Lucy got some 'splainin' to do...
>
But that was in Canada where everyone was too cold to pay attention in the
first place.
>It certainly is going in the Abyssinian Prince Section on the game which
>is seen by many, many people (about 300 now, I think) and will get
>excerpted on Dave Kleiman's web page.
And, in more detail and with more thought based on commentary received
here, will be the subject of a future Big Dipper column.
>The ID system might help, but the working assumption is that people will
>track these things and figure it out anyway.
How? If you and the con organizers are the only ones who know that your ID
is 76, how will anyone else know unless you tell them? I suppose, if you
had the only solo victory in Round 1, others could tell... OK, then, we
don't don't post any scores until after 2 complete rounds. If you already
had *2* solo victories at that point, I don't think it matters if everyone
knows what your ID # is...
>One issue buried in the
>discussion is the tendency for nationality groups to work together to
>effect the kinds of tournament behavior that is being described.
You know, in two World Dipcons, I haven't seen any of that kind of
coordinated behavior at the country level. I've seen friends or
acquaintances work together temporarily (Hell, I had to take on a Frenchman
*and* his girlfriend on the same board as Germany and Austria to my England
in Round 2 last week) in one game but I've never seen any sort of secret
cabal that works to place a member of a particular nation at the top. And
the temporary "meta" alliances I've seen have always fallen apart after the
initial goal (get the front runner, for example) has been achieved. I
recognize that it's certainly possible for these larger, unethical
alliances to happen but I've never seen them nor any evidence of them.
>Americans tend to be much more "lone rangers" in their approach in
>my experience.
>At the World Dip Con that I attended a few years
>ago in Birmingham, the big hew and cry at the time was against the
>French; however, in my experience in the games the Swedes and Brits
>actually were more aggressive in plotting together.
Swedes!? Doing anything together? For more than one turn? Must have been
from a different planet...
>While I still think the concept of
>World Dip Con is fascinating, tournament behavior is a big issue.
I agree in principle but, so far, in practice I don;t think it's been a
problem. All the serious players seem to want to win, even if they do so
at the expense of their countrymen. I just don't have a sense that we're
going to see any bicycle racing type behavior in Diplomacy tournaments any
time soon.
-Pitt
>But that was in Canada where everyone was too cold to pay attention in the
>first place.
Nah. That's not it. They just have a different way of playing Dip up there.
* At an Ottawa Diplomacy Game *
Fraser: Well now, Mackenzie, we need to negotiate, eh? I'm
playing France. Shall I take the English Channel or
shall you?
Mackenzie: Oh, you ought to have it right enough, Fraser. After
all you're stuck playing the French.
Fraser: Well now, that's true. Still and all, I think you ought
to lay a claim, too.
Mackenzie: Oh, you're too kind. I tell you what - what say neither
of us takes it and we call a draw now, eh?
Fraser: Oh my! That's peachy! OK, game's over. Let's have
a Labatt's!
* At a Montreal Diplomacy Game *
Pierre: Are you going to let me have Le Manche, Jean-Louis, or
am I going to have to screw your sister?
Jean-Louis: Yah! You'll have to get your mother off of her first!
Le Manche is mine!
Pierre: Merde! Never let your filthy mouth mention my mother
again!
Jean-Louis: As you say - how can I mention her name when I have a
mouthful of her...
* At a Newfoundland Diplomacy Game *
Billy-Bjorn: Huh?
On Sat, 5 Apr 1997, USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> News about USIN can be found at
> http://kleiman.indianapolis.in.us/usin.htm
>
> All unmoderated games will be removed.
> Judge keeper is [email protected].
> Judge address is [email protected]
>
> [email protected] has signed on as an Observer in game 'ghodstoo'.
>
Would this be Mr Bruce McIntyre from Burnaby, BC? If so, how ya doing
guy?
Long time no talk!
Cal
Private message from Observer to Italy:
Yes, this is me, and I presume this is Mr Cal White of Toronto. Doing
reasonably well, still well below the poverty line and currently sick with
the radioactive flu (halflife 3.5 days, so in two weeks it'll be still 1/16
here). Trying to figure out how the hell all this works, and why on earth
it is so complicated. Half of my commands to any Judge bounce, despite
careful attention to the manuals I've downloaded. I hope I get it all
together by the time my first game fills...
Cheers,
McBruce
end press
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Germany in 'ghodstoo':
>
> >But that was in Canada where everyone was too cold to pay attention in the
> >first place.
>
> Nah. That's not it. They just have a different way of playing Dip up there.
>
> * At an Ottawa Diplomacy Game *
>
> Fraser: Well now, Mackenzie, we need to negotiate, eh? I'm
> playing France. Shall I take the English Channel or
> shall you?
>
> Mackenzie: Oh, you ought to have it right enough, Fraser. After
> all you're stuck playing the French.
>
> Fraser: Well now, that's true. Still and all, I think you ought
> to lay a claim, too.
>
> Mackenzie: Oh, you're too kind. I tell you what - what say neither
> of us takes it and we call a draw now, eh?
>
> Fraser: Oh my! That's peachy! OK, game's over. Let's have
> a Labatt's!
Uh huh, tell you what, Pitt. This Canadian sez you just keep thinking
that that's the "kindler, gentler" way I play, eh?
btw, it's Molson's, not Labatt.
Cal
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
>btw, it's Molson's, not Labatt.
Oh, so you're an upscale Canadian, eh?
;-)
-Pitt
(who grew up in the wilds of Maine on the New Brunswick border watching CBC
and ATV and has never fully recovered)
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Germany in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> >Broadcast message from [email protected] as Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> >
> >btw, it's Molson's, not Labatt.
>
> Oh, so you're an upscale Canadian, eh?
>
> ;-)
There's another kind? grin, eh?
Cal
Whatever theory you guys come up with regarding" leading lights" being
jumped at tournaments, you better account for this:
When I ran DipCon here in Toronto back in the early 90s, we held a hobby
meeting the night before the final round. At that point Gary Behnen was
leading (or close to) the tournament.
At the meeting, we awarded him the postal Diplomacy Award for Best Player.
Everyone there said it was the absolute kiss of death for his chances to
survive the next day.
Heh heh, not only did he survive, he grabbed an 18 centre win and took the
whole damn tournament!
Lucy got some 'splainin' to do...
Cal
Private message from France to Germany:
Yes, Burgundy remains open.
Let's rock and roll.
Jean de France
Private message from Germany to France:
>I think that we should work together. Therefore, Mid-Iri it is.
Good. I'm in. May I also trust that BUR remnains vacant? I'll make
another effort to get my PIC army back east via BEL.
-Pitt
Private message from England to Austria:
Edi,
France has not told me exactly what he plans to do (seems like a case of No
News Is Bad News). I think he might possibly work against Germany.
There is some chance that he would send one, or even two fleets to the
Mediterranean and use the armies against Germany. Though he hasn't said so,
I surmise that his move of an army to Marseilles was intended for Mar-Pie.
But then what? I don't know.
As to working a deal with Germany (for Norway), I've already tried. Maybe
it will work. Pitt agreed on the condition that I use the build to
construct a new fleet in Liverpool! Obviously, this is not exactly what you
want. Not what I want either. Negotiations proceed. If it works out, I will
very likely go for Stp after Norway.
Pitt does seem fairly open to the idea of taking the indefensible Russian
centers. That's good news for you. I don't exactly relish having German
fleets all over the place if/when Pitt gets those centers and builds, but
my options are awfully limited, so I'll go with that option if Pitt does.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from France to Germany:
Edi called me last night. Apparently, the rumors are flying that France
will take England's part in the coming turn. If you have caught wind of
this, please ignore it. It seems to be England's disinfo campaign.
John
France
Private message from France to Austria:
Edi,
I did not mean to be coy when you called last night. I guess that's one
difference between the ftf and email games. In email, I can think about
the other player's message and my response. A phone call leaves me a bit
surprised. I still remain wedded to email, so I have not gained much
experience with talking diplomacy over the phone. Thus, my initial
reaction to your call.
Well, anyway, as I said, I probably won't know what I will do until the
last day. England has made a persuasive case for cooperation, but I would
feel mighty exposed to turn on Germany with one of his units still on my
territory. Seems to me I would also open the door to renewed G-E
cooperation against me. That's exactly what had me almost out at the
beginning.
As for Italy, I can give you help with him regardless of what happens to
the north. It's just a matter of when. He's no threat to you, however,
and sending F Con to the Med will put him on the defensive.
So, let's keep talking. Things will be self-explanatory after the
deadline.
John
France
Private message from England to Russia:
Tsar Faz,
HYPOTHESIS:
Germany wants to set up to take Sweden himself next Spring, so prefers not
to see me in Nwy and you in Swe.
He'll probably bounce you in Swe, and move Hel-Den. We'll still have options.
I am a little worried about this: France may eject the German army from
Pic, and Pitt could let it disband and rebuild a fleet. He'd be taking a
chance--if France takes Pic and goes to Bur, Germany has to beware of a
land attack. But if he does build another fleet, we'll have real trouble
even if/while France invades. Well, we'll just have to wait and see. Seems
like Germany would support A Pic to hold, nothing else to do with that A
Bel....
In the mean time, Edi is lobbying for a G/E combination to take Sweden and
Norway, "to get rid of the erratic Russian play." I hope you're still in
touch with Hohn. France seems to be beyond any influence, he's just got his
own ideas. Fortunately, I think they are favorable to me (and to you, for
that matter). I expect to see him move into the Mediterranean this season.
And I *hope* he will then coordinate with Italy's new fleet and break into
the eastern waters....
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
GKJ
Morning! before I get ready for class, here's a short tidbit of things
Teutonic....
Germany wrote; tone of the note was actually low-key. Said he didn't
'really' mind the joint RE hit of NTH, and that he understood my need to
face off vs AT; hence he didn't want to reduce me as a co-defender of
the faith.
Bottom line: he said he's not going for Nwy or Swe. He wants me to
hold in Nwy and re-support him to NTH. Now, while I half-believe him,
I fully don't intend to flip-flop in the North. I told him I had no
desire to face off vs you, that he and Eng needed to work together if
they were to defeat the AT, and that, if he really wanted NTH, he could
wait until France got to Ech and then take it next spring. Didn't get
a reply to that....-grin-
Told him I was still going to SWE (he's worried you'll take Nwy from
behind; fancy that). Food for thought, your Nobleness.....
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hi Hohn
How's your day going? How's the work routine/searching? Hope all's
well with you.
Good luck here. It's obvious I can either hit GAL or VIE this turn with
BOH; you can guess which one it'll be, probably. -grin-
Remember what I said last note. I can't hurt (or help) both A and T,
but I certainly can influence one or the other's fortunes, albeit in a
small way. Despite the fact we will probably never roll the board as an
RT, I wish you well.
Mark
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
> How's your day going? How's the work routine/searching? Hope all's
> well with you.
Well, but extremely hectic. After game end, Jim and the public press
stream can vouch for the fact that I've unfortunately been able to do
very little negotiating this turn.
> Good luck here. It's obvious I can either hit GAL or VIE this turn with
> BOH; you can guess which one it'll be, probably. -grin-
Heh.
> Remember what I said last note. I can't hurt (or help) both A and T,
> but I certainly can influence one or the other's fortunes, albeit in a
> small way. Despite the fact we will probably never roll the board as an
> RT, I wish you well.
I feel the same. I suspect this will be an exciting turn, judging
from the board positions and the messages I have waiting in my inbox
that I have not yet responded to, and maybe there will be a way for us
to coordinate. At least, a bit better than we have in the past. ;)
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Germany:
Pitt,
> I'm as happy as anybody that you're putting the heat on Russia after what
> he did to me in the north. However, though I'm sure you've seen it, may I
> suggest a path of caution with regard to Austria? He's slippery. If, at
> any time, you decide you want to do something about that, please let me
> know. Also, if we can cooperate against Russia, I'd be happy to jump in, too.
Thanks for your note, and your offers.
Currently, I'm planning to retake SEV. Other than that, I'm very
flexible with respect to the future. I think Mark has finally come
around to a more pragmatic viewpoint, and I therefore may be able to
work with him. Edi and I have been working together well so far, but
believe me, I know the wiles of the BirSauron.
In other matters, I hear EF have reached a rapprochement of _some_
kind, although the extent of it and how that might affect you is
unknown. Good luck!
Hohn
(St Petersburg) Despite the atmosphere of gloom pervading the Winter
Palace, Tsar Faz recently called a press conference to discuss Russian
war aims, and to allay fears that "illogical elements and unhealthy
forces" were controlling Russian military actions.
The Ruler of All Russias assured the audience with the following:
"For two years we have attempted to broker a peace with the Turks to our
south. Despite our sincere eforts to cultivate a friendship, Turkish
insecurity (and, dare we say, expanding greed) has prevented a union of
our forces. This is regrettable, for we feel much mutual benefit
could've occurred from such an alliance. However, this *is* war, and our
gallant foes have the upper hand--nothing more can be done. Their
Turkish partner, Archduke Edi, has given the Tsar nothing but fluff in
all correspondence since 1901. if one were to compare offers of mutual
benefit to Baskin & Robbins ice cream flavors, Russia has only received
"vanilla ice cream." In fact, we weren't even offered the bowl to put
the ice cream in! It is clear that Austria (The Court of the Crimson
King) never intended to treat Russia with anything but scorn and enforced
servitude.
Faced with such Balkan intransigence and a desire to exploit us, Russia
has embarked on a policy of 'selective punishment.' We cannot hurt both
A and T, so we shall selectively deal out what little pain it is still
possible to administer. We also owe our former Quadripartite Continuum
allies the honor due them, to allow some sort of beneficial gain to come
from our exertions. This is why we move as we do. We are not propelled
by madness, or by poor play. And while it is true that the Tsar is
_not_ possessed of the same 'ghod-like' skills as his fellow diplomats,
rest assured there *is* a "method to the madness" of what we do.
Russia could retreat her forces to the WAR-MOS line and try to hold on;
but why? In one more turn the AT forces will be in Sev/Gal/Ukr, and one
or the other center will then fall anyway. Does this help our allies?
It does not. Therefore, Russia shall hold on for as long as possible,
and give her friends (particularly G and I) a chance to grow and face
the expanding Eastern Threat. And while we do this, we shall attempt to
create...conditions...that may cause a cleavage in the AT. If that
occurs, then the Tsar can defend his city with a smile on his dying face.
If that event still does not occur, thenlet them sing our posthumous
praises in Berlin, in Paris, London and Rome, and bury us standing
up--facing south. And then they shall know we fought the good fight,
both for ourselves and for our allies. For honor still means something
to Russia, even if 'life' does not."
With that, the Tsar called a halt to questions from the press, and
advised them to stay glued to the wireless for news from Central and
Eastern Europe.
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal,
Well, FINALLY we pierce a small part of Edi's line. And while I'm sure
that AT planned these moves all along (i.e., the swap of BUL/RUM, support
to WAR, etc) it *is* nice to see Edi at 0 builds this turn, eh? And the
nice part is that he didn't retreat Tri-Tyo, as he could've done to make
life tough(er) for us. I'm still bitterly disappointed that Pitt didn't
move to Tyo or Sil, as requested; that would've solidified the East
and/or caused great heartache for Edi...makes you wonder about any A/G
in-place agreements....
We now have to decide a couple things: what do you build? (I'm wagering
F Nap-TyS?), and how do I move? (I'm thinking two army builds, and then
either passively sitting tight--mutual War/Mos supports--or some
razzle-dazzle regarding Boh and War vs Gal.)
One option, if you're willing:
Boh-Vie (Tri S); Apu-Alb, Ion C (Adr S)
This way guarantees you don't lose Tri, as both support pieces are cut,
and stands at least a small chance of getting me a center -- as
compensation when either E or G hose me up north.
I figure Turkey will build F Smy, and then use the two AT fleets + Smy
and try to blow you out of ION. Hence my desire for your fifth build and
a cementing of the sea lines...Hohn and Edi have to either slowly reduce
me for more builds to get more fleets to hit you, or Hohn can take the
'easy way out" and stab Edi for quick builds--probably with you gaining
something in the process. That's my current plan.
Anyway, let me hear what you think of the above proposal, or anything
you've got cooking in your brain at present. I'm going down to the wire
with you on this one, Cal.
Best
Faz
Private message from Russia to England:
GKJ
Well, all went exactly as I planned this turn (for once)! The northern
bounce allowed me to keep both Nwy and Swe (for now, anyway), and, as you
predicted, Germany is turning his big guns eastward vs me. That may buy
you a turn or two, although the French stab into Iri is MOST unwelcome.
It appears you'll have to come after me to compensate for centers which,
while we discussed it earlier, will still cramp my style as I attempt to
punish A and T.
I got lucky regarding WAR and defending the south. I now have to decide
whether to sit passively (using Boh-Gal, for example, while defending Mos
and War with supports), or just launch some weird probes vs Ukr or
Gal...any ideas?
I'll obviously rebuild in WAR and STP. I imagine I'll build 2 armies,
vice 1-and-1, which means we have some discussions needed for Nwy and
regarding Germany. Are you going to try for Nwy? Send a fleet back
toward Cly/Wal to deal with Fra? or should we try and get me into Den
(Swe-Den, Nth S, Nwg-Nwy) instead? Options, options....
Anyway, me hearty, we are in a flux pattern at the moment, but certainly
not as bad as it could've been (or might be in 1904)! let's hear what
you're thinking, and see what we can do regarding joint ops.
best
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hello Hohn
Congrats on retaking BUL (and belated...cough...congrats on reseizing
SEV). I know in my heart of hearts that the AT moves were
pre-coordinated regarding Rum/Bul, but nonetheless, 'thanks" for keeping
Edi at 0 builds. For once this game, my moves all trned out exactly as
planned, so I have a modicum of chance at keeping a small, viable rump
state up north, as well as staying in BOh and continuing to harass one
half of my tormentors!
Here's the Russian offer of the day: turn west. Use Sev-Rum (Ukr S) and
BLA-SEV (no threat to me that way). In return, I can sail to BAL when
Pitt boots me from Swe, and could theoretically even go to Sil and/or Pru
if the freedom to maneuver made itself apparent (i.e., no AT wolves
banging on the door).
This doesn't make for earth-shattering moves, I realize, but it does give
you the Black Sea littoral states (and a build), and puts you and Italy
in a position to further hose Edi. Granted, Italy then grows(and
possibly stymies your growth), but I think a judicious use of Turk armies
and Italian fleets--over Austria's rump--would cause Cal to head west
against the obvious F/G alliance, while giving you army invasion corrdors
into germany...ably aided by your loyal Russian subaltern.
Anyway, like all my other proposals, I don't expect these seeds to fall
on fertile ground either, but I have to sow them nonetheless. As longas
there's an AT, I'll allow aggressive EG actions in my rear while I focus
on the east, and will try to at least stop one arm of the two that are
choking me. You benefit either way in these arrangements, you rascal.
Take care, Hohn; good luck with work and play.
Mark
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hello Pitt,
Well, "thanks" for the bounce in Nwy. Not sure if you expected the
bounce and did it to "protect" your eastern flank, or if you did it to
pave the way for the eventual takeover of Scandinavia (Den/Ska tag team
next turn, etc). Regardless, the results allowed me to build the two
armies I so desperately needed (I finally guessed right for once!), and
now have a chance to slow, if not counterattack into, the AT menace.
I am disappointed that you continue to play the East like the Russians
did outside Warsaw in August 1944, i.e., watch from a distance as loyal
opposition guys get pounded by the enemy, and only then come in to
"help." I was hoping for help in either TYO or SIl this turn; the former
to ensure no retreat route for Edi (and to help ensure Vienna's fall next
season!)...the latter to help ensure the wall of defense in the East
stayed strong. I mean, if I were Edi, I'd go GAL-Sil next turn, with
Rum-Gal. This ensures they take WAR if so desired, and also puts them in
a bid to take BER or MUN, should the opportunity arise, thus flanking
your east. I consider that a very viable option for Edi, Pitt.
As it stands now, your stated goal -- for me to hold off the hordes -- is
not exactly in synch with your observed actions. Yes, there was the
matter of France's status, but that seems crystal clear at present...
Anyway, please consider doing "something" (in an anti-AT manner, of
course) with A MUN; thanks, Pitt.
We'll need to talk over the North. Eng may try for Nwy with two (whuile
you try for swe with two??), but I'm hoping you both realize the benefit
in a strong Russian buffer up north.
Not much else to say. I have to figure what else to do with BOH (maybe
grab Vie), as well as how to position the armies for a counterattack...I
don't want to sit passively and await my (unsupported) fate....
Let me know how you see all of this, and we can proceed from there. Take
care, Kaiser!
Best
Mark
Private message from Russia to France:
King Jean
I would assume you have "come off the fence" by virtue of your anti-Eng
move to Iri last turn, as well as the apparent beginnings of a phased
German withdrawal from France. Can't say as I blame you (and thanks for
not hitting Italy, btw). It's naturally bad for me, because I see the
anti-E as the eventual strengthening of the F/G--with me the logical
victim of Pitt in the near-term.
I'm ambivalent towards the death, as my goal is the stated breakup of AT
and the hurting of at least one of my two game-long tormentors. I had
HOPED for German help in Tyo or Sil this turn...maybe next season, now
that you two seemed to have tied the knot.
Please try and help me stay alive for a few seasons more in the North. I
know Germany will want Swe and Nwy as future gains, and just for
security, but I'm already in-place to slow down AT. If he reduces me,
they just move faster into MOS and WAR, wrecking his inadequate eastern
flank, and threatening advance into STP.
I can't help you stop the common AT threat if you're whittling me away at
the same time,My Liege!
Anyway, John, good hunting, and drop a line if you get time. How do you
see all of this unfolding?
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Edi
I imagine that you and Hohn already worked out the BUL/RUM swap, to allow
for three fleets to face off vs Cal, etc etc. I'm a litle surprised that
you didn't sit tight in TRi and then retreat to TYO, to force him to
build another army (thus allowing a 3:2 fleet superiority), but ALB is
also crucial to your defense at this stage, I reckon.
You may wonder why it seems I'm so anti-Aus, but if you look things over,
you'll noticer that your AT schemings have boxed me in; have given me NO
concrete incentives to *not* keep fighting; and have now made it
geographically inevitable that only anti-A actions seem viable.
Given the impending firestorm over Nwy (Eng) and Swe (Ger) next season,
I'd LOVE to divert attention west and north - but I could stand some move
ideas or guarantees (real ones, for once) from you and Hohn. Otherwise,
it'll be "business as usual," with Pitt gaining WAR and SWE in fall.
You guys have rubbed my nose in the dirt with superior play the whole
game; at best I'm a speedbump in the road. But I'll wreck your
undercarriage as a penalty, UNLESS you offer me something better than
nothing. Any ideas?
Tsar Faz
Adjustments
Must every turn in this game process late? Why does it take us a week to
enter retreats and builds?
Vienna (Free Press)
The distant thundering noise of Russian hordes to the northwest in Bohemia
were a minor distraction to BirSauron who once again called forth the Nine
Riders to bring news of the world's attentions.
The Russian's moves since their double reverse in Galicia and the Black Sea
remains a puzzle to those around the Dark Empire. Clearly the shift to
Bohemia would tend to indicate but one intent and that of deliverance of
Trieste to the Italians on a temporary loan.
However what of the strategic options such a move entails. One can hardly
complain about the possibilities of active proposals from Vienna to Moscow
when the Russian army acts in such a manner to reduce the strategic
possibilities rather than increase them.
As pointed out by the Arcane Advisory panel, had the Russians retreated to
Silesia they would have been in a position to expect the negotiation of an end
to the Dark War since there would have been possible cooperations to be had.
Repeatively the Dark Tower has held to the demand that the Russians must
vacate all Austrian soil and yet the Russians are inclined always to negotiate
from a position where they hold the sacred soil. One must grasp the options
only after increasing them to more than a whisper of a nightmare.
>signoff
Edi Birsan
Midnight Games
[email protected]
Web site: www.mgames.com
The Prime Minister wishes to make it known that he *likes* vanilla ice cream.
All offers of frozen confection of any sort will be most seriously
entertained in London.
Gentle King Jamie
>
> [email protected] has signed on as an Observer in game 'ghodstoo'.
>
Hey, ghods, watch out! The Saint has arrived to spy on us!!
I haven't said much lately, but let me take this opportunity to ask for
some more "press to m" updates on your current thinking on the game.
Some of you have been VERY good about this and others of you have been
pretty silent (you know who you are!). Still, I think the game record
will speak for itself.
Jim-Bob
Private message from Master to Turkey:
Hohn, A quick Sunday reminder that you owe ghodstoo a build. With your
busy schedule, I was worried that you would miss getting it in and then
get buried by the week's activities. I've been following your trials
and tribulations (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) in your private press
to other people. Hope things go well for you on the job front! I am
right now in the process of "readjusting" my job to balance a little
closer to academia, so I know how it goes.
Good luck!
Jim
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Austria in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> > where exactly do entertainment lawyers rank
>
> Most lawyers are entertainers.
I hate to disagree, but I am fairly certain that if you took a typical
lawyer (if there is such a thing) and put him on TV next to David
Letterman, or Rosie that we could pretty easily determine who was the
lawyer and who the entertainer.
James
Private message from Italy to Russia:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Thanks for your two notes. Yes indeedy, I was looking for Viennese
> support this turn from Tri. As for War-Gal, let me mull it over. It
> _is_ the logical move, ASSUMING Hohn and Edi aren't still a team.
>
> I mean, I just rec'd a note from Hohn; all of a sudden he's a "convert"
> to the idea of double hits on Pitt and Edi. After I replaced my dropped
> jaw and thanked my lucky stars, I began to wonder about them trying to
> winkle me out of position...especially after Hohn suggested I build F
> StP(nc). And now comes your proposal for hitting Gal.
Well, truth to tell, I've been negotiating furiously with Hohn for the
last two years, up to and including one very long phone call before the
Fall moves. I pointed out that he could get limited centres from you
and Edi was between me and him. His long term prospects are better in
the Balkans at least in terms of centres. Unless he's a very good liar
on the phone (a possibility), he seemed very interested. All he wanted
was to make sure you weren't a threat any longer (as he had said all
along).
The Fall results weren't exactly as I had hoped for, but they were close
enough. A note from Hohn earlier today indicated that he still wants to
do the attack, probably starting this turn.
> I like the idea, I really do. And if Hohn is with us, then it really
> makes Edi's life damn miserable for the next couple turns. I'm just
> hesitant at this stage to leave the Fassio Line in the event this is yet
> another AT fib to lure me out of the final bunker.
>
> Same thing goes for you, Cal. Make sure AT aren't trying any ploy they
> can to sucker your fleets and lull you to sleep, so they don't have to
> fight their way through a wall they can't penetrate!
Of course, I can't be absolutely sure of that. This COULD be a ruse on
Hohn's part and I haven't ruled that out. However, the way I figure it,
if they ARE pulling a ruse, I'm dead anyway. The alternative is to
listen
to Edi who is still trying to get me to go to Eastern Med...
I'll stick with this, I think.
> (Heh heh...this
> BOH gambit of mine is starting to look better each minute! I'm glad you
> got TRI, buddy.)
Uh huh, me to... :)
> Anyway, consider the move to Vie as a 'given,' and I'll sweat the details
> over War-Gal in a couple days. Let me know what Hohn has to say. This
> double offer to us both may be the beginning...or an attempt at 'the
> end.'
I'll let you know what I hear.
Cal
> where exactly do entertainment lawyers rank
Most lawyers are entertainers.
Edi Birsan
Midnight Games
[email protected]
Web site: www.mgames.com
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal,
Thanks for your two notes. Yes indeedy, I was looking for Viennese
support this turn from Tri. As for War-Gal, let me mull it over. It
_is_ the logical move, ASSUMING Hohn and Edi aren't still a team.
I mean, I just rec'd a note from Hohn; all of a sudden he's a "convert"
to the idea of double hits on Pitt and Edi. After I replaced my dropped
jaw and thanked my lucky stars, I began to wonder about them trying to
winkle me out of position...especially after Hohn suggested I build F
StP(nc). And now comes your proposal for hitting Gal.
I like the idea, I really do. And if Hohn is with us, then it really
makes Edi's life damn miserable for the next couple turns. I'm just
hesitant at this stage to leave the Fassio Line in the event this is yet
another AT fib to lure me out of the final bunker.
Same thing goes for you, Cal. Make sure AT aren't trying any ploy they
can to sucker your fleets and lull you to sleep, so they don't have to
fight their way through a wall they can't penetrate! (Heh heh...this
BOH gambit of mine is starting to look better each minute! I'm glad you
got TRI, buddy.)
Anyway, consider the move to Vie as a 'given,' and I'll sweat the details
over War-Gal in a couple days. Let me know what Hohn has to say. This
double offer to us both may be the beginning...or an attempt at 'the
end.'
Death to Austria!
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hello Hohn
Thanks for the upbeat reply! Without sounding like an ingrate, you
probably understand my suspicions and/or doubts that you've suddenly
become an "anti-Austrian convert." Having said that, though, I
definitely would like to see this come about. I may be wrong on this,
but I somehow suspect the A/T was an alljance after-the-fact, whereas I
*really* smell the stink of an A/G here...dunno why.
I'm building two armies this turn and will stand pat, other than going
for Vienna (or hitting GAL) this turn. If and when the stab comes (i.e.,
if Ukr-Rum is really going to happen in spring), then you've converted me
and we're on the march!
If Pitt his me in spring, he'll have to contest a retreat to BAL and
subsequent hit on Ber, so I think he may wait until fall. (Eng may be
the worse one, with two fleets on Nwy!) Once I see you out of UKR, then
you can bet your bippy I'm be much more amenable to Pru or Sil
movements...Germany cannot defend the flank if I'm not defending it for
him, or if you and I make the move...but if we do, Edi *must* be reduced
another 2 or 3, IMO--me in Vie, you in Bud/Rum (eventually Gre), Cal
inTri...
Anyway, Hohn, you're saying the words I want to hear, but let me see the
moves in a spring turn; then I'm in your camp come fall. Count on me
defending this turn (this also allows me to hover near Nwy for any
autumnal battles.
Sound ok?
Best
Mark
Private message from Italy to Russia:
Just looking at some moves and I like your suggestion about supporting
you to Vienna with Trieste. If you follow it up with A War-Gal, it'll
guarantee that we either take Vie or force Alb.
Was that what you had in mind?
Cal
Private message from Italy to Turkey:
> Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> I am indeed still up for attacking Edi. I moved to BUL because I
> didn't trust him completely, and it turned out to be a good thing.
> He's telling me he just moved to RUM to prevent the Russian from
> moving or retreating there, but as we didn't discuss or prearrange
> that particular move, I wasn't exactly thrilled to see it. I've
> played it off as no big deal, but it still grated on me.
>
> As for the support into WAR, that wasn't about bolstering Edi, it was
> about trying to take Mark out. I still don't want to see Mark
> powerful, especially given his history with me this game.
I suspect that Mark's days are numbered and the number isn't
particularly
high given that E/G can pretty well eviscerate him.
> > I really want to stress that taking out Edi is the only way for you to
> > get centres FAST. There are only two more Russian centres left to take
> > and I now have enough units to make it difficult for you and Edi to take
> > me out quick. Also, with the apparent German stab of France, you and I
> > now have enough time to take care of business at our end of the board
> > and move west before they resolve that chaos.
>
> I agree. And I think you can see I'm in prime position to move
> against Edi now. RUM is mine for sure, and BUL is in position to
> attack or support an attack on GRE.
Okay, I think that despite our builds, we are still in good position to
continue anti-Austrian maneuvers. I can keep Trieste this turn for
sure and probably the Fall as well. If you move to the Aegean we'll
be able to take both those centres (Bul/Gre). Any other suggestions?
> If you want to build F NAP, that's absolutely fine, but in light of
> that I must of course build F SMY. Even if those things both occur,
> I'm still open to working with you, and do not intend to launch a war
> against you either.
>
> Let me know if you change your mind about your build.
I think I was the last person in with builds. Should have used SET
WAIT,
I guess. Oh well, doesn't matter now.
Waiting for your comments.
Cal
Private message from Turkey to Master:
Jim,
Thoughts on this past turn.
Grr. Edi was right about what Mark might do. I'd really hoped to
knock Mark down to 4 and build Edi up to 6. As it stands, I still
think it turned out OK, although in a different sense. If things had
gone as originally hoped, Edi and I would be doing well, and it would
make staying with him an easy decision. There will always be a ripe
opportunity for T to stab A in an AT.
Now, I have to consider cutting Edi loose, given the positioning.
It's earlier than I might want, especially since I consider Mark to be
very unreliable, and Cal to be a wild card that I don't completely
trust. (Well, when can you ever completely trust _anyone_ in
Diplomacy...but in any case, I have a lower than average level of
trust for Cal, right now...hopefully, that will change.)
I have little doubt that Cal and I could dice Edi up very quickly.
The kicker is going to be builds. If he does carry through with his
threat to build F NAP, then I will probably stay with Edi. If he
builds A VEN, I might stab Edi. Regardless, I will build F SMY. I
will use "oh, I got your message too late" as an excuse if he decides
to build A VEN, and I suspect we will still be able to work
together...but with me in the position of naval superiority.
Some might argue that the converse position is called for, that given
a stalemate of fleets in ION, I should break the impasse by stabbing
Edi. And that given the opportunity to make headway against Cal in
the Med, I should do that. The latter argument is a reasonable one,
and I might accept that reasoning. But the former argument is not
compelling, at least not to me. The reason is that I've played Turkey
a million times before. It's my second favorite country behind
France, and I seem to draw Turkey more than any other country. And as
Turkey, I can safely play the waiting game. Much more safely than
pretty much any other nation. So long as Cal can't make headway
against me, and without the army build that he will need to make
further gains against Edi, I can sit back and hold my Black Sea
possessions and watch as France eventually turns on Cal, or until Edi
can retake his country. Meanwhile, I can possibly make gains against
Mark. I can't comfortably attack Edi when Cal is poised to move on
against me after Edi is gone.
Hmm. Builds have just processed. Oh well, looks like I will stay
with Edi, since Cal built a fleet. That's fine. Now the war to
retake the Austrian homeland should reach a more favorable conclusion.
And I think Edi and I can still work together well.
Hohn