Broadcast message from N-Lvp in 'fools':
My thanks to the Master and players for an enjoyable game!
I was quite happy to find that I received my top choice for a power in 'fools'. I really wanted to start out with an army in Liverpool and conquer the British Isles, and from there maybe all of Europe.
With 1900 builds, the first of my setbacks occurred when London also built an army. Little did I realize how difficult the Londoner was going to make life for me.
In 1901, we both made a play for Yorkshire and bounced. In the fall, I thought I would try to make an ally out of London by supporting him to Yorkshire. It remained my intention to be the first English power to pick up a second SC, however. So, I knew I would have to play it a bit cagey.
In 1902, I hoped that Yor would go to Edi and that I could follow into Yor and see whether I could somehow play this into picking up the London SC. This was a pretty weak move on my part and I think that it would have been far better had I taken the Londoner up on his/her offer of Edi. At least I would have had an opportunity to guess whether London would come to Lvp or Edi in the Fall. I suspect that it was this move in the Spring of 1902 (Lvp-Yor) which ensured that I would never have a London ally.
Then, in Fall 1902, London outguessed me again. I took Edi, but at the loss of Lvp. If I had only bounced in Lvp, London would have been out of the game and I would have had the position I was interested in -- my army and two fleets in England. Aaaarghh.
I don't know what London was trying to do in S1903. Probably simply get me out of position. But I attacked Lvp, signalling my intent to wage war with London for control of the Isles. And, sure enough, we went head to head in F1903. I kept hoping against hope that someone would make a serious move to England so I could bring another unit to bear against London, but it was not to be.
In S1904, London apparently was willing to play the guessing game with me again and moved out of Lvp, so I slipped in. Now all I had to do was hold that SC. Of course, I misguessed again and tried to bounce the non-existent London attack on Edi. As London slipped back into Lon, his build guarenteed my demise.
In 1905, London completed my elimination. Kudos to London!
I wish I had an opportunity to play longer, but it was fun while it lasted! Congratulations to the eventual winner(s)!
Mike Frigge
N-Lvp in 'fools'
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