Ghent Italian End Of Game Statment
Clint Hall Played Italy
I have never played a successful AI before. I chose to take my chances attacking Doug based on my confidence that Riaz and/or Brad would maintain an alliance with me, and that I felt genuinely secure that Ben and Jeff were not going to be knocking on my door out of the gate. Of course I squandered the opportunity to keep up with the development of the Jones' and fell into the "bigger allies are better allies" rut. I wish I had gotten to 6 centers the same time as Riaz and Brad just to see who would have become the odd man out. That said I was as surprised as any that this game ended when it did.
Doug - Sorry mate, I am grateful you trusted me for one season. No question we play best when we are kitty corner rather than neighbors.
Mike - Once Jeff didn't build F Mar we had little to discuss. Shit happens.
Ben - Normally we do well when we don't interfere in each other's game. In hindsight maybe we should have chatted a bit more and organized something together versus workin' for the man.
Jeff - Always a pleasure being a part of the Dwornicki Union of Forced Labour. Though I am grateful that you chose not to bring out the steamroller.
Riaz - As usual your strategic play was impeccable. Damn you for taking Vienna, damn you.
Brad - I was waiting to share some of that drip coffee in Naples with you, but alas, you didn't bring the percolator. I immensely enjoyed our foray of cheap talk and empty threats.
Nathan - you are still my hero from last year's Dip 'n the Ocean when you spied on Len Tennant and I discussing your demise. That's just classic Dip, you rock.
Thanks to all who participated. Though I started my Dip life playing email/internet, once I played FTF I've never fully accepted PBEM as pure Dip. There's so much to be said for trusting someone and getting royally screwed by them 30 seconds later, versus next week in an email. That adrenaline rush just doesn't feel the same, and with email you can't go home at night physically exhausted from all the stress.
BTW other than a couple people saying they couldn't make the dates for Dip at Clint's, Riaz and Ben were the only players who could, and both on separate days. This lack of interest looks like I'll defer a game at my place until April.
Clint