Yeah, Italy should really be in Aegean right now. That's kind of essential to an actual Key. RT kicking the shit out of each other is very nice for them though.

Who signs up for a commentary game, and then complains about the commentary thread?

Spoken like someone who's never played a game with commentary.

I played in a Study Game, but I think the last commentary was in about 1903, if not earlier.

Thoughts on A01.

France - what happened there? Was Bur-Pic a misorder? Bur-Bel would have bounced England and kept Germany at bay. You could have afforded to lose Bre, but things are very tough now with EG each getting two builds. It looks like you will need to hole up in Iberia and hope for benign intervention, such as an increase in northern fleet presence from Russia. But keep talking to both England and Germany. Think about how you can be useful to to either of them if and when there is a schism. Make sure they understand your utility, even if it does not pay immediate rewards.

England - I didn't really like the plan, but it paid off nicely because of Bur-Pic. You should have only gotten one build, and I see the appeal of EG vs. F rather than a scenario where you're the odd man out. Still, the lost opportunity in Nwy likely will be a problem and you are in weaker position than your ally. From where is your next build coming? Par? Iberia? How important to you is the composition of Germany's two builds?

Germany - strong 1901, well done. Two builds, good relations with Russia and England, good position in Bur, and nobody threatening you. I like to have one clear enemy at a time, and you seem to be in that position with France in your sights. You should be thinking about where you will go after you make further inroads against France, and how reduced you want to see him. Similarly, what do you want to see happen among AIR and how can you achieve it diplomatically and strategically?

Russia - you look to be in good shape, despite the loss of Sev. Good job in negotiating Ser-Bul. Turkey backed you into a corner, and you came out swinging. You may yet lose Rum to the AI machine, but you should be able to retake Sev and achieve a stable southern border.

Italy - a two build 1901 is a good year. I don't see any problem with not having advanced to Aeg. The question is what now. Getting to five centers is a good accomplishment for Italy, but the sixth is even harder. How do you protect your isolated army in Ser? Advance to Gre (and does Austria backfill Ser)? How soon do you head west? How reduced do you want to see France, and what are you going to do to see it happens the way you want? Your next moves lay the groundwork for the overall Italian strategy.

Austria - a very nice 1901. I particularly like Ser-Rum when i was expecting Alb S Ser-Gre. The sucky thing about Austria is that things can have gone so well, and yet you still are so vulnerable. For you, I am wondering not from where your sixth center comes, but the seventh. At some point in the next year or two, there probably will be a significant move among AIR. What move favors you, and when is it best to happen? What move crushes you, and how do you prevent it? You've succeeded in the first Austrian objective, to not be insta-killed in 1901. Now is the time to be thinking about where you want to be in two to three years, and directing the rest of the board to achieve that vision.

Turkey - rough turn. The AI collaboration was certainly predictable, and in hindsight Russia's negotiation of Bul was too. Perhaps the press led you to believe Austria would help you against Russia? If not, trying to take on team purple by yourself is a low-odds endeavor. You probably will be kicked out of Sev, but you can turtle up in the homeland and wait for something to happen among AIR that gives you fresh prospects. Better yet, make something happen.

Everyone - keep talking. If 1901 went poorly for you, don't give up. If it went well for you, think about how to keep it going. Players frequently get quiet or bitchy when they hit adversity. Players frequently get overbearing or full of themselves when their early moves paid off. Keep an even keel, wheel and deal.

Autumn 1901:

Turkey:

Turkey is now seeing the risk of opening against Russia, even with a strong starting position. Diplomacy is just as important here as positioning or he won't actually be able to expand. Diplomacy goes beyond the obvious coordination with Austria, though. Turkey also needed to be talking to Germany to make sure Russia didn't get a center in Sweden.

While Turkey does get a build, he now has three enemies and no clear expansion opportunities. The good thing about Turkey is that it can be defended for quite some time. By playing a strong tactical game paired with strong diplomacy, Turkey should be able to get someone on his side. It will take a lot of work, though.

Russia:

A very strong Autumn from a mediocre Spring. Securing SWE was critical. Finding allies in the South was also badly needed and Russia seems to have done a great job with that, too. By securing a DMZ in GAL, WAR was free to move to UKR, which will be essential to recovering SEV. By supporting Austria into BUL, he not only hurts Turkey, he also sets up AI to continue moving against Turkey, which is very good for him.

Austria:

Like Russia, a strong finish to the year from a less than amazing Spring. People often think of Austria as a very weak country, but he's actually able to hold his own against a serious attack, especially with 5 units. The important thing now will be figuring out how to continue working with Italy, who now has a unit in the center of Austria's land.

Italy:

I think the decision to hold off against hitting Austria was a good one. You still got two builds and Austria has little incentive to move against you right now. The important thing with Italy, though, is to make sure you aren't a third wheel in an alliance, for instance, being used to help Russia and Austria eliminate Turkey without securing centers you can actually hold. Making yourself useful against Turkey is important and good, but hopefully you are planning on how to actually hold your centers.

Germany:

Very little to say here because it was an excellent turn. Taking HOL and BUR pairs excellently with England's assault. Allowing Russia into SWE is also good for you as it builds good will with Russia and, more importantly, slows down expansion in the South until you are ready to benefit from it.

England:

This is a set of moves that happened to work well, but could have been a disaster. It was very possible that you could have got no centers this season, if France didn't believe your press, or at least was reasonably cautious. I'll assume you presented France a plan that he bought hook, line, and sinker.

France:

Getting England to move against Germany was critical and could have been accomplished through Diplomacy. That clearly didn't happen, but I'm also concerned by your moves as well. I think taking Iberia was fine, especially assuming you worked out a good deal with France that you thought he'd follow through on. The risk was reasonable, in my opinion.

I don't understand the move to PIC, though. If you were expecting to work with England, then I would imagine you'd either support him to BEL or hit MUN in the hopes of sneaking in. Moving to PIC shows you didn't really trust England, but it also doesn't really defend you against England. Even if you had a deal with England, you could have hit BEL in an attempt to reassert your dominance. Or you could have moved to RUH to break Germany's line.

Basically, there were a lot of things you could have done with BUR but PIC probably wasn't a great choice.

"Everyone - keep talking. If 1901 went poorly for you, don't give up. If it went well for you, think about how to keep it going. Players frequently get quiet or bitchy when they hit adversity. Players frequently get overbearing or full of themselves when their early moves paid off. Keep an even keel, wheel and deal."

QFT. It is only 1901. Everyone is still in a position to do very well this game. While harder for some than others, no position is hopeless. Keep up the diplomacy and ensure you make no tactical errors!

We don't get grades?

Do study groups get grades? : )

I'll grade you after your builds. Choose wisely!

I suppose we get grades if the profs see fit to give them. You always get an A+ in our book, though, DO!

I like grades!

And I'm excited for ATC's player profiles! He said they'd be coming after the Fall turn.

It feels like I'm in school again.

Alright, now things are getting interesting!!

Damn France, things really are spiralling out of control there. Between not securing a friend and whatever that Pic move was about you're in a heap of trouble. It's tough to predict the future, but in that instance probably defending Brest would have been the wiser move but i'm taking it you were gambling on a support move to Belgium or got a wrong idea about a Pic convoy. Moves were probably bad luck, but instincts and failure to make a friend is completely on you unfortunately. You've got a LOT of work to do to recover from this but it's certainly still possible.

I'm going to go on a limb and say Austria/Italy are doing some key-lepantoy stuff in which case, awesome job fellas! It takes some massive watermelon sized balls to pull off something like that. You've even got Russia doing some dirty work for you potentially against his better interests. I don't want to foreshadow too much who's with who and who ought to be with who, but i like where this is going. It'll be interesting to see how much that perceived bond makes others uncomfortable now and how you guys manage that.

Russia, that's a decent enough first year. Getting in Sweden is awesome and an empty Norway and North Sea is even better. I like that your well suited to get back Sevs. Your going to be in a very interesting position moving forward as there's some relationships going on that may or may not see you as a long term value add and your high growth potential could be seen as a negative if your relationships aren't strong enough. You've got some decisions to make and work to do if you want to cement your current positive path.

Turkey, i like the first year enthusiasm but this is the gamble you take when you start so aggressive as Turkey. It's really not looking amazing but the good thing about being Turkey is you've got a lot of potential for weathering storms. That's pointless however if you can't turn some tides so you may want to consider what it's going to take to get 'somebody' on your side. Probably should adopt a mindset of doing whatever you need to do in order to get somebody with you. Get your dealmaker hat on.

England - I like it. I don't know if it was trickery that get you into Brest or fluke or whatever, but you got there so pop the champagne! Some players are going to have options down the road so this is the time you want to consider board balance and making sure you're alliances are as strong as you hope they are or at minimum make sure you have backup plans. Population of foreign fleets in the north is going to be of particular interests to you moving forward, I'd certainly make an effort to influence it.

Germany - Really like your outlook right now! When your a middle guy and the first people on the ropes are corner guys that's awesome. North Sea empty is good, you've got the jump on France, and all your other neighbors seem extremely occupied at the moment. You're going to be in a great position to be quite a popular friend to many for the near future.

By the way, village Idiot, given who put Italy is you might choose a different expression. Just sayin'

Also, please note the number of savvy generals on this list:
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2012/9/6/1128726/-Notable-Eunuchs

*whaps Orion with ruler*

That's enough of your sass, back to your studies! I run a tight ship.

I guess this isn't the time to point out my username is named after this guy:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aihal

Not this guy:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion_(mythology)

*hides under desk*

Detention!!!

I always assumed it was this guy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onion

I think of this guy:

http://yugioh.wikia.com/wiki/Odion

I think of this guy:
https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West

I meant https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West

This forum really needs the option to delete posts..

Yes. Yes it does

Sorry

Zybodia. I'm hurt. At least go with this guy:
http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Davos_Seaworth

bump after builds

1901 Grades

Before I give out grades, a couple quick things:
-I am only grading based on moves and perceived diplomacy based on those moves. It's very possible I may miss some excellent diplomacy that didn't fully materialize in the moves.
-I don't believe in grade inflation, so don't be bummed if you grade isn't wicked high.

Austria: B

A decent year with good potential for growth, although there is substantial risk from an Italian-Russian stab.

England: A

Solid manipulation of and coordination with your neighbors resulting in excellent positioning for the next year. Low chance of an united front against you in the near future and solid builds which will allow you to control the coastlines before others can take them.

France: D

A lack of sufficient diplomacy along with a major tactical error has left you with two enemies without a clear path to untangle from either of them. I suggest you continue talking to England and Germany. You still have things you can offer each of them that may make them willing to turn on each other. Additionally, you should be speaking to other players, such as Italy, Russia, and Austria, in an attempt to secure direct aid or other forms of pressure against EG.

Germany: B

Solid positioning, but I think your builds don't give you enough flexibility. I would have preferred to see a fleet in BER or KIE rather than the army so that you could keep your relationship with England even.

Italy: B

Two builds will help you next year, but your opportunities for expansion are a little unclear. Like Austria, you are risk for a stab, so keeping up communication is critical.

Russia: C

A good recovery in the Autumn from a poor start in the spring, but you are left in a less than ideal position, especially with 2 additional German armies. The positive is you do not necessarily have any immediate enemies, but it is critical to keep up diplomacy with all your neighbors so none of them start poaching your centers.

Turkey: C

A potentially very strong Spring positioning fell flat because of a lack of support from countries you needed as allies. It is possible you will lose SEV and you are unable to grow without getting at least one of your neighbors on your side. Keep up the press with everyone and be sure not to make any tactical errors in order to keep yourself alive as long as possible.

This is a super interesting game. Thanks for not being boring!

I want to touch on a few things:

*** Turkey's options ***

Uclabb already spoke about this a bit, but I think that Turkey should have taken Rumania instead of Sevastopol (and Russia should have been pushing for this, also).

The difference is in options afterwards - with an army in Rumania, and Sevastopol still Russian, the two can work together. With a fleet in Rumania, and a Turkish army in Sev, it's hard for the two to work together.

I'm not saying they should work together (although I think they should, given the Turkish builds), I'm saying that they could, and it would be easy to do so. Having more strategic options is always better.

Also, the possibility of working with an enemy is a big advantage diplomatically - even if Turkey doesn't intend to work with Russia, the possibility that they *could* will give diplomatic leverage with Austria.

Currently, Austria has no need to offer sweet deals to Turkey. Keeping your strategic options open means potential alliance partners have to present you with reasonable (and often good) deals.

Of course, committing hard against a common enemy (and reducing your strategic options) can be effective - as we see in England. It hasn't paid off here, and I think that Turkey could still have gone to Rumania as a hard commitment against Russia.

For the same reasons, I think you should have built a fleet and an army (although I *love* that you disbanded the army to keep everyone guessing). A fleet and an army means you could have worked with anyone. Double fleets means you can't work with Italy, and your position with Russia means you probably *won't* work with them (although if you do, you'll have to be looking over your shoulder to make sure there isn't a vengeance kill coming your way).

*** France's opening ***

I really don't like the supported move to Burgundy outside of gunboat. It's weak against an attack from England, but more importantly, it assumes that Italy is not moving to Piedmont. I'm going to give this next comment a line of its own for all the italian players out there:

Italy should *always* be thinking about moving to Piedmont, and I think should probably do it in about 40% of games.

We see a lot of poor Italian play generally, and I think that results in a lot of great results for France (although, I think we're going to see neither in this game).

The following conversation is particularly bad:

France: Hey, DMZ Pie?
Italy: Sure, why not.

It's usually hidden in this, which is still bad:

France: Hey, DMZ Pie/GoL/Wes/Naf?
Italy: Definitely!

France is not going to attack Italy in 1901. So, giving that DMZ for free is not necessary. Secondly, its natural for France to put a fleet in Spain's south coast, which means that France has a huge upper hand over Italy if there is ever any aggression.

So, I think if you make that DMZ you both want to trade it for something real. Uclabb and I both agree that including "no fleets in spain's south coast" in the deal makes it even - and I've made that deal as both Italy and France, to good success. You may have success with other deals (like support to Munich, or a move against England).

"but uncle ATC, I won't get anything if I move to Piedmont!"

Well, maybe. You might. But that's not the point - the point is not giving France free tempo for no reason.

Of course, I have no idea what deal was made in this game - if any. If France asked for the DMZ and Italy accepted, then good on France. If Italy proposed it, then why are you throwing away the defensive advantages that Italy has?

So! If Italy moves to Piedmont and you've supported yourself to Burgundy (presumably because you really want to have a say on Belgium, and you're worried about Germany being in Burgundy if you go to Picardy), then you no longer have a say on Belgium (or you have to give up a build to do it, which is definitely not worth it).

The other disadvantage is that I don't think being in Burgundy early is worth much to France- nearly everything else you can do with that unit gives you more tempo (holding or bouncing with Paris in Burgundy are the only worse options, I think).

For the record, here is my favourite French opening, which works even if all three come to attack you, and doesn't hamstring you if they don't:

Mar->Bur
Par->Gas
Bre->MAO (or the channel, if you're feeling feisty or think England is an asshole)

Of course, what's happening to you now isn't really because of your Spring 1901. I suspect it's diplomatic and you got taken for a ride.

*** Defending against a strong alliance ***

I don't want to spend too much time on this, because it's also kind of a France post - but as uclabb already said, to defend against a strong alliance, it's important to unbalance them.

A lot of players hear "give one player all your centres" at that point, and I don't want anyone at the table to hear that - it's *one* way to unbalance a partnership, and I don't think it's the best tool (after all, wouldn't you prefer to keep your centres).

This is kind of related to the post to Turkey above- but it's important to arrange the distribution of units and centres so it's hard for the allies to work together - or at least maximises the friction between them.

In this case, I think you should have built in Marseilles. It would have pushed Germany and England closer together, rather than forcing them to choose between continuing to build trust (by supporting someone to Paris) or having Germany move towards the balanced split they'll aim for (by taking a swing at Marseilles).

If you *have* to lose centres, don't just give them all to one player. Give the wrong ones to the right player. You're Austria, under attack by Russia? Offer to support Russia to Serbia. Much harder to run the R/T from there, and most players will say yes to more centres.

To defend yourself here, France - think about the easiest and hardest paths for England and Germany to cooperate, and then only give them the hard paths.

*** Austria's options ***

If you're responsible for the double fleet build you should be very proud! I love that you can work with any of the players around you - no one is a bad choice for an ally.

I don't want to repeat the arguments, but for those following along at home, for essentially the same reasons that Turkeys choices reduce options, the following is excellent:

* Russian fleet in Rum meaning Bud and Ser are less threatened (I know you don't own Serbia)
* Two fleets from Turkey making an I/T less likely
* Turkish army in Sev making a threat from Russia less potent
* A strong commitment from Italy.

I hope, though, that you at least asked Italy not to build in Ven. I would have said no, as Italy. But I hope you at least asked for it.

Similarly, I would have been pushing for a northern build from Russia- if you're going to work with Russia, then you'll need it, and it's good for your alliance with Italy, because it gives Russia less capacity to come in and help if Italy decides to tear you apart.

*** The Italian position ****

I love that you built that army in Venice.

Until the Turkish builds, I was going to predict an Italian solo here. But it's going to be a different game now.

I agree with the comments above that skipping Tunis for the Aegean would have been wonderful. I don't think it changes your position too much, though.

*** The future ****

In the west, we have an incredibly strong E/G, who have done very well against France. France's job now is to not die - but for the rest of you, I want you to be thinking about how the board is going to look if England and Germany keep rolling. Who will you be allied with when they arrive? Where will your units be? Do you need to change the alliance structure in order to be better positioned?

*** England's builds ***

I don't know that I like F Edi. It can't put any more pressure on France than F Lvp can at the moment. I suppose you can go for Norway, but if you do then Russia probably retreats to the North Sea (because they're almost certainly moving to Norway in the Spring).

I would have preferred A Lon, for convoy to the mainland. Your build this year would then have been Paris (although I don't think it's certain). Moves would have been something like:

Bre->Pic, s by Bel
Lon->Bre, c by Eng
Lvp->NAO

Popping units in France is normally bad, as they might come back as fleets. But since you have Brest and France is probably going down a centre, I think it's ok.

I feel less strongly about this criticism than I do the rest of the post. Maybe it's ok to have Russia in the North Sea - they may have a disband anyway, and you'd have a build.

*** Parting remarks ***

I haven't written about everyone - if you're a player and you feel I've missed you, PM with a question or two and I'll try to answer.

This is an interesting game, and I think results could be anything from a boring four way draw to a solo.

Oh! Wait - I just re-read abgemacht's post:

Germany - I am really really really glad you didn't build a fleet. There are times when flexibility is good, and there are times where it is not.

It is *not* good when you and an ally are steamrolling towards the main stalemate line. You don't need fleets to "keep England honest", you need England continuing to roll with you to keep them honest (which is exactly what is happening).

Building a fleet would just spend some of that tempo that you've snatched from France on bet hedging - in some games that's ok, but your start hasn't been based on bet hedging, so I don't think you should start now.

"keep your relationship with England even."

This is an important point, but I would do it with positioning elsewhere - such as a fair spilt of France (and other centres that you will be looking towards as allies), and well constructed DMZs. The fleet in Belgium is a good start, as is not having a unit in the North Sea (although it's not balanced between you if you're in Denmark with an empty north sea).