Commentary End of 06:

Some jaw dropping moves this season (I would be interested in hearing what other commentators have to say).

Well, we are basically down to two theaters of war at this point: the southern theater, and the German theater (sorry, Kaiser, but it's true)

Southern Theater: There is only one thing worth commenting on here: Austria's move to Trieste. Austria...... Please be prepared for some rather colorful comments from Italy if he post an EOG statement. ;) I'm all for a good stab (the more brutal the better), but self-annihilating stabs that destroy your faithful ally? That is something to avoid. Of course, I'm not a 100% sure that this was a self-annihilating stab, but it does seem likely. Austria made a clear overture to Russia with several supports to Rumania. Russia's build in Moscow looks to be a signal of his solidarity with Turkey. So, with R-T continuing to collude, Austria is in need of help from Italy......whom he just betrayed. I'm curious to see how this all unfolds.

German Theater:
First off all, Germany defensive moves were excellent. Very well done proactive defense. Germany appears determined to go down fighting (if indeed he goes down).
The other development of note was the Englishman's moves. It is difficult for me to discern what his intentions were in this. A move against Germany gone wrong? A move against Germany and France gone wrong? What does seem consistent is that this season's moves were bungled. England has a window of opportunity to capitalize on. It will not last forever.

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Yeah people y'all spend time commenting on crazy stuff on the forums anyway! Might as well comment on some diplomacy!

Commentary S07

No countries eliminated and no eliminations are on the horizon.

Southern Theater: As predicted, Russia is quickly bringing his extra army into the fray; thought the impact of this will be felt most keenly in 08 as Galicia seems certain to fall. The most surprising development for this year was Italy's decision to not respond negatively to Austria's seizure of Venice. In most cases like this, a betrayed nation's natural response is to throw everything they have at their betrayer which ultimately wounds both countries involved. Italy decided to forgo this option, securely held the Ionian (notice the Turk went for it with a supported attack in anticipation of Italy's strong anti-Austrian moves), and even offered support to Greece from Serbia. Clearly, Italy is not interested in sacrificing his remaining centers in order to vindictively teach Austria lesson. However, it is equally true that the loss of Venice has been a serious blow to the Italian's power and the safe recovery of this center must be a priority.

German Theater: Again the German manages to outmaneuver the wily Frenchman. The forced disband of the French army in Ruhr is good new for Germany (though it may be a blessing in disguise for France as well) as the wehrmact begins pushing France back to the old stalemate lines. England's moves have brought some much needed relief to the Kaiser. Apparently England's intentions are to assault France and Germany simultaneously. This development negates much of the advantage that England formerly had.. Russia's move to Silesia is interesting and opens up a lot of possibilities for the Russian player during the next couple of seasons.

Unrelated to the game, but I think this is a pretty classy gag on the whole:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HrSN7176XI

Commentary End 07

Finally, some big changes.

Western Theater: Germany and France have retrenched in their usual spots. England pushed France out of the critical MAO sea zone (France wisely decides to retreat to Portugal which, once lost, can be quite a challenge to recover). However, with the destruction of a unit in the spring, France is able to build a second fleet to counter the Royal navy's offensive. If France is able to recover the MAO, having two fleets will lock down the potential of any further British incursions. England seems to have frittered his decisive position away and seems unlikely to make the bold moves necessary to regain his former offensive potential. At this point, it is anybody's game in the west.

Southern Theater: Some rather significant developments on this side of the map. Austria's loss of two centers (one voluntarily) sounds the death knell of the besieged Hapsburg Empire. With 4 Russian and soon to be 3 Turkish units pressing against his borders, Austria's 3 armies are facing virtually insurmountable odds. Russia was wise to bring all of his armies to bear on this one front. The move into Galacia, coupled with his advance into Bohemia, makes it likely that next year will be a growth year for the bear. Germany now has at least one unit to spare that could head east. However, with a rather odd relationship withe England (support to Holland), it is unclear that Germany has the option of fighting on two fronts at this time. Italy's build of a 3rd fleet is an interesting development. His F(08) moves should be illuminating as to what he intends to utilize it for.

The Czech is so full of codswallop! Where the hell are your nuclear missiles mate? Oh, that's right, maybe my spies stole them. Anyhow, First Contact has been made and alien technology shall be used to conquer your mom. BEWARE.

@Barn3tt - England was supporting HOL > BEL, not the opposite...

You're right, misread that one- ty, stratagos

Strat thanks for following! Any comments on the various performances?

not really, been kinda busy with real life.

I will state that I'm seeing some definite tunnel vision in some of these moves - rather that slogging against an enemy for a turn or two and then worrying about the rest of the board, it may be wise to look at where the *rest of the board* will be in a turn or two, and determine what you're going to do about it. Hesitating until it's too late to make adjustments is always a risk, but even more critical in a gunboat, where you lack the ability to communicate except with your moves. Kinda hoping someone will stab someone else once they finish off the immediate enemy is a great way to get steamrollered

Now I am curious to know just who exactly you are talking about...

Do you want that level of analysis? That starts to drift into 'giving advice' and tended to be frowned upon in the SoW....

Send me a pm!

You're actually *playing* this thing, aren't you?

Hmm. True. I was hoping you'd tell me who you were referring to, but that's ok if you don't feel like :D

I'll tell you *after* the game, just remember to ask me, and remind me what game and what year ;)

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phase advanced

stratagos, me too. After the game

spring 08 comments?

I just love following to see how right Barn is :)

He has his own theory about that!

Another phase change. I hope everyone is maintaining notes for end of game statements. I know troodonte likes his long eogs.

You are kidding right?

It's the truth!

You must be thinking about someone else

I never make long EOGS :) really!

I never do, but since this game was supposed to be sort of a teaching situation, I am planning on doing it.

It was an experiment, but ya know. I think we can decide if it worked after the game - I have a few ideas already - and if there is enough interest we can do a new version with new players and not anonymous format.

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