Some of you may be angry at me for pushing for the solo in spite of so many CD’s. I feel bad about it a little bit myself. But this was my reason: I voted Draw/Cancel at the very beginning of this game, even before the first phase ended, when Austria and Turkey CDed, even though I had the most to gain from their CD’s. I was astonished that of the five left, NO ONE else voted. It wasn’t until 1903 that anyone else did, and that was only England, and it was only (presumably) because he was getting attacked by France. If you want to end a game because of CD’s, do it at the beginning – not once it’s clear someone *else* is going to solo. For some reason, Germany still hasn’t voted draw – perhaps he does not see the writing on the wall that he has no fleets, and I can overpower the entire board with mine. (At this point, England, Germany and I are the only ones still in the game) (Autumn 1906, and Germany has now voted Draw)

So if you disagree with my reasons, I’m sorry. I understand, and I can’t say I blame you for being angry. But if you oppose playing with CD’s, vote to draw and cancel as soon as they happen – not after I’ve wasted an hour and a half playing a game. I hope you understand my reasons and feelings as well. This isn’t really a solo I’m proud of.

And if anyone was wondering why I didn’t take Moscow: I wanted Russia to have a resign on his record. I considered doing the same for Turkey, but decided against it, as him coming back would have caused me major problems.