ar@duke.UUCP (Andrew L. Reibman) (08/04/85)
Commentary on Myers #2 Spring '01
England: F edi -> NWG, F lon -> NTH, A liv -> EDI
Nothing unusual here - a middle of the road move. However with
both Italy and Russia moving strongly to atypical spheres,
this catch-all move seems weak. The need to insure the capture of Norway
will probably prevent the English from establishing an army
on the continent in the Fall. Conceiveably, Italy's condition
for attacking France was that England not be directly invvolved
(which Italy then insured diplomatically by encourageing Russia's
northward plunge).
Germany: F kie -> DEN, A ber -> KIE, A mun -> RUH
Optimal Italian and Russian moves for Germany. Germany can let
the Russians have Sweden or side with the English. Supporting
either side actively will probably give Germany little direct benefit,
but perhaps concessions and assistance can be obtained in other areas.
In the west the Germans can try to grab Belgium or go for Burgundy.
Russia: [F SEV -> bla], F stp(sc) -> GOB, A mos -> STP, A war -> UKR
Russia moves north in force. If Russia was prudent this indicates
support is promised from some quarter (certainly not Turkey
unless this is in early stab), probably Austria, who would
like nothing better than to divide Russia and Turkey. If Austria
sides with Turkey the Russians are in deep trouble.
Turkey: A smy -> ARM, A con -> BUL, [F ANK -> bla]
War with Russia. The Turks will probably pay a high price
to get or keep Austrian friendship. Italy's move away from the East
could lead to a long bitter war in the East.
Austria-Hun.: F tri -> ALB, A bud -> SER, A vie -> BUD
Italy and Austria play it smart and trust each other. With
Turkey and Russia having a spat, the Austrians don't need help
from Italy in the East and get their choice of sides.
The Turks would probably give the Austrians Rumania for their
assistance against Russia, but such an alliance rarely works out
in the long run. The Russians would probably offer the same.
The only danger, is that the Austrians, with the potential gain
of 3 this year, might succumb to being the leader of the pack, and wind
up with all her neighbors joining forces.
Italy: A ven -> PIE, A rom -> TUS, F nap -> TYS
Normally, I consider an attack on France to be a weak opening. But
with England occupied in Scandanavia, and Turkey comitted to attack Russia,
Italy is in a good position to make substantial gains with a German alliance.
After all, if Austria and Russia are already allied against Turkey
there might not be much white meat left for Italy to share in the East.
France: A par -> BUR, A MAR S A par -> bur, F bre -> MAO
France suspects German mischief. A good guess by the Germans and Italians
could cost the French Burgundy or Marseilles if the French go for Spain.
If England and France are allied against R-F-I England can hold out but
France may be in trouble.
Summary, three players (T,R,and I) make aggresive moves against
their neighbors on the first turn. The real winners are Austria
and Germany, who with neighbors at war, are almost assured to be on
the winning side.
Andrew Reibman
...{allegra,decvax,ihnp4}!duke!ar
ps: I'm still looking for another game to get in - anyone have any hints???