jcg@cbosgd.UUCP (Jim Grams) (07/05/85)
Some unsolicited commentary on the St.Johns Diplomacy Game: Spring 1901 > England > > f edi - nwg > f lon - nth > a lvp - edi This a sound, standard move. The army to Edi is superior to Yor (if the French can be trusted) as it gives two convoy possibilities. Russia will keep an eye of that Army -- if it goes to Norway, it is usually a sign England wants a northern expansion. Given all the anti- Russian moves, England would be well advised to get an expeditionary force ashore. > Russia > > <F SEV - BLA> (Fails) > f stp (sc) - gob (Gulf of bothnia) > a war - gal > a mos - ukr Standard fleet movements, but a surprising, aggressive move against Austria. With Germany headed east, though (but France looking menacing on their border) Russia's Austrian stab may peter out as she hustles to secure Rumania and guard Warsaw. Turkey's backdoor move on Sevastopol spells real trouble for the Russians, and Germany's presence in Denmark means further trouble. It appears that Germany and Turkey are out to make 1901 a year to forget for the Russians. > France > > a par - pic > f bre - mid > a mar - bur France wants Belgium, and they want it in 1901! A more aggressive than usual move, and one that is not likely to endear Paris to Berlin or London. Given England's move, I would say the Germans have reasons to be wary. The Russians should cultivate a French alliance immediately. Will France and Italy go for Munich? > Italy > > f nap - ion > a rom - apu > a ven - trl (Tyrolia) A reasoned move. Rome either guessed, or knew, that this was not going to be a typical Spring 1901. I prefer a more passive Italian opening, so as to not make enemies initially, but with France, Germany, Austria and Russia seemingly headed for strange entanglements, Italy's posture in Tyrolia puts them in a nice position. Strong possibility that Italy is working with either France for Munich, or Russia for Vienna. > Turkey > > <F ANK - BLA> (Fails) > a con - bul > a smy - arm Standard anti-Russia move. This move isn't really that good for Turkey unless there is anti-Tsarist sentiment strongly being asserted in either Austria or Germany. Since there is, you can bet the Ottomans have had their hand in stirring up the choas in the East. If Germany wavers, though, the Russians could slip the hook. > Germany > > f kie - den > a mun - ruh > a ber - sil An anti-Russia opening. Normally, I'm against such a thing and prefer a non-aligned Germany that goes for three centers in 1901 and then chooses sides. If the Italians and the French aren't bent of making life difficult for Berlin, this opening may bring fruit. It sure as hell will piss off the Russians. Still, one has to wonder in Germany won't be quickly duped by a neighbor. > Austria - Hungary > > a vie - bud > a bud - ser > a tri - alb A sound standard move, but given the muscle-flexing going on around her, one has to wonder if Austria-Hungary has been paying attention? If Italy can be convinced to go after Germany, and Russia scampers backwards, the Austrians might, might, come out cleanly. Austria should be negotiating heavily to gauge the intentions of Turkey, Russia, Italy and German before deciding to cautiously retreat, or press on to Greece. In all, this is a wild and wonderfully interesting first move. If only one power had made an unconventional move, you might call it foolish, but with only England and Austria-Hungary making the "normal", "safe", opening moves, these players have embarked on what should be a fascinating game. I hope this comments are found to be amusing, and that the GM will keep posting the results.