Well, disbands are tough. They are almost always painful. I think I like Russia disbanding a northern unit there to wash his hands of the north and focus in the south. That makes sense given he was just stabbed by a joint attack from England and Germany. Disbanding Norway and not Baltic is an enticement to England to join him against the board leader. Russia has strong arguments he can make to England right now to try to take a brown center rather than a purple one. I wouldn't just assume an English move to St. Petersburg.goldfinger0303 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 12, 2019 4:14 am1) Why do you think Russia disbanded Norway? How does the impending English move to StP affect Russia's neighbors and their gameplans?
If I were Turkey there, I would have been pretty interested in attacking Austria too, just based on the board. I would have expected Germany to help Austria against Italy on that move, not just slide through to Piedmont. So I did not expect the A/I squabble to stand still. In that event, Turkey wants to keep Austria from growing too big, and getting a build while orienting Russia towards Austria is a major win for Turkey.goldfinger0303 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 12, 2019 4:14 am2) What are the benefits from Turkey's stab of Austria here over taking Rumania? Italy and Austria are/were still embroiled in a fight. Why not let them squabble and grow elsewhere?
Well, sure, France has strong arguments to make. But so does Germany. The E/G alliance is traditionally excellent for England. It is a joy to own a corner with an ally on the inside because eventually the inside ally has to turn to face the rest of the board, and then you have total control. So if I were England in this E/G, I wouldn't love the center count at the moment, but I would have some optimism about my long-term prospects if I can convince Germany to value parity. Were I Germany, I would be making a pitch about being grateful for England's help, and being eager to reward him with some centers to take a target off my back as the board leader -- a terrible place to be in 1902 (or so I would say).goldfinger0303 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 12, 2019 4:14 am3) How does Germany keep England on his side? France is in whole fortress France mode now, and with 5 SCs can keep a combined German/English force at bay for years - even with Germany in Piedmont and Burgundy. England surely won't have forgotten that it was Germany who put him in a bind and France who has now twice offered support.