I guess it's good however for Russia to move into the Gulf of Bothnia, even if they don't want to take Sweden, so that they keep the Germans guessing.

It would be adviseable to take Sweden unless you want Germany getting it.

well Paggas - thats why the game is called "Diplomacy". ;)

talk to germany make sure he lets you have sweden... encourage him (or her) to move to Hol/Ruh/Kie instead so he can put 2 on belgium etc.

you should have a clear idea of his intent by the fall moves... and if you still think he'll bounce you, then instead move to baltic... let his unit go all the way to sweden and be out of the way while he now has to deal with a russian unit touching 4 dots (Ber/Kie/Den/Swe)

in most games (when I am not russia) I encourage germany to go to sweden just to get a negotiating edge on russia - then I make russia fear a german bounce in sweden and tell him to move to Baltic... then I sit back and watch the fireworks ;)

Nice plot Babak :D I'll keep this in mind as Russia...

Of course... if Russia persuades Ger to move Kie>Hol, Mun>Ruh and Ber>Kie, then Germany can take Hol, support itself into Bel and take Den in the autumn. That leaves Swe free for Russia.

On the other hand, I have never seen Russia lose if it gains Swe in 1901. it is the duty of every German player to bounce them out!!

That happens a lot Tarablus

One could support oneself into Sweeden from St. Petersburg on the fall turn, if necessary.

No you couldn't Onar. StP only borders Norway in that region so you have to wait until Spring '02 if you want to support yourself in, but that opens up a huge can of worms in dealing with England and Germany.