I assume we are allowed bumpage? And perhaps a reminder who the TAs are?

Sure. Bumps and basic info are permissible :)

Good luck to all the students!

Bump

Good luck, students!

Pre-Game:

Each phase, I will post my thoughts on each country individually starting with what I believe is the top country on the map and work my way to last place. Place is based on position, opportunity and center strength and thus the top country might not always be the guy with the most centers. I will give my "professional" opinion as a reflection on what has occurred and comment on whether the moves were good or bad and, for the most part, not comment on possible future events. During retreat phases, I may or may not comment depending on whether the situation warrants it while the Builds, or Winter Phase, I will post my predictions on builds without giving an explanation as to not give away vital details in an effort to help students learn to critically read the board by asking "why is that so?". At various points, I will try to give insights into past seasons on why I said what I did and will attempt to always provide information that might strengthen core fundamentals as I understand them.

As a general overview, keep your press in mind. If you do nothing else, always make sure to continue press where you are able. I believe that press frequency is, in many ways, more valuable than content alone. Check in often to avoid NMRs because theu destroy games--both yours and those that rely on your regular play.

Last, make sure to talk to your mentors. Great pains were made to set you all up with capable players in your area. Use them for their insights but be your own player. Try to not let my posts influence what youre doing because while I do have the skill to read a board, the diplomacy behind the situations can provide information that might cause me or someone else to misread a situation.

I wish you all good luck, and hope that this is an invaluable game for you regardless of the outcome. No one wins and draws in all games, and sometimes a loss is inevitable and no amount of press or tactical play can turn some games around.

Best of luck to all of you. I'll be following this game. I assume questions can be asked by the general public?

Absolutely. I encourage anyone following the game to ask such questions, especially the people who didn't get into the SoW games this season.

Comments: celticfox in turkey, i've seen that before; Good luck, i almost wish i was your TA.

The other players i don't know, good luck to you.

May i comment on opening strategy?

What is a TA.... Training Advisor ?????

@ PeteU, you scallywag, hope you are "as fit as a trout" & having fun......
i have improved my Russian opening and now understand the importance of S*****a
& now think of having 3 fronts not just north and south, & there's a touch of my experience(s) with you to thank, but i also got very casual and tried some really different openings.
rather than the old gal, ukr & black sea routine

@ PeteU... what's bumpage ????

bumpage is bumping a thread by posting an (almost) empty message like 'bump'

The third front (against Germany) is often suicide for the german player... usually because of the other western powers.

in the south Austria and Turkey rarely co-ordinate, but will be happy to have your assistance is you are busy defending against the german... In the north, england may co-operate with germany, but if the gains will be limited to stp and norway, then england has better options to take....

TA: teaching assistant.

In the school of war i believe they advise the students and answer any questions they might have... they don't give lectures or involve themselves on a larger scale with lesson plans...

SPRING 1901

Each season, I will have some general comments and then break the game down into the two spheres and list the countries in order from strongest position to weakest. This early, its often based on opening but does not mean one position is "stronger" than another--usually.
That said, there are certainly things that need addressing and some powers are definitely in a better spot than others.

The West
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Germany
Given the self-standoff in the NTH, you're looking beautifully. The 3 builds coming to you this year is a rarity that is always more a blessing than a curse, although some might argue otherwise and try to dissuade you from taking all 3. In terms of your opening, I prefer the Denmark Blitzkreig over the Danish variant far more because it's generally regarded as neutral even though it's less popular with Russia, while the Danish opening is more committal and reserved for special occasions. For the fall, I expect to see 3 builds. Great job, although that job was more the movements of other countries.

France
At the number two spot, it's not a bad number two. I will start by saying that I generally disagree with the opening. because the Gascony opening, in my mind, is more telling and affords less opportunities than opening one army to Pic. I know that the convoy that will follow is more convenient and defensive in case England opens to the Channel, but a Channel opening is not frequent, it gives up on Bel altogether, and if I'm playing England, I always fear French fleet sliding into the IRI or NAO in S02. Here, it has the added disadvantage of preventing a 3 build Germany from popping onto the map. A move to Pic allows you to offer Bel to either England or Germany and can buy an ally with the promise of support. Now, that said, I don't hate the move because Gas is a spot I love to park an army if I am trying to honor DMZs while wanting instant protection to any home center in just one move. This fall, I expect to see two builds.

England
Oops. By now, you have opened your game and seen the accidental self-standoff and you've got that queasy feeling in your gut, swearing and/or punching old ladies and kicking puppies. Clearly, you have more ground to make up than most players. I am obligated to start by telling you the obvious--most games where England botches something in 1901, spring or fall, and doesn't get a build, everyone views it as proverbial blood in the water and a feeding frenzy ensues. Now, having said that, you are, no doubt, sending frantic messages to your neighbors seeking some sort of sign that things will be all right. I tend to be a bit more empathetic toward English players if I'm playimg France or Germany and will sometimes try to ally with the cripple because they are frequently a sure ally that can't turn on me very easily. However, it has been my experience that English botches result in early graves because of the power imbalances that result. It tells the east that the west will consolidate into two powers far more quickly than normal and that they had better get their act together or figure something else out. While it will be difficult to bounce back, it is not impossible and with enough press, the right moves and a lot of determination, it can be done. Don't throw in the towel because there is almost always something you can do to turn things around.

The East
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There really isn't much to say here. The span of vanilla openings aren't telling. I expect to see 1 build from both Turkey and Italy and two for Russia and Austria. It's difficult to make any assumptions from things and I agree with the openings presented. No country is the stand-out leader and in the fall, there will be more to say. Usually, in openings like this, I expect to see three countries working to find the affections of Austria but who the benefactor(s) will be is entirely up to the press. Lepantos are almost always discussed and most of the east expects to see one when they occur, and when they don't occur, only Austria expects to see it :). The BLA bounce is always expected, but I usually try to avoid a Gal bounce where possible. For both Russia nad Austria, it allows me to move more freely with my units. Russia would have had the opportunity to move two north or simply hold while Austria would have had plentiful opportunities. Usually if I'm agreeing to a DMZ, I keep it because by not keeping it, I commit myself to an assault before I know what the rest of the east is doing. So, take it as me saying "try first to avoid a bounce unless your partner forces the issue".

Bump

I'm sorry that I didn't see this thread before. My apologies to everyone for being late to class. Allow myself to catch up with everything so I may post some more detailed comments, which at this point may be retroactive in their usefulness.

As far as the Pre-Game goes, I would like to agree with what Tru Ninja said. I would also like to add to it by saying to not be afraid of using the Global chat in this game. While it may not be a Public Press game, use of the Global chat by "accidentally" mis-sending messages and various other tactics are fair game and can sometimes catch people off guard and so the distrust you need to break up strong alliances.

Also, be aware that this is a Winner-take-all (WTA) game, which implies different tactics may be utilized than a Points-per-supply-center (PPSC) game. You and all six of your rivals should be trying to reach that magical 18 which is so sought after in this game.

Now to address the season I have missed. While Tru Ninja will be splitting the board, I while try and keep the rankings unified so you can see how I feel you are doing overall. As both Russia and Italy can easily break into the West, this system makes sense to me. Keep in mind this is without knowledge of the private press going on, which is a major part of this game. I would recommend reading all of the countries comments as it may help you work with or against that country.

Spring 1901:
1. Germany - Due to England's mistakes and France moving more South than East, you have an easy year and will get three builds. While a typical opening for Germany, it has served you well. Choose your allies and builds wisely going into the next year. I don't have much else to say on this other than keep up the good work and don't be afraid to press the advantage.

2. Russia - While all these next few countries are very close together, I have to give this one to the Tzar. While I agree with Tru about things being more telling in the Fall, I do see England's mistake as an advantage of Russia, along with it starting at four centers, which should expand to six, should things go well this turn. The only thing I can see costing Russia the number one spot is by opening South and not North, there by losing the chance at three this turn, but no one could really force England's North Sea misorder.

3. Austria - The Lepanto opening from Italy speaks well for you, and I'd say more so for you than Italy himself. Although, I am not a big fan of the classic Lepanto, so I may have some bias. An easy two builds for you brings you up to five without upsetting to many people I'd say. The Fall should reveal if anyone else in the East is on your side.

4. France - Now, while you may be gaining two builds, you've left yourself wide open. Luckly, England's moves allow you to negotiate with Germany about working together against a "seemingly" weaker rival while you rebuild your defenses. You've also allowed Germany to become the strongest player on the board, with an easy avenue to get even bigger. Use that potential fear to your advantage in your press. WTA games often turn into stop the leader games.

5. Turkey - The typical Turkish opening. Doesn't anger anyone, but doesn't necessarily make any friends. Just what everyone is expecting. The likely hood of 1 build is high, pending the press you have with the others. This next turn could reveal any alliance you may have. Being Turkey, you have a nice defensive corner. Make good use of that.

6. Italy - I hate the Lepanto as Italy. The classic Lepanto that is. I find it very slow and very boring, but sometimes, it will get the job done, if you can wait. Due to all the classical openings, this is the only reason I rank Italy so low. That and the fact that I hate playing Italy. I wish you good luck. I know that I would need it in your position.

7. England - Wow. Almost as bad as a Yorkshire Pudding. I've seen great players come back from it and win the game, however, so not all is lost. Are you talking to your mentor/TA? Be sure to keep in close contact with him/her. They are here to help you. Now is the time to open up your diplomatic skill book and work some magic in the press. It is your key to survival. You were correct in one thing in that mistake. The North Sea is vital as England.

I disagree about France being "wide open". Germany wont move inon Bur. It makes no sense-- you forego a third build to move into a zone that will be covered by two new French builds and you force him to build two armies instead of an army and a fleet and also force him to seek aid from an England that would be more willing to work with a 5-center France than a 6-center Germany.

France doesnt really have much to worry about unless three nations move on him in 01, and even then, the army in Gas covers a lot of ground.

For he Lepanto- I like it. Its neutral for the first year instead of moving on Austria which is a highly committal opening that you have to be sure about. If I did anything different, it would include a move to Pie instead of a hold. I've seen a growing trend in French players pushing into the Med in 02 and 03 and Italian buiods slow way down in the second year.

I do agree about Russia wishing he had two north on a phase like this spring, which goes back to the Gal bounce.. Im eager to see the fall moves and I expect to have a lot to say.

I have a question for the professors. Tru in his commentary mentioned a French convoy, but the only one of that I see is from Gas to Port. But the same thing can now be accomplished with simply moving Gas-Spain, and Spain-Port. Would you say it is better for France to keep that fleet in MAO this turn, or use this opportunity to move to any of the neighboring seas (West Med, EC, Irish, or NAO)?

@Goldfinger: Great question. However, I think the issue here, given the situation, isn' that the MAO fleet is for defense, although you are correct in that a convoy is the same as simply shuffling units, keeping the fleet in the MAO has several possible purposes:

(a) A convoy to Por in the event of Mar bouncing in Pie or Bur (not seen here)
(b) A quick move into northern waters, as you mentioned, however it does so alone and indicates an attack on England prior to builds giving England to build A Lvp instead of A Edi followed by a convoy out when the fleet shifting occurs (here it's unnecessary-although it does always signal French intentions)
(c)Allows for a faster return trip. Keep in mind that an army in Por takes an entire year to return to action by moving via land but maintaining a fleet in the MAO and suspending its full usefulness to convoy a Por army back into action at either Gas or Bre can prove invaluable.
(d) It allows the fleet to push into the Med in the spring if F Mar is built which speeds up an attack. From there, the Por army can be convoyed to NAf while French fleets are positioned in GoL and WES to commandere Tunis or convoy to Tus in a swift move.

Here, it's not going to be a defensive move because there's nothing to defend against. What the French do with it is entirely up to where he wants to go, who he works with, and what his short-term goals are (goals that take 1 to 2 years to carry out) and it's not my place to say one way or another what's best for him at this stage. However, I do have an idea of what I would like to see and I will comment on that next season. I've found that when I put too much commentary out there, players tend to follow my views and it changes the game.

Not sure if KingRashard wants to field this question as well or not but I'll leave the floor open to him as well.

I would ask that with these kind of questions the professors leave out actual advice on specific moves as Tru was careful to do above, and instead answer those questions once the turn goes through.

Though all the students should be asking their TA's what Tru and goldfinger mean if they don't already know, because the answer to that question and which set of moves are used is going to indicate a lot about the alliances in the west.

Even for countries like Turkey and Austria who aren't immediately affected by the western moves I would advise that all the players make sure they understand the reasoning behind all the moves occurring on the board. Understanding the board and learning how to predict likely moves lets you figure out how people around you are going to play. This is the main reason all the students have TA's. The students should make sure to ask the TA's about any moves they don't understand and maybe even work through predicting the other side of the boards movements. Imagine yourself in each of the other 6 players positions and figure out the best move you can come up with and then see if those are the moves that happen. If not figure out why, the answer is usually an indicator of alliances you didn't realize existed. I just briefly covered this so feel free to ask the professors to explain more if need be.

I'd just like to say i disagree with almost everything the profs said. But then i do like to argue... Ok some things i disagree with less than others.

The only advice i can offer is 'Be more courageous!' (¿Like England?)

What I meant by France being wide open is the fact that he moved all south. If Germany moved straight into Burgundy on the first turn, and England had a better opening, it could have been bad for France. The gambled paid off, but it had some risk.

As far as goldfinger's question goes, I will remain silent on that one. It was Tru's commentary thought brought on the question and I believe he did an excellent job of explaining his thoughts. I do know what I would do with the fleet, considering France should get two builds this season, but I will bite my tongue.

One other thing to consider about Mar - Spa, Spa - Por: it's a good idea to put fleets in places where fleets want to be and armies in places where armies want to be. For example, a fleet in Denmark can do a whole lot of things, while an army in Denmark is a roadblock. So leave Denmark to the fleets.

Similarly, the right thing to put in Portugal is almost always nothing, and an army in Portugal is the worst possible case -- Portugal is the sole location on the board where an army can only move to one adjacent territory. As a result, if I ever find myself putting an army in Portugal, the first thing on my mind is always "how can I quickly get this army someplace useful?" Obviously owning Portugal is worth the temporary inconvenience of having to put something there. Faced with multiple options for how to take Spain and Portugal, France should be thinking this turn about where he thinks he's going to want those units in 1902, and how to set himself up to get them there as quickly as possible.

So if Russia had opened
army Moscow to Ukraine
fleet Sev to Balck sea
fleet St P to G o B

and army Warsaw to Silesia
Germany wouldn't become the threat he now will with a 3 sc 1901
& it's the perfect response to the Denmark- Sweden bounce

I think adopting the Silesia opening move has been the best inprovement to my Russian openings, I'll trade Rumania for Sweden & Berlin,

It's a strategy of turning Germany & the surrounding sc's into a "northern Balkans"
France & England see a vulnerable Germany & cannot resist the temptation.

well Fance has to decide on western med & Tubnis & attack Italy,
or Irish sea and really wind up England
but if I have France & i am after England it's the Eng Ch for me
& I disagree with the notion that for England the 2 fleets north opening
has that much to offer over fleets to North sea & Eng Ch
& army to Ed

If you play 2 fleets north & army to Yorkshire, France lobs a fleet into Eng Ch
you then use fleet(s) to take sc's and the army to defend London,
france ignores London uses the fleet to help attack Belgium,
then with an army in London England has to build a new fleet in Ed or Liverpool.

I am a mug player so i accept that lot's of better players are shaking their heads at my foolishness

but one of my "axioms" is

use fleets to control vital seas and use armies to hold land based sc's

obviously Tunis and Denmark Con, are exceptions to that axiom

i was looking into various players previous games & I found a game where a chap won with England and he did not build a 3rd fleet until he had more than 8 sc's.

It was Scandalous, but he'd just convoy an army over to Europe capture a sc, build an army , convoy it over to Europe, & kept repeating the pattern, very good convoys,
didn't have any or many failed convoys
England with a 6 army 2 fleet ratio of unit choice at 8 units, very promiscuous.

@MM:

What you're proposing in terms of openings isn't *wrong* -- there are diplomatic situations in which most openings can be made to work. Rather, the problem is that you are locking yourself into one possibility very early on, and letting the board react.

What you are doing most immediately with War - Sil is getting nothing; if Germany can get both Hol/Bel as in this opening, he'll let you into Berlin or Munich, build two armies, and kick you out unceremoniously in S02. Otherwise, he'll cover both Ber/Mun and you get no builds, then he offers Sweden to England. At the same time, you present a tempting target for the A/T. You're likely to find yourself on the wrong end of a losing war in the south.

Basically, the point is that early in the game, you are trying to find yourself on the good end of a pile-on. You have two natural neighbors in the south, who are, themselves, looking for a 2-on-1. Making yourself vulnerable makes it easy for them to find one, in the same way that it's natural to see an E/F if Germany can't get Belgium. So, the usual response to an immediate R/G war is going to be that both lose. The only way in which such a war makes sense is if you are already very confident that you aren't going to face an A/T -- otherwise, what's the rush? Germany isn't a threat to you with three builds anyway.

The point is, don't go making enemies out of people who don't have to be your neighbors until you've taken care of your own backyard. At some point in the midgame, you're going to have to deal with Germany, yes. But you have to survive the early game, first!