Not sure, but it looks like we have a replacement. We still need one in the SoW game.

Bump. Anyone interested in the SoW game?

Beep beep beep beep beep

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

Clear!

*zap*

Beeeeeeep beep beep beep beep beep

Only if I can get a student who promises to talk with me.

Bump

I find it funny how clashing personalities and philosophies in press can show themselves on the board when players enter their orders. Russia has been fairly peaceful since he grew into a massive power early on in the game, allying with England and now trying to ally with Austria. Austria, on the other hand, seems very much dedicated to the I/A, trusting that Italy isn't going to pull any stunts. Austria's decision might be considered a little more reckless - it wouldn't have been difficult for him to avoid spurning anyone, pushing Italy to move west and Russia to stay away as well. What it appears happened, though, is that Austria found a reason to put his faith in Italy and ask for his unilateral support in fighting Russia. Italy appears to be prepared to give that support, potentially leaving Russia with only England as a major ally. To me, this means that Austria knew from the outset that, if he felt Italy could be trusted, he would work only with him and not with Russia, leading me to believe that Austria has been stringing Russia along this entire time.

This whole scenario puts Italy in danger of being the enemy of the two great powers and the friend of the underdog - something like Goliath 1 and Goliath 2 facing the I/A that we'll call David. It means that, while Italy and Austria's combined power make them a fairly formidable force, the fact that Austria remains reliant on Italy may slow Italy's own ability to grow or even defend what he still has, leaving him weak. Ultimately, though, Italy's overabundance of armies that he initially used to fight Austria are now tied up supporting Austria, leaving him short of any formidable naval force and without a risk-free disband if he ends up needing one.

Also note England's move out of Sweden - potentially a sign of loyalty even as the game boils down to its final few. Were he to take Norway while Russia is there, Russia's retreat option is to Sweden. There is no reason that England would want to let him slide there, which effectively rules out a major English stab this phase if he had any inclination in the first place.

Bump

Whoops, England missed his move. At least it wasn't disastrous.

Bump

The game should not draw here. One of the most important parts of the game is being able to turn winning positions into wins and losing positions into draws. I would encourage the players to play on

I agree that the game shouldn't just end, though it's ultimately up to the players. As far as the learning curve as a Diplomacy player goes, though, playing the end of a game on both sides of the ball - trying to solo and trying to stop solos - is probably the most important thing to learn if you want to get really good.

I'm gonna jump in and say that, while uclabb being right is a given, the fact that even bo can see you should be playing on means that it's very clear that you should be playing on.

Ghug's +1 whoring has extended into the School of War series. Newer additions to our fine website don't need to see this behavior, ghuggles.

Just a question, what are SoW and SG games, what are the differences from a normal one? I saw there was a post on the rules a month or so ago, but didn't look at it because it was so long.

It's not direct enough to be +1 whoring. I just thought everyone should see a second meaningful opinion and be reminded of your questionableness.

SoW games are for inexperienced players and have commentary on the forums from top players and bo. Normal SoW games also have experienced TAs assigned to each player to give advice.

Oh, seems rather interesting. Glad something good is happening on this site, and I wish I knew about this when I came on.

Study Group Autumn 1911

Note - these options are not exhaustive and are only presented as an optimal set of conditions in order for each power to solo.

English solo checklist:

Iberia [X]
Tunis [X]
St. Petersburg/Scandinavia [ ]
Either (Munich/Berlin) or (Moscow/Warsaw) [ ]
… Alternate: Rome/Naples [ ]

English solo odds: about the same as Trump becoming POTUS.

French solo checklist:

English Isle [ ]
St. Petersburg/Scandinavia [ ]
Tunis [ ]
Munich/Berlin [ ]

French solo odds: about the same as the odds of me getting a date with Jessica Alba

Italian solo checklist:

MAO [ ]
Austria [ ]
Turkey [ ]
Munich [ ]

Italian solo odds: somewhere between Leicester City winning two titles in a row and CNN publishing a story with journalistic integrity

Austrian solo checklist:

Munich/Berlin [ ]
Moscow/Warsaw [ ]
Tunis [ ]
Balkans [ ]
Turkey [ ]

Austrian solo odds: about the same as the odds of ghug and I being a closeted couple

Russian solo checklist:

Turkey [X]
Munich/Berlin [X]
Austria [ ]
… Alternate: Tunis/Italy [ ]
Scandinavia [1/3]

Russian solo odds: Golden State Warriors

So you're saying only Austria and Russia have a chance?

Only England, Russia, and Austria have a chance. Ghug, what do you think?

Any spectator thoughts on this game? I'm personally stunned at the stability of the I/R and how long it's lasted and, assuming they've both promised each other a 17/17, what are the odds of it actually happening?

Solos are created by having the people trying to stop you out of position either tactically - units out of position/wrong units, strategically- one of the players who is critical to the effort to stop you would be eliminated in that case, or diplomatically - everyone hates each other. England especially and Russia somewhat should be thinking about what their path is

Bumped during the pause.

Hi guys. I'm back into internet for the week. If people are alright with it, I'm going to talk with Daniel about the game, since I never got a chance to before.
Also, I'll write my half of the EOG too.

Bump

Bump.

Is this game dead?

I'm sure the English position will be replaced in a heartbeat if that becomes necessary. Hopefully Powow comes back though.