Seven players were assigned into teams of two (with one lone mercenary). This is before the game starts, and so before the countries are assigned. Then the teams are of course unconditionally allied with each other.
The chat rules were these: global press was allowed; press between teammates was allowed; press between anyone and the lone mercenary was allowed; all other press was forbidden.
The teams shook out to be E/A, G/T, F/R, and Italy alone. The game ended with Turkey/France/Russia gone, Austria on the brink of defeat with 2 centers, Germany with like 5 or 6 centers, England with 8 centers, and Italy winning with 19.
It was difficult for E/A to pull off the win from early on, I think, because it was very hard for us to meet. (Whereas F/R were able to meet in Germany, and G/T in Austria, though it didn't help that A/I allied against T and Germany hardly ever has an incentive to strike south early on)
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