To keep you from getting the continental bonus, duh!

I was Quebec and got off to a fairly decent start but WC decided to commit suicide against me and USA was never willing to ally so eventually I succumbed to the double team.

The lesson from this game: When Oz and Antarctica fight, no one wins :( Sorry ghug.

Working on this one, too.

Around the World Gunboat Tournament EoG
Game 1

Player: Tasnica
Nation: Ghana
Result: 7-Way Draw

PPSC Points: 6
Townshend Points: 7
Continent Points: 0

-2000-

Ghana! Typically the second-most successful African nation, after Kenya. It benefits from neighboring the oft-struggling Europe and Libya, but these nations can also cause trouble, particularly when desperate. The East Atlantic Ocean, Mauritania, and Niger are all key locations for Ghana's defense.

My opening in this game is a conservative one. Moving to EAO, Mau, and Mali, I give myself options for builds without antagonizing anyone. Meanwhile, South Africa makes very interesting moves, entangling himself with Ghana while opening... to Novgoradskya in the south? Going after Syowa with just one unit is odd, to say the least.

Kenya grabs Ethiopia, which unfortunately for me Libya has absolutely no interest in. Instead, Libya pushes straight into Algeria, unfortunate as I'd like that center for myself. Letting him keep it is itself a risky maneuver, as he could bounce me out of Morocco and potentially leave me with no builds at all!

Elsewhere on the map, there are loads of bounces, giving me the impression that this is going to be a rather chaotic game.

In the fall, not wanting to risk getting no builds, I take Algeria by force. Good thing, because Libya moves to Morocco. Bastard.

Meanwhile, I make the fateful choice of hitting Namibia. South Africa's strange opening leaves me certain that Kenya will best him, and I want to stake my claim while I can. Turns out, I could have just taken Congo, but South Africa defends SAf and only avoids a disband by managing to walk into Tanzania. Africa, consequently, is going to be a crazy place, and my only regret is that Libya and Kenya seem to have no interest in fighting.

Elsewhere in the world, Russia gets a triple build, which should distract Europe. Unfortunately, India and Near East are already in conflict, taking pressure off Libya (how often is Libya free to attack Ghana with no other worries??). Also, Brazil somehow gets himself into SWA, which is bad news for Argentina.

Knowing that Libya is likely to be a primary enemy, I build an army in Ghana. I consider building a second one, but I really want to secure EAO, and hope to not end up in a mutual all-in with Libya.

Libya builds all armies, which isn't great. Kenya builds an army and a fleet. SA, of course, gets no builds. We'll see whether or not this screws me later.

-2001-

Alas, Libya goes all-in against me, but I manage to perfectly counter his initial assault. I repeat this, mostly, in the fall, but Libya manages to get into Nigeria and Mediterranean.

This wouldn't be a huge problem if I had a build. But I don't, thanks to one of the most frustrating misorders in the entire tournament. Kenya has his Mozambique Channel support Tanzania to Mozambique. Okay, cool. But Tanzania, instead of attacking Mozambique, is instead ordered to _Mozambique Channel_. This is a HUGE mistake on Kenya's part, and one that costs both of us a build (because SA's support is never cut). It doesn't help that the lack of build comes at a critical point in the early game.

While not raging over Kenya's misorder, I note that India and Argentina are both in deep trouble, and that the rest of the world is still in chaos. Unfortunately, Libya's blitzkrieg and Kenya's not paying attention are leaving me entirely unable to take advantage of it.

-2002-

After another turn of maneuvering in West Africa, I lose Algeria but acquire Morocco, with no other centers currently under dire threat. Libya is an interesting and dynamic opponent, at least, but I'm wondering how long his good fortune with his neighbors will last.

Not much longer, it turns out. Both Kenya and Near East stab Libya in the fall, though the Libyans bounce the former. Meanwhile, SA is removed from Africa, and the rest of the world remains furiously entangled in warfare. Brazil and NE seem strongest, as each is other currently engaged in one conflict, and they're winning.

Forebodingly, Kenya offers peace to FA. Due to my lack of build last year and conflict with Libya, I don't yet have the units to hold South Africa, and if I build a fleet to EAO I might end up with nowhere to retreat should he attack me. I hope to forge an alliance with Kenya instead, as I can not reach many of his centers, and Africa is adjacent to several ascending powers. Correspondingly, I build an army so that I can first claim western Libya.

-2003-

Kenya spurns my offer of peace, attacking immediately, and he moves up on my hit list. Libya, meanwhile, surrounds Egypt and defends Algeria while leaving himself completely open to the Kenyans. Okay. And he offers me a support hold from Algeria.

Libya, if you want to make peace with me while under attack by others, don't sit in a center you took from me while other players take your stuff. That just makes me want to ensure I get my own piece of the pie. Use that unit to fight a mutual neighbor. Make me see benefits to letting that unit live. Because I assure you, that army of yours does me no good in Algeria. And it could do you better good elsewhere, as well.

Fall moves, I take Algeria, while Kenya grabs Chad and North Sudan. Libya does manage to get Egypt back, and I hold Namibia, but Kenya manages a triple build nevertheless. I am more or less forced to make peace with Libya, and prepare for a long war with Kenya. FA looks like he may eventually be of some help, but NE is going off on an adventure against China.

-2004-

I come to Libya's aid in the spring, hitting Chad and offering a support hold to Libya. Kenya, perhaps overconfident, loses NSu to the Libyans, but Namibia is surrounded and doomed to fall.

Fall moves, I pull back my fleets, and turtle around my home centers. Elsewhere, Brazil finishes off Argentina, NE advances against China, Europe makes an impressive counter-push against Russia, and FA fumbles his war against Oz.

I disband Algeria, hoping that Libya will see that I've come around, and work together against the Kenyans.

-2005-

Kenya and Brazil push out, the former setting up to capture EAO and the latter swiftly dominating the rest of the Atlantic. Libya turtles, and China looks to be in trouble from the combined pressure of NE and PRussia.

Unfortunately for this alliance, the latter lets China slip past him into his home centers, while a desperate Russia inflict further damage on his flank. Europe has his own troubles, getting invaded by Canadian refugees.

The global chaos gives large powers such as Brazil and Kenya free reign to do more or less whatever they'd like. I tighten my defenses in case the former decides to go on an African safari.

-2006-

Libya and I continue to hold off Kenya, while Brazil launches an invasion of North America. Meanwhile, China surrounds and eliminates most of PRussia, while NE stalls against the Chinese defenses. Kenya stabs FA, finally allowing him to build the fleet he needs to crack Libya's defenses. All he needs to do is get it into the Red Sea.

-2007-

Nope, Kenya decides to sail into NWI instead, his offensive focus clearly shifting down toward Antarctica. Libya and I remain besieged, however, and despite offering each other supports into Chad, neither of us is comfortable enough in our defenses to actually accept the offers of the other.

Meanwhile, Europe finally gets back Godthab from WC, but this distraction has seriously cost him, and he loses Germany. Brazil, meanwhile, finds himself butting heads with Kenya in his pursuit of dominance of the Atlantic.

In the fall, Europe reclaims Germany, and with NE going after Moscow Russia's prospects look grim. PRussia is dead, Oz and Kenya are eating up FA, and WC is somehow still alive in Newfoundland.

Also, Brazil accepts my support into EAO, which finally puts some real pressure on the Kenyans. Here's hoping it doesn't just end up with me getting killed by someone else.

-2008-

Things get weird, with Brazil offering peace to Kenya, who in turn NMRs. With PRussia out of the way, China now becomes a superpower and starts pushing NE back.

Brazil changes his mind in the fall, convoying into Angola, and also support holds WC, who continues to survive in Newfoundland.

-2009-

Kenya NMRs again, allowing Brazil to waltz into Zambia. Meanwhile, China and Europe continue to divide Eurasia amongst themselves.

In the fall, Kenya comes back, but Brazil grabs Namibia as well. This finally removes the Kenyans from Nigeria, granting me at least some offensive options.

-2010-

As China encircles NE and Oz, Kenya and Brazil continue their conflict. Meanwhile, in a brilliant maneuver, Quebec protects his last supply center by supporting _Western Canada_ into it, bouncing out a supported attack by USA.

Alas, this only works once, and Quebec is eliminated in the fall. Elsewhere, China reaches 17 centers, and Kenya NMRs _again_. This one, at least, benefits me, and I successfully take Chad. I build an army, knowing I still have a major land war to win. Meanwhile, a growing Europe builds two fleets, which is definitely concerning.

-2011-

Libya gets cold feet, and support holds his namesake center against me rather than support Chad. Kenya cuts the support, anyway, but it is a concerning move nonetheless. I lose Chad in the spring.

Have I mentioned that South Africa has still been alive down in Antarctica all this time? Well, Brazil finally breaks through his defenses, so he's now on the way out. Nearby, FA and Oz finally stop fighting each other in order to focus on the Kenyan and Chinese invasions, respectively.

Fall moves are rather momentous. Western Canada, cut off from fleeing to Godthab, is finally defeated. So too are SA and Russia, reducing the game to ten players. NE is completely surrounded (except in Egypt) by China and Europe, and his fate seems sealed as well.

Meanwhile, Kenya NMRs yet again, resulting in me picking up both Congo and Chad! Given how the vast majority of NMRs in this tournament so far haven't helped me in the slightest, I don't mind this too much.

With my double build, I create an army and a fleet. Hopefully, now, I can finally secure EAO and work with Brazil against the remainder of Kenya. Libya I intend to leave alive as a buffer against Europe and China, if he doesn't turn on me first.

-2012-

_Another_ Kenyan NMR allows me to disband Cameroon in the spring. Libya tries to finally pick up a free center in Ethiopia, but China has the same idea and they bounce. Brazil, meanwhile, is also taking advantage of the NMR, waltzing all over Antarctica. Worse, he solidifies a peace with USA and double-supports himself into EAO. So much for me getting that. Also, Brazil takes a pot shot at my Congo. Not cool, dude!

So, now I have to defend myself against Brazil as well. I adjust my defenses accordingly, and this year at least they work out. Kenya even kicks Brazil out of Zaire, though neglects to build thanks to China walking into Kenya. Speaking of China, he nearly has NE dead by this point. Europe is still at peace with him, but in conflict with USA.

-2013-

Europe stabs me, taking Algeria. Jesus Christ, I can't simultaneously defend myself against bloody everyone! Guess that means I'm at peace with Kenya again, whether he wants it or not.

Fall, I fail to take Algeria back, though at least I don't lose Morocco as well. Libya, meanwhile, gets Ethiopia, but opts to guard Libya instead of Egypt. This allows a NE retreat into Egypt, and the Libyans remain stuck at three centers.

I disband Congo, hoping that Kenya (who just NMR'd AGAIN), who is already at war with three other nations, won't expend a great deal of effort trying to take it from me.

-2014-

Literally the first thing Kenya does upon returning for his NMR is launch a supported attack upon Congo.

fffffffffff...

On the bright side, I completely own Europe in Algeria and force him to disband his army. Suck it!

Oh, and Libya retakes Egypt as well, so I guess NE gets to suck it too. Sorry to see you go, NE.

In the fall, China expands to 23 centers, including Ethiopia, which keeps Libya still stuck at three.

Kenya, thankfully, builds a fleet, which hopefully means that he has priorities other than killing me.

-2015-

Hey look! Kenya focuses on defending himself against Brazil and Kenya, instead of attacking me and Libya! _And_ he doesn't NMR! Who would have thought?

The only other notable thing that happens this year is that USA attacks Brazil. Gee, I wonder what he could possibly want? Spoiler: It's Mexico.

Also, Oz is eliminated. FA manages to hold on in Casey.

-2016-

The war between USA and Brazil intensifies, and China finishes off FA. That's really about it.

-2017-

Brazil and USA decide not to continue duking it out, China gives up on trying to solo, and my African neighbors have given up trying to kill each other (and me) for good. Seven-way draw.

-Closing Thoughts-

South Africa: Sorry for stabbing you early on, but your odd opening convinced me that you wouldn't last long against Kenya anyway. This admittedly achieved mixed results for me, but congrats on sticking around in Antarctica for quite a while.

Libya: It is a real shame that your opening strategy was completely anti-me, because we worked together quite well later on. In fact, once I got Algeria back, I considered you to be my closest ally, and it was awesome holding out in North Africa with you. Underdogs for the win!

Kenya: Holy shit, dude, you frustrated me to no end in this game. Indeed, the only reason I'm not raging more in this EoG is that you finally got your act together at the very end. But between your epic misorder screwing me over early on, stabbing me on several occasions, and your at least half a dozen NMRs, you were easily my most hated nation on the map.

Brazil: I was impressed by your takeovers of South America and Antarctica, as well as keeping Mexico out of the hands of the USA. I wasn't so amused by you attacking me, but at least that conflict was very short-lived.

USA: USA is a tough nation to come out on top in North America with, but you managed to slowly work your way to dominance even with first Argentina and then Brazil harassing you. Shame that you were never able to reclaim Mexico.

Quebec: Props for the one move when you supported Canada into your own center to defend yourself.

Canada: Nice job on staying alive for so long! That's always neat to see.

Europe: I was extremely impressed when you came back from behind in your war against Russia and ultimately eliminated him, and very pissed when you subsequently came after me. Props for not continuing a pointless war, and for forging a very effective Fortress Europe in the endgame.

Near East: You were doing so well! Unfortunately, a pack of Chinese armies that advances as far as Delphi and Calcutta is nearly impossible to penetrate from the west or north. You probably should have retreated in 2006 after PRussia got slaughtered, and gone after Kenya or something.

China: You did a great job of taking out India, then managed to fight off NE and PRussia simultaneously. Your expansion afterward was impressively swift, and you definitely played a good game.

Ghana's Starting Units:

-Army Ghana-

This army was present for the beginning of the war with Libya, taking Algeria in 2000. After being forced out of Algeria, the army served as a pivotal support force in Mali for several years. A similar tour of duty defending Ghana followed, until finally in 2010 the army led the charge in the invasion of Kenya. Following the subsequent peace, this army defended the colony of Chad.

-Fleet Guinea-

While war with Libya raged in the north, this fleet spearheaded the campaign in the south. After taking Namibia, this fleet held it for several years before being forced back into open waters by the Kenyans. When the East Atlantic Ocean fell as well, it defended its home province of Guinea. There it remained until 2011, when finally an opportunity to retake EAO arose. From there, the fleet seized Congo from the Kenyans, and defended it until an invasion from Europe cut its supply lines. Contact with the fleet was never reestablished, although a few sailors eventually found their way back to Guinea. All they would say of their experience was "You don't know shit about Congo."

-Army Mali-

This army saw action in the war against Libya, taking Morocco and, in the final battle of the war, retaking Algeria. This it defended until supply shortages resulting from the war against Kenya forced it to be disbanded. Some of its members later joined the 2nd Mali Army, formed in 2011, which saw action against the Europeans.

Tasnica, your EOGs are always entertaining! Thanks for posting.

Everyone else, come on! There are only 5 players represented here, and only one EOG goes into any depth. I'd love to hear from Yonni's China, for instance...

Europe

2000: Standard opening gets me Great Britain, with units in Poland and Med. Fleet Germany makes sense to embrace Russia in combat.

2001: I decide to take Godthab with Quebec unable to make the trip. This gets me my 2nd army to defend against Russia on the land march while keeping him out of Baltic. The fleet in the Med swings around to North Sea to put the hurt on Russia.

2002: My advance on Russia this year is slowed by Pacific Russia’s presence in Barents, but he retreats and I get into position to invade Skandinavia.

2003: Skandinavia taken, 3rd army built to march on Russia.

2004: I march forward and claim A-H and Baltic States, but no centers. Brazil has conquered all of South America and I’m nervous of where he goes next…

2005: St. Petersburg taken, but Western Canada takes Godthab in desperation. Fortunately Brazil hasn’t given me issue yet, but Russia manages to keep 5 units by grabbing East Siberia. This may get ugly.

2006: I play defensively this year, and thankfully Brazil no longer feels the need to occupy Northeast Atlantic. Russia is putting up quite a fight, but I have the forces to put up a bigger one.

2007: I’m able to secure Godthab again while holding onto Germany through a spring invasion. Fourth army ready to help the march once again towards Russia.

2008: Russia is crumbling as I claim West Siberia. Having an Africa in complete chaos certainly makes me feel safe about my southern border. With USA busy containing Brazil, and Brazil committing himself to Africa, things are looking up. Fifth army marching on Russia.

2009: I swap West Siberia for Belorussia, while East Siberia goes to Near East due to cutting Russia’s support. Russia is nearing death.

2010: Ukraine and Moscow acquired. Time to build fleets and defend the continent.

2011: Turkey and West Siberia acquired. Russia is eliminated, Near East will fall soon, and it would seem China has no intention of fighting me at this point.

2012: Armenia and Syria secured, and Near East has only Saudi Arabia left. USA is making an approach on Godthab, and I’m pretty sure I won’t fight him too hard for it, but I have 2 fleet builds to secure the continent from any further aggression.

2013: Time to join in the fight in Africa. I take Algeria, and China gets himself into Kenya while Near East successfully retreats to Egypt. Unfortunately, with the loss of Godthab, I cannot build another army to send to Africa, so I’m pretty sure my assault on Africa will be short-lived.

2014: Ghana blows up Algeria, and I decide to hold the fort and throw the draw vote out. Any further aggression in Africa would most likely result in having to deal with China, and I don’t really have an entry to the continent anyway at this point. Kudos to Ghana.

2015-2016: I hold the line while China takes out Frozen, and the game ends.

Starting units:

Army Germany: defended the home centers for the first 10 years (he was the guy to reclaim Germany), he eventually gets convoyed to Baltic States and becomes the frontrunner at West Siberia.

Fleet France: bounced back and forth between Godthab and Great Britain, and ends up defending the homeland in Norwegian Sea.

Fleet Italy: After swinging around, he hangs out on Barents Sea for a while until he moves to East Siberian Sea and holds the line to the draw there.

This one was a challenge thanks to Russia. EvW, you put up a very hard-fought battle that had me doubting at times whether I'd make it out alive in this one.