04-08-2003, 03:01 AM
BanditAngel,Apr 5 2003, 06:23 AM Wrote:I submitted some early turns - Take Greece AND Rumania and hope that at least one of them doesn't bounce, and act insanely polite if neither bounces.Heh. Aesop has a tale about a dog, a bone, and a reflection...oh, wait, OTHER than things about overextending yourself?
Whip up a panic about France. Point out that France and England are going to eat up the board once Germany goes down and Russia's next on the list. Cede Rumania - you don't really have another diplomatic position to take. When Germany inevitably folds, Russia will have other things to worry about, which should leave you with a free hand in the Balkans. Sooner or later, England will go for the Nwy-StP(nc) play (negotiate and make that sooner rather than later). When Russia howls in outrage, pleasantly point out that you won't bother him and that you'll just work on Austria while Russia handles the English menace. Depending on the situation you may then want to stick to it or stab him.
Agree with Italy on how to cut up Austria. Point to the French F Mar, which is the most unambiguously anti-Italian build France can make, and stress that you need to finish off Austria fast before France gets a foothold in the Med. You want Russia and Italy facing away from you, and there are enough convincing reasons for them to accept. You may have to join in a three-nation alliance if England and France continue on their path of not stabbing each other.
Talk nice to Austria, smile and nod politely, but this really isn't his game. A strong Austria needs a strong Germany. In only a bare tiny fraction (0.2%, about) of games does Austria survive if Germany goes out early. Always be cordial, in case major tactical mistakes give Austria renewed life, but you need his centres to survive, and he knows it.