From: vvirrank@cc.Helsinki.FI (Ville Virrankoski)
Newsgroups: rec.games.board
Subject: Re: EiA: Problems
Date: 18 Nov 92 06:57:51 GMT
	<1992Nov17.225522.27988@cis.ohio-state.edu>
Organization: University of Helsinki, Finland
X-Reader: GNUS 3.13

In article <1992Nov17.225522.27988@cis.ohio-state.edu> farrell@second.cis.ohio-state.edu (christopher k farrell) writes:
>	Well, let me briefly defend Jean as Austria (but, I'm afraid, only
>briefly).  He was angered because Russia refused to jump on the bandwagon and 
>attack France (preferably by sending troops to defend Austria).  I can see how 
>having a fairly strong Russia who isn't willing to help would be a drag, but in
>defence of Russia I see relatively little reason to jump into the war since
>Austria didn't make any offers, for Poland or otherwise.  If I were Russia,
>I would think, "what do I stand to gain from the downfall of France?  Security?
>No, now I will have a strong Austria and Prussia on my borders, and they
>won't have anything to do without France ... and their supply situation will
>be much better than France's.  Territory?  In Germany?  That Austria/Prussia
>can't take away at will?  Yeah, right.  What are they offering me?  Nothing?
>I think maybe I'll sit this one out."  Jean didn't like this and so sold out
>Prussia to France and we have a very bizzare situation.

Stupid for Russia. France alone is not powerful enough to conquer Russia.
Neither are Prussia or Austria. But if You, as Russia, irritate both France
and Prussia/Austria, THAT coalition will beat Russia. You could never beat
France enough and even beaten France will have revenge with Austria/Prussia
and restore his empire in Germany. And with France ready to stab behind their
back, Prussia/Austria won't be so enthusiast to wage prolonged war with
Russia. It's useful to Russia have bufferstates against France. So long as
France has something to acquire from Germany, he won't be planning invasion
to the Russia. And Prussia/Austria have something to lose in Germany...
You should never count only land/money you could get. They are helpful,
but VP's are those that count.

>	Another question ... just what the hell is England supposed to do?
>If we manipulate for +2, virtually required since we don't have the army
>that France does and people rarely oblige us with naval combat.  That leaves
>us building 7I a quarter.  If GB gets Denmark and Portugal as conquered minors,
>they are virtually obliged to convert them to Free States to solidify a fairly
>unstable naval situation.  With the proper minors maybe we could get as high
 ...

Britain should use 'three fleet policy' that is She should have as large
fleet as three other nations combined (with their minors). So You have to
build a lot of ships.

British subsides are not granted to her allies. Give them only if they
obey your politics. If Austria is pro-frog, why should you give a penny?

GB with her money is mastermind behind the politics of continental Europe.

>	The temptation to ally with France, especially for Prussia and
>Austria, in considerable.  It's hard to imagine that your chances in the game
>are better if you surrender to France than if you ally, but such *is* the
>case.  After all, when viewed in conventional terms, if you are Austria and
>you have all of Italy (including the Kingdom of Italy), with no real
>threat of loosing it, and by far the strongest nation backing you and keeping
>you relatively safe, how can you possibly be doing worse than if you 
>surrendered?  But if France is streaking to a win even faster, you most
>certainly are!

France could not leave any of his neighbours without attention. Esp. not 
Austria. He has so few VP's to collect, that France has to beat him
at least twice a game. 

>	Can somebody please restore my faith in the game and provide a 
>counter-strategy?  Or lots of reasons why this won't work?  Otherwise, it'll
>be off to 1792 next time we play; give that one a try.

You should use more diplomacy in your games. And 7 experienced players 
will help also. UMP rules are cute, but they don't work right.

VV
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