by YoYoDyne » 01 Jun 2014, 01:40
Thank you for a good game.
I agree with USSR/Sweden/MisterBigBug's points. I had never played Poland before, but I figured by its position this country has to sell its soul to Germany or USSR early. USSR was a more communicative player, so that helped. And he revealed that Sweden was his minor early, which clarified things and made it easier to develop trust. As he said, he built fleets north and I generally built armies, so we were able to develop into different spheres.
That said, I figured he was going to stab me sooner or later. So I commend USSR/Sweden/MisterBigBug for his playing in a manner that facilitated the draw. I may have created a sufficient deterrent, by being able to build rear-guard armies at key points. I did not entertain the notion of stabbing USSR because of the energies expended on my long and difficult front with France and Italy.
In the early mid-game, I was convinced there was a British/French/Italian alliance that was going to sweep up. But the French stab of Britain ended that, and succeeded in opening the door to the Soviet Navy, turning Britain into the vindictive spoil-sport, and that was France's undoing. Following that, my strategic aim was to split the French and Italian alliance by making one strong and the other weak. This was to create a clear third big power on the board as a counterweight to a potential USSR stab. At first I wanted France to be the one, but when he started to slip, I sought to have Italy be the one. But I was frustrated by the tactical situation, as I kept having to attack French and Italian armies in turn for defensive purposes to protect the front. So this strategy failed, until France turned on Italy.
As for my Egyptian minor, I sought peace early with Turkey so that he could be a sufficient worry for USSR, and keep his attentions south rather than turning west. I am still surprised that Egypt survived until the end and wasn't eliminated by the Italians.
Thanks
Poland/Egypt/YoYoDyne