User Error Fall 1902

Since it looks like Russia is going to make us sit and wait (which personally sucks since I'm stuck at home while everyone does fun 4th of July activities) I'll write up another summary and then if there is time this morning before my kids wake up I'll write up my take on The Russian Plan of 1902 :-)

England obviously upset by the loss of Norway to Russia focused all efforts on regaining the star back. They even managed to convince a clear foe to assist them in the efforts by having Denmark attack Sweden. It is quite clear they formed some type of temporary alliance since Germany did not even bother to support Denmark to hold. If England would have back stabbed Germany taking Denmark would have been almost completely uncontested. My questions are: How long will Germany continue to trust England? When will England decide it needs to go back to fighting Germany? Will England allow Germany to grow?

Germany other than hoping in bed with one of it's two major foes made a very weak attempt to stop France from moving in to one of the two remaining free stars. What seems to be the most concerning for Germany is not the offense but the defense, trusting England, letting France take a stronger position on the main land, and the most threatening is letting Italy play in the unattended back yard. Does Germany really have any ally left in the game? England and France has been attacking them, they have turned on Russia, Italy has come calling, and Turkey and Austria-Hungary are in no position to lend a hand.

Russia has jumped the gun, they became quick too fast and now is looking at Russia vs the world. Russia became big very quickly like Russia tends to do but became too confident which may cost them the very 'W' they were so quick to boast about. Personally I found The Russian Plan of 1902 good in that it would remove Austria-Hungary who seem to take the longest to put in their moves and seemed a equal benefit to Italy, Turkey, and Russia. However that being said England was smart in making Russia look like the big guy about to win. This played on two important Diplomacy tactics, make everyone feel a personal threat is shared and that the largest guy first rarely wins the game. If Russia would have been successful in gaining even one of the two stars attempted in 1902 a fleet in St. Petersburg could have been devastating to England. *I'll try to expand more on The Russian Plan of 1902 if there is time

France seems to have done all it intended to do in the south and south east moving all units towards England and slightly towards Germany in the north east. I personally can't tell if a true alliance is there between France and Italy or if it's more of a mutual agreement to focus out first and then look toward their neighbor. Who will strike first? With all the distraction Russia has put on England and England's determination to put fleets in Germany's face France has a great opportunity. England did not gain a star and all units are deployed so if France plays their cards right they will be able to begin chipping away at England or at least cause them to retract to their home stars as defense.

Italy is a little confusing to me with it's choice to be separated by Austria-Hungary. Italy has spent a good deal of time attacking Austria-Hungary and will now have to rely on their support for attacks. I would say the best next move for Italy would be to close the gap in their front line by elimination Austria-Hungary. For some reason Italy and Turkey have failed to really mesh and it looks like the best thing for Italy would be to make amends with Russia to assist in attacking either/both Germany and Austria-Hungary. Another good option for Italy is to build units facing France and begin to grow in that direction and attempt to keep a more solid front line heading west.

Austria-Hungary has survived The Russian Plan of 1902 but is really not sitting in a better spot. With out a solid alliance Austria-Hungary is perpetuating the inevitable and will surely be sacrificed by one or many of its neighbors.

Turkey continues to be stalemated in the corner. They are failing to ally with Italy or Austria-Hungary and Russia doesn't seem to letting up either. I don't want to jump the gun on this one but I believe Turkey may be maxed out at 4 stars and just hold tight until they are squeezed out by Italy and Russia.

** With all this writing I ought to have it corrected by an Editor to ensure that it doesn't contain bias and that it's semi-intelligent.