Fall 1902, PhxDiplomacy

In the second year of PhxDiplomacy, the game has enjoyed some interesting twists.

An active French/German/Austro-Hungarian has emerged. Historically, this combination has been able to dominate Western and Central Europe (see the Franks) and easily roll into Russia (see Napoleon). A continuing problem for them will be England. To successfully counter this island foe, the F/G/A-H alliance needs many fleets in the water and convoyed armies (see the Nazi's failed Battle of Britian, or again see Napoleon).

Northern Italy has become an interesting battle field. AH and France have been able to tie-down the numerically superior Italian forces. With the correct support arrangement, however, Italy should be able to take either Piedmont or Trieste. The chance for the Italians to break-out of this position, though, is quickly fading.

Austria-Hungary, through its smart alliance, has been able to hang-onto its home stars. But, it faces the growing Turkish juggernaut. Turkey appears to be playing south-eastern Europe historically correct. It has captured Sevestopol and sent Russia into decline. If the game follows history, Turkey's advance should be able to continue unabated until it reaches the Gates of Vienna where it will face stiff French and German resistance. For the time being, the F/G/A-H alliance may want to temporarily bypass Venice and take Tyrolia so that they will be in a strong position against Turkey.

Russia has a tough decision. It can either try to keep what it has, which will probably fail. Or, it can go kamikaze and convoy an army into Berlin, which would be fun.

England should form an alliance with Italy if it hasn't already done so. One should support the other into the MAO and start raiding French ports. It might be their best chance to turn the corner on the Continental F/G/A-H alliance. An even more profitable strategy would be for England and Italy to ally themselves with Turkey, since the Ottomans seem focused on building land forces.

I have been analysing this game from a geographic and historical perspective, but there is another angle that I haven't touched. There is an undercurrent of inter-personal relations within our Diplomacy group. For example, Hart and Melanie have been frequent allies, as of late. Adam and Mong are also commonly allies. Adam and Hart, though, are often Diplomacy foes. Since this is a codename game, I have no idea who is who yet. But, I suspect that identity politics will soon be a factor in the game if it isn't already.

On a closing note, has anyone else wondered what Diplomacy on a world map would be like?