Game #80 was successfully completed on Saturday, November 28 at Matt Sundstrom’s house in Glenview. Thanks to Mike Morrison for being available to ensure we had 7 players. It’s probably one of the nicest November 28ths I can remember. The weather at the end of November is usually gray and cold. This year it was nice enough to negotiate outside.
It ended up being fairly long as we went to 1911 to get to a 4-way FGIR draw.
The final center counts were:
Austria (Mike Morrison): 0; 2 points.
England (Thom Comstock): 0; 6 points.
France (Matt Sundstrom): 13; 171 points.
Germany (Samuel Bassett): 1; 25 points.
Italy (Amanda Baumgartner): 11; 125 points.
Russia (Kevin O’Kelly): 9; 105 points.
Turkey (May-Ling Chong): 0; 5 points.
Some highlights…
– We started very close to on time. Everyone was there by 11.
– Probably the best Russian start in WCW history as Kevin got to 7 after 1901. No bounce in Sweden, Turkey didn’t open to Armenia and Galicia walked into Vienna in the fall. Amazing given our history.
– Tough day for Austria as the Archduke was down to 2 after 1901. All his neighbors except Germany stabbed him at once. At least he got out early.
– May Ling brought cookies! Didn’t seem to help her game, but they were good.
– The game may have been in a drawn position after 1908 as I don’t think any supply centers changed between alliances for three straight years. House rules state that a GM may declare a draw in that situation.
– The game broke up after that as an alliance split. Several draws were voted down until we got past 1911. Thanks to Thom Comstock for staying and administering the draw votes. We all started wondering if we were voting properly after several draws got voted down. But there weren’t four pieces of the same color in the draw box until the end.
I really enjoyed hosting. Thanks to all the players for making it an enjoyable game.
Matt
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First, thanks to Matt and Family for hosting. It was an awesome site, and a great time.
Second, thanks to all the players and our last minute subs.
Third, I had a great time (would have been better if I was in the draw) playing and watching.
I too was “jumped” but not until 1902.
EOG England:
I immediately proposed eliminating Russia. I strongly encouraged Austria and Turkey to attack Russia in a united front. To that end: I encouraged Italy to work peacefully with Austria, and consider moving against France.
I encouraged Germany to bounce Russia out of Sweden, and then to move against Russia in 1902.
I did all this out in the open in what has been referred to as Wilsonian Diplomacy.
I even told Russia. When nobody seemed remotely interested in attacking Russia, I tried to persuade Russia to move GOB to Baltic. Hoping and thinking Germany would move to Sweden and leave Denmark open.
Since I had committed north (F Edi to Norwegian Sea) (F Lon to Nth Sea) (A Lvp to EDI) . . . I was hoping to prevent Germany from getting Belgium (France taking it) and have two builds. Didn’t work out, as Germany,Austria & Turkey gave Russia dots. Russia 4 to 7 in w1901. As much as it was great play by Kevin, it may also have been England coming on too strong against Russia. In 1902, I built an army London and pulled Norway (which was doomed) back to the homeland in Edi. From there I held out as long as possible with a Russian Fleet in the North and France grabbing dots.In 1906 I was elimintated.
I remained & watched the E vs W fight. And administer draw votes.
Italy (Amanda) played very well though I didn’t get to negotiate with her past 1901.
GREAT TIME, more house games like this please!
[quote]The game may have been in a drawn position after 1908 as I donāt think any supply centers changed between alliances for three straight years. House rules state that a GM may declare a draw in that situation.[/quote]
We call this the Raynovich Rule, named for Jason Raynovich, one of our Founding Weasels. It’s actually in our Tournament and Royale rules, but not our House Rules.
[quote name=”Thomas Comstock”]GREAT TIME, more house games like this please![/quote]
We’ve been light on house games so far this season — only two of our seven games so far. But that’s about to change. There’s Greg’s game on Saturday, and Pete McNamara’s on Sunday, Dec. 27. Both are full but standbys are always appreciated.
Then we’ll be at Ted’s place on Jan. 16. Still one spot available for that one. We’ll have at least two additional house games before March Madness, and then three in March, so stay tuned! (And if you’re willing to host a game, email me.)
[i]GREAT TIME, more house games like this please![/i]
What’s the secret to success? I want a great time to be had by all when I host in late December.
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[quote name=”Pete McNamara”][i]GREAT TIME, more house games like this please![/i]
What’s the secret to success? I want a great time to be had by all when I host in late December.[/quote]
I think I hosted 3 if not 4 house games. As a host/player the secret is to play the game and not get distracted by Greg/Eric demanding ridiculous quantities of alcohol which they did not drink!
What makes a good house game? Some (but not much) snacks, drinks, or alerts to bring them yourself. Good players who respect your home. A welcome feeling from all the residents and a slight interest in the game from bystanders.
Good lighting. At least three spots away from the table to negotiate. Have pens/pencils available, board, supply sheet, maps and rules.
Good directions and knowledge of parking.
If Greg attends, he’s showered. š
[quote name=”Thomas Comstock”]Good lighting. At least three spots away from the table to negotiate. Have pens/pencils available, board, supply sheet, maps and rules.[/quote]
Regarding the rules, you can find the 5-Minute Teaching Guide, the Novice Rules and the club House Rules in the Files section of this new website. You should have a copy of the House Rules handy for sure. If you have a brand-new player, then you’ll want all three documents on hand.