BriantheWise

Hi Heuristic, At your convenience.

Rambo, I disagree with your informal rankings.... here's my 11 cents worth and my thoughts on why (please don't take offense - just my thoughts). And there's no tiers here... 1) Irish Guards: As far as I know, he's undefeated and he was in the tournament. 2) Terif might be good, but he wasn't in the tournament (so he's unseeded), and I don't know how well he plays as Allies. 3) 4) and 5): Tied, roughly, the new rankings and continued plays will help. Archibald: Plays well, knows the game, has many comments about good solid play. He know his stuff. I don't know his stats, but I figure as things settle, he will settle in around number 3. Zappsweden: Plays stolid and cautious. I don't know how many times he has won as Allies, and believe that he had won many times as Axis. I believe he is about number 4 right now, but will end up about number eight on the ladder Heuristic: He plays radical, and comes up with new ideas. If those ideas remained unknown, he might be able to be one or two, but we share, and the ideas are only good a couple of times: I believe he will end up around number ten on the ladder. Unrated: John DiFool, Bruce Macon, Brad Tennant, Russ Bensing (sp), Immer Etwas: The enigmas: We know they play well, but less. They know the game, but we don't know how well they play the game. Not enough at least. 6) Rambo: He is an excellent player and innovative, particularly in the analysis of how to conquer of neurtals, and has played "50+" games. Extremely agressive, I think he gets messed up when dealing with the major countries, and the players reactions. I think he will end up around number 5 on the ladder. 7) Brian: Yes, I'll claim this spot for now, if that's ok. I've played the tournament, I've annoyed the hell out of Rambo, and most of our games have been close when I was allies, Dutch gambit, ideas. More over, I've played alot of other folks and games, that I really haven't talked about. I don't think I will really be able to beat Terif, or Irish Guards, or Archibald (Immer, John Di Fool, Bruce, Russ, Brad - I don't know, it's iffy. I'm getting better too). I'm pretty sure I can beat Zap, Heuristic, and Rambo. And for the rest of all this wonderful community, I think those are the people to beat. I neglected to mention CvM, which is an error. He's up there, I just don't know where. Smart kid, I'm told. I apologize 82nd, don't know the record. Graves, not yet. Liam, you'll be a contender. Iron Rangers, probably. And so on. Read their posts closely, all of them, if you want to play better (especially Archibald). Rambling on, no can't use that word now. In addition: I think the game is very closely balanced. If you want to change it just a tad, add ten MMP's to each Allie, and reduce by ten, to the Axis. That should do it. Maybe 15. nuf sed. my 14 cents worth. Brian

Ok. So we know if we stay historical, the Axis win, in all cases where the skill is relatively equal. Because of couse the Allies wouldn't do this, and wouldn't do that, even though we don't comment much on the fact that maybe the Axis wouldn't invade Spain, Iraq, Sweden, Portugal. But they do and can and win. So the allies have had to start doing some interesting things of their own. I started using the Dutch Gambit in play and this caused consternation. Not fair. Not realistic, etc. Rambo would say, bleep fair, this is a war!, or some such. Heuristic did something to me (and Rambo, who conceded to Heuristic in his match), and that was the double gambit. (my match is not yet concluded with him, so I am not sure if it truly will work) This goes like so: Dutch gambit Plus invasion of lower Italy with a couple of corps. They take that city, I think it's Taranto, and pound the Italian fleet there in conjunction with the British Med navy. But here's why it works and here's why there is a glitch to the game, in my opinion. Individually, both reduce Allied readiness. Combined though, it doesn't. Allied readiness goes to about -34, -1, respectively, approximately. So Germany has it's hands full, Italy is defending for it's life and losing its navy with minimal MMP's. Go ahead and throw in a baltic gambit by launching the French ships, and the Axis are hard pressed to make it out of this and still have their strategic options remaining.... ie, got no ships left....Norway? Got no ships. Alexandria...Got no ships. Massive redeployment of air units? First you have to rebuild them. It's not just control of the air, at this point. It's about the loss of the control of the sea. And I think it turns this game on it's head. There is a counter, and it's tough, but the glitch that bugs me is that two allied infractions, in readiness terms, only equal one. Even knowing there is this threat, of course, balances the game. Actually doing it, balances it more. I anticipate using this on Irish Guards, and there is nothing he can do about it. (I think I once said it all comes down to France) Rambo, learn from the Wise. Thoughts anyone? Brian

Rambo, Your conclusion was a bit topic, relative to the baltic strategy, but, I'm curious, because all you mentioned was top risks, but not the potential, say odds for reward, and the Axis counter. For example: Dutch Gambit: In the game I played you on Saturday (which you did win), I did the Dutch Gambit (and poorly), and though bloodied, you still took France. The risk was high for me, the reward turned out to be moderate. And then you, in my opinion (it worked, but barely), did a bad counter. You did Sea Lion. Suddenly all that readiness I had lost, I got right back. If I had been playing axis and finally gotten France, I would have essentially, sat on my butt, and built things, knowing that I had two whole years to build an empire, during which I could eunich Britain in the med at no cost. Think about it. That's the counter to the Dutch gambit. Learn this from the Wise. And so on. Heuristic has improved on this, and it's scary, because it's a serious force to be reckoned with. And I have not yet seen the counter to it. Either or or - yes. I have a counter. Both. Not yet. I'm working on it. The double gambit. The dutch gambit and declaring war on Italy with a landing at the lower peninsula, taking that city, whatever it's called. This creates havoc in the med, reduces Italy's MMP's to the 90's, and works to kill of the italian fleet. I'm going to use this on Irish Guards when I play him as allies in the tournament. And here is why. MMM...I think I will make this a thread, but there is an issue here.... Rambo, learn from the Wise

Definitely worth bringing up. After you did, I started looking at this closer and closer, particularly with 1.06. I'll expand on the question, as I see it: If the Germans do not do Sea Lion, it is IMPERATIVE for the Germans to take Malta, Alexandria, and then Irag. I think this is more important than trying to take Norway/Sweden (and more fun too). That's alot of MMPS. I think it comes out to 25MMP takeaway, and a whopping 85 MMP's gained (if I calculate correctly) If the Germans do not do SeaLion, and do not take Alexandria, then the British definitely should prepare to, and do so at the sooner possible. For them, it's a 50MMP gainer. Very key. And leaves open taking out Tobruck for a 10MMP takeaway another 20MMP gain.

Actually, similar to Archibald said... There are two occasions to use it, one good, one expedient. Dutch Gambit: While of questionable value, and historicity, I do enjoy using this gambit once in a while. It flusters the Germans good. If played well (and I taught Rambo how to do it well, though he won't admit it, smile). Suddenly the allies have two airs, two carriers, a bomber, and possibly even a french air to keep the German air force attrited during their attack on France. And very busy. Introducing the French fleet to the Baltic, backed by a British fleet or two (out of range except for the kill), can be effective. The french are expendable (you can use other British fleets for shore bombardment all you like during this time - they have the air cover), and you can eliminate at least one of the fleets if the Germans are caught napping (There is a counter to this, of course....There's always a counter) Expedient: If the French are falling faster than you want, the Germans are effectively avoiding the coast, and you've decide not to place them all in the med to attack the Italians (something I used to do, but not as much anymore - it got too expected, kill them off on the Germans. However, if this is the case, I would never bring the British ships with them, because if the French are falling too fast, then the British will desparately need all her navy. The third reason of course is stems from the newbie players (no disrespect intended). They've got these beautiful toys doing nothing and want to get them into the action. This, of course is not a wise action. Them's my thoughts..... Brian

Jersey John is a whole nother story..... More pics than thoughts, more thoughts than games, less games than history.... Jersey loves the game but doesn't play it. And I don't know why....

Kuniworth.... I think he confused you with me, then. I'm danish. And I don't mind bashing head with Rambo. If it's fair and sensible. And to be honest, I've been ditz here too. But ser. Please...You have been here long enough....You don't like his style and I know you don't.... Brian the Liar. Zap the liar. I'm waltero, play me in our tournament....etc. For better or worse, Rambo is Rambo. And we cannot change that. I think about this.... He's damn smart, but I would not hire him.

Boggs, Boggs, be welcome, but know this... I have a permanant grudge match against Rambo, and newbies complimenting him, without knowing him, makes me angry. I am no "master". Just a gamer. And so your sarcasm is misplaced. I'm not wise either. ok? Mr. Boggs, hang out a while. Lay back a little, be well. learn a bit about the game (I still am), and the folks in this community. I would push this, but there are the lock keepers. And I don't want the thread locked.

Boggs! What the hell was that post about?!? You don't need to Rudolph the Brown Nose Reigndear here. K ryst!. You are a newbie! Rambo has made many off color remarks to just about every one here. Or, at least anyone who speaks. Becuase he's TCB>>>Taking care of business, etc. Rambo is so ramboish, he deserves his own thread on how to make enemies and keep them. You need to look at his past posts and the accusations he has shot at many many people here. I mean, please, assuming another person's identity. Conceding and then saying he didn't. Not just against me, but also Zap. (pattern) On the other hand, cocky as he is, Rambo is a good player, very good, and actually very fun to play against. Understanding, patient, conceited, willing to admit mistakes, and nice at pointing out another persons mistakes. When you play him live. Rambo is a dichotomy. And I believe he likes it that way, intends it that way.

No can do, Heuristic. Sorry. I was free Friday (I played Liam. He doesn't know Rambo's tricks, and I beat him as Axis. It was totally fun). I was free Saturday (I played Rambo, in a nail biter, but lost as allies). Today is Sunday and my wife accused me of loving this game more than her. It's close. (kidding - She is wonderful). We have to wait til Tuesday to resume. I have the same schedule. But Friday is best. The Irish guards are waiting for you. Or me.

Archibald, I wish you had called me around 6PM last night! Following this advice, might have saved me. I built up my Russians and advanced them in line against an Axis wall and took Finland, both actions making no difference in the war that was being lost in the West. Loading up a few transports would have been key. Keeping my US fleets defending the US and even Canada would have been key. Letting London fall (nice analysis there, thank you. I had not thought of that), might have helped. But of course, making less mistakes could have helped too.

John, That's perfectly ok. The forum is here for advice and criticism. And I appreciate both. Here's the summary: This was a totally awesome game, in my opinion, at least. The US should not have fallen. I played it carelessly and he took Washington when I wasn't looking. If the US had stayed in, Russia seriously would have had a chance, even though Britain fell. When I conceded, Russia had 3 HQ's, and was ready to commmence attacking and probably could have made some progress. But the US did fall, and Germany and Italy against Russia is inevitable. It would only have been a matter of time. Rambo played an excellent game (I still can't believe that Poland fell in one turn) and I have to say I saw him get some really crappy roles when it was key. France held out well and longer than I expected. All in all, I would say it was a nail biter. Rambo would probably say everything went exactly as planned. Rambo, I salute you. You won. And you won well. But, you didn't kick my ass. Next time, things will be different. This was close.

The US is use less. Maybe they can take canada back at some point. In the east, we are lined up. I did wipe out Finland, and Rambo's neatrals did not play. I invaded Rumania, and he can not reinforce. Rambo had some very bad dice in this game. I will win this, even without England. And if I don't if will be a long time comming to determine the end.

June 41: Britain and all of it's assets has fallen. Britain.... Russia is at war and strong and invading Finland. The US is actually invading Canada. It's wild.But Fair. If Rambo beats me now, he will have done a find job of it.

This is the most awesome game.... England is conquered. USA is eunich. Russia is ready. Axis, might be able to pull this off. I don't know if he cheats, but he's not cheating on this one. It's a nail biting thumb sprainer. He got no neutrals yet. This is a great game. (and they say this goes linear. Hah! He had Canada!)

Russian enter, Declare war on Finland. Rambo has nothing to spare. He has a line of frauds to protect him in the East. It can't hold. I buy HQ's and do not engage. In the west, my american battleshp act like cows with bullets to their brain and simply fall over. Useless. Rambo has not taken England yet. Nail biter.

This is getting weird. Rambo has Canada, with a corp. I can't spare anything. England is hurting. Rambo's style is disrupted: Taking all neutrals. The Med is wide open for him, but he has nothing to spare. Russia is building HQ's. He didn't attack. has a line of soldiers. Aint going to work. I don't need england anymore. They did what they had to do, and Rambo, I can tell you this now, I think you will lose. It was very very very dicey. Which is great.... Braging rights.

Russia joins.

London falls. It aint over yet. Rambo isn't that way. England may fall. This is the weirdest game I have yet play. And He has Canada too.

Russia prepares for war.

This is a totally unusual game! The British are getting 65 MMPs. The Canadians surrendered. My Canadian army was in Tripolitaina, and of course, surrendered, so Rambo has that back. The USA has 120 MMP's because the Italians are visiting and took things. The Russian readiness, which I hope will be the game killer is about 60%. Wow!

K rist! I have never seen this before. USA prepares for war. Rambo (and now I truly believe he deserves the name), is making little headway in England. Many armies, no supply. He invades Canada. It surrenders. He declares war, can you believe this?, on USA and takes key cities. That won't last, but wow! (And they say this game gets linear. Play Rambo, and whap a plastic bag around your head.) I don't think England will fall.

It is November, 40. I'm probably telling too much of my strategic position, but... I have a line of corps from Manchester to London. My Monty is in London. I have nothing else to put there. My bomber and fighters are dead. Rambo has at least 5 fighters. He does not yet have a port in the south, but does have two HQ's. Still his troops are taking a punch. He also is swarming with troops on the North side, and I am getting battered. So: I have a few corps and an HQ, I have one fleet and one carrier. I have no air left. I haven't done any tech (and I don't think Rambo has either, frankly) This is a very snarly fight. England will probably fall and I expect it, But he's got none of the neatrals. And Russia may play. I'm going to the end. I'm going to fight. I am going to beat this guy, Rambo, and then we won't have to listen to how the Axis are always favored. But in the meantime, my heart trip hammers. (which is good)

I have nothing left but hope....