steel32

Well, really hoping to see where this is/was going as I have not heard back from my opponent since. I am staying optimistic that he is busy or better yet enjoying himself on a vacation. If anything changes I will update as soon as I can.

Interesting programming can be setup different for PBEM vs AI games and glad to hear. Makes it easier to make all happy!

US entering 1915 had a standing army of 100,000 and would take a long time to even start putting troops in Europe, perhaps 1 1/2 year if they went all out at that time. Now if Italy did enter the war and the balance of power quickly shifted thru battles it would of changed the US policy quicker but do not believe as quick as perhaps needed against a human opponent. Now I will not get in the argument of historical vs un-historical point making some points. I find this the only game left that is somewhat challenging when experience levels are even cranked up, and actually at times if mistakes made could still lose and I appreciate this challenge. If some tweaking would take place to quicken preparedness then Italy's entry would be one and perhaps cities taken, surrenders taking place could boost this each time. But US always enters eventually and rectifies the situation against the AI, usually late 1916. Until then it is hanging by a rope. It depends on the preference or intention of the game with HvsAi or HvsH but personally I like this one for the challenge to still play the AI at times. Just my thoughts.

With this situation desperate and need of a miracle the Central Powers roll the dice and former a large pincer around the Silesian and Witkowiz mines, Kattowitz, and Krakow. The germans have gradually moved south and whatever was needed was fast marched around along with the austrians moving out of the Przemysl area in completing the encirclement. Not air tight but not the whole intention. Also I note a 4 cavalry in Radom and believe nothing in surrounding cities. Russians will have to move out of the Vistula area to counter as I am quite sure from all seen that this is the main Russian strength. Austrians/Germans in Austria continue to upgrade and dig in behind the rivers in front of Banja Luka, Novi Sad, and Arad. It appears British continue to move units in as units are now moving north of Sarejvo. A few more Austrian naval units fall down but prefer to do this then loose honor with surrender. The situation here continues to force more gambles. In the Caucasus Batum is completely surrounded and will fall next turn with Poti in danger soon. I also decided to stay in Ardahan for future operations. Desperate but I notice the Russian Alliance has invested a lot of units in the Balkans and only believe around 45 Russia units in russia at this time. An opportunity if the Central Powers do not loose too much with the initial encirclement movement as 10 of these units are surrounded are near surrounded in I believe galicia along with at least 6 units in Caucasus. Good idea in this game to continue to look at graphs and developments of your opponents countries.

Germany has become healthy again and fully invested in tech, just need to hit some. Bromberg has been taken along with Posen surrounded as the Germans inch forward to reclaim lost territory. Nothing to report in the west except all British have disappeared. Main find so far is Dubrovnik as at least 4 corp have appeared as Austria was not able to seal the adriatic with all the losses on land. Middle East/Belgium could be next. I tried but was too late and pushed back and now the Austrian navy is committed to go down fighting. With the Brits landing in force and perhaps more coming the Austrians have conceded the area and moved back away from all Serbian/Montenegro borders. Just can not gain any morale to attack. Down in the low 50's and a lot of troops in the 20's. Ottomans so far left alone have made a push into the Caucasus with Batum for the most part surrounded and Poti temporarily cut off from rail roads unless they move out to take it. In the spirit of using all resources available to even attempt to change the situation the German High Sea Command has moved out towards Russian ports. Situation critical as Austria morale is still in tank from the Italian surrender. Not a good decision among many. However my opponent is also playing a much better game until this point.

Breslau has fallen and the mines are now threatened by the odd mixture of central units. Main German strength continues to form and increase in the north. A bulge has developed around Poznan and Bydgoszcz. Not sure enough strength but perhaps the gamble needed to continue with the adjustments needed to survive long-term as the Austrians at this time are weaker than forces of Luxemborg. With this in mind and Haig landing in Albania, Germans are starting to arrive to address the issue here. More to come as I believe the balkan armies are heavily reinforced. Ottomans are a wild card at this moment as there is no potential for an Entente threat as there is minor forces in this area in Caucasus and Egypt and the Suez is sealed. Never thought I would be thinking of the Ottomans to save the day but they will have to keep trying. Need to come up with a big strategy here and believe I have decided. We will see.

All fronts for the most part remain the same. Regardless of the failed strategy both opponents are like punch drunk fighters after 15 rounds realizing there could be another 45 to go. However the morale edge, particularly Austria is hurting my progress on improving the situation more. To add to this a Brit has showed next to Dubronvik. Breslau should return back next turn and in the north a strong force is gathering to push back the Russian hordes back behind the Vistula. All within reach soon as I really expect no attack in the west for a long time. France/Britain had to commit alot of their future to stop the German offensive including forces for the middle east, minimum research investment, Germans alone are equal in units to the combine French/Brits at this time, so time is there to fix the situation in the east if luck can come. The east is the focus for both teams in 1915.

Well can not take all the credit as my partner is also returning fast, not expected though but I appreciate more. Every situation has its benefits and negatives. Living working in China places me in front of my computer 18 hours a day a long with not too many hobbies to keep me busy. So for anyone wanting more turns quicker take note as my hours allow.

As fast as they ran to St. Malo they have returned from where they came and the end of the line now is in Sedan. Situation here is stable for the moment as a wall of full entrenched corps await. Glagau has fallen and Breslau is under siege. In the north the germans consolidate gains and rest. Austria continues to rebuild from the disaster of Trento/Trieste and helping germany putting a Serbia corp in Mostar. Can not get enough morale yet to attack in this sector but building strength for the push in this area. Ottomans have done their job for now as at least 1 corp has railroaded into the Caucasus, perhaps more who knows. So time to attempt to reach Ottoman main lines and siege Sarakamish and Batum. In Middle East knowing temporary weakness the Ottomans have isolated the Suez with rapid movement. Russian bear has temporary gone into hiding with a rebuilding effort ongoing. Alot of Central units fallen but this must of also hurt the Russians somewhat in the process with attrition. Overall outlook somewhat bleak yet as Ottomans are outgaining the Austrians for the moment. However not much fighting punch in the Entente beyond Russia at this time with France still in the low 20's. Miracles can happen, just need to keep gambling to throw the situation in reverse and win all the gambles.

Not much to report. Almost all corp have escaped out of the pocket in France allowing some more options open. In russia the Germans continue gentle probing as Russia has taken Krakow. Hoping I can hold here in Austria as I am still in control of the fortifications. Ottomans continue the spirit of rapid movement and are trying their best to help their allies. They have taken Ardahan and Erivan by sneak attack along with blocking rail line behind Kars. A few bright spots for the Central Powers if we can weather the storm. Italy is out of the war. US still at 0 with no invasion of Belgium. And I am aware that Russians and allies took forces away early from the Middle East leaving breathing room for the Ottomans to try bold strategies to help save the day that normally would not be taken but are out of desperation and the opportunity for another gamble.

I am glad others are enjoying my misery.. Seriously it is fun to try something out of the box and that was my intention to get more for less but ended up with less for a lot more.

Nancy flips hands again in the west and my movement can no longer hide my new intention in France. And that is to get out of the box in western France now when I can save the remnants of this army for better service elsewhere. On Russia front some luck finally comes as it was snowing their turn, and no snow on the Central Power turn. I took advantage to launch 2 minor offensives to hit the over extended Russians as 2 units fell and Germany is poised to start evicting Russians from around Berlin. This is aided by an offensive into northern austria from the Russians. Which I am not sure if this is good or not as Austria has taken a beating aiding their allies. The Ottomans have entered and are also trying to take pressure off their allies with 4 corps in place to attack in the Caucasus next turn. My opponent has graciously offered to allow me to surrender which I have left up to him as it is honorable to lie in the bed you make or at this point grave. We have decided to see where it goes and continue as long as interesting. And it is interesting with 50+ units destroyed over the first few months, unfortunately about even which does not equate to a winning strategy in the end for the Central Powers. Next few turns shall show if there is yet a chance to turn the tide.

I would go with very gamey. Different if perhaps turn 1 if Turkey is not yet at war and scouting shore lines. However they are surrendered and would not be in the middle of a war or would already be confiscated or sunk. Hopefully a fix can be put in the future to not allow such moves.

Units are being swapped left and right with a whopping 23 Central units and 21 Allied down before the end of the year. Strategy as was put in place was a failure and now am continuing to adapt and take desperate action as Italy has been given Trieste and Trento, big hit to morale. In France I am a little unclear yet what to do to save the situation and continue to fall back as I have to the Somme now. In Eastern France Nancy has exchanged hands and Epinal was close to following. Serbian Front not much action as the fact is there is not enough Serbs to have an extremely strong offensive. Still need to be vigilante though and contain. A minor counter attack against Russia as units from E. Prussia make their showing in E. Germany. A new front also being formed around Berlin to contain the Russian thrust. When will snow ever arrive? Geesshh!

France resurgent as they take back Epinal. I could of re-took as I had the French cavalry down to 1 or 2 but decided to knock the corps out next to it instead. Strange looking front now as French keep up pressure west of Paris and British filling in positions along the future Maginot Line. Germans pull back to the Seine as it has been a massacre in this area with no reward. Rain last turn on Russian front allows 2 corp to naval transport back thru Danzig and fill the lines. 2 more left yet for a hopeful next turn evacuation. This front has somewhat stabilized as Russians running out of some steam but still dangerous. Italians have begun to itch for war. A decision will have to be made and I am quite sure what that decision will be.

Catacol I agree with your earlier statement that it is possible but limited depending on some luck, strategy, and quality of opponent. I never really tested this strategy before this game and in hindsight believe some better preparation for Russia and different movement in the East things could be somewhat different. But again a go for all strategy that puts the Central Powers in a hole if things go wrong.

Epinal has fallen and more territority in this area is open as France has committed their main attack to containing the Paris and western push. Britain has landed at least 5 and expected around 6-8 units at this point and made a minor showing last turn. Russia continues to push in western germany and northern austria. Over the last few turns the Silesian mines and Breslau have fallen. Serbia also has decided to push out and taken Sarajevo as I have not attacked to hard in this area as the need to pull Austrians out to help the Germans. All this is making me take another radical approach. Russia has decided for the most part to pass E. Prussia and in order to put the troops where needed they will be pulled out of port and relocated, if they all can. Austria also decided to stop any form of attack in Serbia and will allow the Serbians to come to us in order to consolidate lines. On the Middle Eastern Front there is none at this point as Britain decided not to confiscate Turkeys ship, allowing Russia to focus in their west. I also noticed troops dedicated to the Middle East pulled into France which when the time comes will give more options for Turkey. However overall looking somewhat bleak unless yet enough pressure can be put on France enough to yet turn around and take Russia gains back.

The soviet juggernaut is starting to look unstoppable so Germans are starting to fill in. 7 Cp units fell last turn from being overly stretched. 3 were replaced last turn along with all other losses but need to wait until they arrive. Rain in France did not help my advance, however Nancy has fallen and more pressure will be applied next turn. German troops in western france are falling back slightly to apply pressure where needed now to make a difference for the long-term strategy to be saved. Britain has also landed at least 3 units as of last turn. Not looking good as I beleive I stretched too thin early and my opponent is even more aggressive then my strategy. Next few turns will tell the story as I need to gain enough of France before fully turning back.

Got it mixed up as he is taking on the western push by so doing leaving the east ripe in France.

Good point Sapare as I have understood from the beginning it is a go for all strategy and the russian steamroll would be coming. Eastern Prussia is virtually lost but will take a few turns to finish off. I am hoping to patch work enough defense in western germany to buy time as I am holding back on sending as many reserves as can to keep the pressure up on France. France is on the verge of disintegration with 37 land units vs I believe 21 as I am not sure if I killed 2 or 3 last turn. I have cracked thru epinal with units on the sides along with units cracking thru Verdun/Nancy sides with corps right next to Toul. It is inevitable that either Epinal or Nancy or both will fall next turn as I am also 2 spots away from Paris with no units at this time in Paris and a hole 2 hexes open. My opponent has decided to take on the eastern france push and by so doing as I expected then open up the western portion as I am taking either that this is given as both can not be Frances decision as forces are spread from Belfourt to Paris to St. malo. At same time knocked 2 HQ's to critical levels of 2 and 7. Britain has entered the war however if no Britain units were landed in france last turn I have a huge opportunity to crush western france, or perhaps down towards Paris as I do have enough units in this area to throw the dice. Also Britain will have a delay as units must land in St. Malo or below. Question is who falls apart 1st. I am not worried about E. Prussia in the short-term and expected to this lose this. Fast moving game with a lot of money on both sides being spent on railroading troops in position. Not sure the long-term effects of lack of investment early but am betting it will hurt France worse as they can only be buying replacements or strenghtening units at this time.

Well on turn 3 and have Cherbourg and all towns north except Calais with a french marine surrounded and down to 3. France has decided not to attack Belfourt but push west but I believe I am in good position with 1 HQ in place and another entering the box turn 4. 2 more French corps destroyed in front of Belfourt. Down to 21 units but I know a couple reinforcements deploy his turn 3. This is countered by 5 more german corps deployed last turn and moved into the 2nd lines and waiting to pounce or fill. Russia has gone all out on germany taking Frankfurt by surprise with a cavalry. This kind of benefits the germans as another detachment deploys in Berlin. East prussia is on an edge yet all cities are at 10. But I have the moral and all cities filled in western germany that russia could hit. Russia however does not scare me enough to move reinforcements from Germany as supply is a long way from Berlin and the cavalry is for the most part surrounded by other cities entrenched. But they do scare me enough for Austria filling in quite a few entrenchments and cities as the reinforcements. I am hoping this is the key to keep the pressure on France and not pull reserves as was done in WW1. Tempo is fast so far in this game and Britain will enter the following turn as they are at 93. Lettowvorbeck I believe this would be somewhat possible in reality but Sedan and surrounding territory need to be held at all cost. Germany did do this in WW2 with a slim gap in the French lines for a period of time too. However the German army of 1914 was completely non-motorized and completely different strategies involved as in 1914 the French had a larger force in western france as they were not adhering to the Dyle Plan then but the opposite.

You are correct on your assesment if war declared on Belgium, however this I avoided allowing the French left wing empty of any Belgiums or British for (3-5 turns). I am in Caen w/Amiens and the entire western france down to Caen in my hands in 2 turns. There are no Brits or Belgiums to balance. France can attack Belfort but if so doing then Germans could be in Paris in 2 turns. The entire western theatre is wide open with Amiens able to be blocked turn 1. I am much further into France then if attacking Belgium.

Playing my 1st game on PBEM on call to arms and with the new rules to deploy units I developed a unique strategy that is not fully tested but off hand not sure it can be beat (which my opponent is patient enough to try to stop). Units can be deployed right next to Belfort with artillery in support with 5 shots, along with a cavalry behind can move right into Belfort. This alone might not be a end all Strategy, however with this move another pincer can move into western France thru the crack in the line at Sedan and by so doing then fast march 3 cavalry blocking Amiens and a line a of infantry linking the chain. So in effect eastern France is in turmoil with Belort and the gate open in the east and the west falls apart without an invasion of Belgium or entry of war with England for 3-5 turns. France can not go both ways and in the process with lose either the eastern border forts/town/cities or lose all ports down to St. Malo in less than 2-3 turns. Sorry I am not experienced to take pictures. 1. More I think of this is I feel very gamey with this strategy (but wanted an out of the box game), and again my opponent is being a sport in waiting to see where this ends as I have offered to restart. 2. Should this be possible? Argument could be that this was a possible course if all the forces north waiting to invade Belgium were moved south and towards the ardennes as was done in WWII. Similar strategy fix them down and move around. Looking for community feedback

Experience player looking for a PBEM game. PM or email steelman3250@hotmail.com

I look forward to seeing once AI capable as your designs always offer alot of promise. Love to play more human vs human but with where I live schedules do not seem to work the best.