Best way to play each power

[julia1003]

has anyone tried this one ?
you form an alliance with Sp, Fr, and Rs, you have a pre existing DoW with GB.
During set up you place you're 3 fleets combined in the londen blo-box.
On turn 1 you sail into the channel and blast the English out of the water, after that you march a few Frenchies to the other side.
In our face to face games this was the British nightmare, some tried fighting but had to give in after a few battles, even if the GB player won most of them he still lost the war.
Any thoughts on this strategy ?

[AdmiralN]

And this helps?

ORIGINAL: Pippin

When playing spain, I like to think of her protected by a giant wall. Anywhere the ocean boarders her, I consider there to be an invisible wall which many other nations don't have the advantage of. I also will stare a lot at the British transport ships and think of them as little tiny ladders what will be used to help get factors to climb over my walls with. If I can do anything to stop those ladders in their tracks, then I wont have to worry about the brits climbing over my walls and landing inside my territory.

[Pippin]

Any thoughts on this strategy ?

I've done this quite a few times, and it works great.

Best time to use it is when you have some hot-head who overly bids for Britain and claims that their nation can never lose. There seems to never be a lack of these individuals, so I imagine this strategy will be used for still years to come, even if just to make a point.

[Hoplosternum]

ORIGINAL: Pippin

Any thoughts on this strategy ?

I've done this quite a few times, and it works great.

Best time to use it is when you have some hot-head who overly bids for Britain and claims that their nation can never lose. There seems to never be a lack of these individuals, so I imagine this strategy will be used for still years to come, even if just to make a point.

Yes I've seen it done too. It was one of the big reasons our group stopped playing EiA. In our case it was not that some obnoxious individual had got England and was boasting [:D] It seemed to be a good way to cut England down to size 'before the game began'. It makes sense for all 3 powers and usually for England to Unconditional immeadiately (and make it known). Negociate what will be lost (how many ships etc.), just about anything to stop one of the three getting Wales or Scotland - this ends Englands game rather than giving them a bad start.

Such strategies of negociating your defeat rather than fighting became rife. Each one was individually rational and made sense but the outcome on the game was very bad when they added up.

[Gazr]

A clever GB and a sensible spain will make sure that spain is at least neutral early on. In fact, Spain's best starting move is to convince GB and France to let Spain take over Portugal rather than let the other have it.

As France you need to come to a deal with either Austria or Prussia before the game starts; doesn't really matter which. Then just declare war on the other power, impose can't declare war for 18/24 months depending on the peace condition and once rebuilt backstab the other power and repeat. It is worthwhile buying off Spain and Turkey, Spain being the preferred ally because of the fleet. Russia isn't a major concern for France early on except as part of a grand coallition as its forces are too far away to be committed anything other than piecemeal.

The other somewhat risky tactic for france is to have two fleets with one ship in each somewhere on the cosat of the Channel (with two army corps with one infantry factor each) on the same land space, one fleet with more than 20 ships with the I Army corps at full strength next to it and one fleet with the remaining ships in the Med. GB has to split its fleets to blockade all the French and Dutch fleets so in the first turn attempt to cross the channel with (hopefully) a big enough superiority in numbers in your main fleet to make up for losing the wind-gage

[Tisirin]

I saw this mentioned earlier in the thread. What is the Colonial Fleet Optional Rule?

[ktotwf]

So, what are the best terms that you can apply if you are a France who has won unconditional surrender from Britain after an invasion of England?

[Pippin]

impose can't declare war for 18/24 months depending on the peace condition and once rebuilt backstab the other power and repeat.

I like that one...

[Murat]

Even more philosophy on how to play your nations.

[Joisey]

In my prior games Britain routinely came to control Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, as free states, and Morrocco, as conquered, while losing Hanover and Hesse to France.

The rationale given to Spain, Prussia and Russia was always that "you're just going to lose them to France, anyway, so let me control them so they stay in the fight."

Sometimes, Russia would get pretty balky about Sweden, but a threatened British DoW and naval interdiction of their sea supply, coupled with some carrots ($$$, support in taking Polish provinces, and "I'll be there when Nappy invades you") ussually mollified Russian objections.

While some have knocked the dimunitive size of the British army, I have found that when reinforced by 3 Swedish corps, a Danish Corps, and a Portuguese Corp (that even gets a morale boost) that it is a respectable army on the Continent.

Although I always thought Spain should combine with France to take on Britain's navy at the start of the game, I only ever saw this done once. Unfortunately, the French player controlling the combined fleet had no feel for naval combat and went down to defeat. While the British fleet was reduced by half, France and Spain were wiped out and Russia and Turkey could never afford a naval arms race with Britain.

[McGuire]

ORIGINAL: Gazr

As France you need to come to a deal with either Austria or Prussia before the game starts; doesn't really matter which.

Actually, I've never seen this done once. And as a matter of fact a PR or AU player should get the crap beaten out of his head for pulling a stunt like this!
The only chance PR and AU have against the FR is the other!

The only reason why I'd make up a deal like this with FR is this:
I'll do the backstab myself!

FR thinks he's got nothing to fear from me. Concentrates on the other. Then I try to rush past him an me and my "ally" crush the FR by destroying supply-lines and fighting them on two fronts.

In a case like this it's likely that GB will enter the fight too! Much to gain - little to lose!
And this is the point when you'll offer FR a conditional peace with both (PR&AU). Choose: take some minors, he may not declare war 24 months and remove corps.

It will wound him - not cripple him! He can deal with GB! You decide when to fight again - and he will be short of some men!
And maybe he'll even be grateful for not going on him the whole way!

My two cents....

[McGuire]

ORIGINAL: Joisey

Sometimes, Russia would get pretty balky about Sweden, but a threatened British DoW and naval interdiction of their sea supply, coupled with some carrots ($$$, support in taking Polish provinces, and "I'll be there when Nappy invades you") ussually mollified Russian objections.

If a GB player would try that on me - well - I don't like to be threatened.
I'd tell him I'd ally with FR & SP combining the fleets to crush the GB's and fighting PR&AU on the land. This will leave the FR enough corps to deal with GB. Or maybe after the war against AU/PR.
As RU I want Norway, Finland and Sweden. Even Denmark if I can manage...

You know, in this game threads can work in two ways!!

[Murat]

ORIGINAL: McGuire

In a case like this it's likely that GB will enter the fight too! Much to gain - little to lose!
And this is the point when you'll offer FR a conditional peace with both (PR&AU). Choose: take some minors, he may not declare war 24 months and remove corps.

It will wound him - not cripple him! He can deal with GB! You decide when to fight again - and he will be short of some men!
And maybe he'll even be grateful for not going on him the whole way!

My two cents....

I would let Prussia get the extended peace, Austria can hold out the 6 months while Prussia rebuilds easier than vice versa. Also EACH country gets to pick 2 and France can block 1 condition (there is a list) for each country so you would actually get to do 4 things to him, providing you have actually damaged him enough for him to want to sue for peace.

[Murat]

ORIGINAL: McGuire

ORIGINAL: Joisey

Sometimes, Russia would get pretty balky about Sweden, but a threatened British DoW and naval interdiction of their sea supply, coupled with some carrots ($$$, support in taking Polish provinces, and "I'll be there when Nappy invades you") ussually mollified Russian objections.

If a GB player would try that on me - well - I don't like to be threatened.
I'd tell him I'd ally with FR & SP combining the fleets to crush the GB's and fighting PR&AU on the land. This will leave the FR enough corps to deal with GB. Or maybe after the war against AU/PR.
As RU I want Norway, Finland and Sweden. Even Denmark if I can manage...

You know, in this game threads can work in two ways!!

I try to resolve this at the start of the game as Russia. Usually you can get a DoW on Britain WITHOUT having to fight Au/Pr so you just combine move navally and take the minors in the Spring without having to fight the Allies on land (well except for ransacking Britain).

[Joisey]

ORIGINAL: Murat

ORIGINAL: McGuire

ORIGINAL: Joisey

Sometimes, Russia would get pretty balky about Sweden, but a threatened British DoW and naval interdiction of their sea supply, coupled with some carrots ($$$, support in taking Polish provinces, and "I'll be there when Nappy invades you") ussually mollified Russian objections.

If a GB player would try that on me - well - I don't like to be threatened.
I'd tell him I'd ally with FR & SP combining the fleets to crush the GB's and fighting PR&AU on the land. This will leave the FR enough corps to deal with GB. Or maybe after the war against AU/PR.
As RU I want Norway, Finland and Sweden. Even Denmark if I can manage...

You know, in this game threads can work in two ways!!

I try to resolve this at the start of the game as Russia. Usually you can get a DoW on Britain WITHOUT having to fight Au/Pr so you just combine move navally and take the minors in the Spring without having to fight the Allies on land (well except for ransacking Britain).

I agree with the sentiments here, but wanted to share my experience with agressive British players. I also have the following comments:

As an Austrian/Prussian player, I would never allow myself to get sucked into a dispute between GB and Russia. I don't think its in the Germanic interest to do so. The A/P player(s) need to keep focused on France. They can't afford to turn their back on France to help GB bully Russia over Sweden. Instead, they should take Russia's side and even let Russia take the free Polish provinces if it means they can get some Russian corps (and a leader) to face the French at the beginning of the game. That first clash will dictate how the rest of the game goes: Lose, and be pummelled by the French for the rest of the game every 18 months. Win (or at least draw), and you still have the chance to be the master of your own fate.

And really, in the long run, staying concentrated on France is in GB's and Russia's interest too. GB should be trying to grind down the French, and Russia cannot truly aspire to Dominance until and if the French are knocked back on their heels.

As a Russian Player, would try to avoid a rash confrontation with GB. GB has to be mindful of driving you into the arms of France, but you have to reach a modus vivendi with the Brits over Sweden: You can't take Sweden if GB is ready to swoop in and cut off your sea supply.

[Sardonic]

Russia needs Sweden. England, does not. If England acts to prevent Russia from gaining Sweden, that is an unfreindly act. There can be no disguising it. NO amount of softselling it will matter.

Russia, CAN ally with France against England. I would suggest that this possibility be foremost in the mind of England.
Better to have a Russia that needs you, than one that is determined to fight you.
Russia will need English cash. Better England than (shudder) French.

In practical terms, you can always decide to take Sweden away later, if Russia becomes obdurate.

[Murat]

ORIGINAL: Sardonic

Russia needs Sweden. England, does not. If England acts to prevent Russia from gaining Sweden, that is an unfreindly act. There can be no disguising it. NO amount of softselling it will matter.

Russia, CAN ally with France against England. I would suggest that this possibility be foremost in the mind of England.
Better to have a Russia that needs you, than one that is determined to fight you.
Russia will need English cash. Better England than (shudder) French.

Holy crap for a minute there I thought I was going to agree totally with Sardonic on something. As far as all of this goes, I agree. Luckily Sardonic saved me from total agreement by adding this gem:

In practical terms, you can always decide to take Sweden away later, if Russia becomes obdurate.

No way in hell. Once Sweden falls to Russia, Russia can trace supply within Sweden and the British army is just not big enough.

[Sardonic]

ORIGINAL: Murat

ORIGINAL: Sardonic

Russia needs Sweden. England, does not. If England acts to prevent Russia from gaining Sweden, that is an unfreindly act. There can be no disguising it. NO amount of softselling it will matter.

Russia, CAN ally with France against England. I would suggest that this possibility be foremost in the mind of England.
Better to have a Russia that needs you, than one that is determined to fight you.
Russia will need English cash. Better England than (shudder) French.

Holy crap for a minute there I thought I was going to agree totally with Sardonic on something. As far as all of this goes, I agree. Luckily Sardonic saved me from total agreement by adding this gem:

In practical terms, you can always decide to take Sweden away later, if Russia becomes obdurate.

No way in hell. Once Sweden falls to Russia, Russia can trace supply within Sweden and the British army is just not big enough.

After England grabs most of North Africa, it will have a big enough army

[McGuire]

ORIGINAL: Sardonic

ORIGINAL: Murat

In practical terms, you can always decide to take Sweden away later, if Russia becomes obdurate.

No way in hell. Once Sweden falls to Russia, Russia can trace supply within Sweden and the British army is just not big enough.

After England grabs most of North Africa, it will have a big enough army

Sorry, but I disagree! GB will never get enough troops out of north africa. GB will need them right where they are to keep the districts. If GB claims minors there he will really piss off SP and TU. And GB cannot afford to have ALL the fleets in the game against himself. Just take the counts in the beginning:
100 ships GB
177 ships FR/RU/SP/TU
Even if only three of them ally it's only luck that lets GB survive. But all 4?? No chance!
He will end up losing Gibraltar, Malta, and north africa! And have the FR knocking on London's door!

My two cents!

[Joisey]

ORIGINAL: McGuire

ORIGINAL: Sardonic

ORIGINAL: Murat



No way in hell. Once Sweden falls to Russia, Russia can trace supply within Sweden and the British army is just not big enough.

After England grabs most of North Africa, it will have a big enough army

Sorry, but I disagree! GB will never get enough troops out of north africa. GB will need them right where they are to keep the districts. If GB claims minors there he will really piss off SP and TU. And GB cannot afford to have ALL the fleets in the game against himself. Just take the counts in the beginning:
100 ships GB
177 ships FR/RU/SP/TU
Even if only three of them ally it's only luck that lets GB survive. But all 4?? No chance!
He will end up losing Gibraltar, Malta, and north africa! And have the FR knocking on London's door!

My two cents!

I agree. A bunch of 5/5 corps with morale of 1.0 aren't going to be worth much to GB. Better to just have the Portuguese Corp and the Danish Corp and "arrange" to have the Turks do some "military exercises" on the Russian border, or even an actual DoW if you can afford the Turk's price. Now Russian can't put it's entire army in to defend Sweden.

As I said earlier, in most of my games, the British player's pitch to Russia was along the lines of: If you are going to be a team player against France, Britain can build out the Swedish corps faster and get them into action to help the coalition faster than Russia can, and GB is less likely to have to do an unconditional surrender to France than Russia where Fr could choose to take over Sweden. The A/P player(s) ussually also chimes in that they'd like to see a reinforced GB army ready to land in Normandy too, and that they aren't complaining about letting GB have Denmark, so why don't you be a team player too, etc. Needless to say, this pitch has alot more appeal in the 1805 scenario than it does in the 1792 scenario.

Now, in the event of an obstinate Russia refusing, the response by GB in my games is not to be so melodramatic as to DoW on Russia, but instead to be "passive aggressive" and be extremely tight fisted when it comes to loans/trade. Another "passive aggressive" GB ploy is to shower money on Turkey, and support it in creating the Ottoman Empire, with the understanding that Turkey will then pick fights with Russia and not Austria. In fact, a clever Turk can get money from both France and GB for the same promise! [;)] In any event, with a little creative book keeping, the GB player can maintain "plausible deniability" in having anything to do with the Russian's Turkish problem.

A slightly more confrontational approach is to pay the other players not to bid on Sweden when Russia does it's DoW, take control of Sweden as it's free state, and then use the GB fleet to prevent Russian Sea Supply (this doesn't necessarily require an actual DoW, just the threat of one, and the resulting loss of the Russian fleet and three corps in one fell swoop!). Faced with this, the Russian ends up having to attack Sweden through the Scandanavian wastes, a long and tedious process. Worse, if the Russian player rushes to do his DoW on Sweden right away, he'll be building that supply line in the Winter! Come Springtime, that long exposed supply line through Scandanavia is again subject to an amphibious assault by GB (or the threat of one) due to the imperfection of the map there. Again, the GB player only need make an "implied threat", not an actual DoW. Here's an example I recall: The GB player announced that "Russia ought to give Sweden a 'fair fight', and only attack with 3 corps." If they used more, GB might have to "do something" to even the odds <combined with a "show the flag cruise" by a British Squadron in the Baltic>. Hint Hint, wink wink.

In my experience, Russia CANNOT take Sweden if GB is determined to prevent it.

True, all this might earn GB the undying enmity of the Russian player, but the A/P player will also whine and cajole the Russian not to go down that road. The A/P player will offer all the free Polish provinces rather than be caught between a Franco-Russian Alliance. Sometimes, if the French player is a little too gleeful about the whole ruckus, he can make the Russian back off. Alot of what happens depends on the personalities involved.