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**Victor Galis** · November 19, 2001, 21:39

F Trieste

**the_orange1** · November 20, 2001, 05:59

Thanks Victor

**the_orange1** · November 20, 2001, 06:42

POWER RANKINGS

I meant to do these last night, but I was too tired. For the newbies, some GMs like using power rankings which just give a rough idea of the state of play in the game without commenting too much to interfere.

1. RUSSIA. A strong northern opening has left Russia sitting pretty, with comfortable control of Scandinavia. Britain, bloodied on the snow-covered fields of Norway, seems to have got the message and turned its attention southwards for easier pickings. The situation in the south looks good too - friendly relations with Turkey have been mutually beneficial, but that fleet in the Black Sea may start to rankle soon. A weakened Austria could be the easiest place for more gains.

2. TURKEY. Strong and steady progress in the Balkans has characterised the Turkish game so far, with control of three of the four neutral SCs in the region already. Good relations with Russia seem to have been the key to this expansion, although there is certainly the possibility for tension on the common border. Austria is struggling, but can traditionally put up the best defence on the board - close coordination of moves may be needed to finish him off. Rapid naval expansion into the Med could prove vital as Italy and France start to expand their fleets.

3. FRANCE. The best-placed of the Western powers, France has good prospects for expansion. An alliance with Britain is bearing fruits for both, and there is bound to be payback for helping the Brits into Holland last turn. With an army in Ruhr, France should be able to make further gains against Germany. In the Med, things are looking equally good. Although Italy stabbed last turn, France is the better placed to cope with a possible war on that front, with naval superiority and room to maneouvre.

4. BRITAIN. Also doing well, but the loss of Norway to the Russians must have come as a serious blow. The war on Germany is proceeding smoothly, with strong French help, and more gains look likely. An aggressive Russian expansion in the north, however, could be a real threat and may tie up units needed on the mainland.

5. ITALY. Italy has vacillated a lot in the first 2 years about who its friends are and who its enemies. After the stab on Austria went well, then turned sour, the 2 foes seem to have made the peace, and Italy has turned on France. This latest stab, however, was weak and leaves the Italians exposed, with only one fleet in the Med to keep the French at bay - of course doing this lets Turkey expand further into the Med, another serious threat.

6. GERMANY. Under siege from an Anglo-French alliance, Germany's future looks shaky to say the least. The position is not hopeless, however, and a strong defence, combined with some intensive diplomacy, could yet save the day. At least Russia seems to be a friendly neighbour.

7. AUSTRIA. Austria has struggled since the first turn when he was gang-raped by all his neighbours, but to his credit bounced back well. Unfortunately, Turkey and Russia do not seem to be quite so easy to convince as the Italians were, and Austria will have to defend strongly if it is to survive. Luckily, Austria is one of the best defensive powers in the game, so his demise may not be as quick as many think.

Announcement

Dip 62: Not So Newbie Diplomacy Autumn 1902 Results

Dip 62: Not So Newbie Diplomacy Autumn 1902 Results

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