Jimmer
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Joined: 12/5/2007
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Prussia made a huge mistake before the game even started: He declared war on France. Furthermore, he did it without talking to his allies.
However, in his defence, he is used to games where everybody starts out with a preexisting war, so he was expecting every other power to do the same thing. Plus, we used the GAP program. Thus, there was no way (that we thought of) to have a pre-game diplomatic time in which to negotiate these things.
Object lesson number 1: Don't use the GAP directly and only once. It can be used to set up a game and show who plays what. But, then those players should negotiate whether they want to be allies, declare wars, etc. Once decided, use the GAP again, but this time include any DoWs that are desired.
From there, it went downhill fast. Neither Austria, Russia, or Great Britian was in position to do anything to help. With winter happening, Austria and Russia couldn't even REACH the theatre, let alone with enough force to actually make a difference.
But, Prussia also then performed some actions that really hurt his cause. He declared war on five minor nations in the first two months of the game. Naturally, France got control of all of them, and Prussia never had a chance to take them back.
But, the biggest thing working against him was France. GWheelock is one of the best EIA players you'll ever see in action, and he knew exactly what to do to take advantage of the situation: Stack his forces to the roof and crush the life out of Prussia, before any other power had a chance to help out. By March, it was all over except the crying.
Object lesson number 2: Never start the game at war with France unless your allies agree.
Object lesson number 3: Big stacks kill little stacks. This is an overriding principle throughout EiA, and it was historical as well. Even though the little stack may win the combat politically, a significantly larger stack (troop count, that is) is going to do more long-term damage.
Object lesson number 4: Don't declare war on a minor, that is in proximity to both enemies, while you are at war with a major, unless there's a good reason (like, so you are allowed access through the country to get TO your enemy).
Then comes the next war: Austria. France did exactly what he should have by going to war with Austria in the dead of winter. France's extra movement point would prove critical in such a conflict.
But, another element entered in that really hurt the Austrians: The Russians were at this time being played by a new player (new to the game, that is). They hadn't had time to discuss diplomatic occurrences, and so when Austria called Russia to allies, Russia had not checked off the bit. So, Russia broke her alliance with the Austrians. To compound matters, Spain also declared war (as a result of Austria's call to allies).
Object lesson number 5: Great Britian needs to be ready at ALL times for a war with Spain. GB was not ready at all in this game at this time. She was both out of position and in need of repairs. Perfect timing by the French, to the great detriment of the allies.
Given the rather bleak positioning, Austria attacked Napoleon. He thought he needed a miracle (which was essentially correct), and tried to manufacture one. The results were approximately historically correct (if a few months late), except no Russians were there.
Object lesson number 3 is repeated here: Big stacks kill little stacks. Get used to this principle. Any EIA player will either live by it, or be killed by it (assuming his opponents understand it).
Object lesson number 6: Do not attack Napoleon unless you have a darned good reason. Furthermore, be prepared to have your army wiped out, if France understands the principle behind #3. It is nearly impossible to defeat Napoleon when attacking him, and he more than likely has more troops than you do, unless you can bring a LOT. But, in that case, he might just pick withdraw, and then pile up HIS guys and attack you back. France can always outnumber any army, and he'll do it with superior leadership.
The best parts (as France) of having people attack Napoleon are that:
A) France is nearly always moving last. Thus, by attacking you are granting Naploeon three chances at your army before you can respond.
B) France can almost always outnumber the forces of any single or two-major force opposing him. Therefore, come "strike back", you should count on being outnumbered. See A, because strike back will come in the form of two attacks in a row.
C) France can out-leader anybody in the game, including whatever you brought against him in your attack.
A few months after Austria surrendered, Austria went to GB and said "I'm going to war against Turkey next month. I hope you will join us (Turkey was already at war with Russia)." Usually, it's GB doing the manipulating, but GB said "sure". After all, it seemed only a series of miracles would salvage this game for the allies.
That war is still being fought, with basically noise happening. A couple of decent-sized battles have happened, but not with any big consequences.
Unfortunately, Austria does not have the troop strength to win the war. Even with GB joining her against Turkey. Austria needs troops, but doesn't have many left after the war with France. All GB can do is take away African minors and reduce the size and stature of the Ottoman Empire. A few corps have joined battle on the mainland, though, and there are hopes that they can make a difference. The combined Austrian-Russian-British armies should normally be able to deal with Turkey. Unfortunately, Russia cannot commit wholeheartedly, because he is still at war with France. And, Austria lost a good portion of her army against France. As did GB.
Which brings us up to the present. The two things remaining are that #3 and #6 bear repeating. Both are presently showing themselves heartily. Russia attacked Napoleon and was skewered. Austria is spread out in Turkey and Turkey also spread out this month. Thus, #3 should be tested again in July.
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At LAST! The greatest campaign board game of all time is finally available for the PC. Can my old heart stand the strain?
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