TT's Italy - Be friends with me and enjoy our fabulous bunga bunga parties!

[Twinkletoes89]

In this game I shall be taking inspiration from one of the greatest politicians of all time - Silvio Berlusconi! He imply has to be great to still be Italy's PM!

[Twinkletoes89]

Righteo, so I get Italy, my second choice country after Turkey which Jowy stole from me *shakes fist*

Here is the starting situation:



So I have clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right; here I am, stuck in the middle with Germany.

Here a very basic summary of my opponents:

England - Jkaen

Good at roleplay - though it gets my back up. When he drops it he is fine to deal with and seems a decent enough guy. Only guy to contact me so far, though there isn't much to say to him at this time.

1 sentence summary - Could be fun to work with

France - bobchillingworth

We have history and he probably still doesn't like me too much from PBEM 3. Probably thinks I'm going to be weak and a pushover but he's no Sandover :neenernee. Could well underestimate me and try and threaten me early. Would seriously enjoy stabbing me.

1 sentence summary - One to keep a very close eye on.

Germany - Commodore

Don't know much about him but his thread title already makes me warm to him! Could be a good prospect for co-operation but will not know until I talk to him.

1 sentence summary - Unknown quantity

Austria-Hungary - Sciz

Not really played with him but have seen his contributions across the site. Seems pretty thoughtful and logical, one who should never be underestimated. He could feasibly make a go for me on the first turn but can't see why. Going to have lots of diplo with him for a long time I imagine.

1 sentence summary - A real contender

Russia - Gaspar

Kyan's nemesis lol. Seems to be very good at metagaming and reading between the lines. Will have to be careful with diplo with him. If he continues to be so shrewd with his diplo then combined with Russia he could be a seriously strong force in this game.

1 sentence summary - Metagame master

Turkey - Jowy

No comment.

Seriously, despite our history I would be happy to work with him if he was convincing enough. It will be hard for me to trust him should we become in close proximity as I think he would rate stabbing me as one of his major aims for this game!

1 sentence summary - Tense relationship

[Maniac Marshall]

Interesting that you rated Italy highly. In my experience, it's one of the hardest countries to play well as Tunis is it's only easy SC, then it's got a hard road with France, Germany and Austria right on top of it. Not impossible to do well with it, mind you, but it's difficult. I'm curious as to what attracted you to Italy if you know and don't mind sharing.

[Twinkletoes89]

No problem.

Basically I fancied being different. Italy gives me a bit of a 'safer' opening for me to get into the swing of things but also is a real challenge.

I just wanted to be a bit different. I can't really lose (besides any major nooby mistakes!) - If I get killed, its because I had a tough country. If I win, its a bloody miracle!

I'm just a glutton for punishment!

[Maniac Marshall]

OK, I laughed (with you, not at you).

If that's your reasoning, then you picked an ok country. One thing Italy does offer you is a VERY wide selection of working partners. You can work with almost any other country against someone who lies between the two of you, and if you pick the right one(s) you can do well with Italy, especially if you can convince them you're a crappy, non threatening country . I've seen it happen on occasion.

Anyhow, thanks for the answer and good luck.

[Twinkletoes89]

OK - I have chatted with Gaspar, Jowy & Commodore fully & exchanged PM pleasantries with Jkaen.

Unsurprisingly, they are all espousing the 'co-operation' line and talking of working together. Lets see what comes to pass when bob & sciz get on chat!

Here are my very tentative first thoughts at the moves I may make and reasons why.

F NAP -> Ion - Gives me the opportunity to convoy either to Greece or Tunisia next turn.

A ROM -> APU - Can then be convoyed to Tunisia or Greece whilst also providing support for Ven should Austria move its fleet into the Adriatic and the Vienna army to Tri.

A VEN -> Hold - Need to protect against an opportunistic stab by Austria.


Now this still depends on my reading of the situation between myself and Austria along with France.

[Twinkletoes89]

Ok so question for my lurkers:

On this first turn, could I support my army in Rome to attack Tri using my army in Venice?

Does this then count as 2 units attacking?

I think that I can't as I have a feeling both units must touch borders with the 'attacked' region - but would just like to check

[Selrahc]

I think that I can't as I have a feeling both units must touch borders with the 'attacked' region - but would just like to check

Yes. To support, you need to border the region being attacked or defended.

[uberfish]

I think that I can't as I have a feeling both units must touch borders with the 'attacked' region

Correct

[Twinkletoes89]

Thanks guys!