Chapter 16: Struggling To Survive

Season Covered: Spring 1906

Winter 1905

Things are looking bleak for your dear hero.  Russia is dead-set against me and France is no friend.  I set three short-term goals:

1. Make sure Russia pays for his build 1904 build in St. Petersburg.

2. Build on my budding relationship with Germany.

3. Pray France lays off me.

As I look at the map, France is likely to seize control of the English Channel.  Russia surrounds my two units in Scandinavia with three units.

I start playing the dangerous game of “rationalization.” I tell myself that I correctly played my earlier moves. Yet, a dissenting voice inside me asked, “Should I have stabbed France?” The rest of my brain tells that dissenter that the stab was necessary to avoid being France’s junior partner. I want to win, and second place is not winning. The dissenter responds, “Yeah, but he rallied Russia against you. The rest of my brain shouts out, “Sure, but now he’s vulnerable to Turkey and Austria, so try and do something about that!” 

I’ve got to trust my social game, and my social game is struggling. Was it a mistake to reveal so much of my life and personality to the others?  It’s hard to know for sure, but I wanted to become someone that others would not stab.

So, even though it’s been futile, I decided to further double down on my social game strategy. At this point, it’s a quadruple down. Right or wrong, it’s what got me to the finals. It’s my ride or die.  I conjure up some Karate Kid Clips.

I received a few positive reactions on that one.  Karate Kid does the trick.
Austria and I deepen our bond, and he replies to my heartfelt message from Winter 1905:

Italy, also struggling, stole a page from my book and tries to humor, the board:

I was disappointed in Austria’s snotty response, but I was more than surprised that Germany and Russia were students.  I assumed everyone was an adult. I am blown away and figure they must be post-graduate students or something. I write a press about it to the Board, thinking it’s a good way to ingratiate myself to everyone and especially these two powers:

Well, that did not work, because soon after I wrote my post, Russia demands another center, greatly angering me.

I offer Sweden to Germany and tell him I'll try for St. Petersburg.  He agrees.  I'm hoping he and Russia both bounce in Sweden, but those two seem to closely work together, so I’m doubtful.

Italy now chose to resurface and provided courage to me. I totally laid out my position and asked him what I think.  I really like Italy, and I know he’s a cunning shark all at the same time.  He's capable of using my press, but I had nothing to lose and I don't think he had much to gain writing me back.

I took as much of Italy’s advice as I could.  I had decided on much of it already, but it was good to hear him validate my instincts.  I have to give up keeping the Channel, but he helped me figure out how to give it up.

I then trick Russia into thinking I will give him Norway to distract him.

This time I think I tricked Russia; just like he tricked me before.  The moves:

Spring 1906

As for the moves, they worked, except Sweden and Baltic Sea did not bounce, allowing Germany to enter Sweden.  A pity, but now all I have to do is get into StP.  Fortunately, however, something even better happened:  Turkey and Austria worked together to stab Russia.  I am overjoyed.  Time for a victory lap with Germany:

I feel like I have a bit of life now, as Germany is committed against France and France would have difficulty coming after me now.

In the immediate aftermath, Russia writes:

Also, I had been trying for a year or so to get France to stop attacking me.  Now, I think I have turned the tide:

Awesome news here, but I decided to play hard to get.

Meanwhile, I have also been developing my relationship with Turkey over the past couple of seasons, and I tried to make some more gains.

Notice how he wants information, and I just give it to him:

I then tell Austria I helped him, and he’s grateful.

Feeling inspired, I create a Royal Tenenbaums press for everyone.  

No likes and no comments.  Nevertheless, I’m back in the game, and I have options.