It's a good variant. The problem with this game was that we had 3 large powers... one on around 30 sc (spain) and 2 on around 20 sc (britain and myself, france). When Britain stabbed France, that was just downright foolish, and handed the game to Spain. We two were the only two that could contest the remote Spanish holdings in Africa and S.America. Then Britain dropping off the face of the planet, and not even trying once to start up a discussion about reversing the stab and stopping Spain - led this game downhill. Jerry I dont think the variant is particularly broke, tho I have some ideas on some improvements. Overall it's very good, and the play in the game led to a solo that simply should not occur in this variant with so many sc needed for the win. I'm sorry Mick, but I thought your stab was awful, and that the ensuing lack of diplomacy and seemingness to care afterwards made for a long drawn out loss. Not to take anything away from Steve - Steve, convincing Mick to make that stab of course won you the game, so kudos to a good snowing there.

Another small drawback was the lack of early diploming from the first Holland, which saw one of the four imperial powers go down quick. This game does require a handful of active players, cuz there are so many centers at stake around the board.
-mike



From: Gerald Todd [mailto:sgttodd(at)mainecav.org]
Sent: Sat 12/20/2008 11:06 AM
To: dc193(at)diplomaticcorp.com; Andrew Tanner; Former Trout; Stephen Lytton; Michael Sims; Mick Cox; Michael Thompson; GM; Steve Caponigri
Subject: dc193 ~ Manifested Destiny



My over ride of the single nay vote was not simply because Spain was
certain to win the last 4 centers he needed - it was because several
players also voted with their feet by not submitting orders with their
vote. Had I adjudicated the turn with the orders I had, Spain would
have gained more than 4 centers and been in position to gain yet more in
the fall turn. By virtue of orders received, Spain had no opposition.

This variant is going into the shop. Play of the game brought problems
to the surface, some technical items that were fixed on the spot, and
some that couldn't be dealt with with the game in progress. I've gotten
some good ideas for improving the variant from most of you, and hope to
hear more of your ideas while the games fresh in your minds.


If all goes well and there's nothing in the way, I hope to start another
game in February.

Jerry