DP S2017M: The Ghug Gambit

Captain Meme has prepared a series of puzzles. Here we'll present the very first one in full, from problem over hints to solution. Flex your brain, go!

The first puzzle in the DiploStrats Puzzle Series. Quite a challenging one - very well done if you get it without the hints!

Click here for the After Winter 1910 map in a separate window.

While you're technically able to write a bunch of different order sets for F11 to counter each individual moveset France could give you, there is one moveset that will counter everything he could do if you entered the correct moves for S11.

Solved? Need hints? Click here....

Hints

Here are some hints for the Ghug Gambit problem.

Well, that was quite the revelation. Now for that spark of brilliance…

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Solution

The solution to the Ghug Gambit puzzle.

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PlayDiplomacy user Zosimus found another solution that works for Fall, 1911. One that doesn't rely on France continuing his promise to reveal every move for eternity. Can you do so as well?

Curious for the answer? Click here....

Zosimus' reply

This post is a criticism of posted video as a defective answer to the problem.

The first move is fine and was obvious to me very quickly after seeing the problem. The problem is with the second move.

The Ghug Gambit, Spring 1911
Click to enlarge in separate window

The goal of the exercise should be to set up a real stalemate line, as we all know that the cocky French player may well rethink his boast when he finds you stalling him on a constant basis. The question is: Can this be accomplished? I think the answer is yes.

After the first phase, the French player must still be feeling good about his situation. He has made some progress and feels certain that he will prevail. So he announces that he plans to play as the video indicates:
	Mid-Atlantic Ocean - N. Africa
	W. Mediterranean S Gulf of Lyons - Tyrrhenian Sea
	Gulf of Lyons - Tyrrhenian Sea
										
The video recommends its solution, but I recommend an alternate and, I believe, superior choice.
	Tunis - N. Africa (bounce)
	Ionian Sea - Naples
	Greece - Ionian Sea
										
The Ghug Gambit, Fall 1911
Click to enlarge in separate window

At this point an over-confident France announces that his victory is assured because he will play:
	Tyrrhenian Sea - Tunis
	W. Mediterranean S Tyrrhenian Sea - Tunis
	Mid-Atlantic Ocean - N. Africa
										
However, the crafty eastern alliance plays:
	Tunis S Naples - Tyrrhenian Sea
	Naples - Tyrrhenian Sea
	Ionian Sea S Tunis HOLD
	Armies self-bounce in Rome
										
Editor's note: In the video we saw Austria disband Venice, which would render the self-bounce impossible. In order to circumvent this, Austria must disband something else. In the next figures we show that there's actually no need for an army in Silesia; that it's even alright to cede Silesia to France and still maintain a stalemate line (with foresight it could be kept empty, but as soon as France drops that stance, Silesia must be ceded). Indeed, Austria might even waive the build at the end of the year, since the stalemate line is already in place.

The Ghug Gambit, Fall 1912
Click to enlarge in separate window

Thus, to his surprise, France finds himself dislodged from the Tyrrhenian Sea and a true stalemate line is achieved. Now France can renege on his vow all he wants--the damage is done and the stalemate is assured.

The Ghug Gambit, Fall 1912
Click to enlarge in separate window

Click here for the complete history in a separate window.

Markus Zijlstra
(diplostrats@gmail.com)

THE GHUG GAMBIT

by Markus Zijlstra