The movement of the Brest fleet, like London, is critical in the opening S1901M phase. It alone can determine the progress of the early- (and often mid-) game of England and France. It is very advisable to open a dialogue early with England about the fate of the English Channel ("EC"). Many players opt for a De-Militarised Zone ("DMZ") in the EC, thus giving both London and Brest security without tying up forces unnecessarily.
This can be achieved in two ways. The first is a simple agreed bounce. This gives complete security to both sides. However, it removes the ability of the French to gain two builds at the end of the fall round without bringing both Paris and Marseilles south, which leaves the east dangerously open and cedes the lowlands of Holland and Belgium to the Germans. For England too this approach has its drawbacks, limiting English influence in Scandanavia (as support for the convoy to Scandanavia across either the North or Norwegian sea can no longer be provided) and similarly giving the German great opportunity to establish control over the lowlands. In the right diplomatic situation, these could both be turned into advantages, for example an early FR alliance would benefit greatly by limiting the English in Scandanavia. With German support (and the "guarantee" of ownership of Belgium for the French) this alliance would wish to ensure a French fleet being built in Brest in 1901.
The following moves could therefore be seen:
France:
F Brest - English
A Paris - Piccardy
A Marseilles Holds
England:
F London - English (having been duly "warned" that a bounce is expected by
the French)
F Edi - Norweg
A Liv - Edi
Russia:
F StP - Bot
A Mos - StP
In the fall, therefore, the french fleet in Brest moves to MAO, (perhaps)
giving up ownership of the Channel to the English, as the French are
confident of (at least) one build. This is guaranteed by the Marseilles
army, who (noting that both Burgandy and Piedmont remain empty) moves to
Spain. In addition, unless an early stab occurs, France gains Belgium for
the second build (usually an army in Paris in preparation for the convoy
across the channel).
N.B. Germany will see here that France is growing
rapidly. Although some German foes will be otherwise occupied, this is a
critical time for keeping the German occupied in the south and happy that
the border is safe.
The Russians then take Sweden, and Stp - Norway ensures that the convoy Edi - Nth/Nwg - Nor fails for lack of support, and England has failed to secure a single centre.
Of course, achieving this requires the perfect diplomatic situation and (perhaps) no small amount of dumb luck. Many E & F players prefer the second option, which involves:
S1901M
English F London - North
French F Brest - MAO
F1901M
English F North supports convoy edi - Nor
French F MAO - Por
An EF combination with these moves could be contemplating an EF alliance.
Following the formation of an EF alliance, Brest often stops playing a significant roll in the game. In the event of prolonged EF conflict, however, Brest symbolises the toehold that the English must gain on French soil to successfully move south.