Subject: Switzerland
I think, despite its neutrality, Switzerland is one of the most important spaces on the map. It anchors just about every stalemate line, affects attacks on Italy, France, and Germany, and just seems to be an overhanging presence in much of the armed movements of the Powers. Any square that influences the game so much must be very important, even if no army can take up residence there.
Keith Rudis
Subject: the role of switzerland
Among one of the rare things I miss in the game is the absence of the swiss banks delivering foreign currency for stolen gold etc. and I`d lovely play the swiss banker in your next game !!!
An important space for no press games and for those observant in a press game. No need for a unit to do anything; then switzerland is a great form of communication on a judge.
When a first time player looks at a diplomacy board, hes eyes go towards
Switzerland first, then to some of the sourounding nations, Germany,
Austria, Italy, France, then last to Britan, Russia, and Turkey.
The space is a diffrent form all the others, and is the only one of its
kind.
this simple sight and psycology of the Swiss will have an impact on any
player.
Germany-France: Switzerland makes the French-German boarder Hol Ruh Mun - Bur Bel or 3-2. this smal number of territories makes a land stalemate almost unavoidable {If belgium is french} therefore the Swiss make the need for a fleet.
France-Italy: the boarder here is simpally Pie-Mar, again, forceing a fleet on france.
Austria-Others:Austria is the only nation that boarders the Swiss that Switzerland does not accualy defend, it is still much too easy for a german, italian, or even french attack. Sorry, but as austria dont rely on the Swiss
Russia & Turkey:a 'heres enough of europe' line
Britan: a headache when it comes to 18 centers.
feel free to tell me how I am wrong and why, I never pass up the opertunity to learn stragety and tactics.