I don’t write half as much analysis as I’d like for much the same reasons you cite. It is very hard to get in enough plays that I feel like I have mastered the game.

This especially applies to euros, for me. For wargames it’s a little easier because many share the same basic game mechanics and differ mostly in history-based details AND a good wargame should conform broadly to good tactical practice and sound military strategic theory. This all makes it easier to form sensible opinions about the game based on relatively few plays.

On the other hand, euros, especially the better ones, seek out new strategic combos, often include subtle interactions and are usually unmoored by any real-life concerns despite their themes. This means you really need to PLAY a lot in order to have something worthwhile to say, analytically.

Well thought out post, I enjoyed reading it. I have a tough time with this one because I disagree with almost every policy that Obama has attempted or is in favor of, with maybe a few exceptions. Personally, I’ve never really cared about who has won the NPP. To me this was a silly choice, but it’s certainly not their worst choice considering past winners include Yassar Arafat, and Al Gore. I think they risk making the award irrelevant, but maybe it already is. Who knows though, maybe the controversy behind this choice has at least made more people think about it, which would be good marketing I suppose.

We need to get together and have lunch sometime so we can chat on these issues in person. Much better than online

Brian