Playing France is really tough.

**jackbush** · June 10, 2012, 06:47 AM

Just an observation. Everybody declares war on France! Bad to have war on 2 fronts? I think I have five fronts going. I'm warding them all off all right, but I'm never going to collect 45 regions in time to win.

**Avatar** · June 10, 2012, 07:40 AM

Assuming you have taken all the rebel regions around France before your neighbours do, its probably best to form an alliance with the HRE, on the basis of them being the biggest initial threat. Kicking England out of Caen and then heading into Iberia to remove Spain/Portugal goes a long way to reducing the number of fronts you are fighting on. Don't even bother trying to take the islands between France and Italy, because so many factions will declare war over them its unreal.

Granted this will still have you at long term war with the English, but an alliance with Scotland should see them being kept fairly busy on the northern border. Once you have a solid grip on Iberia, bribe the pope a lot so he doesnt excommunicate you and take out Milan assuming they havent expanded too much. You really dont want a strong Milan faction when playing as France.

**jackbush** · June 10, 2012, 08:51 AM

Thanks, Avatar. Your advice sounds good. I've done none of what you suggested, of course, and I am the proud owner of the two islands between France and Italy. I have taken Rome, however. I'll play it out and see how it ends but I'll never get to Jerusalem before that. Then I'll try France again -- with a printout of your advice by my side!

**Symphony** · June 10, 2012, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by jackbush

I have taken Rome, however.

...this could explain why you're being overwhelmed with wars on every front. That tends to happen with France anyway, but taking and keeping Rome is one move pretty much guaranteed to irritate every single one of your neighbors.

**jackbush** · June 10, 2012, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Symphony

...this could explain why you're being overwhelmed with wars on every front. That tends to happen with France anyway, but taking and keeping Rome is one move pretty much guaranteed to irritate every single one of your neighbors.

Makes sense.