Dr. Neil Hair

Autumn 2008 – two days ago – Didcot. Neil celebrates with his two friends the two magnificent victories against his nemisis – the evil – younger brother in the board game Axis and Allies. Whilst his brother faught long and strong, the intellectual superiority of The Master eventually triumphed. With a double Russian / UK mainland European attack through the Ukraine SSR the German war machine (consisting now of mostly men that defend at a roll dice of 2) hiding in the capital – was crushed. With great sadness in his eyes the apprentice handed over Germany's income to The Master – who sat back on the makeshift floor seat, Cuban Siglo II cigar in hand – smiled the ever so subtle smile that says unequivocally – 'I just squashed you like a little flower.' The game was long and the game was hard. In the series of games we played however we are now matched 2 a piece. What was to called 'Neils Troublesome Trip' was saved in the throw of 17 dice that score at 3. A few quick facts for you on the history of our game;

1. I was first introduced to The Board Game in 1986 by a US serviceman living in the house behind us in Grove, Oxfordshire.
2. My mother imported the game for me from the States for the Christmas of 1986. It remains the best present I have ever recieved.
3. My brother started playing at the tender age of 10.
4. He has beaten me 7 times.
5. We have played over 200 games.
6. I do not cheat.
7. He does.
8. He has a tendency to leave his capital open.
9. I do not.
10. Each game takes around 5 hours. This makes the game unpopular with normal people.
11. Starting the game at 10 to midnight is not a good idea.
12. Despite having played the game for over 20 years Greg's interpretation of the rules is imaginative at best.
13. Raised voices throughout the game is perfectly normal. Neighbours need not be concerned.
14. He plays with white dice, I play with red. Never use your opponents dice. Its bad luck.
15. Loosing is genuinely painful. Thankfully he looses more than I do.
16. The decider will be played this November (and we will roll for sides).