Balance

[Gamerman01]

So anyway, I just prefer playing with the Dardanelles closed (and with escorts/interceptors - side note) because it was closed in history.  Wasn't that the reason for the optional rule?

I also prefer it because I think it's ridiculous that the Italians could possibly heavily bombard Caucasus from the Black Sea.  I still can't figure out why the Italians start with 2 cruisers and a battleship, when in past A&A games there was just a battleship and transport off Italy.  But anyway, I digress.  I try to stick to the rules, and a closed Dard is an official optional rule, so I play with it closed unless my opponent insists...