Hi there,
Contrary to what Damoclas has said, I firmly believe that You still have a chance to defeat JohnMk, however that is only achievable in the long-run, even then You will cripple Your country as well, most probably allowing some AI controlled country to win in the VP race, thus beware.
Apart from the map You have posted, there is very little info we have on the game, thus my advice should be adjusted for the current situation.
The factors You should build upon:
- long wars against the austro-spanish coalition, resulting in massive war exhaustion. Austria is very likely to fall apart in a long war (lots of small nations to pop-up everywhere), thus eventhough You will probably not harm Spain in the short-run, taking out Austria for good will harm him in the long-run. Especially if You can ally Yourself with those countries that will fill that vacuum, once Austria is reduced.
- Avoid a confrontation on too many fronts: Only go after Austria, concentrate the bulk of Your forces on killing off its forces, allowing rebellions to spread, and new nations to pop-up. You might as well grab a few provinces fom Austria, but I think Your BB value is already high enough.
- Dutch-rebels: It is obviously not a huge problem for the Spanish player, but it will distract him, and pull resources away from a war against You, as he will need to put down all those revolts up north. You might as well try and kill of his armies there, but I guess Youu will lack the resources for that.
- Once You finish Austria You will "only" have to deal with Spain, but by that time war exhaustion is going to take its toll on both sides, but strategically You are probably in a much better position as Spain. (although I have no idea abut Your DP-settings)
- Before entering a huge war against the austro-spanish alliance you should find some good allies. No. 1 target should be England (it is a good ally that will do the colonial war for You) and Poland (against Austria, depending on its State religion, and the Russian situation) , however the Ottomans should be also preferable partners (against Austria, and eventually in the mediterranium against Spain)
- Build on Your advantages: You get better, and much more leaders than Spain and Austria combined, use them well. You will have the luxury to allow Yourself small, but potent little forces running around with a good leader causing some havoc (raids into Spain, Italy) but avoiding enemy troops. Thus You should out-manouvre Spain as often as You can, especially if You are out-numbered. Only engage in battles You are sure of winning.
- Economic war: Embargo Spain right away from Your CoTs, plunder his provinces when You can, I would even commission priveteers if the BB rate alows me to do it.
- Do not forget, that You have CB shields on many of the Spanish possessions (Franche-Comte, etc.), thus if Austria attacks You, and You quickly beat them, gain controll of 3-4 of their provinces (thus get around 30-40% in a peace resolution) You can sue Austria for those provinces, even though You night not controll them at all. That is one of the few tactics You can use against another human controlled country, the best way is off course if its a one-provicne minor in their alliance who declares war on You, as by controlling tha one province You can ask provinces for 100 %.
As a conclusion: You need to fight a "dirty-war" on all the fronts (military, economy, diplomacy), guerilla tactics, lots of manouvre, taking spanish allies out one-by-one, concentrating maximum efforts one thing at a time, kind of hit and run, and eventually with some luck on Your side, a consistent "kamikaze" tactic might help You edge Spain. Engage in long wars, build on war exhaustion, and remember "He has much more to loos then You, as You do not have much"
My 2 cents,
Cheriioo Attilla the Hun
