I like this board very much. I like that it's a pure strategy game without dice factor. However, luck is still crucial because of the initial placement of colors on the board. Nevertheless, if one look carefully, could find an interesting move to save the situation.
The designer should warn about winning condition: 22 on the board or 22 + 1 (main stack) at the end of your turn.
Some comments mention about getting 24 at the end of the turn, but I played a couple of times today and haven't experienced that myself.
One of the best!
Like in all, the initial setup and order of play does matter a lot.
East (or CA in particular) is relatively secure, people hesitate to attack especially with some fog and, thus, gives some advantage to the player who controls CA and its cities (great production there.)
CA could be a little bit weakened, maybe by allowing another attack point from Nevada.
Fine board. I played with lots of players and there is a little action for each turn (at least for me, which I did bad). Colors for territory bonuses could be clearer.
One my favorite board, a small but beautiful modification of original risk with also subcontinents providing bonuses. Fog is definitely a great feature for this game.