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Message: <blockquote data-quote="payn" data-source="post: 9367008" data-attributes="member: 90374">This is a + thread intended to discuss Diplomacy from folks who like the game. I know its highly divisive, and if it boils your blood, please just move on.Wondering if there are any EN Worlders that fancy a game of Diplomacy? A simple game, that requires a deft strategy in navigating alliances and breaking stalemates. Widely released back in 1959, Diplomacy was second to chess in its frequency of play by mail circles. The game doesn't feature dice or cards or any random element. Its pure beauty lies in the need to work together to gain momentum, and eventually work against those alliances when the timing calls for it.      I was introduced about 20 years ago and was fascinated by its design. I marvel at all the combinations of alliances and the large body of study on the strengths and weaknesses. Often, games never came close to finishing as it is difficult to do in a single sitting. With negotiation turns and having up to 6 other players to chat with every round, the time to complete was prohibited. about 8 years ago I found an online site called playdiplomacy.com that took the game online. This actually works wondrously as you can privately email the other players and the automation resolves all player moves at the timer deadline. A great way to play the game without having to spend an entire single afternoon to enjoy Diplomacy. The online circles even have score rankings to show how experienced a player is at the game. scoring based on size of map conquered before a stalemate is achieved. It's also great to see other games progress turn by turn online, al beit, without seeing the communication between players.I have seen a few interesting variants. One is called "Woodrow Wilson" in which all diplomacy is done in the open at the table. Its a little awkward seeing everybody say something like, "we can all agree Italy is boned" Though, it makes performing a stab (inevitable moment a player turns on another breaking their alliance) much more difficult. Though removes a little of the shroud of war that communication has in the standard game. Another is "gunboat" which has no communication at all. All players simply turn in orders each round and that game plays out. The interesting bit here is that you have to intuit what other players are intending and it can lead to some rather chaotic rounds as things naturally go awry.So, lets get to the discussion.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What is your preferred way to play Diplomacy?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What are your Diplomacy experiences?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">What are your favorite alliances to form at early, mid, and late game?</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Last, but not least, why do you love Diplomacy? </li> </ul></blockquote>

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