So, as some of you may know, I want to host another Diplomacy game. However, I am not quite sure about the best way to go about it. So, I have decided to ask you guys what format to use for the next game. I have given an explanation of each of the different formats (the poll choices) below:
- Standard - This is pretty much your standard game of Diplomacy, which we have played for a majority of the games here (See the links to games 1-3 in the information box at the end of the post).
- Anonymous - The rules are the same as standard, but the identities (the players assigned to each country) are unknown. This was the format used in Earthworm's previous game.
- Gunboat - A popular variant on php, this variant allows NO COMMUNICATION between the players whatsoever. Here, the moves you make are your only method of conducting Diplomacy, so it is arguably more suited for experienced players.
- Tag Team - A solution for enabling large numbers of players to join a single game. This is a common occurrence for me when I play face to face (real life) games. Basically, there are 14 players instead of 7 (ideally), and the players will be assigned teammates based on their experience level (kind of like partner mafia) to make the game more fair. Only really necessary if you want to play a game with a lot of people.
- Other - If you are interested in trying another variant not listed here, please provide a link or some reasonable explanation, and why you think it is the best choice.
Remember, if you are not interested in playing, please don't vote as I will choose the format that has the most votes. And if you are interested in Diplomacy but don't know where to start, please refer to the information box below. Finally, you are free to discuss your opinions on each of the formats until the poll closes. I will leave it open for at least 3 days.
About The Game:
Diplomacy is game about making alliances, breaking alliances, and reforming old alliances to better your number of supply centers in the game. Playing the deaf mute will only get you so far before another country decides you are not worth the spaces you comprise of and crushes you for your land. You have to negotiate with other nations if you want to win. You must tell the whole truth and nothing but it while lying through your teeth to succeed in this game. Feelings will be hurt and grudges will be formed. Friends can be enemies, and enemies can be friends. Make your stab and pray it doesn't backfire.
A player is eliminated from the game when they no longer control any supply centers. Alternatively, a player can choose to forfeit (But that is lame and sissy and I will make sure you are made fun of for it!). This will leave his/her pieces on the board where they will hold or idle during every turn. Victory is achieved by a single player controlling 18 of the 34 supply centers OR if all of the remaining players agree to a tie. Diplomacy has 3 phases. Since this is online, you can talk to other nations any time you wish. The game begins in Spring of the year 1901 where you issue your first orders. After that turn is Fall 1901 and you issue your second round of orders. And finally the year ends in Winter 1901 where you either add or subtract to your total number of supply centers and in turn your army depending on how many you captured or lossed in Fall. Then the year begins anew with Spring 1902.
Even though this is a game of Diplomacy, you are never required to honor any promises you made to any nation. You are always out for yourself.
Rules (these are not all the rules, please check the rulebook for further reading):
Diplomacy is game about making alliances, breaking alliances, and reforming old alliances to better your number of supply centers in the game. Playing the deaf mute will only get you so far before another country decides you are not worth the spaces you comprise of and crushes you for your land. You have to negotiate with other nations if you want to win. You must tell the whole truth and nothing but it while lying through your teeth to succeed in this game. Feelings will be hurt and grudges will be formed. Friends can be enemies, and enemies can be friends. Make your stab and pray it doesn't backfire.
A player is eliminated from the game when they no longer control any supply centers. Alternatively, a player can choose to forfeit (But that is lame and sissy and I will make sure you are made fun of for it!). This will leave his/her pieces on the board where they will hold or idle during every turn. Victory is achieved by a single player controlling 18 of the 34 supply centers OR if all of the remaining players agree to a tie. Diplomacy has 3 phases. Since this is online, you can talk to other nations any time you wish. The game begins in Spring of the year 1901 where you issue your first orders. After that turn is Fall 1901 and you issue your second round of orders. And finally the year ends in Winter 1901 where you either add or subtract to your total number of supply centers and in turn your army depending on how many you captured or lossed in Fall. Then the year begins anew with Spring 1902.
Even though this is a game of Diplomacy, you are never required to honor any promises you made to any nation. You are always out for yourself.
Rules (these are not all the rules, please check the rulebook for further reading):
- All units have the same strength
- No two units may occupy the same space at the same time
- An Army can be ordered to move into an adjacent inland or coastal province
- A Fleet can be ordered to move to an adjacent water province or coastal province
- Winter is a very short phase where players may only build or disband
- You can only build in your Home Supply Centers
- You cannot pass through Switzerland.
- Forfeiting. When someone forfeits early, the game quickly loses momentum. In order to ensure that things remain interesting, please try not to give up if something doesn't go your way!
Helpful Links:
Wikipedia Article
Diplomacy - a Five Minute Guide
The Diplomacy Rulebook
Diplomacy Archive - an archive of Strategy and Tactics articles
Clearer Version of the Map with the abbreviations listed in full
The first Diplomacy game, hosted by Earthworm.
[thread=59208]The second Diplomacy game, hosted by Outlaw[/thread]
The third Diplomacy game, hosted by Bass
The fourth Diplomacy game, hosted by Earthworm
Diptool
Special emphasis on the bolded links. The Diplomacy Archive is an incredibly helpful resource if you are new and wish to understand the game better. Diptool is the program that I will be using to generate the maps for this game. It's always helpful to have your strategies visualized, so I highly recommend using it as well. Note that to use Diptool, you will need the latest version of Java installed on your machine. Refer to the link for download and installation instructions.
