Jonah Patel
Diplomacy is a strategic board game created by Allan B. Calhamer in 1954 and released commercially in the United States in 1959. The game is set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I, and players represent one of the Great Powers of the time: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy, or France. The objective is to gain control of Europe by occupying a majority of strategic cities and provinces marked as supply centers on the map. Each player submits secret orders, which are then revealed and executed simultaneously, after which negotiations resume. Deals and contracts in Diplomacy involve forming and betraying alliances, divvying up proposed territorial gains, playing rival powers off one another, and spreading disinformation. Players may also engage in bargaining, joint military planning, exchanging information, denouncing, threatening, and spreading rumors. While there are no formal penalties for lying or breaking deals in the game, a player's reputation may suffer, and the consequences can extend beyond a single game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2-7 |
| Setting | Europe in the years leading to World War 1 |
| Objective | Gain control of 18 supply centers |
| Game duration | 4 hours |
| Diplomacy period | 30 minutes before the first move, 15 minutes before each subsequent move |
| Communication | No restrictions; players can overhear each other's conversations |
| Alliances | Allowed; can be formed and betrayed |
| Strategy | Players submit secret orders |
| Random elements | None |
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What You'll Learn
Negotiating and forming alliances
Diplomacy is a strategic board game created by Allan B. Calhamer in 1954 and released commercially in the United States in 1959. The game is set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I, and players represent one of the Great Powers of the time: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy, or France. Each player controls the armed forces of their chosen power and aims to defeat their opponents by taking possession of a majority of strategic cities and provinces marked as "supply centers" on the map. These supply centers allow players to produce more units.
While deceit and betrayal are common in the game, honesty and trustworthiness are also important. Players should expect to be lied to and betrayed at some point, but maintaining the integrity of an alliance can also be crucial to success. Each player submits secret orders, which are then revealed and executed simultaneously, after which negotiations resume. There are no formal penalties for lying, but a player's reputation may suffer, and the consequences can extend beyond a single game.
The game can be played face-to-face or online, and it has been published by several companies, including Games Research, Avalon Hill, and Hasbro. Diplomacy was also the first commercially published game to be played by mail (play-by-mail or PBM) and to generate an active hobby scene with amateur fanzines. The game has a dedicated community and has been known to shape players' careers and relationships.
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Dividing territorial gains
Diplomacy is a strategic board game set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I. The game involves two to seven players, each controlling the armed forces of a major European power. The objective of the game is to gain control of a majority of the strategic cities and provinces marked as "supply centres" on the map. These supply centres allow players to produce more units, and the player who gains control of 18 supply centres wins the game.
When it comes to dividing territorial gains in Diplomacy, players need to engage in negotiation and alliance-building. Each player aims to move their starting units and defeat their opponents to gain possession of these supply centres. However, it's important to note that players are not bound to any promises made during negotiations, and no agreements are enforceable. This means that alliances can be formed and betrayed at any time, adding an element of deceit and strategic thinking to the game.
To divide territorial gains effectively, players should consider the following strategies:
- Forming Alliances: Players can negotiate and form alliances with other players to gain access to their territories or work together to defeat a common opponent. By allying with other players, you can expand your influence and gain control of more supply centres.
- Information Sharing: During the negotiation phase, players can share intelligence and spread disinformation. Sharing the right information with potential allies can help build trust and coordinate strategic moves.
- Strategic Planning: Players should always think ahead and make plans to turn against their allies when least expected. This involves observing the actions of other players, evaluating their trustworthiness, and identifying opportunities to gain territorial advantages.
- Zero-Sum Dynamics: As the game progresses, acquiring new supply centres becomes a zero-sum game. This means that any gains in a player's resources come at the expense of a rival. Players must carefully choose when and where to make their moves to maximize their territorial gains while weakening their opponents.
- Peaceful Acquisition: In some cases, players can acquire territories peacefully by sending diplomats on missions. This approach can increase the immersion and diplomatic aspect of the game, allowing players to integrate long-time allies into their empire and gain territories without resorting to conflict.
It's important to remember that Diplomacy is a dynamic game where alliances can shift and betrayals can occur. Players should constantly adapt their strategies and take advantage of negotiation phases to divide territorial gains in their favour.
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Playing powers against each other
Diplomacy is a strategic board game where players spend a lot of time forming and betraying alliances with other players, negotiating, and forming beneficial strategies. The game is set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I, and each player controls the armed forces of a major European power. The players are independent of each other and aim to move their few starting units to defeat those of their opponents and gain possession of a majority of strategic cities and provinces marked as "supply centers" on the map. These supply centers allow players to produce more units.
During the diplomacy phase, players can form alliances, bargain, engage in joint military planning, exchange information, make threats, and spread rumors. This is where the real manipulation comes into play, as players try to outwit and deceive each other to gain an advantage. Players can also submit secret orders, which are then revealed and executed simultaneously, further adding to the intrigue and unpredictability of the game.
It's important to note that deceit, lies, and betrayal are all part of the game, and players should expect to be stabbed in the back at some point. However, honesty, trustworthiness, and maintaining the integrity of an alliance are also important aspects of the game. Players must decide when to be truthful and when to deceive, as their reputation may suffer if they are caught lying.
The game can be complex and time-consuming, and it often requires a thick skin due to the intense negotiations and potential for emotional reactions from other players. However, the interplay of alliances and the ability to play powers against each other make Diplomacy a unique and captivating game.
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Spreading disinformation
Diplomacy is a strategic board game created by Allan B. Calhamer in 1954 and released commercially in the United States in 1959. It is set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I, and players represent one of the Great Powers of the time: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy, or France. Each player controls the armed forces of their chosen power and aims to move their units to defeat those of their opponents and capture a majority of strategic cities and provinces marked as "supply centers" on the map. These supply centers allow players to produce more units and gain an advantage over their rivals.
Now, onto the juicy part: spreading disinformation. Diplomacy is aptly named, as the game heavily involves negotiation and forming alliances with other players. Players spend a lot of time bargaining, planning joint military strategies, exchanging information, and yes, spreading disinformation. During the designated diplomacy periods, players are free to say whatever they wish, and they often try to keep their conversations secret from other players. This is where the spreading of disinformation comes in.
Players may try to deceive and mislead their opponents by spreading false rumors or making misleading public announcements. They might promise to support another player's military efforts, only to backtrack on their word later. They might also spread false information about their own capabilities or intentions, such as exaggerating their military strength or claiming they will attack from one direction, only to strike from another.
The key to successful disinformation in Diplomacy is maintaining a level of plausibility. Players need to be careful not to spread information that is too outrageous or easily disproven. They must also be prepared for the potential consequences, as lying to another player can damage their reputation, and other players may retaliate or become less trusting.
Additionally, players should be aware that Diplomacy is a game where deceit and betrayal are common, so they should not expect their alliances to last forever. The game can get intense and emotional, and players should be prepared for the possibility of insults and abusive comments. It is important to keep a cool head and focus on the game, even when faced with disinformation and deception from other players.
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Bargaining and planning (military) strategies
Diplomacy is a strategic board game created by Allan B. Calhamer in 1954 and released commercially in the United States in 1959. It is best played by seven players, though as few as two may play. Each player represents one of the Great Powers of Europe in the years just prior to World War 1. Each player aims to move their few starting units and defeat those of others to win possession of a majority of strategic cities and provinces marked as "supply centers" on the map. These supply centers allow players who control them to produce more units.
The game is set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I. Each player controls the armed forces of a major European power (or multiple powers, if there are fewer players). The board is a map of 1901 Europe, plus Turkey, Syria, and North Africa. It is divided into 56 land regions and 19 sea regions.
The game is unique for its negotiation phases, where players spend much of their time forming and betraying alliances and formulating beneficial strategies. During the diplomacy period, players are free to say anything they wish. They usually go off in twos or threes to keep their conversations secret and may try to eavesdrop on other players' conversations. The conversations usually revolve around bargaining or joint military planning, but they may also include exchanging information, denouncing, threatening, spreading rumors, and so forth.
- Forming Alliances: One key strategy is to form alliances with other players to gain a strategic advantage. Players can negotiate and bargain to divvy up proposed territorial gains or play rival powers off one another. However, players should also be prepared for the possibility of betrayal and deceit, as these are common elements of the game.
- Information Exchange: During the diplomacy period, players can exchange information that could be beneficial to their strategies. This may include revealing the locations of their units or sharing intelligence about other players' moves.
- Threats and Rumors: Players can use threats and spread rumors to influence other players' actions. For example, they may threaten to attack another player's units or spread rumors about their intentions to form an alliance with a rival power.
- Military Planning: Players can engage in joint military planning to coordinate their attacks and defenses. This may involve discussing the movement of units, identifying targets, and developing strategies to gain control of key supply centers.
- Spreading Disinformation: As there are no formal penalties for lying in the game, players can spread disinformation to mislead other players. This could involve false promises of alliances, fake retreats, or misleading information about their unit locations.
- Surprise Attacks: Players can also choose to keep their plans secret and launch surprise attacks on their opponents. This can be risky, but it may catch other players off guard and give them a strategic advantage.
- Long-Term Strategies: Given the complexity of the game, players should also consider their long-term strategies. This includes managing their resources effectively, anticipating their opponents' moves, and adapting their strategies as the game progresses.
Remember, Diplomacy is a game that involves a lot of negotiation and strategic thinking. Players should be prepared to adapt their strategies dynamically and make deals that benefit their overall objectives.
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Frequently asked questions
Diplomacy is a strategic board game created by Allan B. Calhamer in 1954 and released commercially in the United States in 1959. It is set in Europe in the years leading up to World War I, and players represent one of the Great Powers of the time: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and France. The aim of the game is to gain control of Europe by occupying a majority of strategic cities and provinces marked as "supply centers".
Diplomacy can be played by as few as two players, but it is best played by seven, with each player controlling the armed forces of a major European power.
Even a short game of Diplomacy can take around four hours, so players should be prepared to invest time and consideration into the game.
Diplomacy is characterized by its negotiation phases, where players form and betray alliances, spread disinformation, and engage in joint military planning. The game also does not include dice or other elements that produce random effects, and there are no formal penalties for lying or breaking alliances.
While there are no formal penalties for deceit or betrayal in Diplomacy, players should be aware that their reputation may suffer as a result of their actions. It is also important to respect your opponents and be mindful of the time and commitment required to play the game.
