Simone Lawson
The board game Diplomacy is a complex and strategic game that involves social interaction and interpersonal skills. The game is designed for two to seven players, each controlling the armed forces of a major European power. The length of a game of Diplomacy can vary depending on the number of players, their experience, and the pace of gameplay. While some sources suggest that a game can last anywhere from two to eight hours, others suggest that it can take significantly longer, with one game lasting over two months. To speed up gameplay, players can implement time limits for each turn and have an experienced player resolve orders at the end of each turn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average time taken to play the game | 5 hours |
| Official time taken to play the game | 6 hours |
| Time taken by new players for a single game year | 50 minutes |
| Time taken for the first five years | 4 hours |
| Time taken for the first year or two | 15 minutes |
| Time taken for the first three or four turns | 5 minutes |
| Time taken for the eighth turn | 5 minutes |
| Time taken for a 15-minute diplomacy period game | 3-4 hours |
| Time taken for a 15-minute diplomacy period game until 1908 | 8 hours |
| Time taken for a game with a 24-hour window for negotiation | 2 months |
| Time taken for a diplomacy period before the first move | 30 minutes |
| Time taken for a diplomacy period before each move thereafter | 15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
For beginners, a single game year can take 50 minutes
The length of a game of Diplomacy largely depends on the number of players and their familiarity with the game. The game is designed for two to seven players, each controlling the armed forces of a major European power. While the rules are relatively simple and easy to learn, the game involves strategic thinking and complex negotiations, which can take time, especially for beginners.
For new players, a single game year can take as long as 50 minutes when you factor in negotiating time, order writing time, adjudication, retreats, and builds. This means that for the first five years of the game, beginners should expect to spend a minimum of four hours. However, it is important to note that the time taken per year may decrease as players become more familiar with the game and the negotiation dynamics.
To speed up the game, it is recommended to set a time limit for each turn, starting with five minutes for the first few turns and gradually reducing the time as the game progresses. This can be especially useful for players who are experienced with the game, as they tend to create plots and engage in protracted engagements, which can prolong the game. Another suggestion is to have an experienced player resolve all orders at the end of each turn to keep the game moving.
Additionally, the number of players can impact the game length. With a larger group, the negotiation and decision-making process may take longer. For games with four to five players, it is recommended to apply the 'Wilson' or 'Public Press' rule, where all discussions must be held openly at the table without whispers or secret signals. This can help streamline the decision-making process and reduce the overall game time.
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A minimum of four hours to get through the first five years
The length of a game of Diplomacy can vary depending on the number of players, their experience, and the chosen ruleset. The game is designed for two to seven players, with seven considered the optimal number. Each player controls the armed forces of a major European power in the years leading up to World War I. The objective is to gain control of 18 "supply centers", which allow players to produce more units.
For new players, a single game year can take up to 50 minutes when factoring in negotiating time, order writing, adjudication, retreats, and builds. This means that it would take a minimum of four hours to get through the first five years of the game. However, this duration can be shortened by implementing time limits for each turn, such as five minutes per turn.
The length of the game can also be influenced by the chosen ruleset. One variation, known as the "Wilson" or "Public Press" rule, is recommended for four to five players. It requires all discussions to take place openly at the table, without whispers or secret signals. Another variation, suggested for five or six players, involves applying regular negotiation rules.
Additionally, the complexity of the game and the strategies employed by players can impact the duration. Experienced players may engage in intricate plots and devious tactics, prolonging engagements on multiple fronts. It is worth noting that the game's slow pace is often attributed to the diplomacy and negotiation aspects, which are integral to the gameplay and can make for a fun and engaging experience.
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The official answer is six hours
The duration of a game can also depend on the time limit set for each turn. Setting a time limit can help speed things along, but it can also impair the ability to engage in negotiations, which is a crucial aspect of the game. For instance, five minutes is a very long time for the first three or four turns, but by the eighth turn, it might be barely enough to write down the orders.
To make the game more manageable, some players choose to play in one or two-hour sessions, leaving the board set up between sessions. This can help to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and make the game more enjoyable. Additionally, having an experienced player resolve all orders at the end of each turn can also help to speed up the game.
The length of the diplomacy period can also impact the overall duration of the game. The diplomacy period is a crucial part of the game, where players can engage in negotiations, bargaining, joint military planning, exchanging information, and more. The standard diplomacy period is 30 minutes before the first move and 15 minutes before each subsequent move. However, players can agree to shorten or lengthen this time as needed.
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15-minute diplomacy periods will take a long time to finish
The length of a game of Diplomacy largely depends on the number of players and their familiarity with the game. The game is designed for two to seven players, each controlling the armed forces of a major European power. While the rules are relatively simple and easy to learn, the game involves strategic thinking and complex negotiations, which can take time.
Assuming a 15-minute diplomacy period, a game of Diplomacy with new players can take around 50 minutes per game year, factoring in negotiating time, order writing, adjudication, retreats, and builds. This means that it would take a minimum of four hours to get through the first five years of the game. However, as players become more experienced, they may engage in more intricate strategies and negotiations, prolonging the game duration.
To expedite the game, it is recommended to have an experienced player resolve all orders at the end of each turn. Setting a strict time limit for each turn, starting with five minutes and gradually reducing it, can also help speed up the game. Additionally, playing in sessions, such as one- or two-hour increments, and leaving the board set up between sessions can make the game more manageable.
While there is no definitive average game length, stopping the game around 1905 is often suggested for a casual game. However, it is important to note that the game can be quite lengthy, and players should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time playing, especially if they are aiming for a definitive winner.
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Experienced players take longer due to complex strategies
The length of a game of Diplomacy can vary depending on the experience level of the players and the strategies employed. While the game has simple rules, its negotiation phases can lead to complex and deep gameplay. Experienced players may take longer due to their intricate strategies and plots within plots, which can result in protracted engagements. The time taken by experienced players can be attributed to their ability to create devious plans and engage in diplomatic negotiations within the game and between games.
To speed up the game for experienced players, it is recommended to have a designated player resolve all orders at the end of each turn. Setting a time limit for each turn, such as five minutes, can also help move the game along. While this impairs negotiation abilities, it ensures the game ends within a reasonable timeframe. Playing in one or two-hour sessions and leaving the board set up between sessions can make the game more manageable.
The game's length also depends on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules. With seven players, the game can take a significant amount of time due to the complex interactions and negotiations. However, the game can be played with as few as two players, which can reduce the overall duration. Additionally, players can agree to eliminate certain countries, such as Italy or Germany, to shorten the gameplay.
On average, a game of Diplomacy can last for about five hours. However, this duration can vary, with some games lasting from 120 to 360 minutes. The "official" answer provided by some studies is six hours, with a typical game lasting until 1910-1912, which translates to 20-24 turns at 15 minutes per turn. For new players, a single game year can take approximately 50 minutes when factoring in negotiating time, order writing, adjudication, retreats, and builds.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of a game of Diplomacy depends on the number of players and their experience level. For beginners, a single game year can take 50 minutes, so it would take a minimum of four hours to get through the first five years. For more experienced players, the game can take longer as they create more complex plots and engagements.
For beginners, a game of Diplomacy can take around 3-4 hours.
For experienced players, a game of Diplomacy can take six hours or more.
Setting a time limit for each turn can speed up the game. Five minutes per turn is a good starting point, but by the eighth turn, it may start to feel rushed.
