Simone Lawson
Diplomacy is a strategic board game set in Europe before World War 1, with players representing one of the seven Great Powers: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and France. The objective is to gain control of 18 or more supply centres, which marks dominance over Europe and deems the player a winner. The game involves intricate strategies, alliances, and negotiations, often requiring players to be diplomatic and deceptive. While the game is typically played with seven players, smaller groups can also engage. tournaments are held worldwide, with the World Diplomacy Convention (WDC) crowning the World Champion of Diplomacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Best played by seven players, but can be played by as few as two |
| Player representation | Each player represents one of the Great Powers of Europe in the years just prior to World War 1: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy and France |
| Objective | The first player to control 18 or more (more than half) of the 34 supply centers wins the game |
| Player elimination | Players controlling no supply centers are eliminated from the game |
| Game termination | Players may terminate the game by mutual agreement before a winner is determined, in which case it is considered a draw |
| Short game | Players may agree to stop the game at a certain time |
| Tournaments | Played at a number of formal tournaments in many nations |
| World Champion | The winner of the World Diplomacy Convention (WDC) is considered the World Champion of Diplomacy |
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What You'll Learn
Control 18 supply centres
To win at Diplomacy, a player must control 18 supply centres (more than half of the total 34 supply centres) during Autumn. Each power's supply centre total is recalculated after each Fall move, and newly acquired supply centres become owned by the occupying player. To take control of a supply centre, a player must have a unit in the supply centre at the end of the Fall turn. Once a player has control of a supply centre, they can move their unit out and retain control as long as another power does not have a unit in the centre at the end of a Fall turn.
Good communication is essential in Diplomacy. It is important to talk to everyone, even enemies and players far away on the map. When you are behind, diplomacy becomes even more important as an avoided battle is a battle won. It is also important to be humble and helpful, as players who intimidate or make outrageous claims will become targets. Players should also be careful not to lie needlessly, as those who do will gain a reputation for being untrustworthy.
To win without any backstabbing takes much more diplomacy. It is possible to win without betraying an ally, and it is often best to ally with players who are on the opposite side of your enemy. This way, you and your ally will not get in each other's way, and you will not be tempted to snatch unprotected supply centres from each other's backfields.
It is also important to note that, while it is not necessary to be the biggest power from the start, a player must be the biggest power at the end to win.
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Be humble, helpful, and trustworthy
Diplomacy is a strategic board game that is played at many formal tournaments globally. The objective of the game is to control 18 or more of the 34 supply centers by the end of the year.
To win at diplomacy, it is essential to be humble, helpful, and trustworthy. Here are some ways to achieve that:
Being humble in diplomacy means not being intimidating to other players. It is about being understated and not making outrageous claims or playing flamboyantly. Being humble also means not lying needlessly, as it can quickly lead to a reputation for being untrustworthy. Instead, focus on telling the truth without revealing too much information. Remember, diplomacy is about finding common ground and building relationships.
Being helpful in diplomacy means being a team player and supporting your allies. It is about being open to other viewpoints and ideas, which can lead to collaborative solutions that are greater than what could have been achieved alone. Helpfulness also extends to your enemies or players far away on the map. Engaging in good communication with everyone can lead to avoided battles and unexpected alliances. Remember, enemies can become friends, and it is essential to stay adaptable and open-minded.
Being trustworthy in diplomacy means being reliable and consistent in your words and actions. It is about building a reputation for honesty and integrity. Trustworthiness also means following through on your commitments and being considerate of others' feelings. If you do betray an ally, it is essential to provide an explanation and try to maintain a respectful relationship. Remember, diplomacy is about cultivating strong relationships and maintaining credibility.
Overall, being humble, helpful, and trustworthy in diplomacy will lead to stronger alliances, better collaboration, and a more positive reputation. These traits will help you navigate the complexities of the game and improve your chances of winning.
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Make and break alliances
Diplomacy is a strategic board game set in Europe prior to World War 1, with players representing the major powers of the time: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and France. The objective is to gain control of 18 or more of the 34 supply centres, thus achieving dominance over Europe.
Making and Breaking Alliances
Diplomacy is a key part of the game, with players forming alliances and agreements that can significantly impact the outcome. It is essential to communicate with everyone, even enemies and distant players, as today's enemies can become tomorrow's friends. Players should be mindful that intimidating behaviour or making outrageous claims can make them a target. Being humble and helpful can gain support, and while lying is sometimes necessary, players who lie too often become untrustworthy.
Alliances can be made and broken at any time, and it is important to be mindful of potential backstabbing. Players should be cautious of betrayal, and if they do betray an ally, it is advisable to provide an explanation, which may help maintain a positive reputation. The best allies are often those who are opposite to one's enemy, as this avoids conflict over supply centres.
Austria, for example, must be cautious of Italy while also deciding whether to ally with Russia or Turkey. France, meanwhile, should assess whether to ally with Germany or England. Germany, being surrounded by potential enemies, must form at least one alliance, such as with England against France, or vice versa.
Players should also be aware of their opponents' strategies, as some may go to great lengths to win, including bribery, blackmail, and deception. It is important to keep agreements secret and to be cautious of others attempting to eavesdrop. Bargaining, joint military planning, exchanging information, and spreading rumours are all valid tactics during the diplomacy period.
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Protect your borders
Protecting your borders in Diplomacy is crucial to prevent attacks and maintain your position on the board. Here are some strategies to consider:
Understanding the Rules: Know the fundamental rules of the game, such as the fact that each region can be occupied by only one unit, and that units can only move to adjacent spaces or coastal regions they border. This knowledge will help you position your units effectively to defend your borders.
Strength in Numbers: Having more supporting units than your enemy is key to defending your borders successfully. Position your units strategically so that they can support each other in the event of an attack. This way, even if one unit is dislodged, you have backup units to prevent the enemy from advancing further.
Convoys and Naval Support: Navies can play a crucial role in defending your borders. They can support land units and be used to transport armies between coastal spaces in a "convoy." Convoys can be especially useful for reinforcing borders and ensuring you have the necessary strength to repel an invasion. Remember that a convoyed army must embark from a coastal land province and land at another coastal province.
Diplomacy and Alliances: Diplomacy is a key aspect of the game. Forming alliances and negotiating with other players can help protect your borders. You can bargain, exchange information, or engage in joint military planning to ensure that your borders are not left vulnerable to attack.
Secret Orders and Deception: In Diplomacy, players write secret orders for their units, which are then revealed and executed simultaneously. Use this to your advantage by keeping your strategies hidden until the last moment. Deception and surprise can be powerful tools for protecting your borders, as your opponents won't be able to anticipate your moves.
By combining these strategies, you can fortify your position and make it challenging for opponents to breach your borders. Remember, in Diplomacy, maintaining control of your territories and supply centers is essential for victory.
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Play at a convention
Playing Diplomacy at a convention is a great way to meet fellow enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the game. Conventions dedicated to Diplomacy, such as the World Diplomacy Convention (WDC) or World DipCon, are held annually and attract players from around the globe. These events provide an excellent opportunity to compete against a diverse range of opponents and test your skills.
The WDC, first held in 1988 in Birmingham, England, is the pinnacle of Diplomacy competitions. It moves between four regions: North America, Europe, Australasia, and the rest of the world, ensuring that players from different regions have a chance to participate. The winner of the WDC is crowned the World Champion of Diplomacy, a prestigious title that any Diplomacy player aspires to achieve.
Regional conventions, such as the North American Diplomacy Convention (DipCon) and the European Diplomacy Convention (Euro DipCon), are also held annually. These conventions are more accessible if you are based in or near the host regions. DipCon, for example, rotates between the West, Central, and East regions of North America, allowing players from different parts of the continent to participate. Similarly, Euro DipCon travels to different European locations each year. These regional conventions crown champions for their respective regions, so you can aim to become the North American or European Champion of Diplomacy.
Playing at a convention offers a unique atmosphere and experience. You will be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for the game. Conventions often attract a mix of experienced players and newcomers, providing an opportunity to learn from seasoned players and exchange strategies. The competitive nature of conventions can also bring out the best in players, encouraging creative alliances and strategic gameplay.
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Frequently asked questions
The winner of the game is the first player to control 18 or more of the 34 supply centres at the end of a year. Alternatively, players may agree to regard the player with the most pieces on the board as the winner.
The length of a game of Diplomacy can vary, as some tournaments end after a specified number of game-years, while others continue until a winner is determined or a draw is agreed upon.
Yes, Diplomacy is played at a number of formal tournaments in many nations. The World Diplomacy Convention (WDC) is held annually to determine the World Champion of Diplomacy. The North American Diplomacy Convention (DipCon) and the European Diplomacy Convention (Euro DipCon) are also held annually to determine the North American and European champions, respectively.
