Jonah Patel
Diplomacy is a turn-based strategy board game with the objective of being the first nation to own half of the supply centres in the game. It is a game of intrigue, strategy, and tactics, where players negotiate and interact with each other to dominate the gameboard. The game can be played online via email, using a Judge (a computer program) that allows players to create games, join existing games, send orders and diplomatic messages, and receive results. Playing by email requires more commitment and can take longer than playing on a virtual board, as the adjudication process is not automated. Players need to be aware of the time commitment required, which can be around four to six months for an entire game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Players | 7 |
| Time Commitment | 4-6 months |
| Time Limit | 1 order every 12/24/48 hours |
| Communication Mechanics | |
| Adjudication Process | Manual |
| Game Master | Human or Computer |
| Judge | Computer |
| Judge Function | Adjudicates orders, sets deadlines, sends results of moves to players |
| Game Objective | Be the first nation to own half of the supply centers |
| Winning Strategy | Move units to claim other players' supply centers |
| Game Rules | Don't cheat, don't play just for points, don't drop out in anger, communicate your situation to other players |
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What You'll Learn
How to sign up and get started
To sign up and get started with playing Diplomacy by email, you can follow these steps:
- Choose a Platform: There are several platforms available for playing Diplomacy online, such as webDiplomacy, playdiplomacy.com, and The Diplomatic Pouch (DPP). Each platform may have slightly different rules and interfaces, so it is recommended to explore and choose one that suits your preferences.
- Register and Sign Up: Once you have chosen a platform, register and create an account. This usually involves providing basic information such as your name, email address, and creating a username and password. Some platforms may also require additional details, such as your preferred language.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Game: Before joining a game, take some time to understand the rules and gameplay of Diplomacy. The game typically involves seven players negotiating and forming alliances to dominate the game board. Each player represents a nation and aims to own half of the supply centers on the board. Moving units, forming alliances, and claiming supply centers are key aspects of the game.
- Join a Game: After registering, you can browse available games to join. Some platforms allow you to create your own games and invite other players to join. You can also specify your preferences, such as the pace of the game (e.g., orders every 12/24/48 hours) and whether you prefer a human or computer judge to moderate the game.
- Communication and Gameplay: Diplomacy by email involves sending and receiving emails with other players and the Game Master (GM). You can send emails to allies, negotiate, form alliances, and strategize. Orders for fleets and armies are sent confidentially to the Judge (a computer), which processes the results and informs all players.
- Time Commitment: Playing Diplomacy by email requires a significant time commitment. Each turn can take a day or two, and a full game can last for at least four to six months. Ensure that you can commit to regular participation and consistent access to the internet throughout the game.
Remember to maintain fair play, avoid cheating, and communicate any issues or inability to continue with the game to other players and the GM. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the strategic challenges and interactions that Diplomacy offers!
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Understanding the rules and your objective
Diplomacy is a multiplayer, turn-based strategy board game that can be played online or by email. The objective of the game is to be the first nation to own half of the supply centres. Each player is assigned a nation, and each nation is represented by a different colour.
To achieve this objective, you can move your units around the board, fighting to claim other players' supply centres as your own. For each supply centre you occupy, you get to build a new unit at the end of the year. You can use this new unit to fight for more supply centres and help you win the game. If you lose a supply centre to another player, you must disband a unit, leaving you with fewer units to fight with.
The game starts in 1901, pre-World War One Europe, with seven players negotiating with each other to dominate the game board. Orders for fleets and armies are secretly sent to the Judge (a computer), which then calculates the results and forwards them to the players. The Judge will also set the deadline for the next set of orders.
The best way to get better at the game is to play. You can set your own time limits (e.g. one order every 12/24/48 hours), and you can vote to change the order time limits or pause the game. It's important to remember that this is a game with seven players, and only one can win, so don't take things personally or let your emotions get the better of you.
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Communicating with other players
Communication is key when playing Diplomacy by email. The game is complex due to the relationships between players, so it's important to be clear and direct in your communications. Here are some tips for effective communication:
Be responsive
Email communication can be slower than face-to-face or virtual board game communication. Emails might not be read or replied to for a day or more, so it's important to be responsive and timely in your communications. Remember that each turn can take at least a day or two, and a whole game can take around 4-6 months to complete. Be prepared to commit to the game for the long haul and maintain continuous access to the internet.
Use clear and concise language
Given the potential delays in communication, keep your messages clear and concise. Avoid complex or flowery language that might confuse or delay understanding. Remember that the game is already complex enough due to the relationships between players, so simple and direct language is best.
Know the rules
Before you start communicating with other players, make sure you understand the rules of the game. This will help you communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings. Familiarize yourself with the rules and gameplay before joining a game.
Be respectful and maintain perspective
Remember that the game is just a game, and the primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the competition. Tensions may rise and tempers may flare, but it's important to keep things in perspective. Don't take things personally, and don't make things personal for others. If you find yourself no longer having fun or getting too invested, it's okay to gracefully exit the game and communicate your situation to the other players.
Communicate strategically
Diplomacy is a game of intrigue, strategy, and tactics, so your communication skills will be key to your success. Feel free to deceive and lie to other players to gain an advantage, but never cheat by deceiving the Gamemaster, site moderators, or administrators. Communicate in a way that furthers your strategic goals and helps you dominate the game board.
Use the right tools
There are various tools and platforms available for playing Diplomacy by email. You can use email judges, which are computer programs that facilitate gameplay and communication. Alternatively, you can play without a judge by using human moderation groups or websites that allow direct input of orders. Choose the platform that best suits your preferences and communication style.
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The role of the Game Master
Game Masters can be part of a Human Moderation group, such as CAT23, which has thousands of active players and Game Masters, or the ICQ Diplomacy Guild, which plays without a Judge. They can also be associated with web sites that allow players to input orders directly into the site.
When using a Judge, the Game Master's role is largely automated. The Judge is a computer program that allows players to play Diplomacy via email. Once registered, players can create or join games, order units, send and receive diplomatic messages, and receive results from the Judge. The Judge adjudicates orders, sets deadlines, and sends results to all players.
In a Hand-Adjudicated game, the Game Master's role is more hands-on. Players write emails directly to the Game Master and other players, and the Game Master is responsible for processing orders, setting deadlines, and sending results. This method may be more prone to human error and slower response times.
Overall, the Game Master's role is crucial to the smooth operation of an email-based Diplomacy game, whether through a Judge or Hand-Adjudication. They ensure that players have a positive and fair gaming experience.
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Tips for being a reliable player
Playing Diplomacy by email is a great way to experience the game, but it requires a certain level of commitment from players. Here are some tips to ensure you are a reliable player:
Firstly, understand the time requirements. Diplomacy played by email can be slower-paced than face-to-face play, with each turn taking at least a day or two and an entire game lasting around four to six months. As a reliable player, you should be prepared to commit to the game for this duration and ensure you have continuous access to the internet.
Secondly, familiarise yourself with the platform and its rules. Diplomacy can be played via Judges, which are computer programs that facilitate gameplay and communication. Alternatively, you can play Hand-Adjudicated games, where you communicate directly with other players and the Game Master via email. Understand the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that suits you best.
Thirdly, be responsive and meet deadlines. In email Diplomacy, your responsiveness can impact the overall pace of the game. Aim to respond to your fellow players in a timely manner and always meet the deadlines set by the Judge or Game Master. This ensures the game progresses smoothly and everyone has an enjoyable experience.
Additionally, develop good communication skills. Diplomacy is a game of negotiation, alliances, and strategy. Communicate effectively with other players, be open to forming alliances, and always consider the trustworthiness of your allies. Remember, agreements are not binding, so be cautious and strategic in your dealings.
Finally, understand the game mechanics and strategies. Familiarise yourself with the rules, the map, and the different units. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each country, and develop strategies accordingly. The more you understand the game, the better your decision-making will be.
By following these tips, you can become a reliable and enjoyable player in email Diplomacy, ensuring a positive experience for yourself and your fellow players.
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Frequently asked questions
The objective of Diplomacy is to be the first nation to own half of the supply centers in the game. You can move your units around the board, fighting to claim other players' supply centers as your own.
The most popular method of playing Diplomacy online is through Judges. These are computer programs that allow players to play Diplomacy by sending email messages. Once registered on a Judge, you can create games, join existing games, order your units, send diplomatic messages to your opponents, and read their replies. The Judge will also adjudicate the orders and set deadlines. Alternatively, you can play by email without a Judge, writing emails directly to the other players and the Game Master.
A game of Diplomacy by email will generally take at least four to six months to complete. This is because games played by email tend to move much more slowly than face-to-face games, with each turn taking at least a day or two.
Diplomacy is a game of intrigue, strategy, and tactics, and the complexity comes from how you relate to the other players. Remember that the game is played primarily for fun and competition, and you should not take things that happen in the game personally. It is important to communicate with other players if something comes up that may interfere with your ability to finish the game. Cheating is not allowed and will result in expulsion from the game.
