Eleanor Finch
The stab-in-the-back myth is a conspiracy theory that arose after Germany's defeat in World War I. It falsely claimed that the German Army was not defeated on the battlefield but was instead betrayed by certain groups within Germany, including Jews, socialists, and communist revolutionaries. This myth was propagated by military leaders like Hindenburg and Ludendorff to shift blame away from their own mistakes and led to significant antisemitism and hatred towards the social democratic government. Similar stab-in-the-back myths have also emerged in other contexts, such as the Vietnam War, where it was used to blame civilian policymakers, the media, and antiwar protesters for the US defeat. Preventing the spread of such myths is crucial to counteracting dangerous ideologies and promoting an accurate understanding of history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stabbing an ally | Should only be done if it puts you in a much better position |
| Timing of the stab | Avoid early game stabs as you will lose credibility with other players |
| The best time to stab is when players least expect it, e.g., after a long alliance | |
| Stabbing too often will make it difficult to find allies | |
| Stabbing too infrequently will make you appear weak | |
| Type of stab | Subtle stabs may not gain much |
| Overt stabs, such as attacking an ally, will almost always lead to war | |
| The most profitable type of stab is when you take more than one supply center from your ex-ally | |
| A "double backstab" is when you stab an ally and then immediately stab them again | |
| Reputation | Your reputation will determine whether other players want to ally with you |
| Players want mature partners who play to win, not ruin the game for others | |
| Players will remember if you stab too often or too infrequently | |
| It is possible to maintain a good reputation while still stabbing |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid early stabs
Avoiding early stabs is a good strategy in Diplomacy, as it can help you maintain your credibility and keep other players from retaliating or refusing to ally with you in the future. Here are some tips to avoid early stabs:
- Maintain Your Reputation: Diplomacy is a game of reputation. Players want to ally with those who are mature and play to win, not ruin the game for others. If you develop a reputation for early or premature backstabbing, you may find it challenging to form alliances in the current or future games.
- Build Trust: While lying, misdirection, and manipulation are part of the game, true backstabbing involves betraying an ally. Focus on building trust with your allies early on, so you have a strong foundation for your alliance.
- Timing is Crucial: The timing of your stab is essential. Avoid backstabbing too early in the game, as it can make you seem unreliable. Instead, wait for the right moment, such as when your ally least expects it or when you have a hidden alliance with another player against the same ally.
- Consider the Benefits: Evaluate the benefits of backstabbing early on. Is it worth risking your alliance for a small gain? Sometimes, it's better to wait until you can gain more from the stab or until your ally betrays you first.
By following these strategies, you can avoid early stabs and maintain your alliances while still playing to win. Remember, Diplomacy is a delicate balance of tactics and relationships, and your actions can have consequences throughout the game.
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Maintain a good reputation
Maintaining a good reputation is key to preventing stabs and avoiding becoming a target for other players. Here are some strategies to maintain a positive reputation in the context of diplomacy:
Firstly, it is important to understand that Diplomacy is a game of reputation. Your reputation precedes you and influences whether other players will ally with you in future games. Players seek mature partners who play to win without ruining the experience for others. Avoid being known as the player who always backstabs prematurely or too early in the game, as this will make you seem unreliable and untrustworthy. While backstabbing is an expected part of the game, it should be executed strategically and sparingly.
Secondly, be mindful of the timing of your stabs. While there is no definitive rule for the best time to backstab, it is generally advised to avoid early backstabbing. This is because, in the initial stages of the game, players are more likely to remember and hold a grudge, leading to a loss of credibility. Instead, consider waiting until you have a long-standing alliance or a hidden alliance with another player against the intended target. This way, you can catch them off guard and increase the impact of your stab.
Additionally, be cautious of overusing the backstab strategy. If you backstab too frequently, you may find it challenging to form alliances in the current or future games. Other players may refuse to ally with you or form unstable alliances, expecting betrayal. While backstabbing can be an effective strategy, it should be balanced with diplomacy and tact.
Finally, be selective about your targets and consider the potential consequences. Avoid backstabbing an opponent who is capable of retaliation. Instead, aim for a quick, efficient, and deadly strike that leaves them unable to recover. This will ensure that they endure prolonged harm and frustration, making it challenging for them to turn against you directly.
In conclusion, maintaining a good reputation in the context of preventing stab diplomacy involves being strategic, selective, and mindful of the timing and frequency of your backstabbing actions. Remember that while backstabbing is a recognised tactic, it should not be overused at the expense of your reputation and relationships with other players.
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Avoid double backstabs
Avoiding a double backstab in Diplomacy is a tricky business. The very nature of the game means that you will have to break agreements at some point, but there are ways to avoid the double-cross.
Firstly, it is important to understand that a "stab" is a risky move and can have serious consequences. A stab is when a player betrays an ally by breaking an agreement to increase their strength. This can be done in many ways, such as seizing important positions without warning or leaking an ally's orders. While a well-executed stab can be impressive, it is not a guaranteed strategy for success and can often lead to powerful enemies and a damaged reputation.
To avoid a double backstab, it is crucial to manage your reputation carefully. Diplomacy is a game of reputation, and players want mature partners who play to win, not ruin the game for others. Early backstabbing should be avoided, as it will likely lead to a loss of credibility and trust. Players may forgive a single backstab, but a double backstab will enrage even the most mild-mannered player and could lead to revenge as their primary goal. Therefore, if you do backstab, ensure your victim is destroyed or rendered powerless so they cannot seek revenge.
Another way to avoid a double backstab is to be subtle and strategic. If you can form a secret alliance with another player against the same target, you can execute a double attack without being the sole perpetrator of the damage. This way, you share the blame and potential fallout. Additionally, if your victim asks for mercy and offers to re-ally, consider taking them up on it. This can give you further opportunities to attack while also keeping your victim's trust, at least temporarily.
Finally, be mindful of the timing of your stabs. The best time to backstab is often at the end of a three-way alliance, or when your victim is already distracted by other enemies or wars. This way, you can strike when they least expect it and ensure they are unable to recover or defend themselves effectively.
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Avoid stabs that enable another player's solo
Avoiding stabs that enable another player's solo requires careful strategy and an understanding of the risks and potential consequences. Here are some key considerations:
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize the potential impact of a stab on your reputation, both within the current game and in future encounters with the same players. A stab, short for backstab, involves betraying an ally's trust, which can be a risky move. While it may offer the chance to increase your strength, it can also turn a powerful ally into an enemy. Players who frequently stab may find it challenging to form stable alliances, as others may view them as untrustworthy. Therefore, consider the potential benefits against the risk of damaging your reputation and relationships with other players.
Secondly, when it comes to preventing stabs that enable another player's solo, timing is essential. Early backstabbing, for instance, can lead to a loss of credibility, as it may signal unreliability to other players. It is often more effective to wait until you have a strong position and a hidden alliance with another player before executing a stab. This way, you can ensure the targeted player is less capable of retaliation. Additionally, consider the context of the game; tiredness or alcohol consumption might also create opportune moments for a stab.
Thirdly, the type of stab employed can influence the outcome. The "3rd Party Stab" is considered subtle and effective. It involves persuading other parties to attack your ally, allowing you to shift the blame and maintain a facade of innocence. However, be cautious, as your ally may not believe your claims of ignorance. Additionally, a "Double Backstab" can be a risky but impressive strategy, involving two consecutive backstabs. While it may make you the common enemy, it can also leave your target unable to recover.
Lastly, it is important to assess the potential gains from a stab carefully. A proper stab targets your strongest opponents, aiming for multiple supply centers to shift the balance of power in your favor. Avoid minor stabs with minimal gains, as they may not be worth the risk of damaging your relationships. Ensure that your stab leaves your opponent unable to recover, either on their own or with outside help.
In conclusion, to avoid stabs that enable another player's solo, carefully consider the potential consequences for your reputation, choose your timing wisely, employ strategic types of stabs, and aim for significant gains that shift the power dynamics in your favor. Remember, while stabs can be exhilarating, they also carry risks, and it is a delicate art to balance them effectively in the game of Diplomacy.
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Be subtle
Subtlety is key when it comes to preventing stab diplomacy. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Firstly, understand the dynamics of the game. Diplomacy is a game of reputation, and your reputation precedes you. If you frequently backstab, players will remember and may refuse to ally with you in the future. On the other hand, if you never backstab, you may be seen as weak and be taken advantage of. Find a balance by being selective about when and who you stab. Choose your moments carefully and keep your target small; wait until your intended victim least expects it, and try to form a secret alliance with another player against the same target. That way, you can deliver a double blow and have some insurance.
Secondly, be discreet in your actions. Avoid early backstabbing, as it may make you seem unreliable to other players. Instead, bide your time and gather your resources. When you do stab, ensure it is quick, efficient, and deadly, leaving your opponent unable to recover or retaliate. Aim for key centres of strategic importance, such as taking St. Petersburg from Russia if you are England, thereby limiting their fleet-building capabilities.
Thirdly, manipulate the narrative. Create a press environment that limits your opponent's options and makes them feel they have no choice but to submit. If they ask for mercy, consider agreeing, but only if it benefits you. You can admit that the stab was a smart move by your opponent, but be careful not to offer too much or your offer won't be credible. Remember, it's all about maintaining your power while managing your reputation.
Finally, be cautious of double backstabbing. While it can be exhilarating, it is a risky move that can make you enemies. Assess whether it is truly necessary or if there are other ways to gain an advantage. Remember, in the game of Diplomacy, subtlety and timing are essential to success.
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Frequently asked questions
Stab diplomacy, or a "stab", is when a power breaks an agreement with another power in the board game Diplomacy. It involves betraying an ally for the chance to increase one's own strength.
To avoid being a target of stab diplomacy, it is important to maintain a strong position on the board and not become the biggest player on the board as this often makes one a target. It is also important to be aware of the risks of entering into secret alliances, as these can make one susceptible to stab diplomacy.
To avoid becoming a victim of stab diplomacy, it is important to be aware of the game's variation and the fact that it is often a good strategy to stab players with whom one has had very long alliances, when they least expect it. It is also important to be aware of the reputation of other players and to remember that if one never stabs, they may be walked over by other players.
