After last Sunday’s Geek Night, I’ve observed that there are a fair number of us (well: Claire, JTA, Ruth and I, at least) who would be interested in an online, one-day-per-turn game of Diplomacy, an entirely skill-based strategy game made in 1959 and based on World War 1. It’s a really, really simple game, but the only way to win is to negotiate with the other players and to make promises which you may or may not keep. And it’s very clever.
But… the only way to truly appreciate Diplomacy is with a full complement of seven players. So – that means we need three more people who are willing to trade about 15 minutes a day (for about a week and a half to three weeks) for a chance to participate in Geek Night‘s own Diplomacy war. All you’ll need is an internet connection and access to e-mail.
You can even play as a pair or a team, if you like, and have several people ‘lead’ one country (which might be useful if, say, you don’t want to dedicate 15 minutes every day – you can take turns). But the crucial point is that I need to find representation for the seven powers of Europe, and right now I have four.
The game will start next weekend, probably.
We’ll be playing by the standard Diplomacy rules (summary), on a standard map. All player identities will be public and diplomacy between players – by both private and public channels – will be encourages. Any questions, or people who want to join our little game, can be posted as comments or e-mailed to me.
Edit: Player List (see comments for discussion):
Player list currently as follows:
- Dan & Claire
- JTA
- Ruth
- Jon
- Andy K & Faye
- Matt
- Andy R & Sian
That’s it. No more players this game.
I’ll explain how we’re going to play this by next weekend. Hang in there.
I’ll play. Do I need any client software to interpret the emails?
You’re in. All you’ll need to play is any e-mail client and any standards-compliant web browser, or Internet Explorer.
Andy and I will play! As a team, because I’m stupid. I shall call it preparation for my Political Leadership module. Tell me if you don’t think we’re geeky enough even to give it a shot.
Hey what I’m still in right? Seem also to have recruited Faye onto my team (smiles). Just say when.
Sorry – forgot to add you to the first list, yes; you’re definitely in (that makes six – still looking for a seventh player). No, it won’t be “too geeky” for either of you – the rules are simpler than Risk (which Andy is amazing at, aren’t you?), they’re just a little unusual (simultaneous-phase-turn board games always confuse people the first time they play one). You’ll make a fine team, I’m sure.
My Risk skill are undeniably great. I demand a rematch (again).
Can I still play? Don’t mind how, just sounds fun.
You’re in, Matt. And you’ll find it’s quite easy.
what happened to Sian and Andy? They wanted to play — see comment 3 (not the same people as comment 4)
I’ll play on a team with you, Dan, if you want to get them in!
Yeh; you’re right – my mistake – will correct the list.
Eh???????
How did my name (spelling and all!) get in this?
[scratches head]
Different Faye. Same spelling.
Good enough. :)
Can I watch play somehow… I should very much like to play if there is another round at some point, but I’d quite like to see how play goes this round so that I’ll be more clued in.