Diplomacy

Description

Diplomacy, the classic board game of pure negotiation, has taken many forms over the years. The first version by The Avalon Hill Game Co. likely had the widest release, but Avalon Hill re-released the game in 1999 with a vibrant new map and metal pieces. In 2008, they released a 50th anniversary edition, featuring a redesigned map and cardboard pieces representing armies and navies. In the game, each player represents one of the seven Great Powers of Europe—Great Britain, France, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy, Russia, or Turkey—during the years leading up to World War I. Play begins in the Spring of 1901, and players must negotiate and strike deals with one another to successfully expand their borders. Moves are made in Spring and Autumn each year, using two types of military units: armies and fleets. On any given turn, each military unit has limited actions: it can move into an adjacent territory, support an allied unit in an attack on an adjacent territory, support an allied unit in defending an adjacent territory, or hold its position. Players issue orders for each of their units in writing, and the outcome is determined purely by the combined strength of the units involved—there are no dice rolls or elements of chance. With its incredibly simple movement system combined with deep negotiation mechanics, Diplomacy is highly regarded by many gamers.