Diplomacy (1939)

Diplomacy: A Strategic Board Game

Diplomacy is a strategic board game created by Allan B. Calhamer in 1954 and released commercially in the United States in 1959. The game is set on a simplified map of Europe in 1901, at the height of the rivalry among the great imperial powers—England, France, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Ottoman Turkey—that would eventually culminate in World War I. The game has gained popularity and significance for several reasons:

No random elements

Combat resolution in Diplomacy contains no random elements, such as dice or cards, making it a pure strategy game.

Easy to learn

The mechanics of Diplomacy are relatively simple, allowing players to quickly grasp the gameplay.

Postal play and online accessibility

Diplomacy is well-suited for postal play and has transitioned smoothly to online platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Historical roots

The game is rooted in the pre-World War I moment when the Western imperial powers divided up the rest of the world while maneuvering for strategic advantage in Europe.The game typically involves seven players, each assuming the role of a Great Power of Europe, competing for dominance. The objective is to gain control over territories and resources while forming alliances and betraying others to achieve victory. Diplomacy has remained popular over the years, giving rise to numerous variants and spin-offs, as well as a dedicated online community.

Game Components of Diplomacy:

– Board map
– Military units (armies and fleets)
– Diplomatic notes
– Secret agendas

Game Setup of Diplomacy:

Each player chooses a Great Power and receives a corresponding set of military units and diplomatic notes. Players are seated around a table with the board map in the center. The game begins with a starting position, where each player places their military units on the map.

Gameplay Mechanics of Diplomacy:

Players take turns moving their military units and negotiating alliances or betraying others. The goal is to gain control over territories and resources while forming alliances and betraying others to achieve victory.

Game Objective of Diplomacy:

The objective of Diplomacy is to gain control over territories and resources while forming alliances and betraying others to achieve victory.

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