Instructions Diplomacy

Objective of the Game

Diplomacy is a strategic board game set in early 20th-century Europe, just before World War I. The objective is to gain control over a majority of the supply centers across Europe through diplomacy and military action. A player wins by controlling 18 out of the 34 supply centers.

Setup

The game board depicts a map of Europe, divided into regions and supply centers. Each player assumes the role of one of the seven major European countries: England, France, Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Turkey. Each country starts with a specific number of units and related supply centers.

Units

1. Army: Can move only on land.
2. Fleet: Can move over sea areas and attack coastal regions.

Structure of the Game Round

The game is played over several years, each consisting of two main phases: 1. Spring Turn 2. Fall Turn (capturing new supply centers)

Each turn has three steps: - Diplomacy Phase: Players negotiate with each other, form alliances, make promises, and plan their moves. - Order Writing Phase: Players secretly write orders for each of their units. Possible orders include Move, Support (support other units in moving or attacking), Hold, or Convoy (move an army across sea using a fleet). - Order Resolution Phase: All orders are revealed and executed simultaneously. Conflicts are resolved using specific rules based on strength and support.

Inter-Phase Periods

• Fall Adjustment Stage: After resolving orders in the fall, the new ownership of supply centers is checked. Players can build new units or may have to disband units based on the number of supply centers they control.
• Build Phase: New units are constructed or existing units are disbanded due to lack of supply centers.

End of the Game

The game ends immediately when a player controls 18 supply centers. Alternatively, players can agree to a draw if no clear winner is foreseeable.

Strategic Nuances

• Communication: Success heavily relies on negotiations and deception. Open communication is crucial.
• Alliances: Temporary alliances may be necessary but are never binding.
• Long-Term Planning: Effective planning and predicting others' moves, as well as being flexible in tactics, are crucial.

Diplomacy is a game where tactical thinking and interpersonal interactions outweigh mere dice luck.