Diplomacy
Diplomacy
This classic game of pure negotiation has taken many forms over the years.
The first The Avalon Hill Game Co version has perhaps the widest release, but Avalon Hill Games, Inc. re-released the game in 1999, complete with a colorful new map and metal pieces. In 2008, Avalon Hill released a 50th anniversary edition with a new map and cardboard pieces representing the armies and navies.
In the game, players represent one of the seven "Great Powers of Europe" (Great Britain, France, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy, Russia or Turkey) in the years prior to World War I. Play begins in the Spring of 1901, and players make both Spring and Autumn moves each year. There are only two kinds of military units: armies and fleets. On any given turn, each of your military units has limited options: they can move into an adjoining territory, support an allied unit in an attack on an adjoining territory, support an allied unit in defending an adjoining territory, or hold their position. Players instruct each of their units by writing a set of "orders." The outcome of each turn is determined by the rules of the game. There are no dice rolls or other elements of chance. With its incredibly simplistic movement mechanics fused to a significant negotiation element, this system is highly respected by many gamers.
Avalon Hill Complexity rating - 3
Re-implemented by:
Colonial Diplomacy
Diplomacy: Classical Variant
Diplomacy: Hundred Variant
The first The Avalon Hill Game Co version has perhaps the widest release, but Avalon Hill Games, Inc. re-released the game in 1999, complete with a colorful new map and metal pieces. In 2008, Avalon Hill released a 50th anniversary edition with a new map and cardboard pieces representing the armies and navies.
In the game, players represent one of the seven "Great Powers of Europe" (Great Britain, France, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Italy, Russia or Turkey) in the years prior to World War I. Play begins in the Spring of 1901, and players make both Spring and Autumn moves each year. There are only two kinds of military units: armies and fleets. On any given turn, each of your military units has limited options: they can move into an adjoining territory, support an allied unit in an attack on an adjoining territory, support an allied unit in defending an adjoining territory, or hold their position. Players instruct each of their units by writing a set of "orders." The outcome of each turn is determined by the rules of the game. There are no dice rolls or other elements of chance. With its incredibly simplistic movement mechanics fused to a significant negotiation element, this system is highly respected by many gamers.
Avalon Hill Complexity rating - 3
Re-implemented by:
Colonial Diplomacy
Diplomacy: Classical Variant
Diplomacy: Hundred Variant
Player Count
2
-
7
Playing Time
360
Age
12
Year Released
1959
Designers
Allan B. Calhamer
Publishers
Waddingtons, Waddington Sanders Ltd., Philmar, Parker Spiele, Parker Brothers, Mondadori Giochi, Miro Company, Kod Kod, Kipo's, Jumbo, Joc Internacional, Jedko Games, Intellectual Diversions, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, Gibsons, Editrice Giochi, Descartes Editeur, Avalon Hill Games, Inc., Asmodee, (Self-Published), Games Research, Inc., The Avalon Hill Game Co
Board Game Category
Bluffing, Negotiation, Political, Post-Napoleonic, Wargame, World War I
Newest Review
Remote video URL
Podcasts Featuring this Game
TDT # 246 - Best of 1997 (15 Years Ago)
In this episode, we are joined by Seth Jaffee, designer of Eminent Domain, and Steve Buonocore, head of Stronghold Games. We have a showdown between Eminent Domain, Core Worlds, and Race for the Galaxy, and also answer a few listener questions. We end the show with our top ten games from 1997 - a look back at fifteen years ago.
TDT # 243 - The Longest Game
In this show, Chief talks once again about building a game group, Geoff discusses 3D printing, and Ryan complains about "hobbit" cards. We talk about several different games, a bit of news, and end the show with our longest games we've ever played. Plus, a great new contest!