Diplomacy Board Game
There are loads of great board games out there for groups of adults seeking some alternative fun. However in my experience board games all too frequently lead to arguments and sometimes even violence especially if alcohol is involved. You have been warned!
While many board games are all about dice roles with everyone sitting patiently around the table waiting for the slow person to hurry up and take their turn there are games which offer a bit more in the way of dynamism and social interaction. One such title is the board game Diplomacy which was first released in 1954.
Diplomacy is a war game and it is set on a map of Europe which is divided into various empires. Players have armies and fleets and the basic aim is to conquer all the nations. Now before you switch off there are several reasons why this is far more engaging than the majority of war games. For a start the turns are taken simultaneously. There is a negotiation phase during which players get up from the table to hold secret meetings with each other and form and break alliances. When the meetings are over everyone writes down their next move in secret and they are revealed and put into effect simultaneously.
There is no dice rolling and the combat system is simple, the greater force always wins. This game is all about making deals with people and then stabbing them in the back and stealing their territory. Each turn your supply centers determine the number of new armies or fleets you can build and if you achieve an overall majority of the supply centers you have won the game.
The only way you can progress in the game is to form alliances and help each other to invade enemies. The kicker is that you don’t want to become a target yourself and so it might prove prudent to make multiple deals. Convince your opponent that you are on their side and then reveal the truth after it is too late for them to retaliate. The game invites all sorts of sneaky double dealing and this is not the right choice for people eager to keep the peace.
My first experience of Diplomacy involved a fairly heavy drinking session. While the alcohol led to much excited wheeling and dealing and various meetings with everyone talking to each other in a series of cabals it also led to a great deal of emotional investment. Sadly it was the first time I'd ever met one of the people present and when I double-crossed him and helped another player to wipe out his territory he was furious. My move knocked him out of the game and he spent the next several hours glaring at me and moaning about my duplicitous nature.
I’ve played it a few times since then and it is fun for people whatever their interests. The war background doesn’t require an interest in military matters because the game is all about your ability to make deals and get people to trust you. It can be hugely addictive and very fun to play but I’d advise playing with good friends rather than strangers or you may get off to a bad start.
