I had first discovered the joy of this game around my High School years, when some friends of mine would get together and have parties centered around playing it (we weren't the coolest bunch). Needless to say I fell in love with it enough to purchase the game a few years later to share this experience in my college setting.
I'm not going to break down how to play for you here but rather give you a brief overview of what to expect in purchasing this:
* A learning curve that might take one or two games to master and an attentive reading of the game manual.
* The possibility of the never ending search for 7 players to make the game both playable and enjoyable (it's possible to play with any number smaller, or larger if you're that creative, but the game shines in its essence at 7 players).
* A game play method that makes no use of dice, and therefor no chance is involved (so if you're a gambler at heart the appeal lies only in making risky moves).
* A game play method that utilizes diplomatic skills over tactics (a two player game being the exception), communication over might and movement, and treachery mixed with teamwork over getting lucky and taking on everyone at once.
* A slow play (unless you call a game) that can take well over an hour, maybe over 2.
* A game that involves a necessity to understand its mechanics and workings in order for it to be enjoyable.
In short, the game remains my favorite (as well as political celebrities JFK and Kissinger's, as was originally stated by the game's distributor: Avalon Hill), and if you have 6 other friends that feel the same way it can be a great time (although when the game boils down to 2, try to ensure you have something else to keep your friend's entertained). Even still, the game requires a certain know-how, can be tough to explain to new-comers (I always shoot for "Risk without dice" and hope they get it), and requires a good 1-3 hours to play through (the time needed grows less with experience).
Also, for those who are already fans of the game, considering the price of the other more recent releases (including the '99 version): metal and plastic pieces may look nice, but the cardboard markers in the version work fine, are fairly durable, and aren't to unattractive themselves. I recommend this version to those who simply want to play the game rather than collect it. It's very nice looking, durable, and functional (despite a lack of attractive plastic or metal).
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From the manufacturer
Avalon Hill Diplomacy
Description
At the turn of the 20th century, the seven Great European Powers engage in an intricate struggle for supremacy. Military forces invade and withdraw, shifting borders and altering empires with subtle maneuvers and daring gambits.
Form alliances and unhatch your traitorous plots as you negotiate and outwit—in a delicate balance of cooperation and competition—to gain dominance of the continent! In Diplomacy, your success hinges not on the luck of the dice, but your cunning and cleverness.
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