Milan Variant

[Enriador]

What about introducing the Milan variant (by John Norris) here on webDip?

1) The code for webDip exists already thanks to vDiplomacy.

2) It's one of the most popular variants ever, making its way into several variants from 1900 to Youngstown Redux, besides being well played on both PlayDiplomacy.com and vDip (and numerous online judges), with hundreds and hundreds of games being played over these platforms.

3) It's arguably a more balanced experience than Classic, and all-around an excellent variant.

I would like to know your ideas on the matter.

[A_Tin_Can]

In what way is Classic not balanced?

[Jeff Kuta]

In what way is Milan more balanced?

[Enriador]

@A_Tin

Who said that Classic isn't (or is) balanced? If you want more data on that I am positive that PlayDiplomacy.com, vDiplomacy.com and Diplicity all have online stats regarding victories, draws etc.

@Jeff

I recommend Charles Roburn's review of Milan, he explains the variant's balance much better than I ever could.

http://uk.diplom.org/pouch//Zine/S2007R ... /milan.htm

[Enriador]

In short, the variant buffs England (the most powerful nation at the time), Italy and Austria (Diplomacy's Weak Sisters) while nerfs France, Russia (Diplomacy's undisputed leaders) and Turkey (the Sick Man of Europe), while Germany (an average country in Classic) is mostly unaffected.

The changes are subtle yet work well in order to expand Italy's and Austria's horizons a little bit.

[Enriador]

I am curious about how this idea is perceived, especially since I know nothing about webDip's variants policy. Anyone got a clue?

[ziran]

https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?cid ... 5D9F%21176 is a document detailing several statistics from the base diplomacy game, including outcomes of different opening move sets. in it the author demonstrates that, statistically, the attack on France (Ven-Pie; Nap-TYR; Rom does whatever to be able to convoy) is the worst opening move by a wide margin. it even fares worse than "non-standard openings", which is just all other openings lumped together.

[Enriador]

https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?cid ... 5D9F%21176 is a document detailing several statistics from the base diplomacy game, including outcomes of different opening move sets. in it the author demonstrates that, statistically, the attack on France (Ven-Pie; Nap-TYR; Rom does whatever to be able to convoy) is the worst opening move by a wide margin. it even fares worse than "non-standard openings", which is just all other openings lumped together.

Thanks for the link, it's most useful! I don't get how it's relevant for the thread, but I can say that a French Attack is way more feasible in 'Milan' (A MIL-SAV, A ROM S A MIL-SAV, F NAP-TYN). Italy can then build Fleet Rome and force its way into Gulf of Lyon.

[ziran]

but I can say that a French Attack is way more feasible in 'Milan'

that's exactly why it's relevant.

[Enriador]

Good! Another point for 'Milan'.