Just like in a regular game, alliances are the key to winning a gunboat. For example, every time I play a gunboat and draw Aus or Ita, I always try to signal my interest in an alliance from Spring '01. It's simple. As Ita, I always order A Ven supports F Tri to hold, and as Aus I support A Ven to hold. That's it. Sometimes the other player doesn't pick up on the support and tries to attack, but better gunboat players make sure to check the orders (or the big map) every season to see if anyone is trying to communicate. It ain't easy, but that's what makes it fun.

im guessing you're talking about that live on we just played.. that is gunboat..
god if my girlfriend hadnt of distracted me there, i had the win easy

And WTA is crucial in a gunboat game (or any game!), or players who are losing will tank the game just to "survive" and get some points. In Diplomacy, there are three outcomes for a game: win, draw, and loss. As Herm Edwards, sportsman and philosopher, famously said, "You play to win the games!" You don't play to collect points.

But that's just my opinion.

V+ +1

I officially rename this thread "N00b proves he is an ass."

I don't like WTA because people always play to draw rather than try to win if it puts them at any risk at all.

i wish i hadnlet my cousin play for me i had turkey he just sucks

i was playing as austria btw

Perhaps we need an FAQ for questions like this.

Maybe so, but trouble is people wouldn't read it anyway.
I would expect this is the first time the OP has used the forum, and don't know that this message will even get read by them.

Still, it would be great if people realized it is more effective to attack the SC leader than the underdog in WTA. Even though it might seem like a good opportunity.

Oh it would be nice to have a place where more experienced players can write some tactics/tips/faq. Like an extra 'tab' at the top for it, maybe called Guides.
Might improve the playing of many people here!
Could just use the forum engine, but only certain people can make a new thread. For instance after asking permission to a mod. Not everyone is interested in writing, but if only a handful do like to teach others: why not give them that chance here on the site?
I know there is a million texts and whole damn dimplomacy studies out there on the web. You can find everything already. But some nice concise information right here on the website makes it more accessable.
I feel it could perfectly complement the /intro.php tutorial already in place.
On the other hand, using the forum engine for something like this has many downsides.
Oh lol, this idea got out of hand since it came to me a minute ago, should maybe post this on the suggestions? :P

Still a good idea.