Having drawn one game of the three played (Group B), I agree with you!

I can understand why people do it though. Personally, I could have won game 1, yet I chose to draw to avoid tall poppy syndrome, and also to reward the other finalist for turning tail on his existing ally and shacking up with me.

Not sure it was the right thing to do, thinking back on it. Game 2 I got eliminated in, but which was shockingly drawn when there were three players left! It was the most exciting point, yet the strongest player with the weakest position on the board offered a draw to the other two, which they accepted. I couldn't believe it!

I believe this will change with time. Too early to draw conclusions still - too few games and people are cautios.

"To early to draw conclusions." I hope that wasn't intended.

With best play diplomacy should be drawn, tbh. In the leagues a win will make you such a tall poppy people will see the logic of siding with you anyway because they will need to three way in all the other games to overtake you.

Ah, I've been surprised with the moves toward draws as well. I think people are afraid of being persecuted in the other games because people recognize their lead already. So if that's the case I think we'll see more solo's in the later games as there's less time to be punished.

At the same time I'd like to point out that winning one game is as good as participating in three different three way draws... do you really think winning will make you that much of a pariah?

When all players know what they are doing, the losing powers will always quickly go into stalemate lines. Obviously that leads to many draws.

We are actually heading for our 2nd 2-way draw in our group... but in both one player has turned down the opportunity to win outright to avoid the Tall Poppy Syndrome.

I actually learned my lesson from the 1st attempt at a league at the start of this year.... where I feel I was somewhat penalised for playing it as a normal game. I felt other players were looking for partners to draw with from the start. And it seems this mentality has carried over into the current season.

I'm not saying it's a good or a bad thing... just different!!

Oxim... I understand your point, but i don't think this is the rationale behind the draws we're seeing in the league... it's more to do with playing safe at the moment I think.

You'll note that are mostly 3 way draws too (which is not necessarily a reflection of a grand alliance against a superior power). A 3 way draw is a lot easier to execute than a 2-way... as the temptation to stab once you get to 17 each can be overwhelming. but with a 3 way.... you have a much more comfortable balance of power, with any one power stabbing being punished by the remaining 2 power.

Our 1st game (Group C) was headed for a 2-way draw. I was well in the lead with about 10 SD but a coalition of the remaining 4(?) powers was forming to quash me. I was able to convince one player to join with me and we headed for a 2-way draw.

Unfortunately for him, and probably unfortunately for me I just missed my last turn and ended up picking up the 18 SD needed for a solo victory. In the short run - hurrah for me; in the long run I'm not so sure.