is that edi talking about dip?i know how to explain etc i just meant things like what could go wrong/get misunderstood etc

Make sure everyone understands it's just a game! Sounds silly, but last time I tried playing f2f with my friends some of them took it as personal insults when they were stabbed. I know this is a valid strategy and if they were pretending then I'm impressed, but I don't think they were.
Also, make sure they understand things such as broken support, only taking SCs in autumn. If people don't they can get very annoyed!

Yeah... I emphasize the fact that anything goes in the game and that none of it should be taken personally and that in-game conflicts should be left in-game. I haven't had any problems yet, but I imagine that particularly vicious stabs might be taken poorly.

cheers for the advice people

As a tactics thing, make sure they don't think you're brilliant! That another issue I've had when playing with people new to diplomacy - they all just attack because you know the rules and so know the game and so are viewed as biggest threat!

yeah thats very true

Explain the rules a few days before the actual game. Designate the countries before the actual play, such that they can look for strategy.

If there is one new player, always open his orders first and allow any corrections.

Have a game master, in case of new players.

Lucas

theres 6 7 if u include me being new to face to face

Hi trim - where abouts (roughly) do you live? I'd be quite keen to set up a London game in the UK face to face in the near future. I understand that flashman might be in the UK around Christmas time (that was a while ago he said it though). I know there are a few others on the site - perhaps we ought to get a list going?

Maybe if you gave each new player an toy rubber dagger. This might get the point across but with some humer.

There are a bunch of things you can do to get people going in their first game.
The Videos I made on You Tube are basic but they specifically cover the most common early mistakes that players make. If you think you know how to teach the game you will be shocked at the amount of stuff that you will leave out.
There is a script available of this, there is a also a single page rule summary, there are articles on the WHY of the HOW we Teach in the Pouch.
There are some player guides covering some common openings and the like around, one that is used a lot is for people going to their first tournament which covers a lot of things to prepare the Email players for the culture shock that is face to face tournament play.
I can send you a bunch of stuff but it is probably best off line from here.
Write to me at:
EdiBirsan AT astound DOT net

Also there have been a few inquiries from people on restarting a London/UK FtF club group. Just this week there was someone from Leeds and another from Bradford looking for locals there. I am sure that there are some in London also.

well cg im in bristol at the moment but all my friends, family are in london and i will be in london from the 18th til the 23rd then from 28th til about the 3rd so anytime aroudn then would be wicked.

and acutally thinking about a london game, i can get us a conference room in a pub very easily near bank. cheers edi i will email you now

If you need a game board, then you can find some on Ebay very cheaply that are based in the UK.

i never thought about ebay

I also have my own board, and live in London and work in Westminster. I can't get you in to where I work, but happy to join in the fun on a date in those time frames :)

From recollection, figle/braveheart might be in London? I'm not sure though - I may be confusing them with someone else?

well thats 2 of us who can play at least