How do you win a game without knowing the rules?

http://www.diplom.org/~diparch/diplomacy_rules.htm

@Kubrick - The rules are the same as classic 1901.

MadMarx, this is great, but I don't see anything about World Diplomacy IX. Thanks.

Draugner: Thank you. Are there strategy guides?

Kubrick, don't think that's not intentional.

There aren't any real strategy guides. You learn it as you go, really.

So let me tell you what I've learned. If possible, you should lock yourself into a corner of the map - ie one of the poles. This removes one front which you can be attacked on, but opens you up to several new enemies. Many powers tend to get locked up because they consolidate their continent too late, or focus on building too many armies early. To be truly successful, build solid alliances within your continent, and establish yourself on another one. Once you're in a solid position on the second continent, you can proceed to consolidate your home continent one. Other players wait too long and then try to breach another continent which is controlled by a single player. And finally, fleets are important. Waaay more important than armies, since sea spaces are a lot more valuable than land spaces. One fleet in EAO can threaten 8 or so territories on Africa, meaning whatever power you're trying to invade needs 4 units to cover it at least. But, if you moved too late and EAO was protected, you're stuck, and its very easy to get stuck in the late game.

Goldfinger: Thank you. That is helpful. And please give my best to Oddjob.

Kubrick: "World Diplomacy IX" is just one of hundreds of Diplomacy variants. Here is a list of variant strategy articles: http://www.variantbank.org/articles.htm. I don't think any of them are for "World Diplomacy IX". And as you can see, "The Ancient Mediterranean" (the only other variant hosted here directly), has only two articles written about it, both by the variant's creator.

@Kubrick - it's like Clockwork, you'll take a real Shine to it, I really adore it but it's a Strange love, the toughest thing is surviving on the forum, to do that you'll need a Full Metal Jacket.

To summarize, if you learn to play the original/classic game, there's really no need to play any variants... though perhaps most don't share my opinion...

I'll chime in and agree with the almighty MadMarx that the classic map is the way to go. I've played a fair number of the ancient med and world games. The ancient med's map is small and boring, and the world map is just too damn big. Even when I get to 20-30 units on the world map, I get bored as hell and would just rather draw and finish the game. The classic board/map is just right.

I would disagree with MM about not playing any variants though. I think gunboat is an excellent variant. It would allow you to sharpen your tactical skills considerably and it requires a whole different mindset.

Nigee, you're really just not clever. Stop.

I think he is. He's really just telling the guy to not have his Eyes Wide Shut.

See, something about Mapu's delivery was just so much better.

@ghug - shut up virgin, get laid then try and tell me something about life you arrogant donut brain

See Nigee, it's posts like those that make people laugh. Be like krellin more.

I can barely handle one...

@ghug - you'll never make a good coach with that command style. People don't learn from being told what to do, you're too bossy.
Tell me and I forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
I know you're young so it's understandable and you are forgiven but I expect to see a little improvement from here on in, don't wear ignorance like a Republican Party rosette ..... then again, if the rosette fits !!

Kubrick's first masterpiece (of many) was Paths Of Glory, which takes place during World War I, which is what Diplomacy . . .

I'm more a fan of 2001.