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The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Beware the First of April, and we're not fooling!
Chris Hughes: Befriending Diplomacy
Chris Hughes, who's going to lead the new Mobile section of the Pouch, presents his credentials. Was anyone ever more fit for the job?
Larry Peery: The Badass and the Egghead: LeMay and Schriever
An examination of two distinct leadership styles of men who may have said 'Peace is Our Profession', but whose hands hovered over the red button of Armageddon.
Toby Harris: Germany for Experts
With Toby at the helm, the war will be over before the Sturmtruppen come into play. And Munich? "Toss it away," he says. Wirklich?
Norm de Guerre: Switzerland for Novices
A Gegenpunkt to Toby's article. Norm's experience clearly goes beyond chocolate and watches. Oder nicht?
Larry Peery: The Congress of Vienna — The Little Fries Get Fried
The much-anticipated continuation of the Congress of Vienna saga.
Harold Reynolds: A Diplomacy Haiku
The Zine's Poet Laureate presents something completely different and served it with sushi and sake.
Kevin Burt: The Zimmermann Telegram
What if we wonder... Are you supposed to tip the delivery boy?
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — Solution to The Costly Case of the Last Man Standing, Part 2
Holmes and Watson have a go at pushing pieces across a table-sized Diplomacy Board.
Larry Peery: The Mama Mias Dynasty
What do Machiavelli, a Hollywood film star and a Diplomacy tournament in Andorra have in common? Larry Peery explains.
Rick Leeds: Alas, Damn Warwick
The author opines on ducks and kingmakers [sic].
Kevin Burt: Crypto: The Alchemy of Diplomacy
If espionage is the second oldest profession, then it needs its own jargon.
Mario Huys: Last Man Standing: Operation Rome
Order a pizza, and solve a puzzle fit for any piazza.
Kevin Burt: A Most Moral Man
Surely he can't be referring to "Old Nick" — the Devil himself!
Larry Peery: Peeriblah Goes Down to Defeat
Another course of Szechuan-American diplomacy is served. Will we be hungry again in an hour?
Various friends: Buz Eddy: In Memoriam
An iconic figure of the North-American Diplomacy Hobby left the scene, but not the hearts.
Buz Eddy: Impressions from DipCon (1998 reprint)
I thought it appropriate to reprint an article from the man himself as a Blast from the Past tribute.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Happy New Year! The Pouch has prepared a lot of fireworks to light up the sky for months to come.
The Editor: The Diplomatic Pouch Christmas Special
A link to the Christmas 2015 Special. Sing, dance, laugh and play.
The Editors: Submission Guidelines for the Diplomatic Pouch Zine
We want you to know how to make it easy for us. But don't worry, we have tons of experience with all kinds of writer quirks.
Chris Babcock: The State of the Art and Science in Diplomacy
An open letter to bring online Diplomacy to the next level and sponsor those capable of bringing about that change.
Larry Peery: Bataclan, Waterloo and the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
A Peerispective on the terror attacks in Paris and elsewhere in France, now and in the past.
Emmanuel du Pontavice: FDC XXXI: A Very Special Tournament
Paris is unusually quiet the day after the attacks. Should the French Diplomacy Tournament be canceled? Non! Under the slogan "Not Afraid" Manu, the defending champion, and the rest forgot for a moment the events outside to make it one of the most memorable Diplomacy events of the decade.
Samuel Anavoisard: FDC XXXI: A Video Blog
A professionally done video on the FDC in French, now with English subtitles. I'd like to see more of these.
Toby Harris: France for Experts
By sheer coincidence our master class focuses on the country in the news. We know now how to find it, but how do you play the country of Marianne and Voltaire? Avec finesse.
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — Revelation of the Costly Case of the Last Man Standing, Part 2
Sherlock Holmes spars with the equally gifted Baron in LMS luminosity. Who will get the upperhand?
Larry Peery: The Congress of Vienna - Part I
Larry Peery introduces us to the cast of the 1815 Congress of Vienna. Rumor has it he was personally in attendance.
Harold Reynolds: A Holiday Poem
Everyone knows that Austria is a bitch to play. But sometimes it pays off.
Kevin Burt: The Italian Ayatollah
About a cleric who set Italy on fire in the Florence of Machiavelli and the Medici. The first one to exclaim "You're all so vain!" and make it sound evil.
Mario Huys: Last Man Standing — Operation Moscow
Last Man Standing shifts the battle to Russia, while proving that all comes back in circles, even standing armies.
Stephen Agar: The Art to find the Mind's Construction in a Face
We go back in the past to find a reader of minds disclosing his tricks. How's that for a Christmas present?
Sibyl Astromancer: 2016 Astrological Projections for Diplomacy Players
We're consulting the stars to see if the time is right for a stab, and paid some extra to hear about everyone's bright future. Curious for yours?
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Happy Hallowe'en! The Pouch has plenty of candy for all who come knocking.
Toby Harris: England for Experts
The 2015 World Champion continues his series on how to play each of the Great Powers. This time, he advises us on strategy for the Sceptred Isle!
Larry Peery: Austria and Germany, a Panoramic Peerispective
Larry muses on the relationship between Austria and Germany, both on the Diplomacy board and in real life.
Mario Huys: Last Man Standing — Operation Berlin
An absolute first in the world of Diplomacy, I reckon: A fixed format puzzle column! Forget about your Swedish crosswords, Sudoku or Nonograms. LMS is the new hype.
Mark Nelson: Diplomacy and Networks — Part II
In the second half of this reprint from Diplomacy World #72, Mark concludes his foray into the history of Diplomacy on the World-Wide Web.
Toby Harris: Milan Diplomacy — A Variant Review
Toby offers a brief overview of one of the simplest yet most popular variants, Milan.
Larry Peery: The Hawk and the Dove — Songs of World War I
Larry explores the world of music! We may all know a bar or two of "Mademoiselle from Armentières", but it turns out there are many more songs from the Great War!
Mario Huys: Slovenia in the balance
Does Slovenia belong on the Modern map or not? Mario picks up where Vincent left off and tries to bring the saga to its logical conclusion.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Happy Labor Day! We hope you enjoy the fruit of our own labors in this issue…
Vincent Mous: Modern Art of War — Why Slovenia Isn't a Space in the Modern Variant
Last issue, Mario offered his arguments for including the nation of Slovenia on the Modern variant map. This time, no lesser a personage than the variant's creator, Vincent Mous, offers his counter-arguments as to why he regretfully decided that it doesn't belong. (Žal, Slovenija. Še vedno te ljubimo!)
Toby Harris: Austria for Experts
The first in an exciting new series! The 2015 World Champion provides us with his insights on how best to run things from the Hofburg when you draw the Dual Monarchy.
Rick Leeds: The Drop of a Pin
Speech is silver, but silence is… gold? A harbinger of doon? Continuing with the theme of communications in Diplomacy, Rick explains what silence may or may not portend, and how to use that to your advantage.
Vlad Niculae: Linguistic Harbingers of Betrayal
Following up on the topic of betrayal and how to anticipate it, new writer Vlad Niculae discusses how he and his partners-in-crime — er, I mean, colleagues — performed an actual study of how language reflects intentions.
Larry Peery: How Many Diplomacy Sets Do You Own?
In the 55 years since our favorite game first hit the market, there have been a lot of different sets published. How many of these grace your own collection?
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — The Costly Case of the Last Man Standing, Part 2
The second part of this tantalizing tale. The suspense builds up.
Harold Reynolds: The Night Before DipCon
Our Diplomacy Laureate is back with a little early Xmas cheer (sort of)!
Kevin Burt: Ménage à Machiavelli
Kevin waxes eloquent about his admiration for the extraordinary Machiavelli variant, and provides a guide to the many fine articles we have published on it over the years!
Mark Nelson: Diplomacy and Networks — Part I
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #72, Mark provides us with some fascinating contemporary insight into the origins and evoluation of Diplomacy on the World-Wide Web. Be sure to catch Part II next issue!
David P. Smith: Sam Spade, Diplomat Detective — The Double Eagle
In this second reprint from Diplomacy World #72, a dame with legs that just won't quit, hires Sam Spade's partner to help her at a Diplomacy game, where the gumshoe gets offed. And when a guy's partner gets iced, someone has to pay! (Unless the guy himself is the one who stabbed him, of course.)
Larry Peery: Where Dippers (& Dippers) Live, Work, and Play — Then and Now
Larry has a look at the hallowed halls where diplomacy and Diplomacy take place.
Harold Reynolds: Diplomacy, A Video Introduction
Enjoy this simple animated introduction to our favorite game — with an important motto included in the soundrack!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
We're back! Yes, it's another issue of the Pouch — just what you've been waiting for!
Rick Leeds: FtF and Internet Play — The Dipperence
It may be the same game, but the formats are significantly different! Join Rick as he explores some of these differences, and how you should vary your approach to get the best result in each type of game.
Reynaldo V. Sylvestre & Larry Peery: War, diplomacy and Diplomacy
An old time friend reveals something about Larry's murky past. Diplomacy, spies, terrorists, it was all there in the old days, just as it keeps to obsess us in the present. But one Colonel shows us a way out of the jungle.
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — Solution to the Costly Case of the Last Man Standing
The first part of the solution to this most puzzling conundrum. How did Holmes come up with his deductions so far, and what remains to be discovered? And what of the dastardly plots of the fiending editor of Diplomacy in Kent? Read on for the thrilling story!
Toby Harris: World DipCon 2015 in Milan, Italy
Our new World Champion discusses his experience at the latest World DipCon. Congratulations, Toby!
Davide Cleopadre: World Dipcon 2015 in Milan, Italy — Organizer's Report
On behalf of the Milan 2015 team, Davide explains some of the steps they took to ensure a successful World DipCon. Avanti!
Larry Peery: World DipCon 2015 in Milan, Italy — Convention Results
Larry summarizes the results of the WDC 2015 Tournament. Congratulations all!
Kevin Burt: The Princes
During his recent sojourn in Milan, Kevin made the acquaintance of a particularly philosophical Italian gentleman whose insights seem particularly applicable to Diplomacy…
Mario Huys: The Modern Art of Love
Mario makes the case that the modern European nation of Slovenia deserves to appear on the Modern variant map! Join him as he explores the ramifications of this proposed change.
Larry Peery: 14 Life Lessons I've learned from Diplomacy
It took him a lifetime to compile them (even if he borrowed a few). You'd be wise to drill them in your head and never fail them.
Stan Johnson: May the Sun Never Set — Eternal England
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #71, Stan examines the issues that the Prime Minister must contend with.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
More comments and corrections from our readers — plus a call for help on a forthcoming article!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to a new year of the Pouch!
Mario Huys: Predicting conflicts and conflicting predictions
Are you a predictable player? The actions of players represent the one random factor in Diplomacy, and judge Mario and his courtroom have something to say about that…
Norm de Guerre: 50 Shades of Grey Press
The mysterious Norm de Guerre offers a few ideas about the uses of grey press in Diplomacy. Can you influence others with your press when they don't know who sent it?
Norm de Guerre: Grey Press in Black and White
Following up on his 50 shades article, Norm provides a few concrete examples of how to do grey press right!
Mario Huys and Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — The Costly Case of the Last Man Standing
If we reprint a 3 year old case, it can only mean one thing: A solution is in the making. Refresh your memory on one of the greatest feats ever displayed on the Diplomacy board.
Baron Powell: A Possible Change to the 1900 Map
The France of the 1900 variant has been changed significantly from its incarnation in classic Diplomacy. Does it need to be changed a bit more? David Ackley and Baron discuss some suggested modifications.
Harold Reynolds: Diplomacy by the Letters, Part II — The Great Powers
Our resident poet has been hard at work! Enjoy his artistic works, which have now expanded to describe each one of the Great Powers — including the three Asian additions of the Youngstown variant!
Larry Peery: Newspaper Editorial Cartoons from World War I
Larry has a look at the editorial cartoons of a century ago, when the Great War was in full swing.
Mario Huys: The Modern Art of War
In the Modern variant, Egypt's corner position may be even more solid than Turkey's — as Mario found out in his latest game!
Larry Peery: Diplomacy for the 21st Century
With only two types of units, our favorite game is clearly out of date. What about aircraft, submarines, and weapons of mass destruction? Larry has a few thoughts on what it would take to update the game to represent the modern world…
Conrad von Metzke: On Matters of True and Everlasting Diplomacy
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #70, Conrad von Metzke confesses his admiration for Sigmund Freud.
Larry Peery: Growing the Hobby VII — December 7 2015, A Day to Celebrate
What about a world-wide event to honor our hobby's founder with a one-day event on his birthday? Larry thinks that would be a fine idea, and we agree.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
An overview of this latest issue, and a look forward to the Pouch Zine's third decade!!!
Chris Babcock: Beginning the 21st Year
Chris writes about where he plans to take TDP in the future and the changes that are surely coming.
Rick Leeds: Not Walking Kai
TDP’s Resources section badly needs updating; and Rick writes about how he plans to do just that.
Jim Burgess: The Postal Section of the Pouch, 20 Years On
Another section of TDP that needs a facelift; and who better to do it than Jim Burgess?
Larry Peery: Alfred and Brian — The Harvard Years
A look at two of the famed university's most distinguished graduates, the birth of Diplomacy, those who first played it, and their subsequent careers…
Mario Huys: Solution To The Last Theorem of Suwat
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are asked to solve a riddle for the heir to the Suwati throne. Will they save the crown for this antagonistic young man with no love for the Game?
Baron Powell: In Defense of 1900's France, Part III
Baron Von Powell's third installment for the Defense of France explains why the Maginot Line didn't work, and neither did the Berlin Wall or Great Wall of Mexico.
Larry Peery: RoboDip and Robodots
Robots may be the thing of the future in Diplomacy; but that future is a long way off according to robotic experts.
Melinda Holley: Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Stabbed
The doyen of the Diplomacy hobby writes about some of the female players who broke the gender barrier in a man’s hobby.
Larry Peery: Modern Real World Real Women Diplomats
Women have controlled the world for years but now they’re actually running a good part of it, as this article shows.
Larry Peery: Harold Reynolds, Diplomacy Laureate
The Queen has one. The USA has one. So why shouldn’t Diplomacy? Meet Harold Reynolds, the first Pouch Diplomacy Laureate!
Harold Reynolds: Diplomacy Limericks
Our newly-annointed Laureate demonstrates his skills with a few of the poetic works that won him the title.
Harold Reynolds: Diplomacy By The Letters
Harold uses a different poetic form to summarize key features of our favorite game…
Larry Peery: International Diplomacy Hall of Fame (IDHOF) Election Results
After 30 years the IDHOF finally has some new members that help make it a truly international hobby.
Larry Peery: Cutting To The Chase — A Review of TribeNet
Tribe-Net is a game, not a social networking device. Well, maybe it is? You decide, and let us know!
Larry Peery and Martin Burgdorf: A Peerispective on Dr Henry Alfred Kissinger
Slightly tongue-in-cheek but with a bit of bite, HAK’s career as a diplomat and Dipper come under question as he supplies the answers.
Larry Peery: Reviews of Henry Kissinger's "World Order", Part II
HAK has written seventeen books in his career or maybe just one book seventeen times. Either way he’s made a pile of money doing so. Here’s his latest reviewed.
Larry Peery: A Roundtable Discussion of Diplomacy and Game Theory
Take a game like Diplomacy and a term like “zero-sum-game” and you’ll get a lively discussion for sure!
Peter McNamara: The Five Best Articles From Past Issues of The Pouch
Five best or five favorites? Either way, here are Peter’s picks!
Larry Peery: 2014: The Diplomacy Year In Review
Lots of good stuff happened in the hobby this year. Here’s an update.
Larry Peery: Is It Time To Revive the Hobby's Fotobank?
Smile and say cheese, or taking your latest “selfie” — the FOTOBANK wants your mug shots!
Zhang Fang, Dorian Love and Larry Peery: Diplomacy in the Far East
Zhang Fang, Dorian Love and Larry Peery: Diplomacy in the Far East (China) and Far South (as in Africa) ---Fang reports on the mini-boomlet in the Chinese Diplomacy hobby; while Dorian discusses the hobby's situation in Africa.
Larry Peery: Diplomacy at the Watergate
Larry tells us about his dinner at The Rotunda with some distinguished historians…
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
We're back! Rising from the grave just in time for Hallowe'en…
Larry Peery: From the Interim Editor
An important message about the future of the Diplomatic Pouch.
Peter-Paul Koch and Larry Peery: Army Smyrna to Syria — Or Should It Be Army Syria to Smyrna?
From Chaldairan to Kobani Syria has always been a hot spot for Dippers — here’s why!
Mario Huys: The Last Theorem of Suwat
Holmes' longtime rival, the Diplomacy-obsessed Sultan of Suwat, has come up with one final conundrum. Can the Great Detective solve it in time to save the vital port of Suwat for the sake of a different Sultan?
Larry Peery: WWI — A Hundred Years Old, and Still With Us
A hundred years later the wounds still hurt.
Graeme Ackland, Mario Huys, and Manus Hand: The Best of Sherlock Holmes
The writers of "Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat" share their favorite mysteries from the series with us. With links, so you can go ahead and try solving them for yourself!
Larry Peery: Diplomacy 1901, A Variant
A simple variant for beginners focuses on learning all the powers’ openings in the same game.
Graeme Ackland, Manus Hand, and Mario Huys: The Communist Manifesto, A Variant
Look out, Romanovs! The workers have nothing to lose but their chains! And a few supply centers…
Larry Peery: International Diplomacy Hall of Fame (IDHOF) Update
A quick update on the progress of a proposal to create a Diplomacy hall of fame!
Stan Johnson: A Hun Having Fun in the Sun
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #68, Stan looks at strategies for the commander of the black pieces.
Larry Peery: Growing the Hobby — Is Meetup the Tool We Need?
The secret to success is having the right tool for the right job, right? Will MeetUp work for us?
Alex Hartl: Russian Spring in Silesia
Russia doesn’t plan to fight Germany in 1901, but it often just seems to happen by 1902. Alex discusses an alternative for the Tsar's consideration…
Larry Peery: The Milano Cookie Variant, Something You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into!
Examines the question, “What if the Cookie Monster were a Diplomacy player?”
Peter McNamara: Upcoming Face-to-Face Diplomacy Events
News of the big upcoming Dip events in Europe, North America, and even Australia!
Larry Peery: Pass In Review
A 50 year old tradition takes on two new movies for Dippers; and talks about BOUNCED and DiplomacyCast.com
Baron Powell: In Defense of 1900's France
Some love France. Some hate France. Von Powell stands with the Mules!
Larry Peery: When I Say Milano, You Say Cookies! About WDC 2015 in Milan, Italy
A look at the host city of next year's WDC! Do you have your tickets yet?
Jay Be, Paul Bessemer, and Adam Silverman: Meetup Diplomacy — Layers of Los Angeles, Game #2
FTF Dip and MeetUp join forces in Los Angeles and everybody wins!
Larry Peery: Meetup San Diego Gets Its First Winner
It took 13 hours in two sessions but he finally did it!! Find out who…
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to this issue of the Pouch! This is the tenth consecutive issue since the Fall 2012 Movement issue — let's hope the trend continues!
Bruce Duewer & Sergio Lidsell: Spending Like There Is No Tomorrow — Machiavelli, Part VII
In the seventh article in the revamped Machiavelli series, Bruce and Sergio explore that most costly and risky of gambits: the bribe. When is it worth it, and when is it not?
Larry Peery: All Roads Do Lead to Rome — Stop at EDC 2014 Along the Way!
Larry tells us all about the Eternal City, and the tournament that's scheduled to take place there this September! How can you stay away? Tutte le strade conducono a Roma!
Fulvio De Persio Italian Diplomacy Masters
Speaking of the upcoming EDC 2014 tournament… here are some of the skilled Italian players you may meet there! After all, what do you have to fear? They only come from the land of Machiavelli…
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — Solution to the Suwati Portage Conundrum
In this episode Dr. Watson makes a credible attempt at solving the Portage Convoy puzzle from the enigmatic Sultan of Suwat. Even Sherlock Holmes gives him credit; but does the great detective have something else on his mind?
Alex Hartl: Why Turkey Should Let Russia Have the Black Sea in 1901
The order of F ANK-BLA is such a mainstay of Turkish openings that the Sultan rarely if ever considers any alternatives. Alex has something to say about that, however, including the unthinkable step of letting a Russian fleet into the Black Sea!
Larry Peery and Kristian Bonnici: Who Invented Diplomacy, Anyway?
Not Diplomacy the game; who invented the actual practice of diplomacy between nations? Larry introduces famed scholar Kristian's thoughts on the matter.
Paul F Glenn: Balance of Power — A Problematic Strategy
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #67, Paul Glenn looks at the concept of the Balance of Power, and how it works out in Diplomacy.
Larry Peery: Sometimes The Biggest Triumphs Are The Smallest Ones
Larry shares some thoughts on how the little things count too — in Diplomacy as in real life!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to this issue of the Pouch! We hope this year will be as successful as last year. And you can still make a New Year's Resolution to write for us!
Andrew Goff: Stabbing — How To Do It Well, And Why You Shouldn't
The well-timed stab is a huge part of what Diplomacy is all about! But it's the 'well-timed' part that's key. Andrew points out that sometimes, it's best to resist the temptation. Sometimes…
Bruce Duewer & Sergio Lidsell: A Little Bag O' Tricks for Aspiring Tyrants — Machiavelli, Part VI
In the sixth article in the revamped Machiavelli series, Bruce and Sergio point out some of the aspects of Machiavelli that you can use to your advantage.
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — Addendum to the Curious Case of the False Start
Last issue, Holmes provided a brilliant solution to the Curious Case of the False Start. Now Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson wrap up this extraordinary case using an explosive cocktail of potted ferns, old manuscripts, and missing wall maps.
Jon Ashman: Hitting the Ground Running
Jon, another longtime Machiavelli afficionado, chimes in to offer his own advice on what beginners should know about this popular variant!
Jon Ashman: Machiavelli Loan Repayment JavaScript Application
Not sure how to avoid bankruptcy in Machiavelli? Use Jon's handy calculator application to figure out how to stave off the Medici's collectors!
Larry Peery: WACcon 2014, Predicting the Winners a Week in Advance
Prognosticator Larry gets out his crystal ball — or careful statistical analysis — and tries to figure out who will win what at the upcoming WACcon tournament! See his account further down to find out whether he was right…
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — The Suwati Portage Conundrum
He's back! In this first part of Watson's account, the devious Sultan of Suwat has posed yet another challenger to the Foreign Office. Will Holmes be able to solve it, thus ensuring that Britannia continues to rule the waves?
Alex Hartl: Thoughts On Opening With France
France is one of the strongest countries in Diplomacy, with a dizzying array of choices and strategic options. Which should you choose to best serve la République?
B.M. Powell: In Defense of 1900's France, Part I
France in the 1900 variant is far weaker than its Standard Diplomacy counterpart. But has it been crippled? Not so! In this first of two parts, the variant designer defends France — by showing how to defend France!
Larry Peery: WACcon 2014, Going Out on a High Note
It's the last WACcon ever; but Larry has an idea for a theme song to bring it Bach! (See what I did there? ).
Mario Huys: Big Plans, Small Files
Many automatic judges — including our own DPjudge — generate maps as PDF files. Unfortunately, these files can be up to ten times larger than they have to be. Is there a way to improve mapping efficience? As it turns out, there is!
Larry Peery: WACcon 2014, Seattle Washington —Was It The Greatest Dipcon Of All Time?
Sounds like the WACcon crew may have saved the best for last! Larry waxes eloquent about his experience in the Emerald City, with photos. Were his winner predictions above accurate? Read on to find out!
Jack McHugh: Block and Parry — Avoiding a Stab
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #66, Jack McHugh offers useful advice on how to avoid that itchy knife between the shoulderblades.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to this issue of the Pouch! We round out a successful year with this Winter Adjustment issue. And guess what we suggest for your New Year's Resolution?
Nathan Barnes and Mark Zoffel: The End — WACcon Diplomacy Tournament, 2003-2014
The Washington Athletic Club con will be held for the very last time this coming January. If ever you wanted to attend, this is your only remaining chance — make the most of it!
Bruce Duewer & Sergio Lidsell: Variations on a Theme — Machiavelli, Part IV
In the fourth article in the new Machiavelli series, our intrepid authors have a look at the many different ways you can pair the Machiavelli rules and maps on the nJudge.
Bruce Duewer and Sergio Lidsell: Money, Money, Money… — Machiavelli, Part V
In this fifth part of Bruce and Sergio's series on Machiavelli, they look at the unique and critical role that money plays in the variant. There's never enough time or money! But with this advice, maybe you can stretch the ducats long enough to dominate Italy…
Larry Peery: A Patron Saint for Diplomacy Players
Although it's disconcerting to put the words "Saint" and "Diplomacy" in the same sentence, Larry has managed to find a good candidate for this title. In fact, there's already an association all about it! Read on to find out more…
Charles Mosteller: Diplomacy — The Rubicon Brigade of Play-by-Mail
The line between the Diplomacy hobby and other turn-based strategy games is an old one, but in this article Charles Mosteller challenges us to cross that line and take ownership of our play by mail heritage — if we dare!
Manus Hand & Mario Huys: Solution to the Curious Case of the False Start
Manus and Mario finally provide us with the solution to his perplexing, profound, puzzling problem. I'd suggest you set up the board to follow along — you'll need it!
Larry Peery: Machiavelli's The Prince Turns 500!
It's true! This year marked (more or less) the FIVE HUNDREDTH anniversary of the first release of Niccolo Machiavelli's (in)famous and best-known work, The Prince. Where would the game of Diplomacy be without it? Larry shares some of his thoughts on this significant milestone for a seminal book!
Peter-Paul Koch: In Defense of A Smy H
Wise Sultans almost invariably order their A Constantinople to Bulgaria — but what about the second army in Smyrna? If the Tsar is the target, it goes to Armenia. If not, it usually goes to Constantinople to support the other army — but is that the wisest choice? Peter-Paul has an alternative: keep it where it is. Here's why…
Larry Peery: Mona Lisa, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Filippo Lonardo — The Inscrutable Smiles That Conquer All
Larry muses on the cryptic smiles sported by three of Italy's most famous figures. What do they know that we don't? And will we find out at WDC 2015?
Mark Fassio: Putting the Dreikaiserbund Into Practice
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #65, hobby stalward Mark Fassio looks at the three-way alliance between Austria, Germany, and Russia. It was Otto von Bismarck's favorite, after all — maybe it should be your favorite too!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to this issue of the Pouch! It may be Hallowe'en, but we're already thinking ahead to all the article submissions we hope you'll send us for Christmas…
Paul Windsor: The New World Order — Playing One Against Six
In this reprint from the S2000M issue, Paul discusses the intricacies of using the format of e-mail Diplomacy to figure out what the heck is going on.
Bruce Duewer and Sergio Lidsell: Creepy Crawlies — Machiavelli, Part II
In this second part of Bruce and Sergio's series on the Machiavelli variant, they discuss some of the bugs that came up when adapting the variant for nJudge adjudication.
Bruce Duewer & Sergio Lidsell: What Every Young Tyrant Should Know — Machiavelli, Part III
In the third article in the new Machiavelli series, our intrepid authors expand previous material on how to play the various Great Powers of the variant.
Larry Peery: Forget Silver Spring, It's Time to Move On to Seattle!
The Powers That Be are deciding whether to hold the next DipCon together with the very last (!?!!) WACCon in Seattle next year. Larry gives us the scoop.
Melinda Holley: A Tempest Newbie
Hobby legend Melinda Holley has attended several tournaments over her storied Diplomacy career; but this year was the first time she participated in the Potomac Tea and Knife Society's annual Tempest in a Teapot event. How did it go? Here's her story!
Martin Bruse: Creating an Adjudicator
The skilled programmer who brought us Droidippy for Android phones has also tried his hand at creating an automatic adjudicator of his own. Here he shares some of what he learned from doing it.
Larry Peery: World Dipcon 2013 Games
In this article, a complement to similar articles he's written for Diplomacy World and other zines, Larry tells us about how his games went at this past summer's WDC 2013 in Paris, France.
Manus Hand and Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat — The Curious Case of The False Start
An old case with a new solution! The Sultan of Suwat has made his continuing alliance with the British Empire dependent on a correct answer to his latest Diplomacy conundrum. Can you help the Great Detective secure the Royal Navy's lease in the Port of Suwat by solving the Sultan's latest puzzle?
Robert Hammond: Anatomy of a Solo — Austria, Recovering From a Horrible Start
Slow but steady wins the race! Robert tells us the story of how his Austrian tortoise was initially forced back into his shell (and then out of his home centers!) in webDiplomacy game "Occupy Kiel", but came back to grab eighteen centers!
Larry Peery: Why I Like Team Events
Larry foresees a looming crisis in participation at FTF tournaments in the USA, and discusses how reframing them as team events could help to revitalize them.
Mark Berch: Repeating What You Never Heard
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #64, Mark talks about the advantages of saying that somebody else said something that they didn't necessarily say, but might have said. Does that makes sense?
Larry Peery: Oddities About Paris, or Things I Didn't Learn At WDC 2013
While he may not have picked up as many dots as he would have liked in Paris (or maybe he did — see his WDC 2013 report!), Larry did pick up a whole bunch of interesting factoids about the City Of Lights!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to this issue of the Pouch! Yep, another new issue, just in time for the beginning of the school year…
Paul Windsor: What the Government Taught Me About Lying
He's back! Paul tells us about how the government taught him to detect lies, and explains how you may be able to use that knowledge in Diplomacy.
Sergio Lidsell: State of the Art of the State New Feature
In this introduction, Sergio kicks off a new series of articles on the popular Machiavelli variant. Do you have what it takes to unify Italy?
Bruce Duewer & Sergio Lidsell: One GM to Rule Them All New Feature
First things first. Before you can play Machiavelli, you have to understand the rules. But there are several versions — so which should be considered official? Bruce and Sergio try to remove any confusion.
Chris Babcock: The Third Diplomacy World Cup
Oyez, oyez! The Diplomacy World Cup is back for the third time! Be sure to sign up for this exciting solo-centric tournament. Here's how…
Mario Huys: Unraveling Moriarty
Mario provides us with further insight into the warped yet brilliant mind of the infamous Professor.
John Quarto-vonTivadar: How Did It Get So Late So Soon?
Failing to send your orders in by the deadline obviously has a negative effect on the game. When it's a one-time lapse, that's one thing; but a repeat offender is another!
Herman M Medeiros: Europe 1615, A Prelude To War
In 1615, Europe was only three years away from the bloody sectarian violence of the Thirty Years' War. This new five-player variant explores that period. Sign up for the playtest!
Larry Peery: Beta Masters Rule
Larry tells us about his experiences in the last test game to take place before the launch of the latest World Diplomacy Cup.
Mario Huys: A Modern Look at 'The Troubles'
The Modern variant is supposed to represent Europe as it was in 1995; but there's a significant anomaly in its map of Ireland. Mario discusses a proposal on how to correct this oversight, and examines the impact these adjustments may have on the Britain-France-Spain triangle. Also, he needs playtesters!
Stan Johnson: A Draw Is Not A Win
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #63, Stan expresses his disdain for those players who decide from the beginning to play for a draw rather than their own solo. Down with carebears!
David Hood: Is the Kingmaker Tactic Okay?
In this second article on game ethics from Diplomacy World #63, David asks whether it's ever acceptable for one player to help another achieve a solo — and if so, under what circumstances?
Larry Peery: What's Going On In Korea, Anyway?
Larry muses on disparate topics: Korea, psychological profiling, coercive diplomacy, personal diplomacy, endgames, and Paris.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to the latest issue of the Pouch. Once again, we're here and on time!
Bruce Duewer: What Every Young Tyrant Should Know
Bruce discusses the geopolitical situation presented in the Machiavelli variant, showing how the countries can be considered in pairs.
Heath Gardner: The View From Switzerland — Zen and the Art of Frustrating Others
Heath looks at the advantages (?!??) of annoying other players while you yourself keep your cool. Don't let them get under your skin; do get under theirs!
Alex Hartl: The NMR/CD
Sadly, NMRs (No Moves Received) and CDs (Civil Disorder) are generally a large part of the online game. As long as they are, Alex has a few suggestions on how to use them to your advantage.
Larry Peery: The Lions That Roared, Thatcher and Churchill
Larry has a look at the career of the late Baroness Thatcher, and speculates on how her political skills can be compared to those that translate to success in Diplomacy.
David Hood: Why I Hate Triple Alliances
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #62, David elaborates on the reasons why he dislikes seeing committed three-way alliances.
Joel Klein: Playing Diplomacy Like Poker
Remember when Paul Windsor advised us on how to apply the lessons of Chess to strategy in Diplomacy? In this short article, Joel suggests a few ways that Diplomacy can be compared to poker…
Richard Young: A Fleet in Paris!
But how can that be? Paris is a landlocked supply center! Well, actually this is about Richard's upcoming new e-zine for the hobby. So it's not as in-Seine as it first sounds! (See what I did there?)
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome to this issue of the Pouch! We've had some sad news in the passing of Allan Calhamer, but the hobby he founded continues on. And maybe that's the best tribute we can offer to him.
Mario Huys: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Last time, Holmes provided a brilliant solution to the Challenge from Devonshire. However, while doing so, he posed a couple of side puzzles. Here are the solutions to the nine-unit elimination and six-fleet maximum conundrums (conundra?)!!!
Mario Huys: Professor Moriarty, Diplomatic and Criminal Mastermind
The feared and reviled nemesis of Holmes (or is it the other way around?) provides his take on the challenges and frustrations he experiences in his contretemps with the world's greatest detective. Curses, foiled again!
Larry Botimer: The Unabashed Bo(t) on England
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #61, Larry Botimer explains some of the problems he encounters when directing the forces of the Sceptred Isle, and discusses some of the strategies he uses to overcome them!
Alex Hartl: The Bad Neighbor Policy — An Opening Philosophy for Italy
Poor Italy, so often left behind on the scale of Diplomatic achievement. Never fear — new contributor Alex has some ideas on how you can profit by making a nuisance of yourself! Effective, and fun (fun for you, but maybe not so much for France, or Austria, or Turkey...)
Larry Peery: The World is Going to Hell in a Gucci Bag
Larry discusses the different approaches to Diplomacy exemplified by Edi Birsan and Allan Calhamer, somehow tying it all to pie, waffles, and Julia Child. Have a look...
Heath Gardner: The View From Switzerland — The Most Unkindest Cut of All
Heath reminisces about some of the sneaky stuff he's pulled during his Diplomacy career (seriously, I'm never turning my back on this guy!), and invites you to tell us about some of your own misdeeds clever Diplomatic maneuvers!
Dash Yeatts-Lonske: The Short-Term Alliance
Who needs long-term alliances? Power blocs may have their attractions, but so do good old alliances of convenience. Stab your buddy before he stabs you!
David Norman: The English Channel
David looks at how England and France have gone from often both opening to the English Channel to often agreeing to a DMZ there, and the effect this has had on France's relative strength.
Larry Peery: The Gospel According to Calhamer
A Peerispective on the Diplomacy hobby as a movement…
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Hooray! At long last the Deposits are back (and we know you've missed them)! In this edition, one of our readers is kind enough to provide extensive comments on some articles in the W2012A issue....
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The Zine is back yet again! Could there be a better Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/non-denominational holiday gift? Surely not.
Chris Babcock: The Diplomacy World Cup — Do You Have What It Takes?
Are you ready to represent your country in the sport of Kings? No, not polo — Diplomacy! The third Diplomacy World Cup is about to begin, and Chris challenges you to step up and take part!
Larry Peery: Thoughts on the Diplomacy World Cup
Larry reminisces about his own involvement in the first attempt to create something similar to the Diplomacy World Cup, some two decades and more ago…
Heath Gardner: The View From Switzerland — To Solo, Or Not To Solo? New Feature
Former Pouch Editor (and new Copy Editor) Heath Gardner has a new column! In this (second?) debut, he looks at the issue of soloing when a new player is involved. Do you go for the throat and risk discouraging them? Or is it more important to be generous, and keep them enthusiastic about the game so you can reel them in to the hobby for many more years of crushing stabs (or maybe I'm just reading that motive into it…)?
Arkady English: Mix And Match With Dipnomicy
What happens when seven autocratic Great Powers vote democratically on the rules? You get assassinations, railroads, fleets travelling through inland centers — in a word, you get Dipnomicy!
Martin Moore: Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is — An Alternative Scoring System
If you can combine Diplomacy and Nomic, why not Diplomacy and poker? Martin did exactly that with a bunch of seven friends who placed bets on how well they each could do with each Great Power. A fascinating experiment, and the results are right here!
José Prieto: Condotierri — A Site For Playing Machiavelli
Speaking of assassinations, have you played Machiavelli yet? There's now a site devoted explicity to playing this wonderful game online! Get your bribes and knives ready — it's time to unify Renaissance Italy!
Mario Huys: The Devonshire Solution
By Jove! At long last, Mario presents us with a comprehensive solution to the most perplexing puzzle posed in our Fall 2008 Retreat Issue. Absolutely smashing — simply capital. Jolly good show, what!
Edwin Lopez: Friend Diplomacy
Tired of public online games where players don't write, and half the countries end up with players who didn't start with them, because of dropouts? Edwin has a few thoughts on the advantages of playing in private games with friends you already know.
Chris Martin: What Can The NADF Do For You!
Are you a member of the North American Diplomacy Federation yet? Find out more about all the services that this FREE organization provides to fellow Diplomacy enthusiasts. (Did we mention that it's FREE?)
David Norman: A Tale of Two Conventions
David takes a look at two very different conventions with very different styles, and the importance of Managing Stakeholder Expectations.
Pete Clark: And the Winner Is…
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #60, Pete analyzes some statistics that track how the different Great Powers perform from game year to game year.
Dash Yeatts-Lonske: The Finnish Filibuster
Is a haughty Englishman casting covetous eyes on the Russian North? Try this approach to slow down his attack — and stop it altogether!
Daryl Davis: Pearls of Wisdom
Daryl has a list of tenets for you to keep in mind in your next game. Number one: you will get stabbed…
Larry Peery: The Royals Visit San Diego, and Vice-Versa
In this year of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, Larry muses on the connections between San Diego and the Windsors, the only Great Power monarchy to survive to the present day. Did Larry's ancestor introduce Edward VIII to Mrs Simpson? Or am I just making that up to pique your interest? Read on to find out!
Joel Finkle: The Enemy is OK — PBEM Conversation Strategies
Joel warns us of the two letters of the alphabet most to be feared when you receive them in press: "O" and "K". Read on to find out why.
Martin Asal: No Press Tournaments on the DEUS Judge
Martin invites you to play in his annual no press tournament on DEUS.
Martin Asal: An Obituary for Dietmar Kulsch
A much deserved tribute to the life of Dietmar Kulsch.
Kestas Kuliukas: webDiplomacy - 9 Years and 100,000 Games
Kestas invites us to celebrate the past of Internet Diplomacy by participating in its future.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The Zine is back again! Could it be that we're actually building momentum? It's up to you...
Larry Peery: The Keys to Dip Success
There are plenty of reference articles for the game of Diplomacy: here, in other online repositories, and even a few published books. But what about references for real-world, small 'd' diplomacy? Larry has a reading list for you.
Larry Peery: What's in a Namesake?
This site is name "The Diplomatic Pouch". But what is a diplomatic pouch? Larry provides a definition, an overview of some interesting (non-standard) uses of diplomatic pouches over the past century, and discusses a recent uncovered diplomatic pouch discovery from earlier this year...
Chris Babcock: For Educators
The new ZAED Judge in South Africa is specifically designed to encourage a new generation of Diplomats to get involved in the game, and develop their linguistic skills, and geographical and historical knowledge!
Larry Peery: Diplomacy Strategy and Tactics: Secrets of my Old Age
One of the old hands of Diplomacy reveals his secrets! Well, some of his secrets — can't give away everything!
Heath Gardner: playdiplomacyonline.com, A (Mostly) Undiscovered Treasure
Former Pouch Editor Heath Gardner tells us about his discovery of another non-judge online site supporting the game! (The Pouch Judge is still better, though. :-P)
Larry Peery: October-November 1962, A Peerispective
Fifty years ago, the world was thrown into crisis. One disastrous war was narrowly averted; one went ahead. Larry remembers both events.
Dash Yeatts-Lonske: The Intentional NMR
Not sure what to do next? A treatise on that ultimate form of prevarication: the intentional No Move Received.
Larry Peery: Who Doesn't Love to Travel?
Larry has a look at the real-life tourist attractions of some of Diplomacy's supply centers and provinces. Specifically, those he hasn't visited. Yet.
Stephen Knewtson: Machiavelli, the Crash Course
Reprinted from our Fall 2008 Movement issue, this introduction to the Machiavelli is all the more topical today — because the USTP judge has a bunch of new games starting! Read on, and sign up!
Christophe Barot: France's Play, a French Point of View
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #59, French native Christophe Barot provides his insights into how best to play his country in the game of Diplomacy. Vive La République!!!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
We're still here! Thanks to Chris Babcock and friends, the Zine is back for another issue.
Edi Birsan: The Mantra for Diplomacy Players
Do you sometimes get too caught up in the game? (Is that even possible?) Edi reminds us what it's really all about: having fun.
Martin Bruse: Scratching the Diplomatic Itch
The story of how Martin set about adapting a Diplomacy interface for the Android!
Matt Johnston: Really, we do have something to discuss!
No matter how distant they may be, you always have something to discuss with the other players. Join Matt as he provides a few examples of how to engage others even when you have nothing in particular to negotiate.
Edi Birsan: North American Hobby Leadership Picks New Chief of NADF
The North American Diplomacy Federation has a new leader — all hail the Chief!
Conor Kostick: World Championship 2012
The inside story of the Irish team's triumph in the 2012 World Championship, as described by team Vice-Captain Conor Kostick!
Dorian Love: The Diplomacy World Cup 2012
A summary of the recent Diplomacy World Cup competition, from the Tournament Director!
Dash Yeatts-Lonske: Minor Powers and their uses
What can you do when you want to play Diplomacy, but have fewer than seven players? How about introducing Influence Points for minor powers?
Matt Johnston: Rantings of a Mad Backstabber
A series of exchanges between the Contessa de Napoli and the unnamed President of France, how they were each setting the other up, and how it turned out.
Larry Botimer: Playing Italy
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #58, Larry Botimer laments some of the difficulties faced by the leader of the green pieces, and addresses the issues Italy must face.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Bet you thought we were gone! Well, not quite — but we do need your help.
Chris Burke: My Experience of WDC 2011 in Sydney
An eyewitness account of the goings-on at last year's WDC in Australia, from a participant who had a rollicking good time; and who did pretty well in the results, too!
David Norman: Deadlines at Diplomacy Tournaments
In the face-to-face environment of a tournament, it can be hard to keep things moving along. David discusses a simple idea that Tournament Directors can use to keep the timing on track.
Chris Dziedzic: The All Stars, a Demo Game of 1900: 1901-1902
At last, the second installment of our demo game of 1900! By the end of the first year, Germany and Turkey were each in serious trouble. Will they be able to reverse the tide? What surprizes lie in store (or don't)!?!! Click through to find out!
Chris Babcock: How I (Try to) Keep Cheating Off My Judge
It's disappointing to play an e-mail game, only to discover later that somebody was abusing the system. Chris has a few ideas for preventing that scenario.
Mario Huys and Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Join Watson as he tries to follow the thought processes of the brilliant Holmes, as the great Diplomacy detective tackles the conundrum of The Costly Case of the Last Man Standing...
"John McCausland": Cooking with Greece
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #57, General John McCausland (we assume that's actually a pseudonym...) discusses the strategic importance of the land of the Hellenes.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
We're famous world-wide and on the internet! We've gotten credit for openings, and a rating system we featured in 1998 is now a reality in France! Also, praise for our Sail Ho! article, and guidance on where to find a good black and white map.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Our shame-faced editor asks to be pardoned for the extreme tarditude of this issue.
David Norman: How To Achieve A Two-Way Draw
It's better than a three-way draw, but how can you get there safely without giving the other guy a chance to win a solo? David has a few ideas on fair and secure ways to split those last few centers 17-17.
John Wiens: Thoughts on Game Balance in No-Press SailHo
It's pretty popular - but is it balanced? John has a closer look at the dynamics of the Sailho! variant.
Jeff Breidenstein: Diplomacy Convoys: As Good As They Look?
Jeff questions the idea that convoys are really all that cool. Are they? Perhaps they should be used more carefully than you think...
Charles Roburn: All Zombies Must Die
Have you ever been faced with a completely silent neighbor? Beware: for you may be facing THE UNDEAD!!!
Will Abbott: Why I Like Italy: GenCon 2009 Diplomacy Tournament Review
Will discusses his experience at the GenCon 2009 Diplomacy Tournament, and why Italy is the bestest Great Power of them all!
John Wiens: The Maltese Falcon
A new strategy for the Franco-British alliance in the 1900 variant.
Nick Boragina: Thoughts From a Former Cheater
Ten years after his original transgression, a repentant Nick explains what the heck he was thinking, and asks for absolution. After all, he was only a kid at the time! Shall we give him another chance?
Cooper Durvine: Playing With Novices
A few quick thoughts on some common characteristics of inexperienced players.
Dave Simpson: Reflections of a Former Newbie
Was it really so long ago that our Newbie was innocent, bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed? Find out what he thinks now, some three years later after his (re-)introduction to the hobby.
Charles Roburn: The Kaiser's Mistake
It was all Tirpitz' fault. Aspiring German Admirals, beware!
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
So what's been languishing in our mailbox all this time? Read on to find out!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Our contrite Editor apologizes for the lateness of this issue.
Nick Higgins: Ambition & Empire: Austria
In the A&E variant, at four centers Austria is a major player and a frequent early leader. However, the country also has a distressing tendency to stall in the midgame. How can you avoid such a fate as Archduke? Read on…
Edi Birsan: WDC09 in Columbus: TD Lessons and Notes
Edi describes what he learned from his experiences as an assistant Tournament Director at this past June's World DipCon in Columbus, Ohio.
"Airborne": Centrifuge+ : An Opening for 1900
On the tenth (!) anniversary of Clinton Wolf's original article, another author tries to adapt his idea for for use in the 1900 variant. Can it still work?
Peter McNamara: HuskyCon VII Report
Peter had a great time at HuskyCon V, and this year decided to bike all the way from Providence to the hospitable Woodring household for HuskyCon VII. Read all about his adventures here.
Edi Birsan: Bearcon — Russian DipCon I: Tournament Aspects for Tournament Directors
Our esteemed former EDItor looks at the tournament direction choices made for BearCon I, the first Russian Diplomacy Convention he recently attended.
Randy Lawrence-Hurt: Thoughts From the Boston Massacre
Randy tells us how this tournament just keeps getting better every year!
"Airborne": 100 Signs That You're Playing Too Much Diplomacy
Not that we're sure there is such a thing — but if there is, these items (except for #11) are definitely warning signs of it!
Edi Birsan: World Series of Diplomacy: A Site vs Site Series Proposal
There are so many Diplomacy sites out there. Why not have a World Series for the Hobby? Edi has a few ideas on how to proceed…
Ulysses Q Cransworth: How To Win Every Game
The South's answer to Doctor Bismark describes the psychological stages he follows in his path to victory.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Comments on recent articles, a question about our archiving process, and an announcement about a rules change for a popular variant.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
As always, a brief introduction to the current issue.
Chris Dziedzic: The All Stars
The first installment of our 1900 demonstration game.
Edi Birsan: Whipping Best Country Awards
A look at the unique awards that were presented at this past Whipping tournament.
Chris Dziedzic and Jeff Hall: Ambition & Empire: Poland-Saxony
In the A&E variant, Poland-Saxony faces many challenges. However, the country also has considerable strengths, and has enjoyed some solid performances to date.
Chris Babcock: On Metagaming
Chris takes issue with some of the assertions of the renowned Doctor Bismark in our last installment.
David Hood: The Northern Question
David looks at the dual nature of Russia, and discusses the importance of balancing efforts in the North and South when guiding the Tsar's forces.
Mark Berch: The EGR Alliance for Russia
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #54, Mark looks at the often-ignored "Northern Triangle".
The Editor: Just Passing Through
A new issue of Diplomacy World is coming out soon. WDC XIX is coming up. Diplomacy fans are looking for other players in Greece and Portugal. And our game's creator was recently featured in Chicago Magazine!
Adam Silverman: Whipping Tournament Results
The Whipping Tournament Director summarizes this year's results.
Adam Silverman: Whipping 2009: A Tournament Director's Perspective
It takes a lot of effort to hold a tournament. Fresh from this year's successful Whipping tournament, Adam discusses the challenges he faced.
John Kyker: The Struggle of Nations: A Diplomacy Variant
Drawing inspiration from existing sources, John presents a new ten-power variant that includes Spain, Sweden-Norway, and the Balkan League, along with various map adjustments.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Some praise for a past article, and a good suggestion for a future article!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Did you know the Pouch has a new Facebook page? This issue's introduction tells you where to find it, and more! (And need I even mention the usual plea for more article submissions?)
Lucas Kruijswijk: The Math of Adjudication
In this fascinating six-part article, Lucas examines the problems involved in creating algorithms for automated Diplomacy Judges, and explains how he came up with an effective solution!
Edi Birsan: WDC XIX at Origins
The next WDC will be held at Origins in Columbus, Ohio this June 24-28. Allan B Calhamer, the creator of Diplomacy, is expected to attend as a guest of honor. Find out more, and come be part of the action!
Chris Dziedzic: The Other Eastern Triangle
The triangle of Austria, Russia, and Turkey is often analyzed in Diplomacy. But what about that other triangle in the east: Austria, Russia, and — Germany? Chris analyzes the interactions in this important three-way grouping in both standard Diplomacy and the 1900 variant.
David Norman: The Most Obscure Bug
It only happens once in every billion adjudications; but when it does, it brings the DAIDE adjudicator crashing down! What is it, and how can you avoid it? Read this article to find out!
The Editor: Just Passing Through
New issues of Diplomacy World is out, and there's a con happening in San Francisco this April, not to mention WDC in June in Ohio! Read on to find out more…
Arthur Bismark: Bismark Lecture V: Diplomacy and the CIA Connection
To play Diplomacy successfully, you need a certain level of intelligence — and a certain level of intelligence. Is it okay to use player reputations and past history when deciding on your actions? In this fifth article of the Bismark series, the Doctor considers these issues.
Arthur Bismark: Bismark Lost Lecture I: Diplomacy and Doing Right
In this recently-recovered lecture, the Doctor asks whether there can be any place for morality in this most immoral of games. Can you guess his answer?
David Norman: The Fallacy of the Unwanted Convoy
David examines a tricky move from the past that continues to be problematic today: the unwanted convoy.
Edi Birsan: An Introduction to e-Mail Diplomacy
In this introductory guide, our revered former EDItor explains how to get involved in the exciting world of Diplomacy over the Internet.
Linden Lyons: The German Navy in History and Diplomacy
Historically, England's Royal Navy was able to impose a blockade on Imperial Germany that effectively won the First World War. In Diplomacy, the Royal Navy can pose a similar threat to the Kaiser — but here's a way to counter it!
Tom Carr-Griffin: Diary of a Confused Man
An introduction to Diplomacy in a far and distant land?
David Hood: Instability and the Rome-Ankara Axis
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #53, David Hood examines the improbability of alliances between Italy and Turkey, and how to make them workable.
John Kyker: The Austro-French Alliance
John explores the possibilities of an early alliance between Austria and France, and how they can combine to defeat their mutual neighbors quickly.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
A suggestion for a new DPjudge option, and an announcement of the latest issue of Th' Edge of Th' Abyss. Be sure to check it out!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
A quick introduction to this, our last issue of the year. (And, of course, a plea for more article submissions!)
Mark Berch: Edinburgh vs. Yorkshire: The French Connection
As England, why send your army to Edinburgh? To prepare an attack on France, of course!
Arthur Bismark: Bismark Lecture IV: The Art of Dying
In this fourth article of the Bismark series, the Doctor takes Dylan Thomas' poem to heart. "Do not go gentle into that good night / Keep Diploming — fight, fight, fight!" (Well, okay, so maybe that isn't an exact quote… )
Edi Birsan: Style of Country Award Prizes
Ever wanted to have a lobster or viking on your shelf? Our revered former EDItor tells us how the idea of having tournament Best Country Awards got started, and recommends suitable trophies to use for them.
Will Black: Let Me Give You All My Centers: A Report on DON 2008
A participant from this year's DON tournament in Melbourne, Australia, tells the story of how he managed to lose at least one home center in all of his games. But he still had fun (we think), and that's what it's really about, right?
Melinda Ann Holley: Germany
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #52, well-known hobbyist Melinda Holley discusses the options and challenges facing Germany.
Randy Lawrence-Hurt: On The Social Disadvantages of Playing Diplomacy
Randy seems worried that playing our favorite game has skewed his outlook on real life. Has it? He seems perfectly normal to me… but go ahead and judge for yourself.
Edi Birsan: How to Teach Diplomacy
In another in his series of tutorials, Edi explains how you can rope in new victims hobby enthusiasts using the scripts published in previous issues of the Pouch.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Observations on recent articles, a list of Edi's nicknames from the seventies, and an announcement of Philip Murphy's new Zine, Th' Edge of Th' Abyss. Be sure to check it out!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Just a brief greeting before you move on to the substance of this issue. Short but sweet!
Chris Dziedzic: Playing the NMR
The NMR (No Movement Received), when a Power goes into civil disorder because the player hasn't issued orders, is generally considered to be the bane of the game. But does it have to be, or can you use it to your advantage?
Arthur Bismark: Bismark Lecture III: Diplomacy and the Mafia Connection
In this third article of the Bismark series, the Doctor talks about thinking like a Don.
Nick Higgins: Ambition & Empire: Turkey
In the year 1763, the Ottoman Empire was already the Sick Man of Europe. In this second article on A&E, Nick discusses how to stop and reverse that decline!
Baron Powell: Ambition & Empire: The Development of Turkey
Ambition & Empire variant designer Baron Powell provides an overview of how he and Jeff Kase decided to represent Turkey on the A&E map.
Douglas Kent: The Postal Diplomacy Zine Archive
The Editor of Diplomacy World and his elves have been hard at work, preserving our hobby's heritage. Find out just what they've been doing, and join them in their efforts!
Robert Marshall: Italy: The Logical Winning Method
Poor Italy has a reputation for being a hard country to win with. Find out how to improve your chances of coloring the map green!
Edi Birsan: Diplomacy: Lies, Trust, Truth, and Betrayal
When should you lie? How do you do it? How can you minimize the lies others tell to you? Our revered former EDItor provides some useful advice on the role of deception in the game.
Philip Murphy: Why You Should Talk: Some Thoughts on Press in Diplomacy
Is there anything more frustrating than trying to negotiate with someone who just doesn't answer your e-mails? Philip patiently explains why silence is a bad idea, and suggests some good ways to make your press productive and fun.
Adam Silverman: Enough Is Enough: Why, When, and How to End a Diplomacy Game
Perseverance is a praiseworthy virtue… but it can be taken to extremes. When is throwing in the towel the best option?
Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
This time, Holmes must help the Calhamer Club defeat a devilish plot from Devonshire, courtesy of his old enemy Moriarty. Can you solve the puzzle and save the day, with so little information to go on?
Edi Birsan: Playing Germany: To Be Kaiser or Bismarck, Part II
In Part I, he discussed the diplomatic options for Germany. In this final installment of the two-part article, Edi evaluates the openings that the Kaiser (or Chancellor) can pursue.
Steve Cooley: My Favorite Country: Germany
In this reprint from Diplomacy World #51, Steve discusses how he learned to stop worrying, and to love being Kaiser.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Our readers seem to have been going through the archives recently — join us as we revisit some interesting articles of previous issues!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Our Illustrious Founder muses on this, the Pouch Zine's gold-plated fiftieth issue!
Jeff Kase and Baron Powell: Ambition & Empire: A Diplomacy Variant
A new variant set in the aftermath of the Seven Years' War. Match wits with Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa of Austria, and discover the intriguing new concepts of Minor Powers and Diplomacy Points!
Jeff Kase and Baron Powell: The Development of Ambition & Empire
Jeff and Baron tell the story of how they created the A&E variant, from its beginnings to its present form.
Chris Dziedzic and Nick Higgins: Ambition & Empire: Denmark-Norway
In this first article in a new series on the A&E variant, Chris and Nick look at the strategies available to the new power of Denmark-Norway.
Douglas Kent: Reaching 50
Fresh from celebrating his own 100th issue, the Lead Editor of Diplomacy World shares a few thoughts on the Pouch's having reached the 50 issue landmark…
Arthur Bismark: Bismark Lecture II: The Bunny and the Pirahna
Which are you; fuzzy, or razor-toothed? The good (but slightly off-kilter) doctor makes a foray into the animal kingdom — or rather, the kingdom of animal metaphors.
Edi Birsan: Diplomacy: Starting to Play the Basics
Our revered EDItor Emeritus provides a list of three "P"s that every player should keep careful track of in their games.
Robert Skynner: Learn How to Use Finland
BTHQBGC maverick Robert Skynner provides three reasons why the Tsar should park his northern ships in Helsinki rather than venture out into the scary deep waters of the Gulf of Bothnia.
Edi Birsan: Playing Germany: To Be Kaiser or Bismarck, Part I
In this first of a two-part article, Edi discusses the diplomatic approaches and strategies a wise German ruler should pursue.
Peter Williams and Robert Skynner: The Bleeder and The Tory Bleeder
Not one, but two separate Zines are supported by the British Telecom Board Headquarters Board Games Club. Get a sampling of each of these friendly (?) rival publications.
Michael Alterio: In Defense of Quitters
In this unusual (and possibly controversial) article, Michael speaks up in defense of those who don't see the game through to the end. Get out there and quit!
Edi Birsan: The Diplomacy Olympics
If there were an Olympics for the Great Powers and their units, what would the events be? And can you guess who would place where? Read this article to find out!
Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
At long last, the solution to the crafty Sultan of Suwat's latest challenge. Once again, Holmes saves the day!
Baron Powell: Refining the Juggernaut, Part II
In this second part of his two-part article, Baron suggests a better and more streamlined approach to getting the most out of a Russo-Turkish alliance.
Chris Dziedzic: 1900: An Improved Juggernaut?
In the 1900 variant, an RT alliance can be unbalanced. In this article, Chris explores whether it can be made into a more equal partnership.
Sam Jones and Alex Ludwig: Frontline: Posing as a Non-Native Speaker
Is it acceptable to pretend you're playing in your second or third language when it's really your first? Or does that cross a line, even in Diplomacy?
Edi Birsan: Getting Started
One of the hobby's most experienced players gives valuable pointers to beginners, including how to organize a game, common errors NOT to commit, and tools for teaching it to others.
The Editor: Just Passing Through
Anouncements of new Diplomacy World issues, tournament results, and more!
Thorin Munro: Applying the Way of the Owl: Power Diplomacy
Thorin Munro discusses the different sources of power in Diplomacy, and how best you can apply each one.
James Handscombe: A Question of Timing
What you do is important; but so is when you do it. Timing is everything!
David Hunt: The Bohemian Crusher: A Neglected Italian Opening
Bored with the Lepanto? Let your green armies experience la vie Bohème with an opening that's sure to cause Archducal headaches.
James O'Fee: The First Game(s): How I Became A Diplomacy Addict
A distinguished veteran of the British/European hobby tells us how he got started on his path to infamy!
Edi Birsan: Running a Diplomacy Event: The Aftermath
It takes a lot of effort to host a Diplomacy tournament or convention; but even when the awards have been given out and everyone's gone home, the work isn't over quite yet!
Rohan Keane: Alliance Play
Rohan tallies up the advantages and problems of being in an alliance. Is there really strength in numbers?
Dave Simpson: In-con-ing! The Newbie's First Convention
This time, our newbie faces off with the Diplomats at ManorCon, in England. Find out how he fared, and what the experience was like.
Stephen Knewtson: Machiavelli: the Crash Course
Everything you need to know to start playing this variant of Diplomacy, featuring bribery, assassination, famine, and plague. What more can you ask for, my Prince?
Mark Berch: The Central Alliance for Germany
In this reprint from Diplomacy World's fiftieth issue, Mark examines the advantages of a Dreikaiserbund from Germany's point of view. Was Bismarck right?
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Mail! Find out what our readers are thinking…
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
A look forward to the coming year — including WDC 08 in Vienna, and the Pouch's upcoming fiftieth issue!!!
Sebastian Beer: WDC 2008, Part III: Diplomacy at WDC 2008
In the third in our series of articles leading up to WDC 2008, Sebastian gives us the lowdown on what to expect at this year's WDC. Did we mention that it's being held in a real castle?
Chris Dziedzic: PBEM Communities in 2007, A Year in Review
Chris looks back at the growth of three leading PBEM communities last year.
Rohan Keane: The Spider in the Corner
Rohan discusses strategies for one of his favorite Powers: ever resilient, patient, devious Turkey! Learn how this spider in the corner can avoid getting squished…
Alan Mennel: The 1898 Variant, or By 1900 It Might Be Over
The maintainer of Dipsters and Diplomacy introduces the variant chosen for their Variant Tournament this year. Just how does it affect the game when you start with only one supply center?
The Editor: Just Passing Through
There's a new Diplomacy set out! Also, we have results from the Stratagem Tournament, and the web site for HuskyCon VI in August.
Arthur Bismark: Bismark Lecture I: Death, Destruction, and the Decline of Western Civilization
In this first of a series written by an anonymous Australian author in the eighties, the wise Doctor explains which of his paranoid-schizophrenic patients are suited for this game — all of them.
Charles Roburn: Divisions and Dreadnoughts: A Look at the Role of Sea Power in Diplomacy
The balance between land power and sea power is one of the central strategic factors in Diplomacy. How do land and sea forces affect each of the Great Powers?
Dave Simpson: INCOMING 2008, OUTGOING 2007 — A Dip noob's year of Diplomacy
It's amazing how time flies! Our new newbie is back, this time with a review of his experiences over the past year. See what he's learned so far.
Chris Dziedzic: 1900: The Franco-Italian Alliance
There's a lot of natural friction between France and Italy in the 1900 variant, and they often come to blows. Join Chris in an exploration of all the reasons why it may be better for them to work together.
Millis Miller: On a Wing and a Prayer
We're all familiar with fleets and armies, but variants often introduce new types of units. In this article, Millis looks at the versatility of the Modern variant's Wing unit type, and what makes them so useful.
Jeremy Edwards: Applying the Way of the Owl: The Art of Communication
Discussions of Diplomacy tactics usually focus on units; but you can also employ negotiation tactics to improve your game! Owls Black Belt Jeremy Edwards examines different approaches, and how they helped him in the Owls series.
Baron Powell: Refining the Juggernaut, Part I
The Russo-Turkish alliance is one of the most feared pairings on the board. However, is it truly as formidable as its reputation suggests? In this first of two parts, Baron examines some oft-ignored downsides to the RT.
Edi Birsan: Mentor Notes
Some time ago, Edi wrote a series of articles for Paradox in support of their (then) new computer edition of Diplomacy. With the company's kind permission, we've compiled and reprinted them here.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Controversy abounds! A prominent hobbyist takes issue with our last Frontline column.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
A brief retrospective on a successful year for the Pouch.
Douglas Kent: Diplomacy World Hits the Century Mark
Diplomacy World has contributed to the hobby for three decades. This January, it publishes its hundredth issue — the longest ever! Find out what to expect in this centurial effort…
David Norman: What is a Corner Power?
Corner Powers enjoy a tremendous defensive advantage in the game. But why is that? How do you define a "corner" Power, and how can you identify them in variants?
Sam Jones: Why You Don't Want to Appear as a Wise, Good-Natured, Eloquent Diplomat
It doesn't always pay to appear competent! In this lengthily-titled article, Sam discusses the importance of appearing to be Not Too Skilled.
Jeremy Edwards: Applying the Way of the Owl: The Power of One
A power that only has a single unit left can still be a key player in determining a game's outcome! Owls Black Belt Jeremy Edwards provides some interesting examples from his own games.
David Norman: Solutions to the Files of Inspector Clouseau
The solutions for the tactical puzzles we posed last issue.
Nathan Barnes and David Maletsky: Frontline: Top Boards
In this second debate, Nathan and David look at the advantages and pitfalls of having a top board in the last round of a Diplomacy tournament. Do top boards add to the tournament experience, or do they skew tournament results unfairly?
Sam Tyler: Mastering Being a Game Master
It takes work to do a good job of refereeing Diplomacy — a good Game Master can and should put in as much effort as any of the players, and more. Sam discusses five levels of mastering commitment, and how you can attain each!
Charles Roburn: Home Before the Leaves Fall: Planning to Avoid a Stalemate
A look at the primary stalemate lines that split the board 17/17, and how each Power can maneuver to avoid getting stuck behind one of them!
Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Only three of you readers took a shot at solving the Great Detective's last Diplomacy mystery, so Dr. Watson offers a big chunk of help from Holmes to encourage more of you to give it a go.
Edi Birsan: Welcome to Galicia!
Our former EDItor discusses the ins and outs of activity in one of the most important non-supply center provinces on the board.
The Editor: Just Passing Through
Diplomacy World reaches its hundredth issue and Berlin plans a move to Vienna, while the Pouch Editor begs for more articles!
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Praise for previous issues! See what people particularly liked.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The usual introduction and notes on the Pouch!
Sebastian Beer: WDC 2008, Part II: Diplomacy in Austria
In the second in our series of articles leading up to WDC 2008, Sebastian tells us about the exciting hobby scene, and what to expect at an Austrian Con!
Sebastian Beer: How Not to Talk at Diplomacy Conventions
This article from Tatz, the German-language online zine, provides some helpful tips on etiquette for WDC 2008! Remember, if your listener is foaming at the mouth, it may be time to change the subject…
Josh Burton: The Statistician: Solo Victories
Where exactly does each Power get its eighteen centers from? In this third article in the Statistician series, Josh provides a fascinating analysis of what solo victories look like.
Steve Coberman: Tactical Decision-Making in No-Press Diplomacy
Steve provides a mathematical and logical approach to making tactical decisions when the pieces on the board are all you have to go by.
David Norman: From the Files of Inspector Clouseau
A new set of tactical puzzles for readers who want to match wits with a detective who is perhaps not quite as skilled as his British counterpart, Holmes!
Tom Easton: Red, Green, and Black: The Central Triple
Another look at the AIG alliance, and why it's worth the time and effort for all three partners to pursue it.
Juan Molina: On To Berlin! Rethinking Russia's Opening Strategy
Russia needs to get Sweden in 1901, but a hostile Germany can prevent it. Here's some advice on how the Tsar can deal with a recalcitrant Kaiser.
Andy Hull: Sticking it to the Man
Andy Hull recounts his adventures at WDC 2007, and the lessons he learned (mostly the hard way…) therefrom.
Edi Birsan: Unusual Alliances: Austrian Fleet Power and Turkish Land Power
Our EDItor Emeritus tells the story of one of the most unusual pairings in his extensive career.
Jonty Klassnik: Applying the Way of the Owl: The Belgian Gambit
Owls player Jonty discusses the merits of a French strategy that focusses on grabbing Belgium before anyone else does, instead of sending everything at Iberia right away.
Jasper Dupuis: The Honest Truth: Italy (Of Triangles, Spheres, and Balance)
All roads lead to Rome! Continuing his series on strategies for the Great Powers, Jasper turns his attention to Italy next. And the geometry of triangles is a surprisingly important factor…
Adam Silverman: Prometheus: Anatomy of a Demo Game
Way back in 2006, Adam got together a group of formidable players for a demonstration PBEM game intended for the Showcase section of the Pouch. Here's his overview of the results!
The Editor: Just Passing Through
There's a new issue of Diplomacy World out; a request to contact Rod Walker; January tournament in Calgary; and the hobby gets a new foothold in old Constantinople!
Frank Mayer: West-East Story
Frank revives a longstanding Pouch tradition: putting new words to famous songs. This time, the FARks and the GETs go at each other.
Bryan Thexton: Behind Enemy Lines
A look at that most valuable of units: the backfield raider.
Dave Simpson: Incoming Again! Reflections of a New Diplomacy Newbie
This time, our new newbie evaluates original newbie Stephen Lepley's six Rules of Engagement for aspiring new players. Does Stephen's advice hit the mark?
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
More letters, including comments from the Renaissance variant designer!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Our new Editor says a few words…
Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
He's back! Our glorious Founder returns with a puzzling Diplomacy problem that the Great Detective is barely able to solve — can you solve it too?
Doug Moore: Reach for the Top
New World Champion Doug Moore reveals the secret plan he used to win the top board at WDC 2007 — and I only had to torture him a little bit to get it!!!
Rob Stephenson: Rob's Tale
Rob Stephenson tells us about own his adventures at the recent World Diplomacy Championship in Vancouver.
Sebastian Beer: WDC 2008, Part I: What is Austria?
Those of us in North America may have a rather skewed view of Austria, based on The Sound of Music and the Governator. In this article, Sebastian helpfully sets us straight on the country hosting WDC 2008.
Conrad von Metzke: First Games
A Diplomacy legend describes his own introduction to The Game!
Edi Birsan: Stabbing in the Spring or Fall
Timing is everything! Our revered former EDItor makes a few observations regarding Spring stabs vs Fall stabs.
Ian Raynes: Abandonments: The Blight on the PBEM Game
Have you ever played in a game that was ruined when somebody just dropped out? Ian suggests a few steps we can all take, as individuals and within the hobby as a whole, to keep this regrettable phenomenon to a minimum.
James Leadley: Applying the Way of the Owl: The Back Alley Brawl
In the first Owls column not written by Thorin, James compares Archdukehood with street fighting after a night at your local pub…
Kendra Malm: The Accidental Stabber
Kendra tells us about her very first tournament. That army just slipped, honest!
Conrad Woodring: HuskyCon V Report
The full report on happenings at the Woodring family's (increasingly popular) HuskyCon convention this year.
The Editor: Just Passing Through
There's a new issue of Diplomacy World out; and of course, the results from WDC 2007! Read the Tournament Director's report.
Greg Duenow: The National Diplomacy Scholarship
What better way to promote our favorite game than to create a scholarship for eager young students who play it? Greg proposes a few talking points on how one could be set up, and invites us all to participate in the discussion.
Edi Birsan: Whittling the Draw Size and the Win-Only School
As a companion piece for our new Frontline column below, Edi tells of his own experiences with the Draw-Whittling vs Win-Only debate.
Eric Hunter and David Cohen: Frontline: Draw-Whittling New Feature
In this first installment of our new column, Eric and David present two opposing philosophies on the phenomenon of draw-whittling. Is it good play, or does the number of players in a draw not matter?
B.M. Powell: 1900: Turkey
At long last, the final chapter in Baron's discussion of the 1900 variant! Last but not least, he explains how he managed to transform Turkey into something very different without throwing off play balance.
Dorian Love: The Art of Coarse Diplomacy
Dorian gives us a few ideas of how not to play the game.
Dave Simpson: Incoming Again! Reflections of a New Diplomacy Newbie
We have a new newbie! Dave recently leapt headlong into the exciting world of online Diplomacy, and discovered all sorts of helpful resources for a new player of the game — the Pouch not least among them! But is that enough?
Douglas Kent: Negotiating in Diplomacy: Trying to be a Real SOB
The Editor of Diplomacy World very kindly shares a little advice with us on unkind negotiating strategies!
Stephen Agar: New Improved Diplomacy
With the kind permission of the author and the current Editor of Diplomacy World, we're reprinting this discussion of possible improvements to the standard map.
Charles Roburn: Variant Overview: 1900
Using Stephen Agar's article on "Improved Diplomacy" as a starting point, Baron Powell set out to create a variant that was more historically accurate and even more playable than the original! Did he succeed?
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
More and more letters from our eager readers!
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Our departing Editor introduces the incoming one!
Matt Shields: Diplomacy in Vancouver: WDC XVII
Matt Shields tells you everything you wanted to know about WDC 2007, and weren't afraid to ask.
Charles Roburn: Vancouver in Diplomacy
Charles addresses the vital question about WDC's host city this year: does it deserve to be counted as a supply center?
Edi Birsan: Tournament Diplomacy Player Guide
Our revered former EDItor — one of the hobby's most experienced players — provides a long-awaited guide on how to get through a Diplomacy tournament, and live to tell the tale!
Adam Silverman: What Players Want: Motivating Factors in Diplomacy
Adam has a closer look at the many different reasons why people play at different stages of the game, and how it can help you if you understand what they're really after.
Josh Burton: The Statistician: Supply Centers in 1901 and 1902
Should Germany bounce Russia out of Sweden? Who gains the most from getting Belgium first? What should you do at all those other hotspots across the map? Statistical analysis provides the answers!
Thorin Munro: Applying the Way of the Owl: The Grief Process
Thorin Munro continues his column, this time discussing how to handle the shock and disappointment when your former ally slips that knife in…
Paul Windsor: My Weekend at CODCON
He's back! After a few years away, Paul Windsor jumps right back into the fray by trying his luck at Chicago's CODCON. Find out how he fared.
Chris Dziedzic: PBEM Communities in 2006: the Year in Review
Chris looks at the breakdown of e-mail games played through some of his favorite PBEM communities in 2006.
The Editor: Just Passing Through
We salute the return of an old friend, and remind you of cons that are coming up in August.
James Kendall: Revolutionary Diplomacy
Ever found yourself in the position of dealing with a replacement? Of being a replacement? James suggests ways to take advantage of your new start. Viva la Revolucion!
The Editor: Hobby Help Wanted
What have YOU done for the Pouch? Also, WDC is just a month and a half away… this is your last chance to help out!
Charles Roburn: First Games
The new Editor reminisces about his own introduction to the hobby, and how it brought him to where he is now — responsible for getting F2007M out on time!
B.M. Powell: 1900: Russia
Baron's chapter-by-chapter look at the 1900 variant continues! In this article he looks at the design of Russia in 1900, and how he had to fine-tune the country's power carefully to keep it from being too strong or too weak.
Frank Mayer: Overheard at the Ministry of Finance
Frank reprises his series on the Payola variant, this time introducing a simple reasoning tool that can help you determine your bidding tactics.
Chris Dziedzic: Tripolitania in 1900: The Keystone to North Africa
In the 1900 variant, Northern Africa is a potential hotbed of activity throughout the game. Find out more about the fascinating dynamics surrounding the Supply Center in the middle of it all.
Charles Roburn: Variant Overview: Milan
Italy usually ends up at the bottom of the Diplomacy heap. This variant tries to change that, with just a few simple modifications to the standard map…
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The letters keep trickling pouring in! Find out what our readers had to say.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Dr. Nick voice: "Hi, everybody!"
The Editor: Just Passing Through
This issue's JPT theme: cons, cons and more cons!
Thorin Munro: Applying the Way of the Owl: On Lying New Feature
Thorin Munro, who runs the "owls" series of games on the DPJudge, has applied aspects of Frank Rivers' Book The Way of the Owl: Succeeding with Integrity to the game of Diplomacy. Here he looks at the use of deceptive tactics in the Game.
Alan Mennel: Dipsters and Diplomacy Direct
Alan Mennel introduces his two groups for timely and dedicated players.
Charles Roburn: On Your Mark, Get Set...
Charles Roburn's extremely informative guide for new or new-ish Diplomacy players.
The Editor: Hobby Help Wanted
The Pouch Needs You!
Edi Birsan: The First Game(s) New Feature
Hobby legend Edi Birsan tells us the tale of his introduction into the Diplomacy hobby to christen our new "First Game" feature.
Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat: The Case of the Witches' Endgame
David Norman, Master Aenigmatist, and Charles Roburn, Master Transcriptionist, team up to bring us this mystery.
B.M. Powell: 1900: Italy
That's right, folks! We've convinced Baron to finish out the Gamer's Guide to 1900 series, which started back in 2002! In this article he looks at playing Italy in 1900, and throws in some useful observations about playing Italy in Standard Diplomacy to boot. (An accidental pun, but one I've decided to keep...)
Andy Hull: So You Want To Be A B.A.D.Ass.?
Andy Hull provides the story of his first few games with the feared Bay Area Diplomacy Association. My favorite highlight: Lepanto creator Edi Birsan literally phoning it in as Italy ;)
Chris Dziedzic: Running Variant Tournaments
Chris brings us a conversation with Michael Boutot, David Cohen, and Chris McInerney, all of whom have previously run variant tournaments.
Heath Gardner: The Making of a Diplomacy Addict
I relate the strange and tragic story of becoming a Diplomacy hobbyist at the age of fourteen, one long decade ago. Featuring Edi Birsan as the wise old-timer who arrives just in the nick of time to offer words of encouragement.
Chris Dziedzic: Thoughts on Russia in 1900
The variant fun continues as Chris takes a historical-analytical look at playing Russia in 1900, and discusses the new Russian Emergency Measures Rule update's impact on play.
Charles Roburn: Variant Overview: Renaissance New Feature
Diplomacy in the era of Machiavelli: it's nasty, brutish and short — but fun!
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Good ol' Pouch Deposits, just like Manus used to make.
The Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The assistant interim editor (the who?) says a few words about this issue, and the future.
The Editor: Just Passing Through
Quick as a knife in the back, here are some brief items of interest.
Edi Birsan: Milan Top Board: the Final Move
Our former EDItor poses a puzzle based on the final game at the Milan 2006 tournament.
Buz Eddy: This Week in North American Diplomacy: 2006 Summary
Buz Eddy provides us with a quick summary of events in 2006.
The Editor: Hobby Help Wanted
Is Vancouver a supply center? The WDC 2007 organizers need you to encourage people to come find out!
Edi Birsan: Diplomacy Mapquest
A quick quiz on map oddities that have appeared in various editions of our favorite game.
David Norman: AI and DAIDE: A Response on Diplomacy AIs
David addresses some of the points our EDItor mentioned in a previous article.
Edi Birsan: German Northern Suicide Opening
How quickly can a Kaiser scuttle his own chances? Our EDItor's view of a recent game.
David Hood: Triples and the Russo-Austro-German Alliance
A classic article on the RAG triple alliance, and observations on triples in general.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Short but sweet! Well, short, anyway.
Edi Birsan: About The Diplomatic Pouch
So glad that you asked, this is what we will admit to so far...
Dorian Love: Tactical Importance Points (TIPs)
A new way to rate the relative importance of possession of a certain bit of Diplomacy real-estate.
Evan Berret: Diplomacy Game Forum
A summary of a Forum where players can play via the Web
Dorian Love: Barbary Coast Opening
Tired of being trashed around the English seas? Leave for a warmer clime...
Josh Burton: The Statistician: What are the best powers to play?
Using the power of statistical analysis to create your preference list.
John Barringer: How to be a GamesMaster without really trying
So you want to be a master of games or something like that?
Charles Roburn: The Lion and the Bear
Not your usual bedtime story of furry animals.
Allan B. Calhamer: Objectives Other than Winning
A blast from the past (1974) by our illustrious game designer.
Editor: Just passing Through
As fast as a speeding Austrian Fleet into Venice, here are some quick shots...
Editor Ranking Systems
A discussion about different ranking systems.
Toby Harris Recognition of Acheivements
Apart from hitting 18, what can you do to be recognised in the hobby?"
Edi Birsan Teaching Diplomacy
Teaching Diplomacy"
Edi Birsan Teaching Script
Teaching Script"
DipCouncil Council Reports
Report from Council Members about activity this issue
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Short but sweet - our reader contributions!
Edi Birsan: About The Diplomatic Pouch
So glad that you asked, this is what we will admit to so far...
W. Nahri: Machiavelli Money Management
Before there was Dollar Diplomacy, there was the story of the Duke and his Ducats.
The Editor: Team Diplomacy in a Tournament
Everything you wanted to ask about a winning team tournament and did not want anyone else to know the answers to!
Dziedzic: Another 1900 article
If William Tell knew about the 1900 Variant boy would he be ticked off.
Giovanni Cesarini: Italian Diplomacy
Continuing our round up of national hobby reviews we move to Southern Europe.
Edi Birsan: Caesar Opening
Tired of the Gaul of Those People... so was Caeser who inspired this kill the French opening.
Editor: Top Board
Ever wonder what those folks on the Top Board are thinking about? We asked for you.
Edi Birsan: Diplomacy Bumper Stickers
Tired of the same ole same ole on the car... imagine some of these...
Editor: Help Wanted
You may beat the salary, but these jobs have real hobby benefits like support into Belgium, well maybe support but shouldn't you support us first???
Editor: Just Passing Through
As fast as a speeding Austrian Fleet into Venice, here are some quick shots...
Jasper Dupuis The Honest Truth
A Cossack, a Russian and a Tartar walk into a Moscow bar...
Toby Harris Diplomacy Puzzle
Puzzle me This: "There was Toby staring at the board and the pieces appeared...now what the hell do I do?"
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
We do still manage to get the occasional correspondence, read it here!
Millis Miller: About The Diplomatic Pouch
After another long pause we're back, with more content than many an issue. Read here to see what the changes have happened, and will happen.
Edi Birsan: Discussion on the Achievement of Solos
An exerpt from a discussion on the Bay Area Diplomacy Associations (B.A.D.asses) list server about how best to go and get that solo.
Edi Birsan: Casus Foederis
An introduction to the Casus Foederis website.
Julian Ziesing: Das German Language Hobby
Straight from the perils of running WDC XXVI, Julain Ziesing gives an insight to the German hobby, for those not aware.
Gabriel Lecointre: Overview of the French Language Communities
Not to be outdone, we also have this issue a contribution from our Francophone hobby members, this one listing the main internet site for those interested in playing and reading about the Great Game in French.
Ole Richard Tuft: Defending England
For those of you fed up with always landing England and being an early vicitm, here's the ideal article to make yourself a much less attractive meal for your hungry neighgbours!
Edi Birsan: FTF Tournament Database
Information here about a new global database to track everyones performance statistics in every recognised FtF game worldwide!
Edi Birsan: Hobby Help Wanted New Feature
A new regular feature, this section will list 'help wanted' areas of the Hobby, starting off with the DipPouch Zine itself!
Editor: Just Passing Through New Feature
Another new addition to the Pouch, this section will list small new bites of news that are of interest to the Hobby, but don't qualify as full articles in their own right
Dorian Love: First Strike
A new Diplomacy tournament in a South African High School.
Edi Birsan: Kubla Con 2006
A report on Kubla Con 2006, held San Francisco - Hyatt Airport May 27-28, 2006
Dorian Love: The World Cup of Diplomacy
Launch of a new organisation to promote national teams to play for the Diploamcy World Cup!
Edi Birsan: Team Diplomacy
All too often, the Team Round at Diplomacy Championships is ignored by all but the best players. Edi Birsan come up with a new concept to try to breath life into the idea, and get all players involved.
Jim O’Kelley: Where There’s a Weasel, There’s a Way In Chicago
Jim O'Kelly tells of his experiences in trying to find felow Diplomacy players in the Chicago area.
Jim Burgess: Postal Diplomacy Update
Jim-Bob reports on the current Postal Diplomacy scene, which, although having seen games fall in recent years, is still very much going strong.
Edi Birsan The Roles of Artificial Intelligence
An exposé of current thinking by Edi Birsan of Artificial Intelligence in Diplomacy.
Yann Clouet: Three Sites
Three useful new(ish) sites for the Internet Diplomacy player.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Again, even after a long hiatus, still we are a bit short on letters from you all. Nevertheless, we do get some, so here they are with our replies to them!
Scott Webster & Randy Lawrence: About The Diplomatic Pouch
It's been a long winter and a longer spring. It's time for the spring ?!? issue. Well here it is. This issue might look light, but it's got content, with my faviourite being the interview with Paradox Interactive. As well, we have a question within these page that we'd like you to answer. Sit back, relax and dig in.
Edi Birsan: Formal Diplomacy
In working, as always, to further the Diplomacy hobby throughout the globe, and come up with new and exciting ways to play, Edi Birsan has provided us with yet another variant, this one involving the more diplomatic formalities of international relations.
Miguel A. Sanchez Villalba: Old Game, New Look
One can never have too many Diplomacy variants. That's my motto, and I'm always thrilled to meet other people who share it. So, naturally, it is with pleasure that I introduce this article, detailing two new variants, Punic Wars and Australian Diplomacy. Based on Sail Ho! and Five Italies (though you wouldn't know it to look at them), these are ingenious pieces of work, with some very attractive artwork.
Baron VonPowell & Charles Roburn: Monte Carlo
Proving yet again that jobs and families are no impediment to Diplomacy, the Baron has sent us what is by far the largest article ever published in these venerable pages. It is the EOG of the Russian player from a 1900 game Baron hosted, and well worth its thirty-six pages.
Scott Webster : Paradox Interactive Interview!!
Paradox Interactive, a computer game development company, has begun work on a new Diplomacy computer game. Our own Scott Webster, with the help of the Diplomatic Council and our readers, sent a list of questions to Paradox, that we believed would be of the most interest to Diplomacy players. Paradox graciously answered every question, and we have the interview for you here.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Letters, letters, letters! Our mailbox has been overflowing with the deluge of letters coming in. Why, in the past month since we published the last issue, we've gotten three letters!!! Ok, so we have a really small mailbox, and it's easy to overflow it. But the point is, we've gotten a few letters, all well worth reading. So, thank you, letter-writers! And to the rest of you, don't be afraid to write us! We love getting your comments, observations, and ideas.
Scott Webster & Randy Lawrence: About The Diplomatic Pouch
After working countless nights and long hours to bring you the best 'Zine ever, we are pleased to present you with *drum roll* The Diplomatic Pouch's Fall 2004 Issue!!!! You can get your money at the door, folks. No, seriously, this is a good one, with some great articles. I strongly suggest, though, that before you read all these fine specimens of literary accomplishment, that you read this About the Pouch, to find out what's new.
Article Jon Saul: The Swinging Gate
Jon Saul puts his mind to the task of finding a new opening for Italy, and... well, see for yourself.
Edi Birsan: Prize Sur'Prize
Edi lays out for us his latest ideas for increasing the fun-potential in Diplomacy tournaments. Makes me want to go to one soon, just to win that Raider Award...
Millis Miller: Intimate Diplomacy
Millis gives us his view on strategy and tactics in the Intimate variant. A must-read for anyone interested in this long-established variant (and pretty good for those who have never heard of it, too).
Andy Farnsworth: My introduction to Intimate Diplomacy
Andy Farnsworth regales us with the strategy he used in his 2003 victory in the Intimate Diplomacy Tournament, and provides a great introduction for players considering this variant.
David Maletsky: North America Diplomacy Federation
David gives us a quick update on the recent Carnage by the Lake tournament, and then spends the rest of the time talking about what he wants to do with the hobby. I suppose he's entitled, though, being the new head of the NADF... anyway, check it out, and stay informed!
Edi Birsan: Imperial Diplomacy (A Two Player Solution)
Edi provides us with a short, but fascinating, puzzle, involving the ever-famous "Stop The Leader" alliances.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Letters, letters, letters! Our mailbox has been overflowing with the deluge of letters coming in. Why, in the past month since we published the last issue, we've gotten three letters!!! Ok, so we have a really small mailbox, and it's easy to overflow it. But the point is, we've gotten a few letters, all well worth reading. So, thank you, letter-writers! And to the rest of you, don't be afraid to write us! We love getting your comments, observations, and ideas.
Scott Webster & Randy Lawrence: About The Diplomatic Pouch
We are back! Hopefully we will not have to use the SET ABSENCE command again!
David E Cohen: Design of a Variant: Maharajah's Diplomacy, Part III
David explains some of the changes, additions, removals, extras, etc., he's made to his Maharajah variant. A must-read for any fan of this brilliant design.
Randy Lawrence-Hurt: Is IT Broken?
Randy, co-editor of the 'Zine, provides us with his educated, intelligent, well-founded view of the Italy-Turkey alliance. (Hey, if you can't pat yourself on the back when you write the introduction for your own article, when can you?)
Jean-François Georget: Peloponnesian Wars
A fascinating look at a recent Dip variant, taking place around the ancient Mediterranean lands. Definitely worth a read, and then a game.
Alastair Tomlinson: Those Who Can, Teach
Alastair takes us on a journey through the ins and outs of the TeachMe format for Diplomacy. Let him teach you as to the merits of this idea (I had to try to make some joke, give me a break!)
Sergio Lidsell: More News From The Italian Front
Sergio takes us on a thrilling ride through the changes wrought in how the Machiavelli variant runs in various Judges, and gives us a crash course in the many bugs fixed.
E.G. Vandergeld: Karaoke Diplomacy
Eva provides us with some, umm, interesting parodies of famous Beatles songs (yes, I know "famous Beatles songs" is rather redundant). Seriously, these are a lot of fun.
Millis Miller: Interview with Alain Tésio
Millis Miller provides us with an insightful interview with the creator of the floc.net mapper, Alain Tésio.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Short and Sweet!
John Coffin: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Winter adjustments is an appropriate term. The Zine is back after a brief delay and with it comes a new editor.
Will Abbott: Toward a Theology of Military Games
Einstein once said that "God doesn't play dice," but what about Diplomacy? Will Abbott discusses military board games using a theological approach.
Edi Birsan: Card Diplomacy
If you've ever been frustrated by your own misorders (i.e. the unintentional ones) or enjoy the variants where all players remain seated, then this little exercise may be to your liking.
Edi Birsan with input from Andy Marshall: The North American DIPCON XXXVI Report
DipCon, Tempest 2003: The Effort, the Tradition and the Honor.
Edi Birsan: Triple Play
A comprehensive analysis of different triples and advice on how to get them to work.
David E Cohen: Death at the Calhamer Club
Sir Owen's real killer is finally revealed by Holmes at the Calhamer Club.
Chris Dziedzic & Bill Leake: 1900: The Franco-German Alliance
Why consider a France-German alliance in the 1900 variant? Here are a few excellent reasons.
Eric Hunter: Solo Percentages
Eric takes a few minutes to deliver the latest FRIGATE results ranging from wins, losses, and five-way draws.
Frank Mayer: Overheard at the Ministry of Finance
Frank discusses differences affecting play, best play alternatives, and the unique characteristics of each power. Although this is intended for the Payola enthusiasts, good advice for the standard Diplomacy player can be found.
Larry Peery: Euro DIPCON XI Report
Giancarlo Ceccoli and San Marino, Italy, play host to the European community and a new champion is crowned in 2003.
Larry Peery: DIPCON 2004: Portland, Oregon
April is just around the corner. Here's some words from Larry about Portland and what to expect.
Larry Peery: WORLD DIPCON 2004: On the Road to Brum, Land of Hope and Glory
Heading to WDC 2004 in Birmingham, England? Larry Peery has advice on how to get there and what to do while you're there including a possible side-trip to London.
Ray Setzer: The Five Stages of Elimination
Getting stabbed and eliminated creates a very individual and personal response from the victim. As they head to their symbolic deaths, they go through a process that is surprisingly similar to the real thing.
José Luis Fernández Valoni: The Lapland Southern Draw
Lapland is region of extreme northern Europe which includes northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Here's how one player found success in the Arctic Circle.
The Editors and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The Pouch Deposits are here!
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
It's here! The longest-running Diplomacy tournament in the world happens this Fall Issue.
Jon Ashman & Sergio Lidsell: Disaster Probabilities in Machiavelli
If calamity and misfortune strike your fancy, you might want to pour yourself over these cold, hard numbers.
Edi Birsan: The DipCon Story
In the beginning, there was darkness and void, but DipCon changed everything.
Edi Birsan: North American Face to Face Tournament Scoring Systems
The following is a summary of the North American systems which seems to establish that there is no uniform anything or consistency in methodology or administration....
David E. Cohen: Death at the Calhamer Club
Dr. Watson discovers the solution is not as it appears. Holmes points out a new layer of clues as suspects are brought to the Calhamer Club.
Brian Hennessy: The Uber-Juggernaut
The West may avoid the Juggernaut, but they risk giving birth to something much more insidious.
Theo Kermanidis: The Great Diplomacy Article Search
On the heels of the Special Edition Issue, Theo stumbles across an interesting discovery in the middle of the night.
Millis Miller: Judge Email Privacy
In an age of SPAM and email viruses, how can anyone play Dip with any sense of security? Here's one possible solution.
Eric Mitchell: The Rationale Behind A Common Diplomacy Notation
Need to sink your teeth into something a little more technical? Eric weighs in on a common diplomacy notation format for archiving games of diplomacy for analysis, preservation, and archival.
David Norman: The Diplomacy AI Development Environment (DAIDE) Project
News of a project to get computers playing Diplomacy against each other - and maybe one day they'll be good enough to play against us too.
David Norman: The Real Time Diplomacy Hobby
Newly available software means you can now play a complete game of NoPress Diplomacy across the Internet in 2-3 hours.
Steve Ray: Good Players Make the Best Allies
Mister Ray returns to the Pouch hoping to prove why, "Good Players Make the Best Allies." See if you agree.
Matt Shields: Box Scores
Over halfway through the year and the Grand Prix races remain undecided.
World DipCon XIII Report: A Collection of Reports from Denver, Colorado and beyond.
Buz Eddy: 2003 WDC
Larry Peery: WORLD DIPCON XIII: A Real Rocky Mountain High!
Eric Dexheimer: Double Cross Words
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
In it's 34th Issue, the Zine pays tribute to....
William Attia: Denmark
One penninsula, so many options. Should Germany bounce Russia, Sealion the English, or just hold for the build?
Ali Baba: Tunis
Tunis is most important to Italy, of course, but what does it mean to other potential owners? The answer may lie within a balance of power.
Nathan Barnes and Dan Miller: Sweden
Russia is not a significant rival to the German until after the West has been sorted out. So why is Germany bouncing Russia out of Sweden? Dan Miller gives a global perspective.
Andy Bartalone: Trieste
Trieste: "An important spot on the eastern stalemate line, suffers from the same problem as Venice...."
EDI Birsan: EDInburgh
And who would you have thought more fitting to write about Edi than Edi himself?
Jim Burgess: Liverpool
Liverpool, "Let it be, Let it be, Let it be...."
Jim Burgess: Rome
Jim introduces the Italian Oktoberfest opening in strict contrast to a Fleet Rome.
Jim Cheaney: Bulgaria
Bulgaria often becomes a battleground in the mid-game and if lost, how Turkey takes Bulgaria back may determine its destiny.
Yann Clouet: Rumania
It's tough masking a solid Juggernaut opening when everyone is hypersensitive but Yann and Edi prove nothing is as it seems. Not only does this RT get rolling but Yann soon discovers that Rumania may be the answer to defeating the Lepanto!
David E. Cohen: Spain
How plain is Spain when playing in a vain game of emotional pain?
Bruce Duewer: Holland
"Payola holland, german army once ignored, convoy to london." Hmmmm, I wonder which direction Bruce is going?
Rick Desper: Paris
Rick shares why taking Paris is paramount to the fall of France.
Jay Furr: Smyrna
Jay begins with ouzo over ice citing, "It was the closest I could get to something legitimately Turkish, in honor of Smyrna..." and then switches to rye whiskey and ginger ale. Oh, but there's more.
Eric Goodman: Budapest
It seems that a great number of diplomats dislike playing Austria. With assistance from Jody McCullough and Doug Massey, Eric shows how such Austriaphobics have affected power assignments on two judges.
Edward Hawthorne: Norway
The litmus test to identifying a Northern Alliance may lie in Scandanavia. See if you agree.
Sascha Hingst: Berlin
Five ways to take Berlin - and five reasons to do so.
David Hood: Kiel
David asks, "What is the biggest advantage to playing Germany?" Obviously the answer revolves around Kiel but why?
Eugene Hung: Munich
Munich is often seen as the soloist's center but Eugene takes Munich's influence a step further. See how other powers view the supply center.
Eric Hunter: Sevastopol
Eric outlines seven different strategies centered around Sev but the real question readers want to know is, why Sevastopol ...?
Karen Hunter: Ankara
Talk about relationship management. Yes, this is a husband and wife team dueling over the Black Sea: Sevastopol versus Ankara
Glenn Ledder: Greece
What's this, a stalemate line involving Greece? Introducing the Navarino Line!
Jeremiah Lee: Marseilles
Marseilles means different things to different powers. Jeremiah suggests that you listen carefully to what others are saying.
Andy Marshall: Brest
Andy attempts to deliver an article about Brest without cracking a joke. See how far he makes it.
Chris Martin: London
I heard it said once that Chris Martin could talk and talk and talk, but the question begs to be asked, can he write? Read this missive and judge for yourself.
Doug Massey: Belgium
All of the jokes and off-board bantering about Belgium are warranted. Massey proves that Belgium is where all the action is!
Brendan McClure: Livonia
I thought you said this was standard Diplomacy? Since when was Livonia considered a supply center?
Millis Miller: Portugal
Portugal is often a space that is neglected, but to France it's a center that should not be taken lightly. Here's an analysis to prove it.
Timo Müller: Warsaw
It's central position is often overlooked and so the offensive and/or defensive strategy begins.
Larry Peery: Venice
"Cutting to the chase, as David Hood and others would do, one is left with this simple fact: For Venice the game follows historical reality. And therein lies our tale."
JC Ravage: Constantinople
What lessons can we learn from the collapse of the Byzantine Empire centered around Constantinople?
Jon Saul: Serbia
Jon argues Serbia's significance over other "centers in the middle." Serbia is the only center to border six or more spaces and five other centers.
Ray Setzer: Naples
It's often overlooked or underestimated but see why Naples is Italy's most versatile center.
Dr. Cyrille Sevin: Vienna
Dr. Sevin reminds us why Vienna was the center of the European universe.
Matt Shields: Moscow
Mister Shields claims Moscow is, "One of those centers that are neglected for most of the game." See if you agree.
Dan Shoham: St Petersburg
Long-time Zine author Dan Shoham shares his thoughts about St. Petersburg's prominent mind-body interface implications.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The Editor brings you a break in your regularily scheduled program, The Pouch Deposits....
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
2002: The Year in Review.
Martin Asal: The Great Stalemate Line
Stalemate lines: love them or hate them, you better know where they exist. Here is native German, Martin Asal's article compliments of Timo Müller and the German Diplomatic Pouch.
Geoff Bache: Designing a Map Variant
Geoff prescribes a tactical and diplomatic balance when designing a variant map. Is it really that simple? Find out for yourself.
Blast from the Past: AIRhead Alliance vs. SWAT
Are the three eastern powers coordinated or just running amuck. Edi Birsan shares concepts in development of a Triple Alliance.
David E. Cohen: Coastal Specification in Orders
What do Bulgaria, Spain and St. Petersburg have in common? Yes, they're all supply centers but that's not the answer Mr. Cohen's looking for.
David E. Cohen: Death at the Calhamer Club
Sherlock Holmes needs your assistance as, “The only way by which this crime will be solved will be by examination and interpretation of the physical evidence.”
The Committee to Subvert Manus: Ways To Play Diplomacy In Denver When You're Not Dead
Manus likes to say the ARMADA system rewards the full range of talents of a Diplomacy player, forces a player to use those talents and punishes the player who doesn't. So take our advice and learn the easy way from those who have learned the hard way that, you know what, Manus may be right!
Jeff Dwornicki: Updating the Grand Prix
With the 2002 NADF Grand Prix race coming to an end, players are already planning for the new year. Find out what changes are in store as FtF competitors race for the Grand Prix title.
Steven Janecek: Argentina
The South America 3.2 variant was introduced to the Zine in 2001. In this article, Steve Janecek focuses on Argentina in this version which only requires four players!
Dominik Panic: The French Panic Opening
Opening negatiations uncover early plans to divide Paris in three parts. You either: a) NMR b) Bounce in Eng, Bur & Pie c) Open standard or d) Panic!
B.M. Powell: 1900: Germany
At the outbreak of World War I, Germany had the single strongest army in the world by a significant margin, the second strongest navy behind Britain’s, and the second strongest economy behind that of the United States. Of course, having a dominant Germany, does not necessarily make for a better game.
Matthew B. Schoenhardt: On Losing
Matthew shares a unique perspective on utilizing golden opportunities from those who are "losing".
Jim Yerkey, DAL: Where's the Love?
Please turn to Second Opinions, Chapter One, as brother Edward shares his testomony from "The Gospel of Diplomacy". We'll be reading about the beloved apostle Jim....
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The postal service was running slow due to the enormous amount of mail routed to the North Pole. Find out what some good little diplomats had to say.
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
It's short but this issue gets straight to the point: WDC and WM2002 are coming.
Nathan Barnes: Dispelling Meta-Gaming Myths
Not long ago, an issue that had been brewing among tournament Diplomacy players, slowly stoked by the fires of competition and ruthlessness that are so much a part of the tournament experience... transcend meta-gaming hurdles in tournament play.
Brandon Clarke: Be Water
A Warrior's Journey towards the the ultimate Game of Death. Brandon examines the heart of a true warrior.
David E. Cohen: Maharajah’s Diplomacy, Part II
The true labor of love is found in the design of a new variant. David shares his continued development of the Maharajah variant.
Robert Lesco: Marco Poll
Find out how the Marco Poll picks up where the Runestone left off.
Justin Livitski: The House Rules
Whether the game is played by email or face-to-face, here's a spring board for games GMed under house rules.
B.M. Powell: 1900: France
Many players choose France as their first preference. Find out how the results for this power fair in the fourth installment of the Gamer's Guide to 1900.
Raymond Setzer: The Little Tournament that Could
An Insiders Guide to the World Masters Email Diplomacy Tournament.
Matt Shields: Box Scores
The year draws towards an end but it's been a busy couple of months since the last issue. Find out how close some of the Grand Prixs remain while others have already been decided.
Alexander Woo: Middlegame and Endgame Strategy
A number of articles have been written about strong openings and juggernaught alliances but Alexander advances to Middle and Endgame tactics and strategy for those who want survival.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
The mailman cometh knocking. Find out what Zine readers had to say.
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
It's moved and you probably didn't even notice. The Editor knows more but he's been sworn to secrecy. Instead of telling, Edward's packing his bags and going on a little trip....
Edi Birsan: The American Diplomacy Travel Fund
Edi and Larry Peery start the hobby's first, national reimbusement fund encouraging players to travel. Who's eligible and how can other's get involved?
David E. Cohen: Dear Consigliere Niccolò
David Cohen (DEC) and Niccolò Machiavelli (NM) field several writers' dilemmas in this new column. Post your questions to Dear Niccolò.
JT Fest: Do You Have a Flag?
Diplomacy hoists flags of all nations but isn't it time to hoist a "Diplomacy" flag? JT offers a Diplomacy Standard with allowances for differencing and provisions for a Battle flag, Vexilloid, Ceremonial flag, and Top Board.
Manus Hand: Diplomacy Without A Board
Have you ever been in a group setting defending yourself against questions like, "What is Diplomacy anyway?" How do you answer? Trust our Surviving, Big Brother, a response, "like Risk" will make you feel like a Mole.
Eric Mead: Solution to The Missing Master's Mystery
Sherlock Holmes reveals the Blind solution. It's the solution Dr. Watson and Colonel Sykes have waited all season for.
Theo Kermanidis: Federation Diplomacy
Diplomacy Downunder is on the rise! Here's an eight-power variant based in the region of Australia and New Zealand. "Come aboard."
Timo Mueller: Diplomacy in Germany
The Pouch forms a new alliance with Germany.
B.M. Powell: 1900: Britain
Does Britain's corner position guarantee survival? Not so in 1900. Baron delivers the third installment of the Gamer's Guide to 1900.
Matthew Schoenhardt: Death to Smouchy
Find out what one player thinks of Carebears and why. Matthew encourages everyone to join the dark side.
Matt Shields: Ramblings about the Team Tournament in Diplomacy
Matt presents opening arguements (three to be specific) in favor of Team Tournament play. What's your opinion?
Rob Stephenson: Easter in the Rydges
So what really happened at Rydge's over Easter 2002? Tales from the World Diplomacy champion Downunder.
Rob Stephenson: How YOU can win WDCXIII
Want to become the next World Dip Champion? Rob (and Chris Martin) share two keys to ruling the world!
Matt Shields: Box Scores
It's been a busy season and all of the annual standings remain close.
Paul Windsor: Persuasive Illogic
Paul states, "Too many diplomats are too logical for their own good." Find out what master Windsor means.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Pouch mail galore! Take a look at what other readers think.
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Find out what the new Editor has up his sleeve as he takes you on a tour of the latest developments around The Pouch and the hobby.
Edi Birsan: Western Walls
At the recent WDC2002, Edi found himself playing in a series of games in which western stalemate lines were a dominant factor... of misunderstanding.
David E. Cohen: Design of a Variant: Maharajah’s Diplomacy
The creation of a variant centered around India's history. There are rivers, seas and plenty of supply centers for seven empires to compete for.
Chip Crain: What to Do When Everything Fails
Lessons learned from the Endurance saga. The rules Shackleton set forth to overcome and succeed in what became the ultimate fight for survival.
Jeff Dwornicki: The Grand Prix
A look at past champions and how players and cons can qualify for the North American Grand Prix.
Manus Hand and Eric Mead: Clues to The Missing Master's Mystery
Colonel Sykes and Dr. Watson use the power of deduction to expand the list of clues which may help solve the Missing Master's Mystery.
Justin Livitski: The Simulationist Manifesto
Alliance (role) players unite! Justin provides a Manifesto opposite to that of the Soloists.
Millis Miller: What is njudge?
Understanding the progressive, technical evolution of the electronic judge. From Ken Lowe's "judge" to njudge to DPJudge and beyond.
Larry Peery: Book Reviews: The Latest In Peeriblah and Edi-isms
What would Machiavelli do if Churchill waged a Cold War? What can Diplomats learn from the two?
José Torres: Why Aren't You Playing Payola?
José asks a good question. He tries to find the answer, but hopefully you will make the question moot.
Larry Peery: Have You Ever Tried to Waltz to Advance Australia Fair?
Larry provides a detailed look into WDC2002 down under. You won't find this article in the romance section.
Sherlock Holmes: The Curious Case of the False Start
At first glance, the Sultan of Suwat's game is about to begin. Further examination yields a different perspective. Time is short and a solution is needed to extend an old friend's lease.
Cyrille Sevin: The Twelfth World Diplomacy Championship
A European view of WDC2002 in Canberra; C-Diplo versus DAANZ.
Grant Steel: The Twelfth World Diplomacy Championship
Grant travels across the ditch to talk tactics, tell lies and... play a little Diplomacy at WDC2002.
B.M. Powell: 1900: Austria Hungary
Baron gives a Gamer's Guide view on how to play Austria in the 1900 variant. Second article in a series.
Matt Shields: Box Scores
The European Grand Prix is underway! Meanwhile, DixieCon leaves the North American Grand Prix race exceptionally close.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
It seems a multitude of readers had something to say after the S2002M issue.
Editor Edward Hawthorne: About The Diplomatic Pouch
An introduction by Manus Hand.
Will Abbott: Five Structures
Will Abbott offers a fresh perspective as he dissects military games into five interrelated structures.
David E. Cohen: The Soloist Manifesto
How a disciple of Soloism accepts victory and failure. The proper mindset defined for the faithful.
Manus Hand: The Missing Master's Mystery
Holmes returns to the Calhamer Club after a long hiatus. See if you can help solve Colonel Sykes' blind problem.
Bruce Duewer: A Machiavellian Update
Part VII of a series on Machiavelli; this article deals with the implications of the initial setup.
Duinlas: Diplomacy Etiquette
Diplomacy is the name of the game. Duinlas reminds all players that a kind word is the key to gentle persuasion.
Mark G. Elwell and Michael E. Guenter: Masters Rules
A case study - optional rules to make a great game even greater.
James Mackintosh: Diplomacy Lore
James Mackintosh gives a testament to a doomed RT Juggernaut. Early Leader Syndrome at its finest?
Baron Powell: 1900: A Diplomacy Variant
An introduction to 1900 - first in a series.
Baron Powell: Switzerland
A discussion over turning Switzerland into both a passable space and a supply center (SC).
David E. Cohen: Way of the Warrior II
David's long awaited sequel to Diplomacy and the Way of the Warrior.
Matt Shields: Box Scores
Updates include the 2001 Bismark Cup, the 2001 North American Diplomacy Grand Prix, and the 2002 World Championship.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Back to basics -- resurrecting the effectiveness of an RT Juggernaut.
Guest Editor Trevor Hill: About The Diplomatic Pouch
A welcome back after a long hiatus.
Joe Brennan: How To Solo
Joe Brennan shares some of the strategies and psychologies he used to become a rising figure in the hobby.
Edi Birsan: Working a Con
"Do"s and "Don't"s of hosting a Diplomacy convention.
Ronald Lokers: Adventures of a WDC Newbie
Attending your first face-to-face convention is a truly different experience...
Nick Boragina: Weimar Republic on Theodore James Tedofsky
Cheating is always a distasteful and delicate matter in online Diplomacy. A viewpoint on cheaters and how to deal with them.
Craig Murray: Peace in Our Time: The Versailles Variant.
The first in a large array of new variants this issue, a post WWI-Versailles experience.
Brendan McClure: Survive Diplomacy
Another variant based on the "reality" game show that everyone loves...or loves to hate.
Joe Janbu: South America Variant
The first of two variants based in South America (another will be published with the next issue).
Don Hessong: Ancient Mediterranean Openings
Don completes the series of articles begun in the last issue with a look at openings in the Ancient Med variant.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Once again, we had a good collection of letters come in to the Pouch. Enclosed is a selection that we thought were worth reading.
Guest Editor Matt Shields: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Matt introduces the readers to yet another issue of the Diplomatic Pouch.
Karlis Povisils & Glenn Ledder: Stable Two-Way Draws in Standard Diplomacy
Two of The Game's most successful email Diplomacy players share some of their insight on how to pull off the elusive two-way draw!
David Cohen: Model House Rules for Non-Judge Email Diplomacy
An alarmingly pertinent article; David introduces us to his system for how games should be run.
Yarden Livnat: The Orient Express
Looking to try something new with the Austrian/Italian alliance? Yarden tells you about the opening that almost made him the North American Champion!
Larry Peery: Obituary
Larry recalls hobby legend Robert Sacks.
Simon Szykman: The Diplomacy Boardgame Compendium and Gallery
Simon walks us through his gallery of the various editions of The Game.
J.T. Fest: Reflections of a Born-Again Diplomacy Player.
A bit of a testimonial, if you will; Jerry tells us what's it's like to come back to the game after an extended absence.
Larry Peery: The Tenth World Diplomacy Championship
We know it's overdue, but nonetheless, we're pleased to offer you Larry's review of last August's World Championships in Baltimore.
Larry Peery: The Eleventh World Diplomacy Championship
And while we're on the subject, Larry has a few thoughts about what to expect in Paris this summer!
Spencer Bernard: Play Diplomacy the Jedi Way
....If you only knew the power of the Dark Side.....
Don Hessong: Introducing "The Ancient Mediterranean"
Don would like to introduce you to his newest creation. The Ancient Mediterranean Diplomacy variant.
Don Hessong: The Strategies of the Ancient Mediterranean
And now that you've been properly introduced, Don gives new players some basic strategy tips.
Matt Shields: Box Scores
A quick recap of the Diplomacy tournaments since our last issue.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Once again, we had a good collection of letters come in to the Pouch. Enclosed is a selection that we thought were worth reading.
Guest Editor Matt Shields: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Introduces you to another issue of the Diplomatic Pouch.
Ole Tuft: Geographical Destiny Revisited
It's been a year since the article that made Paul Windsor famous (again) among the readers of these pages. Ole thinks it's time to take a closer look at some of Mr. Windsor's conclusions.
Derek McLachlin: A Study of Italian Wins on the Judges
In this article Derek spares no effort in breaking down the statistics of what works and what doesn't when it comes to winning with the toughest of powers, Italy.
Matt Shields: Introducing the Diplomatic Pouch Tournament Ratings System
Better late than never. Matt introduces us to the his newest creation, and explains why he hopes that you'll find the DPTR to ba a valuable addition to the Pouch.
Dave Norman: Eleven Judge Variants to Watch Out For
Our resident expert on Diplomacy variants walks us through a few of his favorites.
Simon Szykman: Diplomacy Boardgame Trivia Revisited
Simon follows up on his article from the last issue with a few more questions, and some answers from last time.
Bruce Duewer: Machiavelli -- The Art of Peace
Bruce continues his series on the Machiavelli variant, by talking about long term strategy and about building relationships with the other players.
Bob Steinke: Meta-Diplomacy
Bob spends some time talking about ideas for variants of a different sort: Meta-Diplomacy variants.
Jeff Dwornicki: Starting with Nothing
Jeff tells us about his experiences in building up a Diplomacy community in his home town, and offers some words of wisdom for those of us who might be trying to do the same thing.
Simon Szykman: Grudges in Diplomacy
Simon provides us with some advice about when, and when not, to hold grudges.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Once again, we had a good collection of letters come in to the Pouch. Enclosed is a selection that we thought were worth reading.
Simon Cole: Easter Island Diplomacy
Simon takes us through the humourous tale of his experiences with his own Diplomacy variant!
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Guest editor Ry4an Brase apologizes profusely for the tardiness of this issue.
Clinton Wolf: Eye of the Storm: A Study of the Centrifuge in the Game 'chaos2'
Clinton brings us his promised follow-up article that describes the successful use of the centrifuge, an opening he first pitched in the Spring 1999 Retreat issue.
Brandon Clarke: Growing Up
Brandon continues in his misguided attempt to make his competition into better players.
Bruce Duewer: Machiavelli: The Power of the Purse
In part five of his series on Machiavelli, Bruce addresses when and how to spend on a bribe.
Simon Szykman: Diplomacy Boardgame Trivia
Simon's research on the topic of the Diplomacy boardgame has led to a compilation of an extensive collection of information about the various editions of the game. Come try your hand at a set of trivia questions he has put together.
Chris Martin: Martin on Diplomacy: Play to Win
Chris uses a quiz and more than his fair share of exclamation marks to help you steer towards the win.
Steve Ray: Winning With Italy
Steve Ray pitches the notion that Italy isn't the short straw after all.
Simon Szykman: Three Variants Reviewed
Simon reviews the latest in Diplomacy-related commercial offerings -- three new variants published by Stupendous Games: Ard-Ri, Classical Diplomacy and Hundred.
Robert Steinke: Tournament Tie Breakers
Bob, fresh off his wedding to Manus's sister, presents a YARS friendly system for breaking ties in DIAS tournaments.
Joshua Randall: The Six Traits of the Advanced Diplomacy Player
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People it isn't (Thank God!), but Joshua has collected a list of attributes which are undeniably handy to possess when playing our favorite game.
Joe Brennan: What is a Newbie?
When is a newbie not a newbie? How do you graduate to intermediate? These questions answered, plus more.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Mail from our readers -- and sent using 100% recycled electrons too.
Andrew Goff: The Sweden Situation
Andrew Goff tells Germany why Russia should get Sweden and Russia how to convince Germany to leave well enough alone.
B. Hester: The Lotus Blossom
The variant's creator offers a look at opening strategies for the Chosokabe Clan in the Sengoku variant.
Brendan McClure: The Rocky Lepanto
Brendan explains why he thinks the Italian should go through Munich to get to France, and early at that.
Edi Birsan: Reflections From Downunder
Edi Birsan's review of his trip to Sydney, Australia for the 2000 New South Wales Diplomacy Championship.
Ray Setzer: Announcing the 2000 WorldMaster's Tournament
The Worldmasters email tournament is back, and this time it's using the DPJudge. Read all about it in Ray's press release.
Tim Miller: WDC X: A Report From the Hammered Position
Tim Miller got pummeled at World DipCon in August, and it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Here Tim explains how his email prowess left him not fully prepared for the beast that is Face to Face play.
David Degville: User's Guide to the JDPR
David helps to tame the monster that is the JDPR rating system. Now you can know not just that Jorge Llambias will trounce you, but to what extent.
David Norman and Brandon Clarke: Why We See Things the Way We Do
A brief history of how the Face to Face Diplomacy hobbies on three continents came to be so different, and how to see your hobby the way the others do.
David Norman and Brandon Clarke: Location of WDC in 2003 and Beyond
For the first time in many years, WDC XII in 2002 will not continue the pattern of alternating between Europe and North America. This article discusses where WDC should rejoin this alternating pattern when it returns to the Northern hemisphere.
Derek Pillie: Blue Water Lepanto Revisited
Derek looks at using the Blue Water Lepanto as Austria and with Italy's knowledge.
Brandon Clarke: The Cult of Cubisology
Brandon regales us with tales of drinking and Diplomacy at one of his recent tournament wins.
Edi Birsan: Tournament Practices: Contrasts in Extremes
Edi delineates the differences between tournaments around the world and in the process provides a nice guide which shows what to expect at any tournament to which you might be headed.
Joe Brennan: So, You Think You're a Diplomat?
Joe points out some extraordinary acts of Diplomacy from the past, and presents you with a challenge or two.
B. Hester: Winning with France in Colonial
Benjamin tries to make the impossible into something merely improbable.
Larry Peery: A History of World DipCon
Larry is back with his as-always unique Peerispective on the Diplomacy hobby.
Edi Birsan: Team Tournaments
Edi looks into how team tournaments are currently run and what additional tricks we could play with them.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Guest Editor Matt Shields introduces you to another issue of the Pouch.
Brandon Clarke: Playing the Bigger Picture
Brandon comes back after last month's superhuman effort with a good look at what it takes to see the big picture and the bigger picture in Diplomacy. (We figured that after putting things together so well last month, Brandon ought get top billing this time around!)
Matt Shields: Metagaming!
In Matt's first Pouch article, he follows up on Brandon Clarke's atricle on the Bismark cup, with an editorial of his own defending the practice of metagaming.
Edi Birsan: Hidden Scoring Systems
Speaking of tournaments, Edi Gives us a little history lesson on tournament scoring systems, and the merits and pitfalls of secret scoring systems.
Chris Martin: Martin On Diplomacy: Five Highpoints of Diplomacy
In his second article in the series, Chris dishes out some free advice for those of us who aspire to improve our play.
David Hertzman: Attributes of a Top Player
David gives us some insights he's picked up from GMing a series of games for expert players.
Eric Pederson: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Still haven't solved The Case of the Lethal Alliance? Watson takes us the rest of the way through the solution.
Jody McCullough: About the 1898 Variant, Part I
Jody begins his series by giving us an introduction to the 1898 variant.
Bruce Duewer: Machiavelli -- Tactical Toys for Young Tyrants
In his fourth article in his series on the Machiavelli variant, Bruce talks about special units.
Paul Windsor: The New World Order
Paul talks to us about breaking our bad habits, and reminds us that Diplomacy is One against Six.
Hanz Johansson: How to Lie to Your Opponents
So how good are you at lying to your opponents? Hanz has some helpful suggestings for making your lies work better for you.
Matt Simpson: The Alpine Doubleback
What would an issue of the Pouch be without a new opening to talk about? Matt provides us with some new thoughts for opening as Italy.
Charles Steinhardt: The Turkish Hedgehog
And why settle for one article on openings, when you can have two? Charles takes us through his ideas for opening as Turkey.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Mail has come in from all directions after the last issue. Here are some thoughts from the readers.
Edi Birsan: Stop the Presses
A couple of press releases from The Diplomatic Corps.
Theo Kermanidis: Anagrams
So how much time do you spend thinking about your preference list? Not as much time as Theo does! Take a look at his suggestions for preference lists that just might be a little easier to remember!
Brandon Clarke: You've Been Dueled...
Brandon provides us with some evidence of why he's not yet quit his day job and signed that big record contract!
The Guest Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Guest Editor Brandon Clarke takes you for a quick look at the latest happenings around The Pouch and the hobby.
Manus Hand: The Blue Water Lepanto
Manus puts pen to paper and details how Austria can play an Austria/Italy alliance while keeping the reins firmly in his own hands, and with the added bonus of better prospects for timely gains against the Turk. (Since it is Manus's zine, I figured it's only polite to let his article have top billing.)
Theo Kermanidis: The Lepanto Bluff
Theo continues the discussion of Lepanto-esque openings, this time with a twist that I'm sure will appeal to those who draw Italy and whose negotiation style includes a heavy dose of deception.
Chris Martin: Martin On Diplomacy: The Top Table
The 1998 World Champion starts off what promises to be a very welcome series of articles, "Martin On Diplomacy." [I'm already calling it "MOD" for short. --Manus] In this first column, Chris gives us his impressions on the Top Table concept that is widely used in European Diplomacy tournaments.
Brandon Clarke: In Pursuit of the Bismark
Your Guest Editor recounts and reviews the events of an entire year of Face-to-Face tournament Diplomacy downunder, chronicling his efforts to win the Bismark Cup, Australasia's highest prize in Tournament Diplomacy.
Nick Smith: Arise, Lazarus, and Walk! -- Coming Back From the Dead in Diplomacy
Nick seeks your stories about amazing Diplomacy comebacks ... if you've had an amazing comeback, read this article and send details of your experience to Nick so that he can put together an instructive series of articles about how they happen.
Bruce Duewer: Machiavelli -- Money Money Money Money
Bruce continues his article series on the Machiavelli variant. This time, he deals with a variety of monetary strategy and tactics, and with assassination.
Simon Szykman: Where to Buy Diplomacy
In this hiatus between the Avalon Hill release of the game, and the forthcoming (but late in arriving) re-issue by Hasbro, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear is, "Where can I get a copy of the game?" More frequently than you think. (Are you listening, Hasbro?) Simon does us all a favor (especially Manus, who has written so many "Hasbro is reissuing it but it's not out yet, so good luck" messages that his typing fingers hurt) by going over the currently available options.
Chip Crain: The Triple Alliance Revisited
Chip takes Stephen Agar's Triple Alliance article, and extends the concept. The result is a strong springboard start for Germany, Austria, and Italy that will carry them into the midgame and beyond.
Larry Peery: If I Build It, Will They Come?
Oh I bet they'll come, because look what Larry has built! A shrine to the hobby's perennial big event!
Will Black: A Review of the Don Challenge Cup (From a Winner's Perspective)
Will Black, the first player from either Australia or New Zealand to cross the Tasman Sea and win a tournament in the other country tells how he did it.
Pat Brennan: Seeing Is Believing -- Or, How To Solo Without An Endgame
Pat recently completed his first Judge PBEM game, in which he took Germany from four SC's when he took over half way through 1904, to twelve SC's at the end of 1909, and then to twenty SC's at the end of 1910! In an informative, modified version of his EOG statement, find out how he did it, and the lessons that can be learned from his experience.
Bob Steinke: EIDRaS Explained
The ARMADA, the Diplomacy organization in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, has decided to use EIDRaS as its scoring system for their member rankings. Bob explains EIDRaS so that those of us who aren't mathematicians can figure out how it works.
Brandon Clarke: Meta-Gaming?
Following the events of the last half of 1999, the topic of meta-gaming is very current downunder. Because of this, I decided to look around the web and find out what other people had written about the topic, and well, it spawned an article of my own in response.
José Torres: Press -- By a Newbie and For a Newbie
The Pouch's resident newbie (until you all catch onto him!) offers his insight on press for other players new to the game. How to be a newbie without sounding like one.
Tim Miller: Abandonment Free GMing -- What a GM Can Do to Minimize Abandonments
Tim Miller shares his GM'ing experience with us, giving tips on how to GM, and also specific hints for GM'ing newbies and oldbies.
Joe Brennan: No More Long Waits for Replacements
...And while we're on the subject of abandonments, Joe Brennan shares his model for how we can play without long waits for replacement players.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
All by itself, Manus and Simon's article in the last Issue Eliminating the Paradox in Diplomacy produced a veritable mountain of mail! So much so that those letters have got their own article (see below). Here is the rest of the mail, on a wide and varied range of topics; some of it very entertaining reading.
Larry Peery: So Who Were The Greatest Diplomats...?
Last issue Larry asked the readership to list the ten greatest diplomats of the last thousand years. You can see how some of the readers responded in the Deposits column, and here is Larry's own list!
The Readers Go Completely Berko!!!: About The Convoy Paradox Resolution
An enormous amount of mail regarding Manus and Simon's article, Eliminating the Paradox in Diplomacy, filled the mail bag to overflowing. Read the spirited debate, all of it...and there's loads, believe me! (And Manus, after seeing this, I'll never forgive you for making me the Guest Editor!)
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Take a quick look at the latest happenings around The Pouch and the hobby.
Manus Hand: The DPjudge
Some of you already know about the DPjudge. Everyone else is about to find out. (Being the publisher, I get to do things like put articles that I write myself at the top of the table of contents.)
Paul Windsor: Geography Is Destiny
Paul takes us with him on a revealing study of the geography of the Diplomacy map. Exactly what advantages and disadvantages does the map deal to each power? How do these affect the relative success rates of the powers? Most significantly, how can you take lessons from this study to better your own performance as each power?
Simon Szykman: The Newly Redesigned Millennium Edition Western Triple Alliance
It's a mouthful, isn't it? A new take on the Western Triple Alliance. Not bad... unless you're on the receiving end.
Bruce Duewer: Machiavelli -- What Every Young Tyrant Should Know
Bruce continues his article series on the Machiavelli variant. This time, he provides alliance advice for the eight powers.
Edi Birsan: Announcing The Diplomatic Corps
Edi Birsan, a hobby fixture, introduces The Diplomatic Corps, a worldwide organization of players and organizations.
Brandon Clarke: How to Run a Diplomacy Tournament
Since your humble publisher's own regional organization (The ARMADA) is about to hold its first tournament, I sent out some mail asking for advice from those who had run tournaments before. To my surprise and delight, Brandon responded in article form.
Larry Peery: World DipCon IX at Namur, Belgium
Speaking of conventions, Larry provides us his photo retrospective -- oops, I mean Peerispective -- from the 1999 World Championships.
Edi Birsan: Escalation Diplomacy
Edi provides another answer for the age-old question, "what if we don't have exactly seven players?"
Szykman and Hand: Eliminating the Paradox in Diplomacy
Simon and Manus go toe-to-toe discussing what should happen when a convoying army attacks a fleet whose support is crucial to keeping the convoying fleet afloat. Confused? Come see what we mean, and let us know what you think!
Eric Pederson: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Need some help with Holmes' latest case as presented in the last issue? Watson provides a few clues.
José Torres: What I've Learned in Three Months as a Diplomacy Player
You may remember José, who asked the readership in the last Pouch issue whether playing Diplomacy was worth paying a perceived emotional toll. Having been convinced by our words (after all, that's our job) to enter the hobby with both barrels blazing, he's back now to answer his own question.
Simon Szykman: Avoiding Stabs 101
Tired of pulling new daggers out of your back before the previous wounds have had a chance to heal? Here's some advice directed at the repeat stab victim on how to start changing your track record.
Theo Kermanidis: The Bismarck Opening
Looking for a fresh way to open as Germany? Theo has an idea. Try a Sealion without involving the Frenchman!
Marc Leotard: Another Analysis of the "Risk-Taking" Experiment
Marc takes a fresh look at the data generated by Simon Szykman's tricky "Risk-Taking" experiment of a few issues back. In that experiment, Simon tried to determine what effect, if any, the positioning of a piece on the board -- positioning within a space; be it "facing" either towards or away from another part of the board -- had any effect on player perception of coming events.
Brahm Dorst: An Application of the "Risk-Taking" Experiment
Brahm regales us with the story of a game in which he put Simon's observation about the effect of piece positioning in face-to-face play (which Simon had first noticed at the 1998 World Championships) into conscious practice.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Check out one of the larger collections of Deposits ever. (Or maybe it just took me longer than usual to edit the collection; I honestly don't know which. Good reading, regardless.)
Allan Calhamer: On Convoy Path Specification
Internet players are used to specifying (in an army's order) the location of all fleets to be used during a convoy. What does the inventor of Diplomacy think of this practice? Find out!
Tim Richardson: Tempest In a Teapot
Pit Kisser Tim checks in with his report on the first annual U.S. capital region tournament. Find out who came out on top in the festival of Diplomatic fellowship and revelry.
Richard Horton: Out Of My Depth
Richard is one of the many players in the 1999 World E-Mail Masters Tournament. Here he offers a tournament novice's insight on the event.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Everything from Pouch T-shirts to plans for the next issue are covered in this issue's "About" column. Well, okay, not everything, but a few things, at least. Check it out.
Bruce Duewer: Machiavelli -- The State of the Art of the State
Bruce begins a series of articles on the Machiavelli variant by discussing the fine points of the rules, especially as implemented on the Ken Lowe Internet judges.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
The long-awaited solution for the Case of the Absent Professor chronicles how Holmes knew all he needed to know about the Watson-Codlington-Moriarty draw.
David Cohen: The Way of the Warrior
David examines the lessons taught in The Book of the Five Rings, a work by a fifteenth century samurai who would have made a good Diplomacy player.
Joe Carl: Crystal Ball Diplomacy
Joe describes the Crystal Ball variant, in which players have to predict where their units will end up before they can issue orders to them. And just because I invented CBD, you shouldn't leap to the conclusion that I asked Joe to write this article about it.
Eric Pederson: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
The great detective returns, this time with a very serious case. Murder, foul murder, at the Diplomacy table!
David Hertzman: The Unrelenting Eye
David continues his series discussing game theory and its application to Diplomacy. In this second installment, he focuses on power, and how coalitions affect an individual player.
Simon Szykman: Updated Results of the "Risk-Taking" Experiment
Simon presents the updated analysis of the results of experiment he discussed in the previous issue of the Zine.
Paul Windsor: Caissa Finishes Annotating a No-Press Game
Paul concludes the analysis he began last issue of a no-press game. See how the Caissic principles played out.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
You know, it's getting more and more difficult for me to come up with original tag-lines to type here describing the Pouch Deposits column.
John Quarto-vonTivadar: Diplomo, Ergo Sum
(Descartes had it wrong.) John takes us to two recent conventions, Dragonflight and the no-longer-AvalonCon. He compares and contrasts the two, offering some opinions worthy of your attention.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The standard fare, here. A couple of Pouch-related news items, and then it's on to the rest of the issue.
Chris Martin: How To Win Tournament Diplomacy (Revisited)
After returning from Namur dethroned, Chris looks back at the tips he offered after winning the 1998 World Championship and decides if he was on-target or just rambling incoherently.
Tim Miller: The Rannestad Convention
What is the Rannestad Convention? What's it all about? What's it used for? Is it something in which you would be interested? Why are you asking me? Why don't we let Tim answer those questions for us?
David Hertzman: The Unrelenting Eye
David begins a three-part article series to cover the basics of game theory as they relate to Diplomacy. In this article, he describes the prisoner's dilemma: "to stab or not to stab, that is the question."
Simon Szykman: Results of the Risk-Taking Experiment
Whether you took part in Simon's "risk-taking" survey or not, I bet you'll be surprised by the results. For one thing, he wasn't studying what he told you he was!
Jack Rudd: Devolution Diplomacy
Jack often found himself in a situation where an eight-player game was needed, so he created the Devolution variant. In this variant, the clamors for independence that are presently being made by various parts of the British Isles have been granted, so that, like all good Diplomacy powers, they can go to war against each other.
Hand and Szykman: All About Hasbro Interactive's Diplomacy
What we've all been waiting for is coming soon, and The Pouch has the scoop. Interviews with Hasbro and with the development team, and yes, screenshots too!
Paul Windsor: Caissa Annotates a No-Press Game
Paul's famed Caissa dissects a no-press game like only (s)he could. In this first article in a series, Paul takes us through the opening years of a no-press game, Caissa-style.
Rob Stephenson: The Mysterious and Secretive Victorian Diplomacy Championships
For all of us who couldn't be there, and even for those who could, Rob (in his inimitable style) offers a sampling of the 1999 Victorian Diplomacy Tournament, complete with some tips on tournament play.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Hey, guess what! The Pouch got some mail and we're going to let you read it. What a pleasant surprise, huh? What's that? Not a surprise? Oh well, at least it's pleasant.
Clinton Wolf: Centrifugal Force
Have you pulled Germany and now you're wondering what to do next? Here's a suggestion that you try the centrifugal approach.
Roger Yonkoski: The Grand Alliance
Stop the leader. Restore a balance of power. Admirable concepts, but often it's a case of "easier said than done." Roger offers some assistance.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Mostly this is just your basic "About" column. It starts with the now tiresomely repetitive stock apology that the issue is so danged late, and it then raves about the issue's contents. Standard stuff, right? Well, there's a nice surprise stuck at the end; one that will make your mouth water....
Richard Adams: We'll Inherit The Earth
(Or at least we'll inherit one of its Great Powers.) Richard explores more aspects of replacement player philosophy. What to do and why when you are the new kid on the block.
Neil Barr: Towards a Machiavelli Hall of Fame
Neil begins to do for Machiavelli what has been done for the standard game and a number of other variants -- track some power and player statistics.
Greg Brown: German Army to Silesia
You're Germany. Silesia is German territory. It's completely within your national border. So why are you afraid to send an army there in Spring of 1901? Greg tells you that you shouldn't be, and why.
Alex Churchill: Cantabrigia
A lot of people play Diplomacy at college. Alex, at Cambridge, took this one step further....
Tom Woodhouse: Diplomatic Tactics
Believe it or not, this is not another article on Diplomacy tactics. Instead, it's an article on diplomatic tactics. Geared specifically for the new player, Tom offers sage advice to make those first steps into the hobby as steady as possible.
Brandon Clarke: Dip Down Under in 2002
For the first palindromically numbered calendar year in which a World Diplomacy Convention will be held, Brandon and his fellow dwellers in the southern hemisphere suggest that the convention be held down under.
Mark B.: E-Mail Diplomacy Without a GM
We all know you don't need a GM for a face-to-face game. But via e-mail, you need either a lot of trust or a non-playing human or computerized GameMaster who collects the messages and processes the moves. Either that, or you need Mark's system.
Emeric Miszti: WDC IX in Pictures
Emeric provides us with a photographic look at the World Championships recently held in Namur, Belgium. It is sad to see how hard the players have to try to look like they're having fun even though I was not able to be there with them. Poor fellows.
Tim Miller: Grey, Broadcast Press
Tim Miller concludes his series on the various press settings, wrapping it up with a discussion of grey press. Thanks for the excellent article series, Tim. If that is your real name!
Tom Potocki: Are You Man Enough?
Tactics don't win games; players do. So what does it take to be the kind of player that wins games? Perhaps not surprisingly, the answer can be found in the same text frequently consulted for tactical advice. Tom advises you that improving your "manhood" will improve your game. Learn how.
Jack Rudd: ABBA Plays Diplomacy
It wasn't bad enough that The Pouch ruined perfectly good holiday carols, was it? And it wasn't bad enough to rewrite Frank Sinatra's classic recordings, was it? No, apparently not, because now ABBA songs are subjected to "the treatment." Is there no limit to our audacity? (Of course not; we're Diplomacy players.)
Matt Shields: A PBEM Tournament Survey
Matt asks your help in answering ten quick questions to assist him in determining how an e-mail Diplomacy tournament could be run. Give him a hand and who knows? -- you might win a tournament you helped design!
Paul Windsor: What's Your Point?
Answer this question about yourself and you find out more about the kind of player you are. Answer it about your opponents to find out what kind of players they are.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Hey, guess what! The Pouch got some mail and we're going to let you read it. What a pleasant surprise, huh? What's that? Not a surprise? Oh well, at least it's pleasant.
Chris Martin: WDC Report From The Outgoing Champ
The 1998 World Champion traveled to Namur, Belgium to defend his title. The fact that he's now the former champ should tell you how successful he was in his mission (and after I put him through the rigors of the Hand International Traning System, too!). Ah well, he still had fun, and here's his report to prove it.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Behind schedule after a missed issue -- this one's a short one so that we can get the issue out.
Simon Szykman: Risk-Taking Experiment
Help Simon out with a little experiment... look at a map, answer five multiple-choice questions with a few clicks of a mouse, and that's it. If it takes more than three minutes, we promise you double your money back.
Vincent Mous: A Turkish Delight: Turkey in the Modern Variant
Vince brings us the next installment in his series of Modern articles, this time enlightening us on the subject of openings and strategy for Turkey.
Brandon Clarke: Still More Thoughts on No-Press Opening Strategy
Brandon brings us another chapter in his series on opening strategy for no-press diplomacy games.
Hassan Lascelle: Observations of a Renewbie
Reminiscent of the zine's Incoming! series of articles from a newbie, this is a slightly different perspective from somebody who is not new to the hobby, but returning to it after a hiatus. (Yes, it puzzles us too, but we're a welcoming bunch so we're happy to have him back).
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Once again, we spill open our mailbag for all to see.
Brandon Clarke: The New Zealand Diplomacy Champs
A short summary of the only (as far as Brandon knows) FTF Diplomacy Tournament held in New Zealand since 1990 or 1991, along with a pointer to detailed results and stories from the tournament.
Paul D. Windsor: Chainsaw Diplomacy
Read This Or Else! Pretty intimidating, huh? This article discusses how to effectively change the tone of voice (so to speak, in the case of PBEM games) in order to make sure you are heard.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Holmes has, once more, a conundrum to mystify those with senses less acute than his own. Also, the solutions to two puzzles from previous issues!
Mark B. ("Murky"): Like a Rubber Ball - Bouncing in Diplomacy
Mark provides us with a nice summary of the strategic value of bouncing in Diplomacy. For all the value that is placed on not wasting tempo (and properly so), sometimes its still a heck of a lot better not to go anywhere.
Bruce Duewer: The Exchange Variant
Bruce Duewer provides us with a player's guide and rules for his new Economic Exchange Variant, a variant that combines ideas from the Payola and Bourse variants.
Tim Miller: White, Broadcast Press
Tim Miller continues his series on various press settings, this time tackling white broadcast press.
Brian Kieslich: Reindeer Games
Bet you didn't know that Christmas almost didn't happen last year. Luckily, we at The Pouch were here to help save the day. Can you duplicate the feat?
Brian Kieslich: Solution to the Cryptic Postcard Puzzle
The solution to another puzzle from an earlier issue. You can finally find out who was spying on whom.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The usual drivel, all wrapped up in the same pretty paper. As worthy of your time as ever (whatever that means).
Agatha C.: Seven Little Dudes
In the spirit of And Then There Were None, here is Agatha C.'s mysterious story of how seven Great Powers met their fates.
Anonymous: A Cheater's Confession
Here is the story, the confession, and the repentance of one who reformed on the heels of the Spring issues' railings against cheaters.
Manus Hand: The Pouch Salutes The Chairman of the Board
The world goes on without Frank Sinatra, but not without his music. And now, because apparently I must have something against the world, it won't be able to go on without this collection of Sinatra songs, given fresh new lyrics that only the Diplomacy player could learn to love.
Brandon Clarke: Further Thoughts on No-Press Opening Strategy
Brandon continues the series of articles discussing opening strategy in no-press games. Here, he tackles France, Russia, and Turkey, and also provides some follow-up to his points in his last article on England and Germany.
Blast From The Past: Designing Maps For Diplomacy Variants
The Pouch's new Postal Section coordinator, Stephen Agar, is well known as an expert designer of variant maps. In this article, he lets us in on some of his secrets and the principles that guide him.
Heath Gardner: Reflections of a Teenage Zine Publisher
Heath went from player to subscriber to publisher in a surprisingly short time. Some in the postal community call him a hero for launching a new 'zine. Others (like me) call him a fellow fool for publishing anything at all. Here, he himself reflects on the how and why.
Mark Nelson: An Interview With Larry Peery
Larry Peery's is certainly one of the most widely-known names in Diplomacy. Here he takes some time out from doing the work of the hobby and Mark Nelson gets him talk about himself.
Tim Miller: White-Partial Press, Part Two
Tim continues his well-received series with a second installment that concerns white, partial press. Get yourself more good advice on how to effectively communicate with your fellow players.
Stephen Koehler: Migraine: A Diplomacy Variant
Stephen introduces us to a completely balanced eight-player map variant, guaranteed to give even the most hard-core player a headache. Played during off-hours at the most recent World Championship tournament, Migraine got rave reviews.
Cameron Moser: The Wrath of the Diplomacy Gods
Every so often (but not very often), some things actually override the importance of playing a game of Diplomacy. Sad, but true. And in these circumstances, often only divine intervention can re-adjust priorities.
Anthony Nichols: Diplomacy Cryptic Answers
Still scratching your head over the cryptic crossword puzzle that Tony provided a couple issues back? Scratch no more; here's the solution.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
I'll give you three guesses what this article contains. And the first two don't count.
Bjorn von Knorring: The MANSA Charter
Read the charter for the first worldwide organization of Diplomacy players. Currently a fledgling group, you can weasel your way into it by finding an exposed back or two and plunging a knife into it.
Richard Mulholland: Oops! I Didn't See That Coming! Now What?
Perhaps the most annoying aspect of play for many people is dealing with abandoned positions. Richard tells us that the change of leadership in other countries should be looked at as nothing more than a welcome challenge.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Holmes is back to challenge you to make his "elementary" deductions. This time, he and Watson take a break from international power politics to consider a simple game at the Calhamer Club in The Cultural Exchange Puzzle.
Larry Peery: Yes, It's Been A Long Hot Summer
Larry gives us his unique "peerispective" on recent events in the world of Diplomacy. That's big "D" and little "d" diplomacy.
"Tarzan": Assigning Powers to Players in Diplomacy
Tarzan takes us on a whirlwind tour de force of the various methods by which each player could wind up playing a given power. From out and out fisticuffs to the different ways of handling preference lists, this article covers them all.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Don't worry, this one won't hurt much.
Paul Windsor: Caissa at the Diplomacy Table
Let the benevolent Caissa clue you in on some key aspects of positional play. Think you know what to look for and how to take advantage of different strengths and weaknesses on the board? See what Caissa can teach you.
Tim Miller: White-Partial Press
Tim continues his series on press by taking a look at the most popular of the press settings: the plain vanilla.
Dann Fuller: Openings Revisited
Dann lays out an ambitious plan to keep us all informed for years to come on the way each power is being played.
Brian Kieslich: A Cryptic Postcard
If Sherlock Holmes can solve Diplomacy mysteries, Brian figured other professionals should be given the chance. Sure enough, he didn't have to look far to find that Diplomacy can also be used to unravel espionage webs!
Blast From The Past: The Roots of Diplomacy
The Pouch is proud to have decided to blatantly reprint an earlier published work, just so that we can say that Allan Calhamer, the inventor of The Game, is now a contributor to The Zine. Read what "ABC" has to say about the origins of Diplomacy.
Brandon Clarke: Other Thoughts on No-Press Opening Strategy
Brandon read the article on no-press openings in the last Zine issue and realized he has a slightly different take. So he decided to share his own thoughts on opening with some of the powers in No-Press.
David Norman: Variable Length Tournament Diplomacy
Face-To-Face games can last all day and all night, and this has led to any number of artificial game termination conditions for tournament play. David thinks that none of these are perfect, and so he offers his own idea. And frankly, I think he's onto something here....
Vaughn Ohlman: True Blue
Are you a care-bear or a cut-throat player? Vaughn thinks you don't necessarily have to be one or the other. He defines and promotes a middle ground that he calls the "true blue" player.
Stimpson J. Cat: Tricks of the Trade
If you're a player of the popular Payola variant, here are some tricks of the trade from someone who's been around and used them to advantage. If you are not a player of Payola, what the heck are you waiting for??
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Dr. Watson unravels last issue's Disarmament Conundrum. Learn how Holmes took fifteen units off the board in the first two game-years.
Brahm Dorst: Psychology and Diplomacy: Using Integrative Complexity to Predict Stabs
A few years ago scientists wanted to see if they could predict the outbreak of war, by analysing the complexity of communication between real world governments. Brahm attempts to apply their findings to Diplomacy.
Various: World DipCon VIII Reports
Read all about the most recent World Championships, held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at DixieCon. The Pouch has managed to badger a fair number of attendees into providing their recollections. [And if you are interested in the WDC results, they can be found here.]
The Paparazzi: A WDC8 Photo Album
Buz Eddy: Impressions from DipCon
Chris Martin: Reflections on the Merits of Becoming World Champion
Chris Martin: Be the Little Guy
Jamie McQuinn: World DipCon Report
Jon Mlinar: I Love This Game!
Scott Morris: Fear and Loathing at the World DipCon
Simon Szykman: Yet Another World DipCon Report
David Willis: What I Learned at World DipCon
Larry Peery: Who Says You Can't Go Home Again?
Mark Nelson: An Interview With Fred C. Davis, Jr.
Ten years ago, a couple of the hobby's big names, Mark Nelson and Fred Davis, sat down for a talk. Read Mark's interview with Fred and learn a lot about the hobby we all love.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Surprise, surprise. It's the latest scribblings by your fellow readers.
Tony Nichols: A Rating System for Diplomacy
It's the most contentious issue around these days. Manus decided to provide PBEM player ratings, and then ensued the debate over which rating system(s) to use. Here is the description of the chess-like system on which a consensus was reached and which will soon (whatever that means) appear in the E-Mail section.
Brandon Clarke: The New Zealand Diplomacy Championships
Kiwi players will be gathering this August for the national championships. Read Brandon's announcement of the event, especially if you will be anywhere nearby.
Thaddeus Black: Concerning Stabbing
What fun is Diplomacy without exercising your right to stab? Not much, if you ask Thad. So put that knife in your hand and take Thad's advice: use it.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Holmes and Watson tackle "The Strange Case of the Confederation of Neutral States." Match wits with the Great Detective.
Tony Nichols: The Grid for Diplomatic Cryptic II
Tony's gridless cryptic crossword puzzle in the last issue had a lot of readers chewing their pencils. To help them along here is -- not the solution yet, but -- the grid to fill in.
David Norman: Scoring Draws
David's experience as a Brit playing for the first time with the American face-to-face scoring system led him to ponder how draws should be scored. Read what he proposes. [I (Manus) promised a counter-point article, but you'll have to wait for that, because I haven't gotten around to writing it.]
Larry Peery: Is It Time for a Chat Room?
A while back, Simon thought a chat room would be a nice addition to The Pouch. Turning to the hobbyist most associated with the word "chat," he approached Larry Peery, who is ready to lay out for us his plans for a DP CR. Help Larry strike while the iron's hot and let's get a Pouch chat room up and running.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
I don't know if people usually skip this column, but this time, you really shouldn't. Honest, a whole lot has happened recently to The Pouch, and if you haven't been keeping up with it, here's your chance to get all caught up in one fell swoop. Read it from top to bottom. Really, do.
Simon Szykman: Maintaining the Status Quo
Our experiment with a new logo came and went with many people having missed it, thanks to a resounding wave of bleahs from most of the people who sent us feedback. Here's a a bit of an explanation for those people who missed the logo, or saw the logo but missed the significance of the logo.
Vince Mous: The Spanish Armada
Vince continues his always eagerly-awaited series on his Modern variant, this time covering the openings and strategies for Spain.
Blast From The Past: The Lepanto Opening
Over a quarter-century ago, with perhaps the most famous six paragraphs in the history of the hobby, Edi introduced to the world the Lepanto. And suddenly, Italy was never the same again. Imagine the world without the Lepanto (if you can) and then read how Edi unveiled it.
Bobby Somebody: Diversification
Turks in Silesia? French in Greece? And all this in 1903? Sound interesting? Bobby agrees, and he says we should play that way more often!
Ackland and Rehbold: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Watson lays the solution to the Case of the Suwati Refugee before the mystified readership.
Szykman, Hand and Kennedy: Puzzle Solutions
Here are the solutions to the cryptic puzzle and the two DipStick puzzles which appeared in the last issue of The Diplomatic Pouch.
Tony Nichols: Diplomacy Cryptic II
One of our readers liked the Cyptic in the last issue so much he went and made one of his own. This one's a bit more challenging, so you'd better do some stretching to warm up.
M. J. Yatchman: Some Thoughts on No Press Opening Theory
For all you no press Diplomacy players out there, here's an article on opening theory for the various powers specifically geared towards games without press.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
It's an all new and improved edition of the mail column. Well, okay, it's not improved at all, but it's guaranteed all new. Worth a look, then, eh?
Michael Lease: Cheating Yourself
God forbid that you, gentle reader, are among those who sully the game by winning the easy way: by cheating. If you are (or if you are thinking about becoming one), let Mike admonish and upbraid you as you deserve, and if not, share his sentiments with him.
Tony Swinnerton: Ruling Scandinavia As Germany
Looking for an opening a little out of the ordinary? How about heading straight north as Germany? Tony says you can surprise the board and yourself with the success of this tactic.
Simon Szykman: Conspiracy Theory
How a group of Diplomacy players united in order to defraud, deceive and subvert (what other reason could there be?). And if you were an investor or observer in the old dippouch bourse game which used to run with each issue of The Diplomatic Pouch Zine, you definitely won't want to miss this one.
"The Scribe": A Statistical Look at 1901
Afraid that having all the numbers at his fingertips will make you afraid of him, someone who therefore elected to remain anonymous has decided to share the wealth. Learn all there is to know about what has happened in the 1901's for 600 games, and from this, get a better idea of what's about to happen in yours.
Dugal Ure: The Australian Diplomacy Championchip [sic]
Brandon Clarke brings us a report from Dugal Ure of the Australian Diplomacy Championship, as well as the tournament results.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Watson brings another of Holmes' quandaries, this one under the heading, "The Great Disarmament Conundrum." Another toughie from Ackland, er, I mean, Conan Doyle.
Ron Artigues: The Sealion at Rest
A couple of issues ago, an intrepid diplomat played his first Sealion opening and wrote about it in these pages. He took us through the first three years of the opening while the game was still in progress, but could go no farther until the game played out. Now we all find out how it went, and how well the Sealion Opening served him.
Tim Miller: Press
This is the first in a new series of articles about press in Diplomacy. Actually, it's just the introduction to the series, but hopefully it will whet your appetite for what is to come.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Keep up with the Pouch with this latest installment of the always entertaining (snore) update column.
Brandon Clarke: Discovering the Religion of "Donism"
Brandon recently attended the annual Don Diplomacy Challenge in Australia. Here, read not only an excellent review of the tournament, but of how he was spiritually enlightened (?) and athletically entertained in the meantime.
Wagoner and McLachlin: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
The Great Diplomat explains all about how he unraveled the mysteries in last issue's "Dead Letters Affair."
David Norman: Judge Variant List
Ever wonder how many variants the computer judges support? Ever wonder just how busy the variant creators, implementors, and testers who push the hobby forward are? Ever wonder if a certain idea you've had for a variant is already on the judges? Well, wonder no more, as David gives us an exhaustive, up-to-the-moment list of variants in each stage of support on the judges.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Anyone want to guess what this column is? No fair peeking....
Gary Kennedy: A Diplomatic Cryptic
Diplomacy players who enjoy the British "Cryptic" type of crossword puzzles are bound to like what Gary has put together. Ready your keyboard and take a stab (pun intended) at filling in all the blanks.
Szykman and Hand: DipSticks
Speaking of pencil puzzles, Simon checks in with the solution to last issue's word search, and a brand new effort, this one an acrostic puzzle! And that's not all. Manus misunderstood what Simon was putting together, but it gave him a bright idea, so he whipped up a little pencil puzzle of his own for you. Well, guess what? Manus's idea was the same as Simon's! (Great minds think alike?) The upshot of it is that you get to scratch your head over two supply center acrostic!
Mark Kinney: The Smell of the Copy Toner
If you are are thinking about getting into the postal 'zine publishing act, you'd be well-advised to read Mark's words of wisdom, culled from his years of experience.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
In this installment of Dan's ever-popular game review column, he takes us into the world of "troi," a Crowded game he won as Turkey, to illustrate some of the aspects of no-partial press negotiations.
Vince Mous: From Russia With Love
Vince's article series on the Modern variant continues with his in-depth look at Russian openings and strategies. Learn how to play Russia, the Modern way.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
After settling the last affair, Holmes and Watson had barely time to indulge themselves in those snifters of brandy that seem ever-present at Baker Street before another problem involving the nefarious Sultan -- this one "The Case of the Suwati Refugee" -- was presented to the pair.
Tony Swinnerton: Playing the Key
The Key opening -- giving Serbia to Italy in 1901 with Austrian approval -- is among the more risky but rewarding options. Should you try, in your next game, to surprise the board and get that pivotal extra army into the Turkish theatre? Read Tony's advice before you decide against it!
Various: Songs for the Season
In what you can only hope won't become a tradition, we present a number of beloved seasonal tunes, unashamedly rewritten for our unique readership. Just be thankful there are only four of them.
Theo Kermanidis: Super-Alliances in Modern Diplomacy
Theo dives into the Eastern Mediterranean to discuss in-depth one of the very functional partnerships in the Modern variant, and in the process sheds some light on how to play what he calls "super-alliances" (such as the juggernaut) in any game.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Yeah, it's just another "About" column. No big surprise here. (Well, actually, that's a lie. There is at least one big surprise, so check it out....)
Bif Smithson: The Sealion Opening in Action
Have you been wondering whether the "Sealion" opening, described in these pages by Edi Birsan earlier this year, works? If so, Bif's article should either convince you that it does, or scare you away from it. Or both.
Jonathan McCue: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Since Moriarty escaped their snares, Holmes and Watson have the time to discuss how they decided to stalk him where they did in last issue's "Case of the Missing Border."
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Even the most casual reader knows this is the letters column.
Tim Richardson: The Unkindest Cut of All
In this second article of his series, Tim continues exploring the delicious act of unprovoked betrayal that we all so affectionately refer to as the stab. This time he discusses not stab-related strategy, but who is to blame for a stab and what exactly a stab is.
Simon Szykman: Supply Centers, Anyone?
Ever have trouble locating just one more center for that elusive success? Well, as long as your spelling and eyesight are in good shape, you should be able to reach 18 and more in Simon's word search puzzle.
Caitlin Glasson: All About Cat23
Cait is one of the leading lights in the Cat23 community of players. Here she (diplomatically, of course) "builds a bridge," offering a little history and a description of the group.
Wes Makin: Concealing Your Identity in the Press
Why play anonymously if everyone can tell who you are? Wes offers some pointers to keep yourself incognito.
Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Their last case behind them, Holmes is just settling in for a relaxing evening when another Diplomatic conundrum is brought to his attention. Luckily (as you know), these are just his forté. How about you?
Paul Windsor: Lawyer/Diplomat
What can the amateur diplomat learn from the professional lawyer? A lot. Check Paul's article to find out.
Tarzan: The Sail Ho! Variant
Who can resist a variant with an exclamation point in its name? If you're a fan of fleets and convoys, chances are that your answer is, "Not I."
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
As is unbreakable tradition, this issue starts out with a few tidbits of Pouch-related hobby news.
Leif Bergman: Go Fasta Go Fasta Go Fasta
Leif likes to play Italy. And after you read this article, with strategy tips and a plan for winning, you just might too.
Brandon Clarke: The Auckland Diplomacy Club
Brandon regales us with the story of the founding of the ADC. Read about the first Kiwi gathering, including an interesting opening analysis.
Rick Desper: Report From AvalonCon
If you missed this year's AvalonCon, read Rick Desper's account, the first of two articles on the convention to be found in this issue.
Charles Carroll: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
Holmes and Watson return to explain last issue's "Mirrored Openings" conundrum.
Jared Flesher: Baby Steps
Jared writes about that moment we all share and cherish -- the first introduction to The Game.
Scott Kauzlarich: Pins and Magnets
Ever have a problem visualizing your PBEM games? Read what Scott and company did about it.
Mike Lease: The Ethics of Playing a Mercy Position
In taking over a mercy position, you're usually doing the other players a favor. But can you also be doing them an injustice? Mike contends that you can, and he discusses some responsibilities that mercy position players should keep in mind.
Manus Hand: World DipCon VII
Your Publisher relives his experiences at Goteborg for you. Step into my shoes and trod the kingdom of Sweden for a week. From the Baltic to the Skagerrak, I wrote about it all -- it's enough to bore even the most loyal reader. (Well, Simon wasn't bored when I asked him to proofread it, so let's say even the second most loyal reader.)
Simon Szykman: Arpiesse Diplomacy
YAUDV (Yet Another Useless Diplomacy Variant). Will it work or will it break? If you can figure that out, let us know!
Frank Mayer: Overheard at the Ministry of Finance
Discussing the relative values of supply centers in Payola Diplomacy leads Frank to some basic differences in play from power to power and player to player. Though geared toward Payola Diplomacy, much of what Frank has to offer is also valuable food for thought for non-Payola players.
Derek McLachlin: Wielding Too Much Power
Derek explores for us the dreaded "Early Leader Syndrome." Learn by example how to avoid or take advantage of it.
Maarten Oosten: The William and Mary Opening
If you are in a Franco-German alliance just itching to get rid of that pesky England, but the Sealion opening described in the S1997M issue of the Zine doesn't grab you, check this one out.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
Journey with Dan back to his PBEM roots, as this issue he presents us with the very first e-mail game he played.
Larry Peery's Xenogogic: Seven Embassies for Seven Dippers
Wonder what your game alter ego is doing nowadays? Larry, the hobby's prolific ambassador without portfolio, is the man to point you in the right direction.
Tim Richardson: The Unkindest Cut of All
Tim launches his new article series, an in-depth exploration of that one thing we all love to hate (and love to perform): the stab.
Vincent Mous: The Pole Position -- Poland in the Modern Variant
Vince continues his popular series of articles on the Modern variant, this time picking apart the Polish player's position and policies.
The Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Take a break from all these great articles to read the letters. This time around, they're few but varied. Maybe not something for everyone, but probably something for you.
Ray Setzer: AvalonCon Musings
See the recent AvalonCon through the eyes of Ray Setzer, recipient of one of the tournament awards!
Larry Peery: The Doctor of Diplomacy Program
Moving the hobby toward the GrandMaster type of rankings that chess has, Larry details for us the "Doctor of Diplomacy" program, open to those of high hobby accomplishment.
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Diplomat
The Great Detective makes his second appearance in this issue! This time, he and the faithful Watson confound us with a brand new puzzle, "The Case of the Remaining Border."
Greg Dingle: Strategy for Colonial Diplomacy
If you're new to Colonial Diplomacy (or even if you're not), it's sometimes a bit difficult to know how to open and who to talk to about what. Let Tom shed some light into that darkness and point you in the right direction.
Larry Peery: You Are What You Eat
For dessert, a survey...about dessert. What does food have to do with Diplomacy, you ask? Help Larry find a connection.
Guest Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
As if you didn't already know.
The Guest Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
A selection of messages from readers of The Pouch, including a challenging Diplomacy puzzle for everyone to try.
Dean A. Gordon: In Control - The Penultimate Guide to Being a GM
My pet project down the tubes, because Dean beat me to it. Here's a guide for aspiring GMs to help get them started with all the GMing basics. Penultimate, eh? That means second-to-last, so maybe there's still room for one more GM guide.
Larry Peery: Results of the Diplomacy Emotions Survey
From lovestruck to suspicious, here are the results of the Diplomacy Emotions Survey that was circulated through the PBM and PBEM Diplomacy communities. Hint: if you've ever been lovestruck while playing Diplomacy, you're in the minority. Kinda hard to fall in love when there's a knife in your back (not to mention the dearth of women in the hobby).
Graeme Ackland: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Holmes is back with another puzzle, and you are left to duplicate his mental calisthenics. No hints this time -- you're on your own.
Vincent Mous: Five Down, Five To Go - New Openings for the Modern Variant
Vince brings us the next in his series of articles on the Modern Variant. Taking a break from discussing openings for the individual powers, this article examines revised and new openings for various powers and presents comments on various aspects of the variant.
Larry Peery: World DipCon VII Report
More of a diary than your basic convention report, Larry shares with us his experiences in going to WDC VII, from start to finish.
David Rosen: Diplomacy and Game Theory Part 2: Rational Choice
If you've never thought about Diplomacy in the context of game theory, here's a good start for you. My only question is: how can I find some of those rational people to play with?
Clinton Wolf: Father Bill
Another poem from the Diplomatic Bard shows Diplomacy as the nice family game we all know and love.
Joseph Wheeler: On Diplomacy
Here are another two installments, the fifth and sixth of eight, of Joseph Wheeler's "On Diplomacy" series, inspired by Clausewitz's tome On War. The subjects this time are The Engagement and War Plans.
"Tarzan": An Interview with Manus Hand
Diplomacy Legend Manus Hand (I had to say that or he'd fire me) revealed! Sorry, if you're looking for nudie pix, you're in the wrong place... we charge for those. But if you've never had the opportunity to get to know Manus, here's a way for you to begin.
"Tarzan": A User's Guide to Payola Diplomacy, Part II: Advanced Bribery
Tarzan brings us a new article as part of his User's Guide to Payola, this time touching on the subtleties of the bribe order, complete with a variety of examples.
The Big Dipper: A Question of Style
As scholarly as them come, here's Pitt's dissertation that earned him his recently-awarded Doctorate of Diplomacy. This article focuses on the differences between PBEM and FTF Diplomacy.
Guest Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
With Manus away in Sweden at World DipCon VII, you get the pleasure of Simon's company this time around.
Amos Anon: No Holds Barred
Amos tells us the story of a recent game among friends. Doubtless we've all found ourselves in similar circumstances, but it's worth a read nonetheless.
Edi Birsan: The Sealion Opening
Edi, one of the most-respected names in the hobby and an openings pioneer (inventor of the Lepanto, for example) describes the Sealion, a deadly Franco-German opening that aims straight for the heart of England.
Simon Szykman: Results of the Diplomatic Pouch Survey
If you're half as curious as we were about the Pouch readership, you'll head for Simon's summary of the reader survey and read it...well...half as fast as we did, I guess.
Joseph Wheeler: On Diplomacy
One of the all-time classic works on warfare is taken apart chapter by chapter in a fruitful and useful search for those items applicable to The Game. The first three of a planned eight articles that will cover Clausewitz's On War from end to end provide for excellent and informative reading.
Blast From The Past: Mark Nelson Interviews Andrew England
Some seven years ago, Mark Nelson cornered Andrew England, a leading light and important personage in the Australian hobby, and took down his interesting history and insights into the Diplomacy world as it existed at that time.
Nick Fitzpatrick: Boardman and Miller Numbers
Nick gives us the rundown on what these numbers (mysterious to the uninitiated) are, their history, and why they exist.
Andy Schwarz: Diplomacy Paradoxes
Diplomacy is a simple game, but over the years, some nefarious little problems have been exposed. Andy takes us on a tour of some of the latest discoveries, and discusses why paradoxes exist and what should be done about them.
John Pitre: Diplomacy Royale
Ever wondered why the number of female Diplomacy players is so low compared to males? Maybe it's because until John Pitre came along, the game just didn't offer enough pain of childbirth. His Royale variant addresses this deficiency nicely.
John Pearson: When the Iron Curtain Falls
A mass alliance is the easiest way to eliminate another player, true? Read John's object lesson to be reminded of the disadvantages of gang violence.
Vincent Mous: Forza Italia -- Italy in the Modern Variant
Vince reaches the halfway point in his series of articles on openings and strategies for the powers in the Modern variant. This article presents an in-depth analysis of Italy.
Geoff Bache: Heptarchy and Bretwalda: Twin Variants Based on Ancient Britain
Geoff gives us an update on insights obtained from Heptarchy games that have been played, and introduces a new variant which also takes place in Ancient Britain.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
Dan continues his Academy series with his analysis of the game "Barney" -- a game which he lost but had quite an adventure doing it.
1996 People's Diplomacy Organization Relief Auction
Here is the 1996 PDORA Auction booklet. Each year PDORA auctions off donated items to raise money for needy Diplomacy hobby services. Take a look, there may be something you want to bid on!
The Guest Editor and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Right out of the mailreader, read what the readers write.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
This issue of The Pouch starts out, as is tradition, with a rambling discourse by your blithering idiot of a publisher.
The Big Dipper: The Asia Variant
The reigning world champion analyzes the judges' "Asia" variant, giving you his opinions on the map, the playability of the powers, and even some suggestions for a new Asia.
Tarzan: A User's Guide to Payola Diplomacy (first in a series)
Like so many people, "Tarzan" has fallen in love with Payola Diplomacy, and he has, in fact, forecast some of the planned enhancements to the game. In reading his planned article series, which introduces the game from the ground up and which will takes it into its future, the Payola player is sure to pick up some useful tips.
Roland Isaksson: In Search of the American Continent
Roland, one of the best face-to-face players in the world, regales us with his account of the recent World Diplomacy Convention, which had the happy effect of proving to him, once and for all, that we Americans actually exist.
Douglas Massey: An Annotated No-Press Game
Nearly the first question out of the mouth of most people entering the hobby is whether there is such a thing as what Doug Massey provides here. The answer has been no until now, but here is Doug's first-hand account of a game he played, with in-depth discussions of events and his feelings at each and every phase!
The Publisher and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Letters! Get your letters here! Correspondence with The Pouch proved fairly wide-ranging this time, with topics covering everything from how great your publisher's Pouch is to how well he played at World DipCon. (Any guess as to who puts this article together?)
Larry Peery: The Diplomacy Emotion Survey
How do you feel when you play a game of Diplomacy? Ever wondered if this makes you a certain type of player? If other players are suppressing certain emotions to aid in their play? Larry sets out to answer these and other questions. Help him out by filling out the survey.
Simon Szykman: Bridging the Gaps Between Diplomacy Communities
Still on his mission to foster communication between the different Diplomacy player communities, Simon gives us a piece of his mind, leaving him with precious little left for himself.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
Dan's continuing article series now takes us to the Chaos (34 player!) game "fools." Anyone who has ever wondered about the dynamics of a Chaos game but who has never seen fit to find out first hand is sure to find what they need here!
Vincent Mous: The Fourth Reich? Germany in the Modern Variant
Vince's continuing series on the powers in his Modern Diplomacy variant moves on to Berlin for an in-depth discussion of German openings and play.
Clinton Wolf: Juggernauty
Clinton Wolf, who has now been appointed (without his knowledge) to the new post of Dip Pouch Poet Laureate, joins the ranks with this light-hearted admonition against that danger of dangers, the juggernaut.
Larry Peery: The Black Side of the Snow
Larry, ever the driving force behind the face-to-face hobby, provides all the unusable excuses you could ask for concerning why you cannot attend the next World Diplomacy Convention.
Regittko, Dreier, and Schwarz: Tips From the Masters
This team effort first appeared as a broadcast in a game run by Bruce Regittko, and includes valuable assistance for the Internet judge player from a trio of experienced players.
Various: Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
Culled from recent rec.games.diplomacy postings, here can be found a collection of true game stories from a host of your past and future allies and enemies.
The Stab of England by Scott Kauzlarich
Rule Britannia! by Scott Kauzlarich
My Favorite Stab by Doug Essinger-Hileman
At the Master's Feet by Jim Mazza
Tools of the Trade by Timothy Yokum
Simon Szykman: The Pouch in 1997
Simon, who consistently keeps the Pouch running smoothly, outlines the second annual facelift given to your favorite site. Read this to find out how your own input (through our readership survey) shaped the recent remodeling of The Pouch, and get a preview of some of the other things that are in store for the near future.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Here is the article everyone looks so much forward to -- the article where your publisher always goes off and talks about himself. Go ahead, indulge me.
The Whole Gang: World DipCon Special!
World DipCon VI, held in Columbus, Ohio earlier this year, was a rousing success and a good time was had by all. But that's just the quick summary. For complete details, check out the assortment of supporting evidence (both text and photographs) offered here!
The Big Dipper: Report from the Champ!
In addition to the many other reports on World DipCon, Pitt's regular column this issue puts you right into the action. Share the heat of the battle with him on his successful drive for the Cup!
Mark Nelson: Opening Survey
In his role as Openings Custodian, Mark continues the 1995 report which he began last issue. Find out all about Austrian and Turkish opening trends in the installments offered in this issue.
Part Two: Austria and
Part Three: Turkey
Jamie Dreier: Playing Against the Average Player
Jamie, our professor, provides the results of the class exercise he assigned in a previous issue. The task was to offer moves for each of three powers in a specific situation, and let majority rule decide what the "average" player would do, and what would happen on the board. Check out the interesting results!
Nic Chilton: Diplomacy 2000
Diplomacy meets Virtual Reality. Nic reports on this latest and up-and-coming forum for game play.
The Publisher and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Did you send in anything for the Pouch Deposits? If so, see your name in lights! If not, see other people's name in lights. In either case, see what we want to talk about next time, and drop something in the Pouch.
Schwarz et al.: Hundred: A Three Player Variant
With companion pieces by Eric Coffey and Charlie Eldred, Andy offers the first full-length treatment of the wildly successful Hundred variant, which provides all the benefits of the standard game in a quick, three-player setting.
Manus Hand: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
The waiting is over. The Great Detective reveals his solution to the Search for the Venison Camper.
Geoff Bache: Heptartchy: Britain at War
Geoff presents a new seven-player variant played, in its entirety, on the British Isles. With a well thought-out map and some good playtesting, Geoff lays out not only the particulars of the game but also some openings ideas.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
Dan calls our attention this time to the game "vanier," in a good study of the three-way draw dynamic.
Vincent Mous: The Fifth Republic: France in the Modern Variant
Vince heads to Paris this time around for a look at French openings and playability in the Modern variant.
Stephen Lepley: Outgoing! Final Reflections of a Diplomacy Veteran
The Pouch says goodbye to its single most constant contributor with this, Stephen's final installment of his "Incoming!" series. I made the promise to him when he announced his retirement from these pages that The Pouch would officially graduate him from newbie status, and it is with pleasure and pride that I do so. Farewell, Stephen. We hope to see you again.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
What's happened in The Pouch's little world since you last checked? Anything? You'll never know unless you read....
David Cain: Community Backstabbing
David, a welcome new contributor, regales us with the virtues of e-mail play as a well-organized group effort.
Szykman and Hand: The World Wide Web of International Intrigue
This article is a preprint of a paper that Simon and Manus wrote for the 1996 World DipCon Proceedings.
The Publisher and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Another dive into the mailbag to see what pleased, irked, and provoked discussion in the readers of the last issue.
Vince Mous and Rick Desper: Alexandria Rises Again
Vince and Rick continue the discussions devoted to the various powers in the Modern Diplomacy variant. This time, Egypt, the jewel of the Nile.
Mark Nelson: Openings Custodian's Report for 1995
Mark, in his capacity as the Openings Custodian, tells us how 1995 went. Can you spot any trends in the way people are opening today?
Stephen Lepley: Incoming! Further Reflections of a Newbie
Now a year and a half since joining the hobby, Stephen tells us about his latest exploits, this time into an 1898 game. (How long do you think we should keep caling him a "newbie"?)
Larry Peery: Xenogogic
The latest installment of Larry's Xenogogic is another feast for the eyes from the self-styled master of "Peeriblah."
Jamie Dreier Master Class
Jamie gives an extension for his latest assignment.
David Rosen Diplomacy and International Relations Theory
Can the great game of Diplomacy serve as a proper model of real-world International Relations? Read David's well-supported arguments that it can indeed.
David Cain "Yours Truly," The Diplomatic Signature
David's second article in this issue concerns the meaning of the signature and its effect on the game of Diplomacy.
Szykman and Hand Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
Ready for Holmes's solution to the mystery presented in the last issue? Well, you may have to wait a bit longer. None of the Baker Street Regulars (you) tried your hand at the mystery, so Watson is holding the great detective's answers back. The doctor did agree to provide more help and clues for you, though.
Ray Setzer: I'll Remember You
As another new member of the Pouch family, Ray provides us with more arguments that the "club" (or "classic") style of play is making a comeback.
Pitt Crandlemire: The Big Dipper
Pitt resumes his in-depth look at the various locations on the standard board. His choice this time, though, might surprise you!
Larry Peery: Location, Location, Location...Sold!
A few issues ago, Larry asked his readership to list the most valuable pieces of real estate on the board. Here he presents the responses he recieved, as well as his own opinions.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
The usual information about goings-on in the Pouch world. Go ahead; read it.
Jamie Dreier: Master Class
Jamie gives his Master Class (which includes you) its first homework assignment -- play a position against the average Diplomacy player!
Vincent Mous: Modern English
Vince adds to the introduction to the Modern Diplomacy variant by discussing some openings and strategies for Britain. Keep up with the times and read what he has to say.
Stephen Beaulieu: The Pouch and WDC VI
Get info on how you can participate in July's World DipCon VI even from your own home, and how you can help make it happen.
Stephen Lepley: Incoming! Further Reflections of a Newbie
Follow Stephen's career as a diplomat as he enters his second year both as a player and as a chronicler for The Pouch.
Dan Percival, et al.: ...It Came From Outer Space!
Dan presents the rules to an excellent variant which introduces spacefaring alien powers in its successful attempt to create an even more balanced game from the beloved standard.
Danny Loeb: The Diplomacy Programming Project
Danny took a break from the computer to attend World DipCon V in Paris. Read his fascinating account of the new variant he discovered there.
Manus Hand Why Diplomacy is So Great
A treatise, surely destined for classic status, which contains some broad reflections on The Game.
Blast From the Past: The Endgame
Mark Nelson reviews a recent discussion on the endgame. If you're the solo winner, it's sure to be your favorite part of most any game.
Dan Shoham The Diplomacy Academy
This time, Dan comes from outer space with an instructive look back at another of his game experiences.
Szykman and Hand Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
The great detective's return to The Pouch is prompted by the ever-crafty Sultan of Suwat. Block out a chunk of time and match wits with Holmes. And this time, he's not revealing his solution so quickly.
Stephen Beaulieu Under Control
Stephen's second installment in his series on how to be a good GameMaster concerns itself with the dangers of overcommittment.
The Publisher and the Readership: Pouch Deposits
Extracts from the insertions which were made into The Pouch since last issue by readers like you.
Pitt Crandlemire: The Big Dipper
Pitt tackles the Payola variant. And I swear I didn't pay him. Or even suggest it!
Manus Hand North Sea to Picardy
An in-depth exploration of this rarely attempted Diplomacy move.
The Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Surprise! An "About the Pouch" article which actually has some news to report! (Did you notice? The Pouch is a changed beast!)
Stephen Beaulieu: Under Control
Stephen checks in with the first article in a new series about becoming a good GameMaster. (Hey Stephen, you left out one of the "o"'s in the word "good" there in that little synopsis, but I fixed it for you.)
Manus Hand: Payola Diplomacy
Payola Diplomacy is sweeping the hobby! (Well, at least I like to say it is.) Here is the sweat of my brow -- everything I ever wanted to tell everybody about the Payola variant but which nobody ever asked.
Matthew Self: Lies, Damn Lies, and Diplomacy
Continuing his ongoing look at and presentation of the statistics which shape our little world, Matthew Self brings us Nick Fitzpatrick's latest Diplomacy Hall of Fame.
Paul Davidson: The Great Diplomacy Poll
Are you typical? Take a look at the questions Paul asked e-mail players everywhere and the answers he received and learn just how run-of-the-mill you really are after all.
Matthew Self: Library of Diplomacy Tactics
Matthew took it upon himself to catalog the various tactics which make up The Game, and we can all be very glad he did. Filling a void which has long existed is this tactical library, an essential for every player.
Vincent Mous: Modern Times
Take Diplomacy out of the Europe of the 1900's and put it in the Europe of the 1990's and what do you have? You have the Modern Diplomacy variant. Learn more about it from its creator.
The Readership: Pouch Deposits
Guess what. Yep. No surprises here. Correspondence sent to the Pouch, with some verbage wrapped around it. Enjoy!
Danny Loeb: The Diplomacy Programming Project
Timely as always, Danny checks in with a combinatorical look at the adjustment phase.
Pitt Crandlemire: The Big Dipper looks at Shift Variants
Pitt's triumphant return to The Pouch is marked by an insightful discussion of the shift-left and shift-right variants, in which you must fight your way home while watching your back.
Stephen Lepley: Incoming! Further Reflections of a Newbie
Stephen keeps playing, and keeps telling us what he thinks of the game. Follow his latest exploits in this installment of his article series.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
Dan dovetails with Jamie Dreier's Endgame series in this, his latest installment of the popular Diplomacy Academy. Take the Chopin Challenge to see if you too can discover the forced win which Dan grabbed in the game chopin.
Andy Schwarz: Touch Diplomacy
Wow! Payola, Modern, Shift, and now Touch. This is the variant issue, isn't it? Check out Andy's rundown of the Touch Diplomacy variant, in which you can't speak without being formally introduced.
Conrad Minshall: The Diplomacy Skill Index
Or maybe it's the rating systems issue. To go along with the article on the Hall of Fame is this, Conrad's latest issuance of the DSI.
Blast From The Past: A Study in Non-Orphaned Games
Following on the statistical articles presented in past issues of The Zine is this, Mark Nelson's look at games which do not lose their Master.
Jamie Dreier: Master Class
Jamie continues to educate and entertain in this, the latest gathering of the Master Class.
Bjoern Tore Sund: For English Native Speakers Only?
A non-native English speaker takes issue with how some players seem to answer this question.
Simon Szykman: Communication in No-Press Diplomacy
Simon's latest is a treasure trove for current and aspiring players of games which forbid press. At least the written word. But is the pen mightier than the sword? Simon shows how to approach making the two interchangeable.
Matthew Self: Stalemate Lines Again?
Matthew had too much time on his hands, which is something else we can be happy about, because he used that time to make the time-honored collection of stalemate articles known as "Stalemates A to Y" a proud part of The Diplomatic Pouch's Online Resources section. Here he discusses this effort and introduces the subject.
The Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Some drivel by the Publisher, leading right into the same old publication, subscription, and contribution information. Go ahead, read it.
The Readership: Pouch Deposits
Corerespondence sent to the Pouch, all wrapped up under even more drivel from the Publisher. Can't shut me up, can you? I'd read this article for sure if I were you. After all, I wrote it.
Stephen Lepley Incoming! Further Reflections from a Newbie
The never-ending saga continues. Continue following one man's descent into the addiction we all know and love.
Jamie Dreier Master Class
Jamie continues his master class analysis of endgames, picking up right where he left off when class was adjourned last issue.
Larry Peery Peeriblah's Potpourri
Larry, a very welcome addition to the Pouch, continues to inundate your favorite magazine with more stuff than I have time to edit. This time, Larry challenges you to list the most important locations on the board.
Matthew Self Who's Playing Internet Diplomacy?
Matthew Self took it upon himself to answer that very question in a number of ways, and he presents here the results of his survey of the various Diplomacy judge's user databases.
Danny Loeb The Combinatorics of Retreats
Danny's latest installment is timely, what with this being the Retreat issue and all. Here, Danny tackles the problem of determining just how many retreats are possible on a single turn and tells how the Bordeaux computer diplomat handles this phase of the game.
Guest Editor: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Welcome, news, and publication, subscription, and contribution information.
Simon Szykman The Art of Diplomacy in The Art of War
Would a general in Ancient China 2,500 years ago been a good Diplomacy player? And how original is that strategy you've been using anyway? These questions and more answered within. (Notice how the guest editor has shamelessly placed his article above all the other ones.)
Jamie Dreier Master Class
Jamie instructs us with a Master Class on analysis of endgames - positions in which a player has a forced win regardless of what anybody else does. Don't forget to sharpen your pencils, as subtlety abounds.
Stephen Lepley Incoming! Further Reflections from a Diplomacy Newbie
Once again, Stephen presents his views on Diplomacy from the perspective of a newcomer to the hobby. The theme in this essay is the set of challenges he sees not in playing Diplomacy, but in being a Diplomacy player.
The Readership: Pouch Deposits
A whole new crop of letters from the readership, and another topic of discussion for the next issue. The Pouch Deposits now features a new section.
Mark Nelson Through The Looking Glass
Mark recounts for us the recent goings-on in the rec.games.diplomacy newsgroup.
Larry Peery Potpourri
Larry, a longtime contributor to the Diplomacy hobby, is the first of the two columnists who are debuting in this issue. He's off to quite a start with enough submissions to warrant his own table of contents. An interesting mix! Take a look.
Danny Loeb What You Don't Know Can Help You
In this column, Danny puts on his game theorist hat and describes an interesting scenario -- a die toss with a twist -- to aid in a Prisoner's Dilemma-like situation. Also, be sure to check out his call for volunteers for the Diplomacy Programming Project.
Dan Shoham The Diplomacy Academy
This issue's column for Dan's Diplomacy Academy takes the form of an edited game summary and EOG reports for a game called fresh which Dan played in. And lost!
Nic Chilton The Internet Diplomacy Survey
Nic, our second new columnist, presents the results of an international survey taken to answer the question: are PBEM-ers totally separate from PBM? in the world of Diplomacy.
Blast From The Past Dropouts and Orphaning
From the archives come two interesting articles discussing game dropouts and orphaning.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Publication, subscription, and contribution information, and details on this and the next issue.
Danny Loeb The Diplomacy Programming Project
Danny keeps us up to date on the DPP with this in depth discussion of its observation module.
Blast From The Past How Many Openings Are There?
From the annals of 'zines past, an article found in the hobby archives. This issue, we head for the days of yore and delve into the problem of counting up the openings.
Simon Szykman Diplomacy: An Historical Perspective
Ever wonder what people did before they could play Diplomacy? Simon did some exhaustive research and found that even in the years Before Calhamer (B.C.), people played the game. Honest.
Danny Loeb Computer Analysis of Diplomacy Openings
Danny turns the Bordeaux Diplomat loose on the first move of the game which accompanies this magazine.
Manus Hand Welcome Back, Diplomacy World
A blatant plug from the DP publisher for the paper 'zine whose return to publication should be hailed by us all.
Stephen Lepley Incoming! More from a Diplomacy Newbie
Stephen continues relating for us his impressions of the hobby. This time, he lists the lessons his first couple games have taught him -- some of them hard-learned lessons.
Danny Loeb 1901: A Diplomatic Odyssey
With apologies to Stanley Kubrick, Danny Loeb takes the automated Bordeaux diplomat on a quick trip where no one has gone before.
The Readership: Pouch Deposits
In case the letters column didn't bore you enough in its premiere, here I go again for all you gluttons for punishment. There is some good news, though; at least this time there are a few letters from the readership to alleviate the pain of slogging through the publisher's tiresome tirade.
Simon Szykman: The Backseat Driver Variant
Simon regales us with a discussion of a new press variant, allowing the powers to be pushed around -- er, advised -- by backseat drivers.
Your Publisher: About The Diplomatic Pouch
Publication, subscription, and contribution information, and details on this and the next issue.
Jamie Dreier: Running Newbie E-Mail Games
The Master of Mastering Mastered games for those yet to master the masterpiece which is Diplomacy discusses his craft.
Dan Shoham: The Diplomacy Academy
The consummate diplomat's regular feature on strategy and tactics takes off with his insightful look at two supposedly diametrically opposed methods of play, and how each can produce a similar result.
Stephen Lepley: Incoming! Observations From a Newbie
Stephen entered the Diplomacy hobby about the same time this 'zine was birthed. He's decided to let us follow his progress in his regular column.
Pitt Crandlemire: The Big Dipper
Pitt's regular appearances will concern themselves with in-depth discussions on the various locales on the board. His topic this first issue is that favorite of all resort sites, The Black Sea.
Nick Fitzpartick: An Interview With Ken Lowe
Nick Fitzpatrick, whose own contributions to the hobby stagger the mind, interviews the Calhamer of the PBEM game, judge creator Ken Lowe.
The Readership: Pouch Deposits
My chance to ramble on, and your chance to yell back at me for doing so. Yes, my friends, this is the letters column.
Jamie Dreier: Master Class
Jamie Dreier starts his "Master Class" series by explaining one of the facts about the game which prove most puzzling to newcomers -- the lack of any opening theory.
John Woolley: Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Diplomat
John opens this regular puzzle column with a true gem brought to and tackled by the master detective.
Manus Hand: Missing Man Diplomacy
Why play a lesser game just because you're short-handed? With the Missing Man rules, you don't need seven players to make for an interesting game.
Danny Loeb: Diplomacy Openings by Computer
Danny Loeb discusses techniques used for the selection of opening moves by a computer playing engine.
Vincent Mous: The Diplomacy Survival Guide
Vince checks in with his top ten tips for the newly infected. Maybe you won't win as often as you'd like, but using Vince's techniques, you might at least survive a bit longer. Mind you, Vince makes no guarantees, though.
Agar and Nelson: Problems in Fantasy Variant Creation
Mark Nelson, your variant columnist, kicks off his regular appearances with this compendium of useful information for the aspiring creator of Diplomacy variants based on fantasy novels.
Danny Loeb: Challenges in Multiplayer Gaming by Computers
Danny Loeb updates us on the effort to program a computer to outplay us. His article discusses the theoretical basis of multiplayer gaming by computer, and then delves into some of the details of the Bordeaux diplomat, your future mortal enemy.
Nelson and Agar: Elric of Melnibone: Young Kingdoms Variants
Mark continues his stream of contributions on the world of variants with descriptions and discussions of the variants inspired by the Elric fantasy novels.
Mark Nelson: Through The Looking Glass
Mark Nelson's regular summary of the recent discussion on the Diplomacy Internet group.
Simon Szykman: Dedicated to the Game
Simon Szykman delves into the dedication point system used in judge play, offering information, analysis, and suggestions for the future.