Episode 012: Diplomacy - International Intrigue and Board Game Betrayal
Welcome back to the podcast! After a long hiatus since spring 2025, hosts Steve and Brandon dive deep into the classic 1957 strategy game Diplomacy - a seven-player game of international intrigue set in the run up to World War I. Steve shares his firsthand experience playing his first postal game of Diplomacy, complete with alliances, betrayals, and the complex web of negotiations that make this game legendary among strategy gamers.
From Gen Con 2025 discoveries to the brutal realities of playing as England in a game where binding agreements are non-binding, this episode explores what makes Diplomacy both fascinating and frustrating after nearly 70 years.
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Welcome back and fall vibes
(02:30) Gen Con 2025 recap
(08:45) Gen Con collectibles culture
(12:15) Tournament experiences
(14:30) Introduction to Diplomacy
(17:00) Playing Diplomacy by mail
(22:30) Game mechanics deep dive
(28:15) Communication and press levels
(32:45) Victory conditions and stalemate lines
(38:00) Steve's England campaign
(44:30) Current game state analysis
(50:15) Strategic positioning and predictions
(55:45) Mid-game dynamics
(60:30) Diplomacy's enduring appeal
(65:00) Looking ahead
(67:30) Transition to D&D discussion
RESOURCES:
Follow Steve's Diplomacy game progress: https://www.backstabbr.com/sandbox/Diplomacy-2025/5200348763258880
Games Mentioned: Diplomacy, Hive, Tak, Compile, Spirit Island, Dominion
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW:
The hosts dive into their ongoing D&D campaign, mini painting, and why tabletop RPGs might represent the ultimate "hearth element" in gaming.
Thanks to our two and a half loyal listeners! We'll catch you next time.
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