david@fisher.UUCP (David Rubin) (06/06/84)
[when on the net, do as the netters do] There are good diplomacy variants and there are bad ones. Bad ones merely change the MILITARY situation. By so doing, the strangeness of the variant works to the exclusive advantage of the good campaigners rather than the good diplomats, which is NOT what most Diplomacy players want. An example of this would be the introduction of Tanks, as described by Matt Crawford in a previous article, or the retreat rules used in the Reynolds game. A good variant should favor diplomats over generals. The variant (also described all too briefly by Matt) which includes Strategic bombing also adds political influence over minor states and formal alliance structures. Unfortunately, I forget most of this variant, and would like to see a complete version if anyone can send me one. David Rubin allegra!fisher!david (England, Peak Game) Aside to Matt Crawford: I did a double take when I saw your name--- looked very familiar! Of course, the article subject helped me place you...If you can find that copy, by all means post or mail all that your weary fingers are able and willing to type.