[Krsqk]

In a typical free-for-all game, I expect to be backstabbed frequently. I tend to have several "layers" of trust, pushing as many as possible toward the outside. If a player backstabs without reason to break their word, I will note it and be more wary of allying with them in other games, but I will not take it out on them in another game.

In a roleplaying game, I expect that people will live up to their race's reputation--hopefully they've filled in their race history, etc., and are fairly discernible up front. Backstabbing is expected when it fits in with the race, or when circumstances have pushed an alliance apart. I don't expect that the same player will RP the same way in another game, and don't take it out on them in other games.

I think the big problem is when players aren't satisfied to take knowledge of other players with them to the next game, and carry grudges instead. If someone breaks an alliance, you'll know better next time. Until then, it is only a game, after all.