So may well stated presentations in this thread... I can't begin to credit them all.
I'm quite surprised this topic has not come up earlier.
I've played Diplomacy... as well as Shogun? (the board game) which really focuses on alliances, diplomacy and the human element. Ive won, and lost. Backstabbed, and was the recipient.
I believe in all cases, the person (including me) that was backstabbed agreed that it happed because their position created a savory opportunity for another player, based on their lack of security behind their policy. I can tell you that I have been the strongest ally and worst enemy of the same people.
Quite often during a game we find ourselves chuckling... "Oh so you're trying to pull that stunt
again, are you?"
Sometimes, it's like splitting ions to separate a strategy from a player, try as we may.
And actually, for those who are put off of the backstabbing / political element, KOTH is the place to be. (I believe DavidG has mentioned this).
[ June 07, 2003, 21:34: Message edited by: Stone Mill ]