POLL: Backstabbing

[Stone Mill]

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 ]

[Slynky]

Originally posted by Stone Mill:
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.

Have to agree. I thought it might be an interesting poll (actually, I'm trying to gain the title, "Poll Boy", since I'm likely never to be able to stand on the top of that hill).

I also thought I might be able to gleen a bit of info on what I could expect from future alliances/agreements in games where teams are likely to form. Judging from the results...hehe...I had better watch my back!

Though everyone kept their kewl (pretty much) in the discussion (hereunder), I was a bit sorry I started something that turned a bit controversial. But, as we all know, most of those posting in this thread are avid gameplayers, and therefore competitive in games (and in words).

[Gryphin]

Looks like
"if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen or go to a different one"
If the possibitly that you might get backstabbed bothers you then you should only play with people you know you can trust.
Based on what i have read here that seems to be the only option. When The Honerable Slynky and I finish the Phun Challenge I'll be up for a game with others that can agree to various limitaions and that I know will breatk treaties within mutualy agreed upon parameters.

I can't stand the heat so I will desighn the kitchen for venelation I can deal with.

Peace

[Gryphin]

Pax and David
I think you both understand what the other has said.
Pax has define "win" for himself. He knows his "Have Fun" wins will never get recorded as a win on a table anywhere. That does not matter to him.

David has chosen the "standard" defination that most of us accept when used in most conversations. (do you think I put enought qualificaitons in?)

Backstabbing -
What we have done her is established our style of play. I'd suggest to all people going forward that they develop a stock set of agreements on how treatys can be canceled, make them clear to anyone who they make a treaty with and make clear the consequenses of such a violation.

This is not a matter of villifying a drive to win. It is a matter of what some people do and do not feel is an acceptable style of play.

AH Dimplomacy?
Henry Kissenger make it required playing for his class at Harvard.