The thinking man's toy, Diplomacy is a board game based on Europe
before the first World War and calls for players to use their 'cunning
and skill' to form relations with useful allies.
As in real politics, 'cunning and skill' basically
translates as being a good liar. The game became hugely popular
and was one of the top selling games in 1963. The general feeling
was that people liked a game without chance. No dice, no luck and
no picking cards. Just shafting your opponent good and proper.
Diplomacy by mail became a popular twist to the board game,
with groups popping up all over the world! Now
the mail game has been taken over by email groups, who keep the
spirit of '63 alive.
