Diplomacy: How to Win as GERMANY / 2X WORLD CHAMPION Doug Moore Interview

[@michaelwalsh564]

This an outstanding interview. Great questions lead to great answers!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Glad you enjoyed it. This series has been a lot of fun to put together.

[@jamesmcclure6191]

Doug's best advice, "When your ally stabs you, punish them." Never let your ally achieve a long-term gain from a stab. Make them pay. Throw your centers to the enemy, if need be. This shows that you don't take being stabbed lightly. You punish them hard enough that they always remember and never stab you again.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I loved that part too.

[@samuelsilver8077]

New player here!! Enjoying these nation focused videos as I am trying to learn to play. Got into Diplomacy just 3 months ago(got bored during lockdown) and watched DNBI and few other commentary type videos to learn more. This video was answer to my prayer as I am currently in online-game where I play as Germany and have till tonight to make moves for spring 1901

[@LegendaryTactics]

Welcome to the hobby. This kind of approach will definitely get you off on the right foot. Go for the blitzkrieg opening and good luck!

[@bradmenpes809]

@@LegendaryTactics Yep - that's what I'm going to do as well. I've already negotiated with France to support him into Belgium when he moves to Burgundy - wheels within wheels, and let's hope my faith has been placed wisely. Doug's advice on Germany being a central power, and that you must speak with all of the other players because all of their thoughts matter, is Diplomacy gold.

[@Sploack]

This video came out just at the right moment for my German game!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Brilliant! Unfortunately for the Germany in the game I'm playing atm, it's about a week late. Better late than never. Let me know if this approach works for you.

[@Sploack]

@@LegendaryTactics there was something that Doug said that was very reassuring in this video, since I'm in a game as Germany allied with England against Russia and France. Only problem is that it's gunboat, and England isn't doing what they should do to help. I'm screwed.

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@Sploack Brother Bored has great tips on gunboat. Let's hope England watches this video and takes the hint when you offer up your soul to them.

[@Sploack]

@@LegendaryTactics My England could be smart. They're keeping their ally small while they grow, and I have no way to use press to make peace with my other neighbours. I'm going to gamble on France getting the hint and focus on my most aggressive enemy, Russia. Maybe France will focus on defending from England and leave me be

[@jjraymond1509]

A wise man once told me “tactics keep you in it, diplomacy makes you win it”

[@LegendaryTactics]

I agree 100%. I've argued that the the diplomatic part of the game accounts for 50% of your success, but for some nations like Germany and Austria, I'd even suggest is closer to 60%. Italy seems like strategy might trump tactics though.

[@user-kz2yt5ow7r]

That explains so much🤣🤷🏾‍♂️

[@bcpravel]

I learned from this video even after an entire year of broadcasting with Doug on the Diplomacy Broadcast Network. Great interview!

[@LegendaryTactics]

There's definitely a great balance between strategy for new players and for the veterans here. I appreciate you checking it out. Then again, I guess the idea to make this series was actually yours, so perhaps you're now obligated to watch. People reading this comment should definitely check out Doug's work as an analyst and commentator on the Diplomacy Broadcast Network. We link to it in our suggested channels at the bottom of our main feed.

[@craigwbrown]

I learned from this video and have been playing since 1986

[@DiploStrats]

These interviews are top notch; I hope you make more!

[@LegendaryTactics]

I'm starting the Italian script tonight! Thanks for checking it out Captain.

[@DiploStrats]

@@LegendaryTactics Happy to hear it! Not sure if you already have a person in mind for this, but if not, Chris Brand would be a great choice - 2016 World Champion (playing Italy) and renowned as an Italy specialist.

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@DiploStrats LOL. He has indeed agreed to represent Italy. He's also Part UK and part Canadian, so we can both appreciate his lineage.

[@MrZauberelefant]

I agree, a good player is a good germany player. Being amiable, straight and decisive are important qualities!

[@griffincrump5077]

I’m starting my first Germany and first diplomacy game as a whole right now and this was very helpful, thank you!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Nothing like learning from the world's best Germany player! Glad it's helpful and good luck.

[@griffincrump5077]

@@LegendaryTactics for sure and thanks! I’ve decided that my decisive offensive will be on France which Italy says they’re going to help me with, there’s a 3 way agreement between Russia, Austria and I to not deploy along each other’s borders and I’ve got a potential friendly relationship with England, the trick is that the first actions don’t happen until tomorrow so for now I only have what they tell me and I can only trust it so much, hopefully at least most of them stick to that and the early push on France will pay off, should that happen I’ve told both England and Russia I would potentially support them against the other to keep my options on the table for how to deal with the north.

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@griffincrump5077 It's all great until the second turn when France convinces them all to go against you instead. Best of luck.

[@griffincrump5077]

@@LegendaryTactics so far France has been fairly radio silent with nearly everyone but yea that’s a pretty big concern of mine

[@DiplomacyTanya]

Doug is just so knowledgeable and so cool. Thanks for this!

[@LegendaryTactics]

He really is masterful at this game. We've had two real pros for this series now!

[@DiplomacyTanya]

@@LegendaryTactics ;)

[@dylanpaglee316]

Loving these individual power breakdown videos.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for taking the time to let us know.

[@mbeebe10]

Have watched this before but just drew Germany for the first time so need to re watch it. Let’s go

[@LegendaryTactics]

Crush their very souls!

[@Ben71246]

Just had my first German win, and first Diplo win, used many of these starts but not all, it was a great game

[@Empolo18]

I've been playing Germany lately and have learned thru trial and (many many) errors that Germany is a slow burn nation. My recent game I had amazing board position with a simple +1 each turn and the occasional +2. Negotiations are always always online right up till the turn ends.

[@LegendaryTactics]

They certainly aren't fast movers. Slow and steady. Hold the center. Don't piss too many people off.

[@stevecooley3955]

I might suggest you asking these players for the wildest things they have seen and maybe their biggest mistake (that comes to mind). I think that would encourage all of us lesser players.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Nice idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@bradmenpes809]

This was a great interview. I've just recently come back to Diplomacy, and I was randomly assigned Germany, and thank goodness my KZbin feed threw up Legendary Tactics. My whole game plan will now revolve around Doug's truly incredible advice. New sub to the channel, and I'm steadily working my way through the How To Win videos.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Brilliant! I also find myself going back to watch these videos when I've been away from a power for too long. Such great advice from some pros!

[@igloo.550]

Love this channel and these vids, just started my first game and ended up as Germany. Cant wait to see where it goes. Thanks!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Thank you. We appreciate you watching. Just keep them out of middle! (Much easier said than done).

[@igloo.550]

@@LegendaryTactics Doing a sealion with France, looks hopeful, with a le ponto Italy and AFK russia (bit unfair)

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@igloo.550 That's going to be a good result for you.

[@JustAllinOneResource]

Right on Legendary. Cool to have this gentlemans input. Liked, and Shared.

[@LegendaryTactics]

He really knows his way around this game. It was great to hear his unique approach to playing Germany.

[@JustAllinOneResource]

@@LegendaryTactics He sure does. very cool listening to what he had to say.

[@Ian501st]

Excelent video, I wanna try and play diplomacy

[@LegendaryTactics]

There are a lot of new players coming to the hobby now, so this would be a great time to start.

[@bcpravel]

If you are a competitive player, a face to face or virtual face to face game of Diplomacy with players who know what they are doing is one of the best gaming experiences you will ever have. Do it!

[@davidhood4449]

Quality stuff!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Thanks fella. The interview format all started with you! I appreciate you supporting our content early on.

[@lewispoma5257]

Really insightful! Thanks for the advice!

[@LegendaryTactics]

No problem. I learned quite a lot from speaking with Doug too. I love his focus on thinking about Germany as a central power.

[@jelte3754]

Great advice!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lucasmayer2412]

Also a very great interview (like the one on Austria). I agree with most of the points mentioned (f.e. that Kie-Hol is a no-go) but some points I feel a bit different but that could be just personal taste: 1. He mentions that he would prefer England over France as main ally becaause the separation in naval and land power is easier. I see it kind of different. In an endgame England is more dangerous with his naval dominance than France. With France there is more stability on the northern seas. So my feeling has always been that Germany is more vulnerable to England than to France in mid-/endgame scenarios. So I personally prefer France as partner but that depends of course a lot on what player is playing it. 2. He mentions that he don`t like Austria dominationg the east. I have to say I have rather Austria dominating the east than Austria being destroyed early. Of course best is chaos with nobody getting destroyed and nobody dominating as was mentioned later in the interview. Thank you for the insights. Really interesting interview again!

[@LegendaryTactics]

Glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate you taking the time to flesh out some of the arguments in the video. I think you're right that anybody dominating in the East, regardless of colour, is an issue.

[@user-kz2yt5ow7r]

Doug, I have asked you how to win in Germany for years!!

[@LegendaryTactics]

It was a well-guarded secret until now!

[@EdiBirsan]

Interesting but I disagree in several parts. First Doug postulates that he always plays Kie to Denmark. Predictability of that extent is poison in Diplomacy. He down plays the possible opening to Holland which for me is very effective give certain diplomatic fog as it allows you to contest Belgium while bringing unit back to protect Munich, it also allows you to go to the North Sea if France is in the Channel while moving an army behind it and on to Denmark. Fully agree that Germany can not be passive but it should be pointed out that from a strategic point Germany gains most when there is a targeting of two powers initially and ideally they could be England and Russia as that gives Germany the entire North and across all major stalemate lines. Good points on priorities of discussions as well as good advice about Germany Russian alliances.

[@LegendaryTactics]

I asked Doug about that very opening. The Blitzkreig Dutch variation is interesting, but I tend to agree with Doug that having your fleet in Holland means you have to send your army to Denmark which really limits your options. That army only has 3 options whereas the fleet has 7. It's also much easier to pop an army unit there that has only two retreat options, usually both occupied. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@michaelwalsh564]

@@LegendaryTactics "People's" opinion's? I've never seriously entertained opening Kie -> Hol as Germany, but coming from a legend, I might reconsider ...

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@michaelwalsh564 Is this Edi Bursan the one who is credited with inventing the Lepanto and rewriting the rules in 1999?

[@michaelwalsh564]

@@LegendaryTactics - that was my assumption - @Edi Birsan - care to comment?

[@alexd6393]

@@LegendaryTactics people opinion, that’s a funny one :)

[@Phil-bv2ww]

I'm just getting into diplomacy with friends and I really like the look of the version you have in the back round sometimes. Where can I find it? More specifically the one with the artiliary as the army units

[@LegendaryTactics]

That's in Tabletop Simulator. I made a video on how to access that map here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWO7Z6meoq2qp5o&ab_channel=LegendaryTactics

[@watsonblack7481]

LOVED the video man this was great. I love diplomacy. I like playing a gambit as Germany where I convince France to do Paris to Picardy by doing a de militarized zone in burgundy but then more there on turn one. I am then threatening Paris and Belgium. Then there's a 50 50 for Paris or Belgium and I tell England I'm going into Paris and maybe some others on the hope that they snitch to France about this. Then I take Holland, Belgium, and Denmark by turn 2 and break France with England. I failed once, but succeeded twice at the strategy

[@LegendaryTactics]

Lol. Awesome ploy. Decisive too. That sends a clear message to England. That would be devastating if the English went to the channel too.

[@michaelkensbock661]

That's basically the opposite of half the advice in this video. "be everyone's second favourite ally", "don't be the cause for anyone's demise", "don't be too dot grabby", "France is too defensible".... All overturned right from the getgo. Also, an excellent way to make yourself look pretty darn unreliable to both France and England in the very first year, and to everyone else you told you were going for Paris as well. IMHO you invest way too much long-term trust for short term gains playing that way.

[@watsonblack7481]

@@michaelkensbock661 you're kinda right I never really thought of attacking north for Sweden before I saw this video

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@michaelkensbock661 Going to Burgundy is rather like England going to the Channel.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Well you certainly wasted no time in helping me reach my goal of 60 likes! You did it in the first 24 hours. Italy, here I come!

[@stevecooley3955]

Get Chris Brand! Or, of course, Goffy. Then again, Goff could do all of them.

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@stevecooley3955 Chris seems to be the unanimous choice for Italy. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@alexd6393]

You should think to have one of the French former world champ when it will be time to do France... any thanks for these videos, very interesting

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@alexd6393 Who would you suggest? Sounds like a great idea.

[@alexd6393]

@@LegendaryTactics well, I will said Cyrille Sevin, but I can ask.

[@LCCWPresents]

If as Germany you get Russia as an ally in Scandinavia, they can balance England out without Germany having to move further north than Denmark for a time.

[@theodoreandrews4961]

Italy next?

[@LegendaryTactics]

I'm starting to write the script for Italy tonight! It usually takes almost a month to bring these to life but I'll try to get it out in three weeks or so.

[@theodoreandrews4961]

@@LegendaryTactics You are very dedicated and hard working. On behalf of all viewers of this channel, thank you.

[@LegendaryTactics]

@@theodoreandrews4961 Thanks so much. I love that a lot of new players can use this to get into the game and that veterans can still take something away. The Diplomacy videos are the ones that I really have a lot of fun making. (Root videos are also quite fun to make).

[@josephcohen734]

Russia next?

[@LegendaryTactics]

I'm starting to work on Italy next. It's the nation that I need the most help with for sure.

[@Larkinchance]

Will you please tell Jen Stoltenberg that Russia is more valuable as an ally then an enemy....

[@LegendaryTactics]

I will. But first I need to know what you did to turn her against you!

[@Larkinchance]

@@LegendaryTactics I vas just following orders