This is the starting point for the blog Across the Board.

Across the Board is a blog about playing Diplomacy, the game created by Allan B Calhamer, in an online format.

Of course, the game itself was never meant to be played in any other way than face-to-face, across a table, between family or friends. But things change and, as the game grew in popularity, it developed into a hobby. It was played by post, fanzines appeared, gaming communities grew up, conventions were held. These days, there are world, regional, national and local championships; other conventions and tournaments, and organisations.

However, there are a number of websites dedicated to playing Diplomacy online. Further on this site I will provide links to some websites where Diplomacy is played and discussed. I'll also provide links to the two major Diplomacy zines that publish articles on the game fairly regularly.

The online game is different to the face-to-face (f2f) game. I'll explain my thoughts on this on a page on the blog. Here, it's enough to say that it is different enough to - in my mind, at least - require a place where it can be discussed as a part of the Diplomacy Hobby on its own.

Hence, the blog.

You can go direct to the blog here. However, if you want to add your thoughts on playing Diplomacy online, you may wish to contribute to it. If this is the case, please read the guidelines here.

I hope you enjoy the blog. At the very least, I aim to make it a thought-provoking experience.