Alliances by PM

[Spockers]

PM to make an alliance should be illegal if it is not already.

It is weak and against the spirit of the game.

If you are going to make an alliance, have the guts to be open about it.


Or another interesting idea:

If a Player PM's another player in a particular game, perhaps a warning can come up in the chat like "Player x has just sent a private message to Player y"

The other players can then draw their own conclusions.


Think about it, if you are playing at a table with a group of people, you cant go and have private chats with other players.

[Supermath]

I've never really seen why secret alliances are not allowed. I've always felt like it gives an added dimension to the game. Of course, it may just mean that I've been playing way too much Diplomacy.

And no, I have not made any secret alliances.

[Cellar]

Hey what do you guys think of this game I am in. I know the guys are new. I have played alot of games here and was like wtf?

http://www.conquerclub.com/game.php?game=378974

[b.k. barunt]

Please forgive my tendency to oversimplify, but alliances are for pussies. Cheers.

[Cellar]

Agree with you on that b.k. Especially on escalating games.

[Huckleberryhound]

And you might want to give us more than 6 minutes to respond before making another thread. I deleted your other thread and am moving this where people will actually see it.

I want to officially appologise for being too drunk to read your post properly....I live on my own, and there's nobody here to stop me wrecking havok after a few too many.....

[yeti_c]

And you might want to give us more than 6 minutes to respond before making another thread. I deleted your other thread and am moving this where people will actually see it.

I want to officially appologise for being too drunk to read your post properly....I live on my own, and there's nobody here to stop me wrecking havok after a few too many.....

Most excellent...

C.

[Captain Crash]

I really don't like "formal" alliances. If you want a team, go join a team game. If you joined a singles game, take your knocks (you not referring to anyone in this thread).

I played a 3 player game and the other 2 players allied against me before we took our first turn, because I rejected one player's alliance offer via PM.

Something along the lines of "Red, your borders with me are safe for the next few turns as we have a really powerful player about to eliminate us both" I don't mind as long as it's done in game chat, where all can see.

Otherwise, I think private alliances are kind of cop-out; cheap tactics.

This guy's go the right idea.

What they ^^^ say!!

[IronE.GLE]

I rarely do alliances, but if I do I always PM the player first to see if they are open to such an agreement. However, I make it very clear that if that they are willing to enter into an alliance, we must announce it in the game chat prior to either of us making a move.

[yeti_c]

I rarely do alliances, but if I do I always PM the player first to see if they are open to such an agreement. However, I make it very clear that if that they are willing to enter into an alliance, we must announce it in the game chat prior to either of us making a move.

Cheat.

Be a man - offer it in front of everyone.

C.

[tahitiwahini]

Hey what do you guys think of this game I am in. I know the guys are new. I have played alot of games here and was like wtf?

http://www.conquerclub.com/game.php?game=378974

I have several problems with what they did:

First, I personally think it's unethical to conduct the negotiations for an alliance outside of game chat and that's pretty clearly what they did in this case. It's not strictly against the letter of the law, but in my opinion it violates the spirit of rule number 2 ("no secret alliances"). People have different opinions about this, but I think it warrants you complaining about it in game chat and if necessary leaving neutral or negative feedback for them (depending on how strongly you felt about it).

Second, I don't know much about escalating games, but it doesn't appear that you are necessarily the dominant player. While I have no problem whatsoever with alliances in a three-player game, it's usually the case of the two weakest players forming a non-aggression pact against the dominant player. That doesn't seem to be the case here. I would point that out in game chat and if necessary leave neutral or negative feedback for them.

Third, I find it somewhat difficult to believe this alliance has no terms. Again, I guess this isn't strictly against the letter of the law, but in my opinion it violates the spirit of rule number 2 ("no secret alliances"). I would ask in game chat what the terms of the agreement are. How long does it last, what's the termination clause? Is it solely a non-aggression pact or are they coordinating attacks? I would ask these questions and if I didn't get satisfactory answers I would consider leaving neutral or negative feedback for them.

[alex_white101]

who cares, i never make alliances, its better to lose than win by teaming up and getting rid of someone whos done well for themselves even if they had a lucky drop. its no excuse.

[IronE.GLE]

I rarely do alliances, but if I do I always PM the player first to see if they are open to such an agreement. However, I make it very clear that if that they are willing to enter into an alliance, we must announce it in the game chat prior to either of us making a move.

Cheat.

Be a man - offer it in front of everyone.

C.

The only time I ever attempt an alliance is when I feel 2 or more of the other players are either multis or in a secret alliance.

Now I feel differently about Non Aggression Pacts along 1 or 2 borders. In the unlikely event that I feel that I need a NAP to survive, I offer it in the game chat.

Also, I have never, nor will I ever entertain the idea of an alliance or NAP early in the game. Furthermore, I try to play with higher ranked players more and more because of the simple fact that I don't have to point out when it's time to attack the strongest player in order to preserve the game. Lower ranked players, for the most part, need someone to hold their hand through the tough parts of the game.