"embarassing number of games"
So how would you define the number of games I am in? ;)

if you're really in 3 games I would say "sensible"

Surely it is a paradox Paul? Because, with England having worked out that there are no options for France to move, he won't call him on any of them. Therefore, France can move again, because England won't call him on it. Thus paradox?

England doesn't know France won't breach the contract. Can we take that into consideration?

hmmm. a good point. We could call it a paradox. I think of "can be certain" as not implying the need for a single guess. The thought process is ultimately certainty that he will move there, then certainty that he will not. It is much like the statement that calls itself false. And in that way very strange.

I think any case, England "can be certain" even if only temporarily, and so perhaps its a legal contract. In a dispute resolution I would vote on the side of an indefinite DMZ having been created.

I suppose the possibility of violating the terms does put a new spin on it, but naturally i intended the logical consequences of the binding nature of the contract.

It is a valid contract up to the point one of the nations declares he will be entering the channel.

agreed.

nice work Figle.

@ Sendler. btw I am playing another 4 or so on goondip and an email game. :/

I am playing one at goondip as well.
But I admit about 13 of my games are gunboats. Which take way less time.

yeah. We like the thrill of entering. I have started several gunboats for that very reason. Though in truth there is nothing better than a 12-hour or 1-day contract game with almost constant negotiations, messaging, and diplomacy.

The contracts really give you an opportunity to use leverage. After I have made my first big move on an opponent and its clear I will win, I send them some insane contract that guarantees me their cooperation for a long time to come in exchange for a slower take over. something like that. It's great.

Haha nice. I really like gunboat, but that's because I've never been very good at Diplomacy - my decent results have generally come from a bit of tactics and a lot of luck!