^ i used to think that way until i actually PLAYED a gunboat

there are SO many signs you can send to the other players using your moves.
If anything, it is a truer test of a player's skills in tactics

yeah, you have to use supports and different moves to let people know.

Exactly. Tactics aside, the reason why gunboats are so interesting lies in the hidden diplomacy, giving supports trying to foresee the moves to support and giving hints with your moves. That's a very funny way to exploit a different aspect of the game.
Another aspect is that creating a stalemate is much more difficult without proper diplomacy, and it gives more satisfaction. AND a lot of other things too.
But don't worry: you're not forced to participate! :P even though I suggest you to try it.

What an original thread idea! Please elaborate on why gunboats are so awful.

i dunno i just like talking my way into and out of things. the thrill of a good stab is just positively invigorating

@thatwasawkward i never said anything of the sort

Why do you care?

I think he may have bitten off more than he can chew here ......

Then don't play gunboats. After you stop playing gunboats, you can shut the fuck up because this thread already appears once a week and we don't need it taking up valuable forum space when we could be discussing religious wars and Slayer.

i care because i want to play more classic games, go look at the new games page they are practically extinct. i asked this because i wanted user input on why they are so popular

You know, you're right. You did not explicitly say that, so I apologize. However, you must acknowledge that the implication was indeed baked into the assumptions of your original post.

No messaging games are not Diplomacy in the same way speed chess is not chess.

You've also been around long enough to realize how often this gets mentioned in the forums. Not only are you stupid, you apparently can't read either. It's a wonder how you even type, much less function on a daily basis.

ive never seen it in the forums, but please do go on questioning my intelligence for asking a question.

so the overall consensus is that improving tactics is more valued now then negotiating treaties? not to discount either one

Improving tactics and negotiating treaties are not mutually exclusive. You can do both.

Bitemenow10: The (northern) summer is just starting. There may be your problem.

i guess when i play gunboats i tend to go for a solo and aside from a move that is beneficial to me i dont support move/hold anything. maybe ive been looking at those games wrong this whole time.

what does summer have to do with anything?

"why the hell are there so many anon no messaging games these days?"

Maybe because a lot of people prefer playing those games, for a variety of reasons. Also, as you've already come to realize, being different does not imply better or worse and certainly it is a matter of personal preference.

Personally, I enjoy the intricacies of attempting to anticipate the moves of both my friends and my enemies. It is also far less time consuming and one can easily play more at once than one would be able to in full press.

^ yes

Bitemenow10: It seems to me like less users are active over the summer, or at least are are less willing to play games. If they are, it makes sense that they would only want to commit to no press games.

@Bmn: summer means less time to dedicate to games and thus to full press (a gunboat sure is immediate).
I suggest again to try them for a time.

i suppose ill give it another go, thanks for the explanations folks

Erm I agree, without the messages and diplomacy, it's a much reduced game.

Also why is there so much religion on this site? Is it secretly run by some Christian sect or something? Seems very bizarre.

@KingJohnII
there is so much religion on here because we have Mujus and Putin

Actually, it is a much enhanced game without all the whining idiots complaining cause you stabbed them and raked them over the coals. I tire of listening to whiners going "Hey dude! I thought we were friends!" when you eliminate them from the game.

But Draug, that's the best bit!

But webDip can only be a mere shadow compared to the look of blank incomprehension when your stab move is revealed...and your former friend realises his/her pants are now down around their ankles.
Or....alternatively...the feeling when you look to see your belt in someone else's hands ;-)

BrownPaperTiger: Oh yes, that last part happens to me all the time when I play Diplomacy on-line.

Draugnar: Oh yes, I'm sure your record shows that that happens often, ;-)