Defense isn't going to win you a game of Diplomacy, but it sure as hell helps. Turkey and France are the top countries in terms of solo victories. Having a defensible corner position is a massive advantage.

Don't abandon a game. Besides it being anti-social, you are also missing out on an opportunity. There are a few times I fully expected to be wiped off the map only to survive or even drawn because I ended up being useful to someone.

Serbia is an important defensive position.
I forgot who told me that, but it helped a lot in my Austrian solo. (only one I think)

check orders

if not gunboat, talk. A lot. Make sure you get something out of everything you do.

don't just play as your country. It is easy to see the weaknesses in your moves, because you make them. Take the risk sometimes, but play as your opponent. Analyze the board and predict the moves for that turn. You can see them going for another target so that you may not really be risking anything at all.

fluid relationships, all the time. And time stabs well.

It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

Ask for what you want.

Talk all the time in gunboat.

Take Munich.

Never underestimate the power of the chainsaw.

Aside from being potentially amusing, what does the chainsaw actually achieve?

Don't read into moves *too* much. I had a game where a Russian player freaked out because England took Norway, saying it bordered St. Pete and was hostile.

Chill.

A different lesson from what Chaga said could be know the standard openings. Know that the standard bounces such as Galacia do not indicate hostilities.

^ This +1000

Let your multi make the stupid moves.

The board doesn't lie.

Don't fuck with me.

Or the Congo.

Take risks! Too many players go for safe moves when they have an opportunity to get ahead. This applies especially to Spring 1901.

It's fine to fuck with the Congo, provided you understand that they eat people alive down there.

How r u evn mod tho?

Chainsaw works well in the late game when the throat of throwing a game is not an idle one.

I prefer to be very logical and straightforward in my game throwing. That way I can't be blamed and any DUMBASS WHO TRIES TO FUCK WITH ME learns a valuable lesson.

What's a chainsaw?

Usually done with much cursing and calling of names, the chain saw is the promise to throw the game if the moron keeps attacking you instead of focusing on the solo threat.

Oh I like that. If only it could work in gunboat lol. No time to dedicate excessive playing time to press games.

Chainsaw's just being an abrasive dick, Draug. It has no inherent relation to thowing the game.

Well, threatening to throw the game is one of the most dickish things one can do...

Hence the addition of the word inherent. Game throwing is just about the closest I'll ever get to chainsawing, but I still try to be friendly when doing so. People are more likely to act irrationally and let you throw the game if you're a dick to them.

Chainsawing sounds very very stupid to be done by very very stupid people.
No one did it to me yet.
Is it common?
Why isn't any law against it?

http://www.diplom.org/Zine/W1998A/Windsor/Chainsaw.html

Best article ever on chainsaw diplomacy and points out that it isn't about being a dick through language or name calling or even threats, but through intimidation making the person realize you are going to do it. Irrational or not, it's a done deal making them come to the realization that they need to pull you back from the cliff or your promise will come to pass.

Law? There's no law in diplomacy and it isn't against the rules because it is completely within the game. Dome right, it serves it's purpose. I'm chainsawing krellin in a game right now and it is virtually guaranteeing I will see the end draw.